Eyes specialized for different types of vision: starlings
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The eyes of starlings are specialized for different types of vision, color or movement, due to different retinal cone types.
| Biomimicry Taxonomy | |
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Process information > |
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Sense signals/environmental cues > |
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Light - visible spectrum |
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"In its left eye, the retina has more single cones - photosensitive cells that respond to color. Conversely, in the retina of its right eye, double cones - which detect movement - predominate. The two eyes seem to fulfill different functions, which may well explain why starlings (as well as many other birds) tend to look at objects with either one eye or the other. So if a starling looks at an object with its left eye, it may be scrutinizing its coloration, whereas if it looks with its right eye, it may be watching for movement." (Shuker 2001:12)
European StarlingSturnus vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758
[Common Starling]
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Habitat(s): Artificial - Aquatic, Artificial - Terrestrial, Forest, Grassland, Marine Intertidal, Shrubland
Some organism data provided by: ITIS: The Integrated Taxonomic Information System
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist
Application Ideas: Dual-purpose binoculars, security cameras with specialized functions (one responds to heat, one to vibration, e.g.) to minimize energy use and materials.
Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Optics, security
Shuker, KPN. 2001. The Hidden Powers of Animals: Uncovering the Secrets of Nature. London: Marshall Editions Ltd. 240 p.
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Hart, NS; Partridge, JC; Cuthill, IC. 1998. Visual pigments, oil droplets and cone photoreceptor distribution in the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris). Journal of Experimental Biology. 201(9): 1433-1446.
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