Volcanic sulfur may make barn owls grow redder feathers
Exposure to sulfur-rich, volcanic soil appears to encourage the production of reddish pigments
![A photo of a Tyto alba barn owl standing on a log on the ground. The owl is looking at the camera with its body turned away.](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/032123_JB_barn-owls_feat.jpg?fit=1030%2C580&ssl=1)
The chest and belly plumage of barn owls (one shown) varies considerably across the globe, ranging from nearly white to a much darker copper color. New research suggests a boost in pheomelanin from sulfur exposure may give the feathers of ones living on volcanic islands a reddish or yellow tint.
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