Feather Structure and Light
1. Keratin Structure: Dove feathers are made of keratin with microscopic air pockets and densely packed fibers.
2. Light Scattering: Air pockets reflect and scatter light in all directions, similar to Rayleigh scattering seen in the blue sky.
3. Lack of Pigments: Doves generally lack significant pigments like melanin, so feather structure dominates light interaction, reflecting most colors.
4. Blue Absorption: The feathers absorb a small amount of blue light, further contributing to perceived whiteness.
The combination of light scattering, lack of pigments, and selective blue absorption gives doves their white appearance under natural light.