"Bird colouration has also been intensively and extensively studied for a long time, " says Dr Galvan.

BBC: Earth News - Birds unveil 'silver wings'

This is very odd indeed when you see what a dramatic effect it has on colouration.

BBC: Earth News - Birds unveil 'silver wings'

"This is how the sheen colouration is generated, without the occurrence of coherent scattering like in 'traditional' structural feathers, " says Dr Galvan.

BBC: Earth News - Birds unveil 'silver wings'

Only pure bred Herdwick lambs display this dark colouration, making them easy to identify compared to other local hill breeds such as the Swaledale.

BBC: Protected status for Lakeland Herdwick sheep

Some of the research will be unveiled to the public for the first time, including insights into the colouration of dinosaur feathers, a spokesperson from the university said.

BBC: 'Big' palaeontology conference at Plymouth University

Found only in these woods, the large bird is a beautiful sight, with its distinctive green and blue colouration, crested head feathers and, when in flight, the red flash of its wings.

BBC: Step back in time in South Africa��s Garden Route