We often consider male songbirds more beautiful and striking than females, since their feathers are usually showier and more colorful.
Female Palm Warbler
Yet Smithsonian published an article last year about some fascinating research, which now reveals that Drab Female Birds Were Once As Flashy As Their Male Mates. [A great, short read!]
The authors describe new studies that show, despite male evolution being ruled by sexual selection: ” . . . female evolution, the researchers think, is more strongly controlled by natural selection, including predation, survivorship and the ability to rear successful young.”
Female Red-winged Blackbird
When I came across the two lovely ladybirds above this week, I was reminded how beautiful the females still are, even in their “drabber” colors!
Birder's Journey 
The red-winged is gorgeous! Happy Thanksgiving ! 🙂
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Thank you, Amy – I had a beautiful Thanksgiving at my daughter’s house! Hope yours was special, too.
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We are spendiing Thansgiving holidays at my daughter’s house too. 🙂
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I have never seen a female red-winged blackbird look so beautiful, BJ — fantastic photos. A delight to see the palm warbler so perfectly framed. 😀
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Thanks for your very kind thoughts, Jet. They really are lovely birds ~
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Interesting that research shows that the female (and also the immature which usually resemble the female) have their covering for protective camouflaging reasons. I had always thought this in my personal observations. It just makes scientific sense. Thanks for sharing BJ
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You’re so right, it does make a lot of sense, AB! Though I must admit that I never really thought about it till I read this article 🙂
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wishing you a happy Thanksgiving
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Thank you …. We are blessed to be spending it with family.
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