Recent spectroscopic analysis of macaroni penguin ( Eudyptes chrysolophus) crest feathers and king penguin ( Aptenodytes patagonicus) neck feathers have shown they contain a yellow pigment that is chemically distinct from all other molecules known to give color to feathers. “Penguins use the yellow pigment to attract mates and we strongly suspect that the yellow molecule is synthesized internally, ” explains Daniel Thomas, a fellow at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
What makes a penguin’s crest yellow?
The vibrant yellow pigments found in the crest feathers of the macaroni penguin are chemically distinct from the five known classes of avian plumage pigments. This feather is in the collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
What is the coloration of a penguin?
Many species have distinct markings and coloration. The emperor penguin has a black head, chin, and throat, with broad yellow patches on each side of the head . The king penguin has a black head, chin, and throat, with vivid orange, tear-shaped patches on each side of the head. The orange coloration extends to the upper chest.
Do penguins have yellow feathers?
The red, orange and yellow pigments in the feathers of parrots, are synthesized internally and are not dependent on diet, Thomas says. Penguins can now be added to the list with parrots of birds that internally synthesize yellow feather pigments.
Some have found that the colour of the eye is a continuation of the colour band around the head. For the first year of their lives, yellow-eyed penguins do not have yellow eyes, they are grey, and neither do they have a yellow band around their head. The colour yellow is caused by a chemical called carotene which is also high in vitamin A.
What kind of feathers does a yellow eyed penguin have?
The yellow- eyed penguin, as its name suggests, has yellow eyes and a stripe of pale yellow feathers extending from the eye to the back of its head. The little penguin, also known as the little blue, has slate-blue to black feathers and a white chin and chest.
Why do penguins have to molt?
Molting is essential because feathers wear out during the year. Feathers become worn when penguins rub against each other, come in contact with the ground and water, and regularly preen (clean, rearrange, and oil) their feathers.