most blue creatures in nature don't have blue pigments, which is actual coloring. their blue color comes from the structure of their feathers, fur, or whatever else it may be. for this one the feathers are structured in a way that absorbs most light wavelengths while reflecting blue wavelengths. so basically this bird is blue for the same reason blue eyes or the skies can be blue: blue wavelength light scattering, and not actual pigmentation.
17 Comments
doxxx@lemmy.ca · 12 pts · 55d
When I first heard the name of this bird, I thought it was "Stellar Jay", which IMO is a superior name.
Vandals_handle@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 55d
Stellar shot!
pyre@lemmy.world · 9 pts · 55d
another animal with no blue pigmentation btw
doxxx@lemmy.ca · 3 pts · 54d
Explain?
pyre@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 54d
most blue creatures in nature don't have blue pigments, which is actual coloring. their blue color comes from the structure of their feathers, fur, or whatever else it may be. for this one the feathers are structured in a way that absorbs most light wavelengths while reflecting blue wavelengths. so basically this bird is blue for the same reason blue eyes or the skies can be blue: blue wavelength light scattering, and not actual pigmentation.
doxxx@lemmy.ca · 2 pts · 54d
That’s really interesting! Thanks!
pyre@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 54d
my pleasure, I'm glad it's not only interesting for me lol
Tempus_Fugit@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 55d
Beautiful bird and a great shot!
captainlezbian@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 54d
That Jay is stellar
Drusas@fedia.io · 4 pts · 55d
I love these noisy little guys.
doxxx@lemmy.ca · 4 pts · 54d
I actually didn’t hear their call. I’ll have to look it up.
Drusas@fedia.io · 3 pts · 52d
They cackle. Loudly.
MagnificentSteiner@lemmy.zip · 3 pts · 55d
That's a stunning shot, nice work!
Major_Tsiom@fedia.io · 3 pts · 55d
My favorite bird! I love them
Blackfeathr@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 55d
One of my bucket list birds 💙
DamienGramatacus@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 55d
Would love to see one. They look so unreal.
Drusas@fedia.io · 2 pts · 40d
Come to the Pacific Northwest in spring or summer and you have a good chance.