Open AccessBehavioural evidence for ultraviolet vision in a tetraonid species – foraging experiment with black grouse Tetrao tetrix
Author(s) -
Siitari Heli,
Viitala Jussi,
Hovi Matti
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of avian biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.022
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1600-048X
pISSN - 0908-8857
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-048x.2002.330212.x
Subject(s) - biology , foraging , passerine , ultraviolet , intraspecific competition , zoology , ultraviolet light , vaccinium myrtillus , spectral sensitivity , ecology , optics , wavelength , photochemistry , chemistry , physics
In addition to wavelengths visible to humans (400–700 nm), many birds are able to detect near ultraviolet light (320–400 nm). Most studies of ultraviolet (UV) vision in birds have concentrated on the importance of UV vision in intraspecific signalling, especially in passerine birds. However, birds may also use UV vision for other purposes, e.g. foraging. We performed a laboratory experiment to test whether a tetraonid species, black grouse Tetrao tetrix , could detect the difference between UV‐reflecting and non‐UV‐reflecting food items (two colour morphs of bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus ). Black grouse preferred UV‐reflecting berries when UV light was used for illumination, but showed no preference in the absence of UV light. This observation establishes a potential UV sensitivity in this species; such a sensitivity should be considered in behavioural experiments with this species.