But how do parrots get their vivid red, yellow and green feathers? This query has long perplexed scientists, but, now, they say they’re one step closer to solving the mystery. A simple chemical ...

The rediscovery in 1999 of a small cluster of yellow-eared parrots, striking green birds with yellow markings in western Colombia, led to the creation of a reserve. The population grew to thousands.

Most birds with bright yellow or red feathers — think goldfinches and cardinals — use pigments called carotenoids to make those colors. "The reason that a bird's egg's yolk is a bright yellow ...