New Frontiers in Avian Color Research

Birds are the most colorful land vertebrates, and they live on every continent and occupy a vast range of ecological niches. As research on animal coloration blossomed in the 20th century—and then skyrocketed in recent decades—birds have played a central role. This chapter outlines seven new frontiers in avian color research, with a focus on recent literature. In each of these areas—diversity and evolution, genetics, phenomics, unusual mechanisms and functions, color vision, climate change, and conservation and innovation—researchers are propelling the field forward at a rapid pace. For each frontier, the chapter reviews recent progress and highlights opportunities for the future.