iridescence
Learn about this topic in these articles:
biological coloration
- In coloration: Interference
…ultrathinly layered films, giving striking iridescence, even in diffuse light, as a result of the asynchrony between the wavelengths of visible light that enter and those that return.
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feathers
- In bird: Colour
Iridescent colours result from the thinly laminated structure of the barbules and are enhanced by underlying melanin deposits.
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hummingbirds
- In hummingbird
…the gorget, a bib of iridescent feathers the colour of which depends on the viewing angle. Other specializations include crests; abbreviated or thickened shafts of wing feathers; spatulate, wiry, or flaglike tail feathers; and “pantaloons,” tufts of puffy feathers on the thighs (usually white).
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peacocks
- In peacock: Natural history
…feather is tipped with an iridescent eyespot that is ringed with blue and bronze. In courtship displays, the cock elevates his tail, which lies under the train, thus elevating the train and bringing it forward. At the climax of this display, the tail feathers are vibrated, giving the feathers of…
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