How do some birds get such bright red feathers?
Thursday, May 19, 2016 - 12:52
in Biology & Nature
In the bird world, the color red has special significance. Many species use red signals to attract mates or deter rivals, adding the color to their beaks, feathers, or bare skin. As far as many birds are concerned, redder is better. Now, two teams of researchers have identified a gene that allows some bird species to convert yellow pigments from their diets into that remarkable red.