Fossil feathers reveal their hues (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

The complex coloured plumage of extinct birds which once soared over the heads of dinosaurs could soon be revealed.

Scientists have shown they are able to interpret the colour patterns seen in 100 million-year-old fossil feathers.

Writing in the journal Biology Letters, US researchers reveal how ancient feathers found in Brazil displayed "striking" bands of black and white.

Previously, fossil experts could only guess at the range of hues exhibited by ancient birds and some dinosaurs.

"It solves a conundrum," explained Dr Mike Benton of the University of Bristol, commenting on the work.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7495961.stm

[crikkett]

1. This is fantastic!! FWIW feathers are not colored. They are prismatic.

Look at a feather under a microscope and you see a prism that refracts light.

Sexually mature birds will flouresce under black light.

I know this because I have a parrot and a black-light bulb.

[leveymg]

2. OMG - Glowing, flourescent dinosaurs! PIC>

[semillama]

3. Bird banders use UV light to age Saw-whet Owls

http://www.scottweidensaul.com/research_owls.html