New Study Reveals Fluorescence in Long-eared Owl Feathers

Recent research from Drexel University’s College of Arts and Sciences has uncovered hidden fluorescent pigments in the feathers of Long-eared Owls, visible only under ultraviolet light. Led by PhD candidate Emily Griffith, the study, published in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, reveals significant variation in these pigments among the population, suggesting they serve functions beyond traditional sexual signaling. Notably, female Long-eared Owls exhibit a higher concentration of these pigments, challenging the stereotype that vibrant plumage is exclusively a male trait. This research highlights the previously overlooked diversity in avian coloration and opens new avenues for understanding fluorescent traits in birds.