How Animals See Colors

Different animals see the world in many different ways. Some can see every color that we see, and others only see a few. There are also animals that see colors that we can’t see. Imagine that!

Poor Color Vision

Let’s start with some of the animals that have been known to be color blind. These furry pals can’t necessarily see no color, but have a hard time with certain hues. Dogs, cats, mice, rats and rabbits have very poor color vision. In fact, they see mostly greys and some blues and yellows.

On the right is what we see, and the other photo is what animals with poor color vision see.

It has always been said that bulls get angry when they see a red. However, bulls cannot even tell what color that waving red cape is! They are completely color blind. All they see is a moving target, and that is why they charge.

Good Color Vision

Some types of animals can see as many colors as we do. Monkeys, ground squirrels, birds, insects, and many fish can see a fairly good range of color. In some cases it's not as good as what we humans see - but it's much better than cats and dogs.

Scientists say that good color vision helps animals find food on the land or in the water. For land animals, good color vision helps to tell the difference between ripe red fruit and unripe green fruit. Colors can also make animals more attractive to each other when they mate. Finally, the ability to see colors helps animals identify predators (other animals who may attack them).

Super Color Vision

Bees and butterflies can see colors that we can't see. Their range of color vision extends into the ultraviolet. The leaves of the flowers they pollinate have special ultraviolet patterns which guide the insects deep into the flower.

Thermal Vision

Animals such as snakes like the pit viper use other tactics to “see”. Although they are quite blind at times, they see what we call thermal vision. Certain colors represent cold and heat in another animal, person, or object. In the photo below, you can see the mouse because its body is much warmer than the ground. This is often how they catch their prey.

The world is an extraordinary place! Animals are able to adapt in any way they can while having limited, super, or even no vision! It just goes to show that there are so much amazing Little Critterz out there. If you would like to adopt a creature of your own, click here or on any of the links in the article above to browse some of our most precious collectible animal figurines!