1. Keratin Structure: Dove feathers are made of keratin, which is the same protein found in human hair and nails. Keratin has a unique microscopic structure composed of tiny air pockets and densely packed fibers.
2. Light Scattering: When light hits the dove's feathers, the air pockets within the keratin act as tiny mirrors, reflecting and scattering light in all directions. This light-scattering effect is called Rayleigh scattering and is often observed in other natural phenomena like the blue color of the sky.
3. Lack of Pigments: Unlike some other bird species that have colored feathers due to the presence of pigments like melanin, doves generally lack significant amounts of these pigments. Without prominent pigments to absorb or alter the wavelengths of light, the feather structure itself dominates the way light interacts with it, resulting in the reflection of all colors, except for the color blue.
4. Blue Absorption: Although the dove's feathers scatter most colors of light, they absorb a small amount of blue light. This subtle selective absorption of blue light further contributes to the overall perceived whiteness of the doves.
So, in summary, the combination of light scattering due to the feather structure, the lack of prominent pigments, and the absorption of some blue light is what gives doves their characteristic white appearance when observed under natural lighting conditions.