Macaroni Penguins
Researchers have examined the yellow head feathers of several penguin species, such as the plumes of Macaroni Penguins, and discovered that they contain a unique pigment not found in other bird species. These feathers reveal a fluorescent yellow-green color under UV light. Not only was it a previously unknown pigment, but it appears to represent an entirely new class of pigments, unlike the more common carotenoid and melanin based plumage colors in most birds. It may serve as a form of advertisement to potential mates, but whether this fluorescence is visible to penguins in natural conditions is unknown. These penguins were at Hercules Bay on South Georgia Island.
Macaroni Penguins
Researchers have examined the yellow head feathers of several penguin species, such as the plumes of Macaroni Penguins, and discovered that they contain a unique pigment not found in other bird species. These feathers reveal a fluorescent yellow-green color under UV light. Not only was it a previously unknown pigment, but it appears to represent an entirely new class of pigments, unlike the more common carotenoid and melanin based plumage colors in most birds. It may serve as a form of advertisement to potential mates, but whether this fluorescence is visible to penguins in natural conditions is unknown. These penguins were at Hercules Bay on South Georgia Island.