A molecular mechanism for bright color variation in parrots

We have identified a key enzyme in the biochemical pathway responsible for color variation in parrots. This enzyme is responsible for conversion of one form of parrot pigment molecule in other, thus causing red or yellow coloration. As the causative enzyme is a common housekeeping protein its co-option to produce bright coloration of feathers represents example of evolutionary novelty by cis-regulation. These results reveal insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying one of the most visually striking adaptations in the natural world and lay the groundwork for future studies aimed at understanding how bright colors evolve in the wild.