Coloration strategies in peacock feathers

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Oct 28;100(22):12576-8. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2133313100. Epub 2003 Oct 13.

Abstract

We report the mechanism of color production in peacock feathers. We find that the cortex in differently colored barbules, which contains a 2D photonic-crystal structure, is responsible for coloration. Simulations reveal that the photonic-crystal structure possesses a partial photonic bandgap along the direction normal to the cortex surface, for frequencies within which light is strongly reflected. Coloration strategies in peacock feathers are very ingenious and simple: controlling the lattice constant and the number of periods in the photonic-crystal structure. Varying the lattice constant produces diversified colors. The reduction of the number of periods brings additional colors, causing mixed coloration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Birds / physiology*
  • Feathers / cytology
  • Feathers / physiology*
  • Feathers / ultrastructure
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Microscopy, Interference
  • Pigmentation / physiology*