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Feathers set birds apart from any other animal on Earth. Plumage has a variety of important biological functions, including social signaling and survival.
Male and female birds can have plumages that look the same, or different.
Differences in size, color, weight, and over all appearance are examples of dimorphism in birds. Birds that do not exhibit key differences in size, color, and over all appearance are considered monomorphic. Below are examples of dimorphism in birds. Take a look and identify the differences.
Wood Ducks
Male and Female Wood Ducks. Image Credit: Animal Perspectives.
Male and Female Wood Ducks. Image Credit: Animal Perspectives.
Male and Female Wood Ducks. Image Credit: Animal Perspectives.
American Wigeon
Female American Wigeon. Image Credit: Animal Perspectives.
Male American Wigeon.Image Credit: Animal Perspectives.
Eastern Towhee
Male Eastern Towhee. Image Credit: Animal Perspectives.
Female Eastern Towhee. Image Credit: Animal Perspectives.
Hooded Merganser
Hooded Merganser. Male (L) Female (R). Image Credit: Animal Perspectives.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Male Hummingbird. Image Credit: Animal Perspectives.
Female Hummingbird. Image Credit: Animal Perspectives.
Tree Swallow
Female Tree Swallow Building a Nest. Image Credit: Animal Perspectives.
Male Tree Swallow. Image Credit: Animal Perspectives.
Northern Cardinal
Female Northern Cardinal. Image Credit: Animal Perspectives.
Male Northern Cardinal. Image Credit: Animal Perspectives.
Mallard Duck
Female and Male Mallard Ducks. Image Credit: Animal Perspectives.
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Also read…
Found a Baby Bird? Here’s What to Do
How to Approach an Active Bird Nest
Should I Stay, or Should I Go? When to Quit a Birding Session.
List: The 16 Dos and Don’ts of Managing Your Nesting Boxes
5 Birds to Know in the Northeast this Spring
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Categories: Birds
Animal Perspectives 
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