Mutation in gene reveals control of red and yellow pigments specific to parrots
The chemical mechanism underlying parrots’ vibrant plumage has been elucidated for the first time. The researchers behind the work hope these new insights will be the first step towards understanding how and why parrots have evolved such uniquely striking colours.
Colouration is an important aspect of communication amongst birds. The majority of yellow and red pigmentation is derived from carotenoids, obtained through the diet and therefore a direct and honest indicator of the health and social status of individual birds. However, parrots, which display some of the most vibrant colouration in the animal kingdom, challenge this conventional explanation.