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Biofluorescence is a process by which organisms make light. It has been observed in many different species of the animal kingdom, most recently in birds-of-paradise. Already famous for their eye-catching colors and striking plumage, researchers now believe that birds-of-paradise may use secret colors signals to communicate with one another!
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The birds-of-paradise, which belong to the family Paradisaeidae, are best known for the dramatic plumage of their males.
In many of the 45 species, the males have long, elaborate feathers that extend from the beak, wings, tail, or head.
Birds-of-paradise are also known for being vividly colorful. Many species have flamboyant hues of emerald, cobalt, and ruby in their feathers.
Now, new research has revealed that birds-of-paradise may also be sending secret color signals to one another that are invisible to the human eye.
A new study published in February 2025 discusses evidence of biofluorescence among various species of birds-of-paradise.
Living organisms produce light in two key ways: bioluminescence and biofluorescence.
Bioluminescence requires a chemical reaction involving the molecules luciferin and luciferase. It is the light produced by fireflies, for example.
Biofluorescence, by contrast, is a phenomenon in which an organism absorbs light, transforms it, and then emits it as a different color.
Over the past decade, researchers have discovered biofluorescence in more than 500 marine species, ranging from sharks to corals.
Thanks to a recent study, researchers have now been able to confirm that birds-of-paradise also produce light using biofluorescence.
With a reputation for engaging in elaborate courtship displays, scientists believe that birds-of-paradise may use these colors to communicate with one another.
The study was published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, and it describes biofluorescence in 37 of the 45 known birds-of-paradise species.
The project started around 10 years ago, when museum curator Dr. John Sparks identified biofluorescence across several fish species.
This led him to question how widespread this trait was among other species, and in particular among birds.
As a curator in the department of ichthyology (a branch of zoology) at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City, Sparks had access to a vast array of bird specimens.
He therefore conducted a rapid survey of the museum’s ornithology collection and discovered traces of biofluorescence in the birds-of-paradise.
However, it wasn’t until Rene Martin joined the museum as a postdoctoral researcher in 2023 that the investigation went deeper.
Together with Sparks and Emily Carr, a doctoral student at the museum’s Richard Gilder Graduate School, Martin decided to revisit the birds-of-paradise specimens held at AMNH.
The team used high-powered blue flashlights and UV flashlights to look through the collection and search for evidence of biofluorescence.
As they searched, they wore special goggles that served to block the blue light and reveal only the illumination produced by biofluorescence.
The specimens that were observed to produce light via biofluorescence were then taken into a lightless room to be photographed and have their light emissions measured.
Depending on the species, biofluorescence showed up in different body parts, including the birds’ bellies, chests, heads, and necks.
Some species even had long, glowing plumes, gleaming bills, or glimmering spots inside of their mouths.
In many cases, the areas of fluorescence were bordered by very dark pigmented feathers, which acted as a contrast against the light.
As previously mentioned, scientists have hypothesized that birds-of-paradise may use biofluorescence as a means of communication or as part of a reproductive display.
This would align with the fact that male birds-of-paradise are known for engaging in elaborate displays when trying to court a female.
However, there are other species of bird, such as owls, parrots, and penguins, that have been observed producing light via biofluorescence, but scientists are not sure why they do it.
In some cases, experts suspect that biofluorescence may just be a coincidence and not serve any particular purpose at all.
Going forward, scientists will continue to study biofluorescence, because it helps us understand how species have evolved to communicate.
There is also potential for biofluorescence to contribute to medical and/or technological advancements.
Sources: (CNN) (AMNH)
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LIFESTYLE Animals
Biofluorescence is a process by which organisms make light. It has been observed in many different species of the animal kingdom, most recently in birds-of-paradise. Already famous for their eye-catching colors and striking plumage, researchers now believe that birds-of-paradise may use secret colors signals to communicate with one another!
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.