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Birds-of-Paradise Can Emit Light Through Their Feathers (www.atlasobscura.com)

submitted 4 days ago by mn42@discuss.tchncs.de to c/biology@mander.xyz

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[–] otter@lemmy.ca 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Yup, that seems to be in line with the article

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.

For the camouflage side, they said this

In females, however, the phenomenon might have a different function. “The location and patterns of their biofluorescent plumage of many species are much more in line with its possible use as camouflage,” she said.

I'm curious what that refers to. Maybe it would look like sunlight filtering through the leaves?

[–] Maeve@kbin.earth 3 points 4 days ago

That was my thought, "dappled light." I know non-native English speakers may not know that word, my apologies.