Investigating the potential of the Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers for the cleaning of feathers: a pilot study

Heritage Science

Table 1 List of feathers used for the laser cleaning tests

Bird species	Genus	Species	Colours	Main colourant(s)	Provenance
Common wood pigeon	Columba	C. palumbus	Black/gray	Melanin	Local park
Common magpie	Pica	P. Pica	Iridescent dark brown/black	Melanin	Local park
Blue and yellow macaw	Ara	A. ararauna	Blue	Melanin Psittacofulvins^a	Private pet owner
Green peacock	Pavo	P. muticus	Iridescent green	Melanin	Local zoo
Amazon parrot	Amazona	N.A.^b	Red	Psittacofulvins	Private pet owner
			Yellow	Psittacofulvins	Private pet owner
			Green	Psittacofulvins Melanin	Local zoo
Yellow-crested cockatoo	Cacatua	C. sulphurea	Yellow	Psittacofulvins	Private pet owner
Yellow-crested cockatoo	Cacatua	C. sulphurea	White	None	Local zoo
Caribbean flamingo	Phoenicopterus	P. ruber	Pink	Carotenoids	Local zoo
Unspecified species	N.A	N.A.^b	Green Orange Yellow Red Blue	Synthetic dyes	Local art and craft shop
Down (unspecified species)	N.A	N.A	White	None	Local zoo

^aLaser tests on the blue and yellow macaw were performed only on the blue areas
^bThe supplier could not provide us with any details about the birds' species