![]() To further illustrate this concept, consider that humans have three channels that perceive color, while birds (like other species) have four. This evolutionary adaptation is thought to have developed to enable birds to navigate beer and identify mates, food, and danger. Birds’ eyes are tetrachromatic, which means that they can see around 100 million colors (humans can only see 1 million) but only if exposed to the right levels and spectrum of UV-A. In addition to the metabolic benets, it has recently been determined that birds, like other species, can see an entire segment of the UV-A spectrum that is not visible to the human eye. Not only does UV-B light play an important nutritional benet, but it also stimulates the release of healthy hormones that, if not present, have been linked to undesirable medical and behavioral/psychogenic conditions. As with reptiles, the full-spectrum with UV-B is necessary for birds to help synthesize Vitamin D and to activate proper calcium metabolism. However, studies involving a variety of bird species have demonstrated that when compared to their wild counterparts that received natural UV-B exposure there was a noticeable dierence in measurable levels of Vitamin D and ionized calcium (free calcium in its most active form) in their system and they thrived beer. Until recently, it was thought the necessary levels of vitamins and minerals for birds could be provided exclusively through their diets. ![]() Like reptiles, birds depend on concentrated levels of Vitamin D and calcium to thrive. Genetically speaking, birds are not too distantly separated from reptiles. Similarly, in birds, UV-A and UV-B exposure play an integral role in adequate nutritional absorption/metabolism and behavioral health. For humans, it is well known that UV-B is important in low doses to allow for adequate Vitamin D synthesis. UV-B is not a visible wavelength (at least not by most known species), but it does have more energy (280-320 nm) and is generally known as what causes sunburn in humans. UV-A is most easily described as the visible ultraviolet spectrum (visible light between 320-400 nm). ![]() Full-spectrum lighting mimics sunshine by incorporating a variety of wavelengths within the UV spectrum. Most pet birds originate from the tropics, where days are long and natural light is readily available. How does full-spectrum lighting improve a pet bird’s health and well-being? That same principle has been identied as important for proper nutritional development in birds, but it is also tremendously important for their behavioral wellbeing. ![]() Full-spectrum light exposure, with ultraviolet (UV-B) light has been known to be physiologically necessary for proper vitamin and mineral metabolism in mammals, amphibians, reptiles. ![]() Recently, experts in avian science have identied new peculiarities and adaptations that were never considered before for birds in domestic habitats. While many species have been bred as pets for several generations, they have still maintained the same basic needs and behaviors as their ancestors. Birds have evolved both anatomically and physiologically to thrive in their native environments rather than human households. It’s important to understand that birds kept in our homes are vastly dierent than our cat and dog companions. And with the proper equipment you can light up birds’ lives, providing them full-spectrum lighting with UV to support their health and well-being. With their sweet songs, playful personalities and beautiful feathers, birds light up our lives. The right illumination can help your bird thrive and help you see them at their nest By Gregory Costanzo, DVM and Anibal Armendaris, LVT ![]()
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