What is the colour difference between male and female birds?

In the avian world colour is one of the aspects that differentiates one species from another. But did you know that in many species, there are colour differences between male and female birds? Invariably, the males are brighter and more colourful than the females. Why is this so? Come, let’s find out Naturalist Charles Darwin attributed this difference to the theory of sexual selection. After extensive research he arrived at the conclusion that female birds of certain species usually chose to mate with males that were brighter in colour, which led to males gradually evolving to be more and more colourful For long scientists have gone with this explanation. However. more recent studies point to a few other reasons for the muted colours of the females. According to a study published a few years ago, in many species of birds both males and females started out looking similar – bright and colourful. However, female started losing colour faster than the males gained it The study says this evolution is because of natural selection. The drab colour of the females is said to have emerged to help them escape predation by blending in with their surroundings. This comes in handy also during nesting, which helps keep their lineage alive.

 

Picture Credit : Google