Researchers have found 37 of the 45 species show biofluorescence – in other words, patches of their plumage or other body parts absorb UV or blue light, and emit light at lower frequencies.
“At a minimum, it would make these biofluorescent areas brighter – a yellow feather may be more green-yellow, a white feather may be brighter and slightly more green-yellow,” said Dr Rene Martin from the American Museum of Natural History in New York, who was first author of the study.
Many birds-of-paradise species emit light through their plumage, study finds Researchers found that most birds-of-paradise are biofluorescent – meaning they absorb light through their bodies.
The researchers said the elaborate courtship displays shown by males of many of the biofluorescent species would be enhanced by the phenomenon – for example, male Lophorina gape their mouths open towards females while performing.
“Male birds-of-paradise often have these patches next to stark black [or] dark plumage, so the added effect of biofluorescence may aid in making these signal areas even brighter while being used during displays,” added Martin.
