Q:
Why are male cardinals a different color than females?
A:
Quick Answer
Male cardinals typically have bright red feathers that signal to potential mates that they are healthy and virile. Female cardinals have a mixture of duller shades of gray, brown and red because they do not have to impress potential mates with the bright colors and elaborate posturing observed in males.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
The color difference observed between the plumage of male and female cardinals is a type of sexual dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism means that males and females exhibit different physical and behavioral traits that clearly identify each sex.
Male cardinals can be aggressive when defending their claimed territory, and they may attack other males that intrude.
Learn more about BirdsRelated Questions
-
Q:
Do cardinals mate for life?
A: Cardinals mate for life and are primarily monogamous. After the male has chosen a female, the two begin to build a nest using leaves, grasses, bark and sma... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Why do ducks quack?
A: Ducks quack to communicate a range of signals with mates, competitors, offspring and predators. However, quacking is not the only means of vocal communicat... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are the different types of bird feathers?
A: Birds have flight, down, semiplume, filoplume, bristle and down feathers. The flight feathers are further divided into tail feathers, coverts and three typ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are three adaptations that enable birds to fly?
A: Birds have many adaptations for flight, but three of the most important are feathers, a hollow and highly modified skeleton and internal organs capable of ... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
How do wren's nesting habits differ from other birds?
-
Q:
What does a physical exam consist of for females?
-
Q:
How do you define a sandy brown hair color?
-
Q:
How do you use a color wheel in interior design?
-
Q:
What do magpies eat?
-
Q:
What are the kingdom, phylum, class, order and family for birds?
