The "pink" wash is due to a pigmentation associated with new feathers.
Saw-whet banders discovered this phenomenon several years ago, and have been
using it as a tool to age birds by molt. Under UV light, what we perceive
as a faint pink wash glows a brilliant magenta. This trait is also found in
Barred Owls and Northern Pygmy Owls.



Hatch year birds show a uniform magenta, while older birds show only magenta
on those feathers replaced during the past season. The magenta on Barred,
Saw-whet, and Pygmy Owls shows up on the primaries, secondaries, under tail
coverts, and their "leggings". For some reason, the tail feathers do not
show this characteristic.



For what purpose this pigment exists is a bit of a mystery, in that unless
the birds have the ability to see in the UV spectrum, it would be invisible
to them. If they can see in the UV spectrum, then a flyover would clearly
identify an adult from a hatch year bird, and settle territorial disputes
rather quickly.



Hope this wasn't "TMI" as my daughter would say.



J. Acker

Bainbridge Island, WA

Owler at sounddsl.com



_____

From: tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu
[mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of
annmariewood at comcast.net
Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2007 1:11 PM
To: Tweeters
Subject: [Tweeters] dead owl



Tweeters:



This morning I received a call from the sisters at Rosary Heights with the
news. The resident Barred Owl was found dead in the woods that surround
their convent in Woodway. It was a beautiful intact bird with no apparent
injuries or missing feathers.



When I examined it I was surprised to find a distinct pinkish cast to the
pale underwing linings. This is the first owl that I've handled so I have no
idea if the pink is uncommon. If it is related to diet, like Flamingoes, I
would expect the pink to be more widespread. Could it be a sign of
poisoning?



He's at the Burke now.



Ann Marie Wood

Mountlake Terrace, WA
annmariewood at comcast.net
425-697-2961



--
annmariewood at comcast.net
425-697-2961