16 November 2012

Can You Say "Astaxanthin"

Astaxanthin is the carotenoid thought to be responsible for the pink feathers we see in gulls (McGraw, Hardy 2005). I've written on this subject in a previous post, but I'm now wondering if this same carotenoid is responsible for the extra yellow/orange we see in bare parts.

Adult Ring-billed Gull. 25 March 2012. Chicago, IL.
Note the pink blemish on the face, neck and breast.
Not only does this individual display pink in its plumage, but the bare parts are on hyper-orange!

Compare it to these ordinary March RBGUs:



It's curious to say the least...

4 comments:

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  2. เว็บตรงไม่ผ่านเอเย่นต์ BETFLIX GAMING คือศูนย์รวมบันเทิงชั้นนำระดับเอเชียในด้านการเดิมพนันออนไลน์และรวม สล็อตแตกง่ายชั้นนำ betflik ที่มีความพร้อมในเกมคาสิโนออนไลน์ครบวงจร รวมทุกแบรนด์ชั้นนำ

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  3. Hey there, I know this is an old post but I found it when I encountered two RBGU among hundreds that had both pink feathers and vibrant orange legs and bills. Did you ever find more concrete information about why this occurs? I am in Pittsburgh, PA if that is relevant.

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