The Northern Cardinal is a widely recognized sexually dimorphic bird species with brilliant red males. The color of males is attractive not only to birdwatchers, but also to the comparatively plain female cardinals. According to a study by Wolfenbarger (1998), more chromatic males perform better competing for mates. Redder males also control more advantageous breeding territory and gain access to the season's earliest breeding females. By outcompeting their less colorful rivals, males pass on genes for brighter color, perpetuating the characteristic cardinal red.
keywords: sexual selection, sexual dimorphism, Birds, Passeriformes, cardinals
Original Caption: The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a widely recognized sexually dimorphic bird species with brilliant red males. However, their color is not only attractive to birdwatchers, but to female cardinals. According to a study by Wolfenbarger (1998) more chromatic males perform better in competition for mates. Redder males both take control of more advantageous breeding territory, and gain access to the season's earliest breeding females. By outcompeting their less colorful rivals, males are able to successfully pass on genes for brighter color, perpetuating the characteristic cardinal color. |
