Avian Perception of Floral Volatile Organic Compounds through Specialized Vision
Author: Cameron Miller
Faculty Supervisor: Jaime Chaves
Department: Biology
This study investigates the hypothesis that birds utilize their specialized vision to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by flowers. Avian vision encompasses a wide range of spectrums, potentially enabling them to perceive visual cues beyond human sensory capabilities. Raptors are able to follow the reflective ultra-violet light from the VOC’s found in the urea of a voles scent trail, I am interested in seeing if pollinators such as hummingbirds are able to deploy a similar use of ultraviolet vision in picking up floral emissions of VOC’s. Understanding the sensory mechanisms underlying avian foraging behavior and pollination is essential for shedding light on ecological interactions between birds and plants. In my data collection I will rely on existing information regarding the anatomy and physiology of bird’s eyes and the types of compounds bird-pollinated flowers emit. I will have access to a spectrometer to conduct experiments and record data of common floral components visited by hummingbirds to see if there is a correlation between frequency these plants are visited and if there is a trend in their floral color vs VOC emission. My findings could provide insight into the sensory ecology of avian pollination and shed light on the coevolutionary dynamics between birds and flowering plants.