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Article: Chicks open wide, ultraviolet mouths. (Zoology).(researchers use ultraviolet reflection to study colors of mouths of baby birds)(Brief Article)
- Article from:
- Science News
- Article date:
- April 26, 2003
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Science Service, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The first analysis of ultraviolet (UV) reflections from the mouths of begging baby birds has revealed a remarkable display that birds can see but people can't.
The colors of chick mouths have attracted much scientific interest, says Sarah Hunt of the University of Bristol in England. An old theory held that the bright yellows and reds create conspicuous targets for parents delivering food in dim nests. Newer evidence shows that health influences mouth color, which suggests that various shades give parents a quick clue to a chick's condition and need for food.
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