Androgynous Cardinal (bird)

Discussion

3 replies

Posted by Rosemarie Arbur on January 27, 2009 at 5:38 AM

I came across this, and I thought others would be interested. It's amazing to me that the coloration is split so evenly.

http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com/2009/01/i-just-received-coolest-bird-photo-ive.html

Posted by Gail Diane Yovanov on January 27, 2009 at 7:38 AM

Hi, Rosemarie. I've been a serious birder for many years, and I've never seen anything like this. Fascinating!

Gail.

Posted by Richard Ditch on January 27, 2009 at 4:10 PM

There's a less dramatic photo of a male/female Rose-breasted Grosbeak on page 153 in National Geographic Birding Essentials by Jonathan Alderfer and Jon L. Dunn. "This aberrancy has been noted in a number of passerines (such as Black-throated Blue Warbler), in Ring-necked Pheasant, and in Northern Flicker."

Posted by Catherine Reilly on January 28, 2009 at 4:30 AM

I didn't know about this phenomenon. Very interesting to see. Thanks for posting the link.