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Question
Dear Roger,
Do you happen to know why many birds have colored rings around their eyes? One example is the white around an American Robin's eye. I hope you can help me solve this mystery. Thanks.
Just like other animals and humans, it is important for birds to be able to distinguish different species, sexes, mature vs immature individuals from each other. Facial features are important so things like crests, eye color, cheek patches, neck rings, and eye rings are common features. Other than that there is no special reason for an eye ring.
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Answers by Expert:
Roger Lederer
Expertise
Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.
Experience
Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.
Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico
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