Avian color vision much more rich than ours

[Kentuckienne]

True Colors: How Birds See the World - National Wildlife Federation

Watching Salty sort colored rings reminded me of something I read and filed away. Humans have three types of cone cells that detect red, green and blue wavelengths of light. Birds have a fourth: a cone cell that detects UV light. Their cone cells also contain a drop of oil that helps them discriminate more shades of colors. The link above includes a photo with a caption that's hard to read, but I think it's showing a parrot with a blue patch of feathers on it's back that glows under ultraviolet light. I wonder what colors birds really see in their toys? Boy is an electrical engineer who worked with IR cameras and I will ask him if he can fix up a UV sensor to take some photos.

 

[SailBoat]

Was following a like report and was thinking of the specific flash feather coloration of our DYH Amazon and their transitioning from a fairly standard green with their bright yellow head and neck too an explosion of color when they present their flash colors viewed with just three cones. The additional cone would take that 'Presentation' to an entirely different and enhanced level!

Colors that have great meaning to us would likely have less meaning to them. That may also explain why certain colors bring on a 'dislike' response from our Parrots when we wear them!

Look forward to Boy's photos!

 

[wrench13]

I've know that for awhile, though I havent gone to the extent of getting a UV filter for a camera to try and visualize what they see. LOL, keep in mind some laundry detergents have stuff that boosts the UV values on dyed cloth, so to we dull visioned human clothing looks 'brighter'. Be funny if to parrots these make clothing painfull to look at.

subscribing to this thread

 

[texsize]

I can't say I think much of the "scientific method" of testing some of their theories.
Putting sunblock on baby birds so they would be fed less food, I mean really.

 

[Scott]

Fascinating article, thank you for posting!!!!

 

[GaleriaGila]

I also read someplace that Black Loris are actually ultraviolet.