Some wavelengths of light can pass through one layer of the bubble surface while others can travel underneath. When the light hits the surface, it doesn’t stay there, but rather reflects and refracts at varying intensities. In hummingbirds, the surface of the feathers comprises air bubbles. The feathers of the hummingbirds are not pigments, but structural colors that give the mesmerizing iridescence on the feathers. In the case of hummingbirds, the peculiar structure of the birds fully incorporates the concepts of wavelengths and light rays to give an impression of incessant color change. These wavelengths of light interact differently with the surrounding objects, determining the colors that we’re able to see. We know that the light rays coming directly from the sun are spread over a broad spectrum - as Physics explains. To get a better understanding of this phenomenon let’s delve into a bit of science that explains how the bird appears to pull off this spectacular color change. The dynamic color change of the stunning species is merely nothing more than a pretty illusion, playing around with the rays of light. Relative to their size, the hummingbirds have a higher ratio of feathers on their bodies in comparison to the other birds around - estimated to be around 900 feathers! Colorful Plumage of The Hummingbirds – The Science Behind The Illusion of Shifting Colors Then what is it that causes color variations in the colors of its feathers? In reality, it is not the color but the angle of the light that hits the feathers that lets you see different colors of the spectrum on the bird’s feathers. As they fly about and perch around, it is their iridescent plumage that creates the illusion of altering colors. The appearance of the bird stays constant for the rest of its adulthood. Once the bird has fully transformed into an adult and has fledged its adult plumage, there are no more transitioning of colors on the feathers.
This development is the only time they experience an actual change in the color of the plumage. Like all the other birds, the young hummingbirds also go through the process of fledging as they get rid of their immature plumage and evolve to take on features of adult hummingbirds. Why are Hummingbirds so colorful? Do the birds keep changing colors? What is the distinct mechanism of the birds that causes them to exhibit such spectacular, constantly changing shades of coloration? A plethora of questions arise in the minds of new and avid birders when observing the dainty little birds. The only time the bird changes the color of its feathers is when it’s transitioning in adulthood. Quite precisely, there is no distinct mechanism in the Hummingbirds that causes them to change colors, but it is a deceptive illusion that exhibits the bird’s stunning colors. With each slight flit of the bird, it appears that the colors are changing but it is just the iridescent plumage and the rays of light falling on the birds at different angles that determines the color we see, making it appear shifting spectacularly. They are the hummingbirds, who effortlessly add an ornamental touch to your environment. If you’re wondering what these gorgeous dainty species blazing around are, you rightly guessed it.
Looking around at the numerous species of birds out there, you see ones that are drab brownish, some with hues of gray and green while others that are conspicuously bright and colorful in tones of orange to red and pink.Īmidst all these birds, you’ll find relatively small yet noticeable birds fluttering around in radiantly bright, glittering plumage.
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