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Feb 21, 2020

Is a Blue Jay really blue?

                                                                                    Photo by BarrytheBirder

BLUE JAY
(Cyanocitta cristata)

The pigment in Blue Jay feathers is melanin, which is brown.  The blue colour is caused by scattering light through modified cells on the surface of the feather barbs.   Yes, but why?  Oh, and by the way, the Blue Jay is the official bird of the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island.
Please comment if you wish.
BarrytheBirder

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