Male Northern Cardinal - Worst. Camo. Ever.

[mdphotography]

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??? 😋

[SignifDigits]

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.

[mdphotography]

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 😎

[kvbarkley]

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.

[SignifDigits]

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.