Birds are known for their keen sense of vision and can see a wider range of colors compared to humans. They can perceive ultraviolet (UV) light, wavelengths of light just beyond the visible spectrum to humans, which gives birds an advantage in finding food, spotting predators and choosing mates.
Here is a general overview of the colors that birds can see:
Tetrachromatic vision: Many bird species have tetrachromatic vision, meaning they have four types of cones in their retinas that are sensitive to different wavelengths of light.
Ultraviolet (UV) light: Birds can see UV light, which is not visible to humans. This ability helps them see patterns, markings, and signals on feathers and other objects that may be invisible to us.
Humans have three types of cones sensitive to red, green, and blue light. Together with the brain, these cones help us perceive a vast range of colors. In comparison, some bird species have evolved the ability to see near-ultraviolet (UV-A) light, which humans cannot detect.
Additionally, some bird species, like pigeons, have cone pigments sensitive to magnetic fields. This capability, along with their UV-A vision, helps them with accurate navigation during long-distance migrations.