The male peacock is incredible colorful.
Many male birds are more colorful than the female birds of the same species. However, in some species the females are more colorful.
After you are able to identify some common birds you may begin to notice more details about them, such as males and females may look differently. In many species of birds the males have a period of the year when they put on their breeding plumage. This is a time when they have their brightest colors in order to attract a mate. Generally, the males are brighter colors, but there are many species of birds in which the female is more colorful than the male.
What Is Sexual Dimorphism? Sexual Dichromatism?
Before I get into individual species of birds I want to make sure to explain the idea of sexual dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism is simply physical differences between males and females of the same species. For example, in the Rocky Mountains a grizzly bear tends to be much larger than a female.
Similarly to this, sexual dichromatism, is color differences between males and females of the same species.
Read this old post to learn more about sexual dimorphism.
Are Male Birds Always More Colorful Than Female Birds?
No.
For the majority of birds the males are more colorful than the females, but there are always exceptions to the rule.
Male house finches get some red coloring on their head that the females don’t have.
In General, Why Are Male Birds More Colorful Than Female Birds?
As I’ve talked about in the past, everything in life comes down to a quest for survival. Most species have evolved in ways to ensure that they are able to pass on their genes.
For most male birds they achieve this by attracting a female. They show a female what a good mate the would make by having nice feathers and being very colorful. Their colorful feathers signal to the female that they are healthy and strong. This may mean they have a good habitat, access to food, and would be a good mate.
Scientists aren’t completely certain on why the female of some bird species are more colorful than males. They have come up with some theories and ideas, but they are not completely sure of the reason.
The most recent research indicates that females of some species may be more colorful when their is more competition among females to find a good mate. In these species the males stick with their partners and are involved in raising the young.
What Female Birds Are More Colorful Than Males?
A paradise shelduck family. Photo via Flickr.
Paradise Shelduck – This native bird of New Zealand is quite common across the country and is often seen in pairs. The female has the bright white head while the male has the less colorful black head.
A male and female Phalarope. Photo via Flickr.
Phalarope – There are three species of this bird found in North America. The females have brighter breeding plumage than the males.
A female belted kingfisher. Photo via Flickr.
Belted Kingfisher – The female of this common bird of North America has a bright patch on its belly that the male does not.