Parrots' vibrant feathers are surprisingly susceptible to bacterial attack

Flashy birds, from peacocks to parrots, have inspired a long tradition of using animal colors to study evolution. Colorful plumage often functions as a signal—for example, to attract a mate. Alternatively, drab colors can be used for camouflage. However, color can have functions beyond signaling and camouflage. This is because pigments, the molecules embedded in feather tissues to produce a broad range of colors, can also influence other aspects of feathers, ranging from mechanical strength to thermoregulatory properties.