Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Birds see colour in a similar way to humans, study suggests
Zebra finches separate red and orange shades into two separate categories, much like humans do.
Researchers test zebra finches’ ability to distinguish between colours

A study by US researchers has revealed that birds may see colour in a similar way to humans.

Researchers from Duke University devised an experiment in which they tested the ability of zebra finches to distinguish between different colours.

The study, published in Nature, found that zebra finches separate red and orange shades into two separate categories, much like humans do.

Previous research found that zebra finch females prefer red-beaked males to orange ones. The reason being that redness is associated with good health.

Although this study did not test if birds preferred some shades over others, it is hoped the findings may reveal information about what might happen when a female gazes at a potential mate.

In the study, researchers used combinations of eight shades representing the colour of male zebra finch beaks. They showed 26 female zebra finches a set of paper discs, some two-toned and others solid coloured.

The birds learned that by turning over a two-toned disc, they would be rewarded with a treat. If they turned over a solid disc, they wouldn’t receive anything. If a bird picked a particular disc first, it was a sign that it recognised it as having two colours instead of one.

The experiment involved lots of different colour pairs, but researchers found that females had no trouble identifying colour pairs that were far apart on the colour spectrum (E.g. very red or very orange). When the birds had to choose between various shades in between, however, their reaction was not so clear.

Researchers note the ability to lump all shades on one side of a certain redness threshold may indicate that, when it comes to beak colour, females may not be picky about whether a potential mate is perfect.

“What we’re showing is: he’s either red enough or not,” said senior author and Duke biology professor Stephen Nowicki.

It is not yet understood if the threshold between what humans perceive as “orange” versus “red” is the same for birds. However, researchers say the finding lends support to the idea that colour labels are rooted in biology, and are not shaped by human culture or language.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.