Reflective, Metallic, Colour Morphing Birds? Wait What The !

Masai Mara National Reserve | Pics - 1 3 & 8 : Superb Starling | Pic - 2 & 5  Greater Blue Eared Starling | Pic - 4 & 7 : Lesser Striped Swallow |      Pic -6 : Ruppel's Longtail Starling

I wasn't really into birds as much as I am now till I visited Africa. I mean I'd take a picture here and there but not, grab my pen and write down it's name to google later, into them. I also expected to be in awe of the mammal wild life there, what I didn't expect was to be stupefied by the birds. National Geographic didn't prepare me for these marvels. I do have to thank the people I met at camp there for help in turning a side interest into a main one.

So, so so ! These guys not only reflect light, they change colour (to your sight) depending on your viewing angle. Can you imagine my shock seeing the first of these, flying across the open savannah? I yelled... "What the ... is that?" Apparently, what we see as blue on these birds is the effect of light being split by keratin on their feathers. These dudes are technically covered in prisms and have what's called, Iridescent feathers.

Go figure ! A few months ago some designers were on the news for using led tech to make dresses change colour.

Long way to go boys & girls, long way to go !