The secret of the colorful, dazzling peacock feathers

A peacock with colorful feather colors. [Source] Getty Images Bank

The secret behind the dazzling feathers of peacocks and pheasants lies in their 'structure.' The National Institute of Ecology's Biomimicry Research Team conducted a study to uncover the mystery of their vibrant feather colors. When they examined the feathers under an electron microscope, they confirmed that each bird's feathers have a 'regular arrangement.'

* Biomimicry refers to imitating and applying the fundamental structures, functions, and principles of ecosystems or biological resources to solve technological and engineering problems in human society. A representative example is Velcro, which was developed based on the hook-shaped structure of burrs, and the research and application of the head shape and beak angle of the kingfisher to address noise issues in Japan's Shinkansen high-speed trains.

Male peacocks have extremely colorful and vibrant feathers. Additionally, male mandarin ducks and pheasants also have brightly colored feathers, and magpies have very beautiful tail feathers. These birds' feathers appear colorful even though they do not contain pigments inside their bodies. How do these birds' feathers look so vibrant and colorful?

When light is shined on a structure with a regular arrangement, certain wavelengths of light are reflected while others pass through. This type of structure creates a unique color called 'structural color.' The rainbow-like shimmer seen when a transparent soap bubble reflects light is based on a similar principle. Birds with structural colors have feathers with unique microstructures, causing their colors to appear beautiful depending on the angle of the light.

Through research on feather structural colors, we can develop technology to produce soft nano-material products. This technology can be used to create information surface devices such as displays, monitors, and holograms. If this technology advances, might we someday wear clothes that beautifully change color depending on the light?

by. National Institute of Ecology