The Vibrant Colors of Hummingbirds Are More Impressive Than We’d Realized

Hummingbirds are remarkable for their vibrant colors, which come from a combination of pigments and structural coloration. 

Their feathers contain microscopic layers of nanostructures that bend and reflect light, producing iridescent hues.

This structural coloration can make their feathers appear in a range of colors, from bright greens to deep blues, depending on the angle of the light.

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Interestingly, the colors are not just for aesthetic appeal; they play a crucial role in their survival. Bright colors can attract mates and deter predators.  

In addition, the iridescent feathers help hummingbirds stand out in the dense foliage of their habitats, making them more visible to potential mates and signaling their presence to other hummingbirds.

The study of hummingbird feathers and their coloration offers insight into how light interacts with natural structures, potentially influencing technologies such as color displays and optical materials.