The key genes change the chemical structure of the pigment molecule through the actions of an enzyme which adds just one atom ...

Scarlet Macaw: This vibrant parrot is known for its stunning red, yellow, and blue plumage, making it one of the most colorful birds in the rainforest.

Now, in research published in the journal Science, Arbore, Corbo, and their colleagues describe that a single enzyme appears to be responsible for toggling a parrot’s pigments from red to yellow.

A female eclectus parrot casts a quizzical look at the camera. Although most male birds are flashier than their female counterparts, the female eclectus flaunts cherry red plumage and the male ...