Scientists have unlocked how parrots can display rainbow colours in their plumage, identifying a gene they manipulate to dazzle admirers.
The international team discovered a “switch” in the DNA of parrots that controlled their wide gamut of colours.
Study co-author Roberto Arbore, of BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, said parrots did their own thing when it came to colour.
“Although other birds also produce yellow and red feathers, parrots evolved unique pigments, called psittacofulvins.” Dr Arbore said
“Parrots combine these with other pigments to create vibrant yellows, reds, and greens, making these animals among nature’s most colourful.”
Fellow study author Soraia Barbosa said the team found one protein that controlled the colour differences, a type of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH).
Dr Barboasa said ALDH was a detoxification “tool” in complex organisms, used in humans to help eliminate alcohol in the liver.
She said parrot feathers had found a way to “borrow” this protein, using it to transform psittacofulvins.
“This functions like a dial, in which higher activity of the protein translates to less intense red colour.”
Dr Barboasa said the team tested the theory across of range of parrots, including the Australian-native budgerigar.
“To demonstrate this simple dial mechanism, scientists turned to an even more familiar parrot, the budgerigar and, in a world-first, explored how individual cells turn different genes on or off throughout feather growth.”
Read the full study: A molecular mechanism for bright color variation in parrots.
