title: The presence of UV wavelengths improves the temporal resolution of the avian visual system.
abstract: The ability to perceive rapid movement is an essential adaptation in birds, which are involved in rapid flight, pursuing prey and escaping predators. Nevertheless, the temporal resolution of the avian visual systems has been less well explored than spectral sensitivity. There are indications that birds are superior to humans in their ability to detect movement, as suggested by higher critical flicker frequencies (CFFs). It has also been implied, but not properly tested, that properties of CFF, as a function of light intensity, are affected by the spectral composition of light. This study measured CFF in the chicken, Gallus gallus L., using four different light stimuli - white, full-spectrum (white with addition of UV), yellow (590 nm) and UV (400 nm) - and four light intensity levels, adjusted to relative cone sensitivity. The results showed significantly higher CFF values for full-spectrum compared with white light, as well as a steeper rate of increase with intensity. The presence of UV wavelengths, previously demonstrated to affect mate choice and foraging, appears to be important also for detection of rapid movement. The yellow and UV light stimuli yielded rather similar CFFs, indicating no special role for the double cone in flicker detection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, S-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rubene
authors.forename: Olle
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Håstad
authors.forename: Ragnar
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tauson
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wall
authors.forename: Anders
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Odeen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000502:physiology*; D055253:Color Vision / Q000502:physiology; D005425:Flicker Fusion / Q000502:physiology; D009039:Motion Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology