Pigeons can see ultraviolet light, revealing hidden patterns on food and feathers that are invisible to humans.

While humans are trichromatic and possess three types of color-detecting cones, pigeons are tetrachromatic. They possess a specialized fourth cone cell that is sensitive to ultraviolet wavelengths between 300 and 400 nanometers. This evolutionary adaptation provides a significant advantage in foraging and social interaction.Research conducted at institutions like Lund University has shown that many seeds and fruits reflect UV light differently as they ripen. This creates a high-contrast visual signal that stands out against green foliage, allowing pigeons to find nutrient-dense food with ease. To a pigeon, a forest or urban park looks like a vibrant map of glowing resources.UV vision also plays a critical role in avian courtship and mate selection. Pigeons have plumage patterns that reflect ultraviolet light in ways the human eye cannot perceive. Studies indicate that birds use these markings to assess the health and genetic quality of potential partners, as vibrant UV reflection often correlates with a strong immune system.Finally, this ability serves as a sophisticated biological GPS. Pigeons can detect the polarization of UV light to locate the sun's position through thick cloud cover. This capability, combined with their sensitivity to magnetic fields, explains why homing pigeons are such legendary navigators over long distances.