LIMPOPO – Dr Derek Keats, an IT strategy and innovation consultant with a background in biology, recently captivated an audience at the Thirsty Giraffe Grill in Hoedspruit with his insightful presentation on the significance of colour in birds.

The presentation provided a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of bird colouration, highlighting the complex interplay between biology, environment, and evolution.

Keats explained that colour plays a crucial role in the lives of birds, comparable to its importance for humans. He detailed how various aspects of a bird’s appearance, including feathers, eyes, beaks, skin, and eggs, carry specific meanings and functions.

He delved into the science behind feather colouration, noting that melanin contributes not only to colour but also to the strength of feathers.

“You often find that birds that are very active and fly very fast will have black tips,” he said, illustrating how melanin enhances durability.”

In some species, colouration is influenced by diet.

“If you see birds that are yellow, red, orange, or anything like that, there is a high chance that the colour on them came from a plant. In these cases, carotenoids interact with melanins to create different colours. Carotenoids also play a role in the immune system of birds as they act as antioxidants,” Keats explained.

He highlighted that psittacofulvins, pigments specific to parrots, are responsible for producing yellow, orange, and red hues. “Unlike carotenoids, parrots synthesise psittacofulvins themselves. Red psittacofulvin confers resistance to bacterial degradation, as many bird feathers are constantly attacked by bacteria,” he said.

Keats also touched on porphyrins, which are modified amino acids that reflect red when exposed to sunlight. “They are responsible for the bright green colours we see and can produce a complete range of colours, primarily found in pigeons and owls,” he added.

He concluded with a discussion on spheniscins found in penguins.

“Spheniscins typically produce a bright orange colour that fades to yellow, depending on the concentration and interaction with other elements in their feathers. This is why some penguins appear yellow.”

Keats emphasised that the evolution of these colours is driven by natural selection to avoid predators or prey and to communicate with other birds.

“The structure of the vegetation in a habitat also influences the evolution of colour, light, and background, which in turn determines which colours are most effective for camouflage or signalling,” he explained.