How conspicuous are peacock eyespots and other colorful feathers in the eyes of mammalian predators

摘要: Colorful feathers have long been assumed to be conspicuous predators, and hence likely incur costs due enhanced predation risk. However, many mammals that prey on birds dichromatic visual systems with only two types of color-sensitive receptors, rather than the three four photoreceptors characteristic humans most birds, respectively. Here, we use a combination multispectral imaging, reflectance spectroscopy, color vision modelling texture analysis compare signals available conspecifics mammalian predators from multicolored Indian peacock (Pavo cristatus), as well red yellow parrot feathers. We also model effects distance-dependent blurring acuity. When viewed by against green vegetation, studied are estimated brightness contrasts similar values previously found for ripe fruit. On other hand, dichromat these were weakly detectable often below detection thresholds typical viewing distances. show mammal models, peacock’s train has below-detection threshold textures match various foliage backgrounds. These findings consistent hue those here being inconspicuous, in some cases potentially cryptic, eyes common adult birds. Given perform motions behaviors, this study suggests more sensory modalities (e.g., motion detection, hearing, olfaction), vision, detect avian prey. This new directions future behavioral studies emphasizes importance understanding influence ecology evolution animal coloration.