A single enzyme can alter the vibrant colors in parrot plumage

One enzyme has a key role in determining whether parrots’ rainbow plumage emerges in vibrant reds, yellows or greens, a new study shows.

Parrot feathers flaunt an array of colors, with yellow, red and orange hues made possible by pigments called psittacofulvins that are found only in the vibrant birds (SN: 3/15/05). Blue tones come from nanostructures on feathers — which can appear green when combined with yellow psittacofulvins — and melanin controls black, grey and brown colors (SN: 2/7/24).

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