topic Male Northern Cardinal - Worst. Camo. Ever. in Share Your Photos

Male Northern Cardinal - Worst. Camo. Ever.

mdphotography — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:50:23 GMT

I mean seriously, there's no logical reason for this bird to be bright red in a green and brown environment - how in the heck have they survived this long??? 😋

Re: Male Northern Cardinal - Worst. Camo. Ever.

SignifDigits — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:15:54 GMT

The good news is that most mammals are red-green colorblind. Not true of hawks, osprey and eagles however (but I know the hawks here at least go for the smaller song birds as easier prey). We had a recent outing where a member was colorblind and couldn't see a coral-colored newt until it moved. I am guessing the newt's primary prey would be something like a racoon. if true as long as t's still it could be safe.

Re: Male Northern Cardinal - Worst. Camo. Ever.

mdphotography — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:32:59 GMT

well then I stand correctly, because that's a very logical reason! I suppose it also helps that they're very fast and agile flyers 😎

Re: Male Northern Cardinal - Worst. Camo. Ever.

kvbarkley — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:50:56 GMT

That, and it could be sexual selection like a peacock's feathers. Females figure that a bird that bright must be wily and fast to survive and choose them for a mate.

Re: Male Northern Cardinal - Worst. Camo. Ever.

SignifDigits — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:38:30 GMT

I suspect you are right @kvbarkley With birds color and plumage is often a factor in attracting a female. Perhaps it's the color and the size of the comb for the cardinal. But as they often (so I've heard) partner for life I guess the brightest cardinals might be younger? I'm just guessing - NOT an ornithologist here - would be fun to know though.