Figure 2 | Scientific Reports

Figure 2

From: Elemental characterisation of melanin in feathers via synchrotron X-ray imaging and absorption spectroscopy

Figure 2

Optical images and SRS-XRF of Ca, Zn and Cu distributions in extant feathers of (a) Harris hawk, (b) kestrel (c) barn owl and (d) red-tailed hawk. These images clearly show that these elements are controlled by pigment patterns. Note that higher brightness represents higher concentrations (photon counts) and that each element map is independently scaled (8-bit, 98th percentile). Pixel size = 50 microns. Map acquisition time = ~30–40 mins. Scale bars = 1 cm.

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