Area Asian Blue Rug Yellow

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Admin
Area Asian Blue Rug Yellow

Area Asian Blue Rug Yellow

All ducks share three different types of pigment with most other birds. The pigment melanin creates tans, browns, and blacks. The group of pigments called porphyrins makes many different colors. The carotenoid pigment group produces greens and yellows. Another class of colors in birds is called structural color. These colors are not made by pigment, but by the actual molecular structure of the feather and how it reflects light. Structural colors in ducks are usually confined to the iridescent blues and greens on the necks of breeding males in some species. All ducks have carotenoids. Baby ducks who have the genes for melanin are darker because the darker melanin pigment masks the lighter carotenoid pigments. Baby ducks who lack genes for melanin are only yellow. Ducks who have genes to create porphyrin pigments and structural colors develop them within their feathers when they are adults.

Down

The color of the duck's down and adult feathers is also controlled by the genes. Ducks who only have carotenoids grow yellow down and light or white feathers as adults. The down is only meant to keep the babies warm. It is not water proof or strong enough to enable flight. The feathers replace the down as the duckling matures into adulthood.