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is not true for all bird species, but it is true for many birds we find in North America, such as the cardinal. The male cardinal is a brilliant crimson red, with a red crest on its head and a striking black face. The female is %
dull, gray-brown imitation. The
reason is that male birds need
to be conspicuous in order to
attract a mate’s attentiot£
and to defend a breeding tet; ritory from competing males.
Females, on the other hand, are inconspicuous, which helps to protect them from the sight of predators and competitors during the nesting process. A hungry hawk or owl would easily spot a brightly colored female cardinal. But in her drab attire, she blends well with the tangles and brambles in which cardinals prefer to nest.
Each spring we hear stories about crazy birds fighting with windows. If you experience a bird that is pecking and scratching at your window or patio door, what is actually happening in most cases is that a bird is seeing its reflection in the pane of glass and assuming the other bird to be a rival or intruder.
The real bird attacks the reflected bird to drive it away, but is never successful in doing so. This may continue for several days until the real bird tires out, or until something, such as a screen, is placed in front of the window to break up the reflection. Once the bird can no longer see its rival, it will go about its business.
Happy Birding!
Flint Hill bird watcher Jim By waters welcomes reader mail, responses, suggestions, P.O. Box 8, Flint Hill, Va. 22627.
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