ShutterStas
How do they do it?
Hummingbirds amaze and delight us for many reasons, not the least of which is the remarkable iridescence of their plumage. Until fairly recently, however, the mechanism behind that iridescence has been a mystery. The latest research seems to have unlocked the secrets of their unique shimmer (hint: it's more than merely a matter of special pigmentation in their feathers); for an excellent summary, see here: www.allaboutbirds.org/news/what-is-the-essence-of-iridesc....
For another example (like this one, an Anna's Hummingbird), please see: flic.kr/p/2qFgsnG.
How do they do it?
Hummingbirds amaze and delight us for many reasons, not the least of which is the remarkable iridescence of their plumage. Until fairly recently, however, the mechanism behind that iridescence has been a mystery. The latest research seems to have unlocked the secrets of their unique shimmer (hint: it's more than merely a matter of special pigmentation in their feathers); for an excellent summary, see here: www.allaboutbirds.org/news/what-is-the-essence-of-iridesc....
For another example (like this one, an Anna's Hummingbird), please see: flic.kr/p/2qFgsnG.