NATURGEMÄLDE
Flying jewels
With more than 350 species, hummingbirds are found exclusively in the New World. They have conquered habitats not only in the lowlands of the American continents, but also up to around 5,000 metres above sea level in the South American Andes. Their mostly striking feathers, which shimmer in rainbow colours, appear differently coloured depending on the viewing angle and have given them names such as flying jewels. They owe this iridescent effect to the different layers of horn lamellae of the feathers, where the play of colours is created by interference. However, although this structural colouration makes fascinating colour impressions visible, humans lack the fourth type of photoreceptor of hummingbirds and are therefore unable to perceive the complete Naturgemälde (nature painting).
