Sexual dimorphism...

Photos by Barry Wallace

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

(Pheucticus ludovicianus)

(female above ~ male below)

I came across some photos I had taken of a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak (see above) several years ago and then realized I barely remember taking them.   I do however remember taking many pictures of male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (below).  It made me think of innumerable bird species that show dramatic visual differences in the plumages between the sexes.  The phenomenon is called sexual dimorphism.   The muted colours of so many avian species females certainly make identification more challenging and interesting.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder