Book 31, Question 11 · Video
Why can birds see colors we can’t?
Your eyes have three kinds of color-detecting cells, but many birds have four. The extra kind lets them see ultraviolet light, a color our eyes cannot see. Some bird feathers and fruits have patterns that glow in ultraviolet. That means two birds that look alike to you may look very different to each other, and a berry may stand out like a shiny sign.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why can birds see colors we can’t?
The Big Idea
Birds see the world in extra colors! Colors your eyes can't see at all. How can birds see colors we can't?
Color Cells
Step one: Color Cells. Your eyes have three kinds of color-detecting cells. Many birds have four.
Ultraviolet
Step two: Ultraviolet. The extra kind of cell lets birds see ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet has a shorter wavelength than the violet light you can see.
Hidden Patterns
Step three: Hidden Patterns. Some feathers and fruits have patterns that show up in ultraviolet. Two birds that look alike to you may look very different to each other, and a berry may stand out like a shiny sign.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Four kinds. Extra color. Hidden patterns. Easy to spot.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! People have three kinds of color cells. Many birds have four. Ultraviolet is invisible to us. Some berries stand out in ultraviolet light.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, look up flower or bird photos taken with ultraviolet cameras. Compare them with normal photos. Look for new stripes, spots, or patterns. Which picture surprised you most? Draw one hidden pattern you found.
Outro
Your eyes have three kinds of color cells, but many birds have four. The extra one lets them see ultraviolet light, so feathers and berries can show hidden patterns that we can't see at all. Science is amazing! What will you discover next? Every question is a new adventure, so keep wondering and keep exploring with me! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!