Surprising discovery about the glowing ability of birds of paradise

Some birds of paradise have the ability to absorb UV or blue light - Photo: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

According to The Guardian , scientists found that 37 out of 45 species of birds of paradise have some areas on their plumage or body that absorb UV or blue light, then glow at a lower frequency.

Bird feathers have the ability to glow.

"This makes the fluorescent regions brighter. A yellow feather might become more blue-yellow. A white feather might become brighter and slightly blue-yellow," said Dr. Rene Martin from the American Museum of Natural History in New York, lead author of the study.

The study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science , involved Martin and colleagues analyzing specimens of every bird-of-paradise species in the ornithological collection at the American Museum of Natural History.

The researchers placed male and female birds of each species under blue light in a dark room, then recorded the wavelength and intensity of the light they emitted. In some cases, they also shined UV light onto the birds' skin.

The results showed that males of 21 species had bioluminescence in parts such as the head, neck, abdomen, tail feathers or fleshy protrusions. In addition, 16 other species also had, or were highly likely to have, this phenomenon in the mouth and throat.

Female birds of 36 species, and possibly 37, also exhibit bioluminescence. Some exhibit this phenomenon on their chests, bellies, or on the feathers that form eye stripes on the sides of their heads.

New Perspectives on Birds of Paradise

The light emitted by birds has wavelengths ranging from light blue to green - Photo: The Guardian

The light emitted can range from a soft or pale blue to a green and yellowish green, the researchers said. “This light may not change the shape of the birds, but it makes them look brighter and more attractive,” Martin said.

Researchers suggest that the complex courtship displays of many bioluminescent species are enhanced by this phenomenon. For example, male Lophorina birds often open their mouths toward females during displays.

"Male birds of paradise often have patches of bright feathers next to jet-black feathers, so the bioluminescent effect may help highlight these areas during displays," Martin explains.

In females, meanwhile, the phenomenon may have a different function. “The location and pattern of bioluminescent zones in female plumage in many species appear to be consistent with a camouflage role,” she says.

Martin concluded that the study offers a new perspective on this famous bird. “Even a charismatic group like the birds of paradise, which have been thoroughly studied, can provide new insights into bird behavior and morphology,” she said.

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