Reflection of near-infrared light confers thermal protection in birds

Iliana Medina (), Elizabeth Newton, Michael R. Kearney, Raoul A. Mulder, Warren P. Porter and Devi Stuart-Fox
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Iliana Medina: The University of Melbourne
Elizabeth Newton: The University of Melbourne
Michael R. Kearney: The University of Melbourne
Raoul A. Mulder: The University of Melbourne
Warren P. Porter: The University of Wisconsin Madison
Devi Stuart-Fox: The University of Melbourne

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Biologists have focused their attention on the optical functions of light reflected at ultraviolet and human-visible wavelengths. However, most radiant energy in sunlight occurs in ‘unseen’ near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. The capacity to reflect solar radiation at NIR wavelengths may enable animals to control heat gain and remain within their critical thermal limits. Here, using a continent-wide phylogenetic analysis of Australian birds, we show that species occupying hot, arid environments reflect more radiant energy in NIR wavelengths than species in thermally benign environments, even when controlling for variation in visible colour. Biophysical models confirm that smaller species gain a greater advantage from high NIR reflectivity in hot, arid environments, reducing water loss from compensatory evaporative cooling by up to 2% body mass per hour. These results highlight the importance of NIR reflectivity for thermal protection, which may become increasingly critical as the frequency of extreme climatic events increases.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05898-8

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