Bird feather colors come from two main sources: pigments and structural colors. Pigments like melanin create blacks, browns, and reds, while carotenoids produce yellows, oranges, and some reds. Structural colors are created when light interacts with the microscopic structure of feathers, producing blues, greens, and iridescent effects.
The most common pigment is melanin, which provides several benefits:
- Protection from UV radiation
- Increased feather durability
- Better resistance to wear and tear
Some birds can even combine both mechanisms – for example, a Green Jay’s feathers use both yellow pigments and blue structural colors to create their distinctive green appearance.