Ultraviolet (UV) light perception by birds: a review

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The ability to perceive the near ultraviolet part of the light spectrum (the wavelength 320-400 nm) has been detected in many bird species. This ability is an important bird sense. The ecological importance of UV perception has been studied mainly in the context of intra-and inter-sexual signalling, common species communication and also in foraging. Some birds of prey use UV reflectance in their feeding strategy: e.g., the kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), but also other birds of prey are able to recognize the presence of voles by perceiving the UV reflectance of their scent urine marks. The ability to detect the presence of prey is a common feature of birds with analogous feeding spectra in taxonomically distinct species. UV perception and its use in foraging have also been proved in predominantly herbivorous bird species. This ability is possessed both by bird species living in northern habitats and others living in tropical forests. The signalling and communication role of the UV perception is very important. The plumage of many bird species shows specific colour features -e.g., sexually different regions in plumage coloration unnoticed by the human eye. Also other body parts can have similar features -e.g., supra-orbital combs in the red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus). All these characteristics are important primarily in the mate-choice decision. Birds apparently also use their ability of UV perception for recognition of their own eggs. Some bird species are able to modify plumage UV reflectance by uropygial secretions. The knowledge of all specific aspects of bird physiology can significantly help both breeders of various bird species and facilitate effective veterinary care.

The role of a generalized ultraviolet cue for blackbird food selection

“…For example, previous studies investigated the use of UV reflectance for avian detection of mammalian prey [9], insect prey [10], and mature fruit [11]. Beyond the detection and recognition of food items [12,13], UV cues may also provide birds with information regarding the quality of foods [e.g., quality or ripeness of fruit; 1,14].…”

“…For example, previous studies investigated the use of UV reflectance for avian detection of mammalian prey [9], insect prey [10], and mature fruit [11]. Beyond the detection and recognition of food items [12,13], UV cues may also provide birds with information regarding the quality of foods [e.g., quality or ripeness of fruit; 1,14].Indeed, age and/or learning may affect frugivore preference for UV reflectance associated with ripe fruit [15,16]. Thus, UV cues may be specifically related to postingestive consequences of the subsequent reinforcer [17] and the process of food selection may be a function of its consequences [18] for wild birds.…”

The Use of Passerine Bird Species in Laboratory Research: Implications of Basic Biology for Husbandry and Welfare

“…In contrast to humans, however, they can see in the spectral range, including UV (Bennett and Cuthill 1994;Hart 2001;Rajchard 2009). In zebra fi nches and starlings specifi c aspects of plumage evident only in UV light are attractive to females and important in mate choice (Bennett et al 1996(Bennett et al , 1997, so mate choice experiments carried out under different illuminations can produce different results.…”

Males in seemingly female‐like plumage do not mimic females: UV reflectance reveals temporal cryptic dimorphism in a manakin species exhibiting delayed plumage maturation

“…Several studies have demonstrated UV reflectance (300-400 nm) to be an almost ubiquitous plumage bird trait (Eaton andLanyon 2003, Mullen andPohland 2008) playing a role in avian behavior, particularly in foraging and food selection (Viitala et al 1995, Church et al 1998, Werner et al 2012, mate choice (Bennett et al 1996, Andersson andAmundsen 1997) and intraspecific differentiation of sexes in otherwise apparently monochromatic species (Andersson et al 1998, Hunt et al 1998, Cuthill et al 2000, Mays et al 2004, Eaton 2005, Rajchard 2009, Burns and Shultz 2012. Nonetheless, it still remains unknown whether UV reflectance may differ between subadult males that seemingly appear like females in birds exhibiting delayed plumage maturation.…”