By Bernard Gitau
In the bird world, males tend to steal the spotlight with their vibrant colors and striking features. Female birds, on the other hand, often go unnoticed. Dr. Peter Njoroge, a bird expert with the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), sheds light on why this happens, explaining that the phenomenon is deeply rooted in sexual selection.
“Sexual selection, in a nutshell, is one of the components of natural selection. But, unlike the latter, sexual selection is not directly related to survival, but rather to an individual’s ability to reproduce,” Dr. Njoroge told Big3Africa.
He further explained that male birds often develop bold physical traits, like brightly colored plumage, and specific behaviors, such as singing or nest-building, to attract females and fend off rivals. “These features are crucial for females to agree to breed with males.”
A classic example of this is the peacock. “It displays its magnificent tail with shimmering colors as much to woo a female as to impress a rival,” Dr. Njoroge said.
But why are female birds often dull and drab in comparison? Dr. Njoroge explained that the muted colors of females serve an important purpose. “Females of species that are exposed to predators while incubating tend to have dull colors, although both sexes may be brightly colored in species that nest in tree hollows because the females are less visible to predators.”
Bright male plumage also plays a role in territory battles. “Conspicuous colors can help show that an area is already occupied and that the occupant is in good condition and prepared to fight,” he said, noting the red-winged blackbird’s shoulder patch as an example.
Research also shows that females use color to gauge a male’s health. “House finches provide one of the best examples of this tactic,” he said. Bright males, especially those with red or orange crowns, tend to be better mates and more successful at feeding their chicks.
It’s not just about color, though. Tail length also matters in the avian dating game. “We have done a study by elongating the tail of a bird using an artificial material and interestingly, more females flocked to his territory,” said Dr. Njoroge. “The longer the tail, the more males attract suitors.”
However, he warned that these flashy males often face a higher risk of being caught by predators. A long, beautiful tail might attract females, but it also makes escaping danger more difficult.
Ultimately, the female’s drab appearance isn’t an oversight of nature—it’s a vital survival strategy. And while the males may get all the attention, it’s the females’ dull colors that ensure the safety of future generations.
