gaudy males

[The Flying Tench]

Why is it that evolution has produced a position in the bird kingdom where it is the fellas who are the bright, gaudy ones (where there is a difference)? Isn't it the males who chase the females? So how do males benefit from their bright clothes?

[chesters1]

perhaps after copulation the females benefit from lack of it

colours to birds are very important look at bower birds

Edited July 10, 2012 by chesters1

[DavyR]

As I understand it, the males can chase all they want - if the females aren't interested, they're wasting their time. The females are more inclined to accept a male who appears stronger & healthier - the bigger and brighter the plumage, the healthier the male appears to be. That's the theory, anyway!

[Sportsman]

As I understand it, the males can chase all they want - if the females aren't interested, they're wasting their time. The females are more inclined to accept a male who appears stronger & healthier - the bigger and brighter the plumage, the healthier the male appears to be. That's the theory, anyway!

 

Hence Essex man's spray tan

[Worms]

Plus of course, the requirement for the female (of most bird species) to be inconspicuous on the nest.

[corydoras]

Why is it that evolution has produced a position in the bird kingdom where it is the fellas who are the bright, gaudy ones (where there is a difference)? Isn't it the males who chase the females? So how do males benefit from their bright clothes?

It's called Sexual Selection. It's not only for the birds. Edited July 10, 2012 by corydoras

[The Flying Tench]

Helpful stuff, thanks everyone.

[Tony U]

"Why is it that evolution has produced a position in the bird kingdom where it is the fellas who are the bright, gaudy ones (where there is a difference)? Isn't it the males who chase the females? So how do males benefit from their bright clothes?"

John

It's not always the case, for example Dotterels and Phalaropes do the opposite.

 

Tony

Edited July 12, 2012 by Tony U