Abstract

Hummingbirds are often sexually dimorphic, the males of many species showing an ornamental gorget that females lack. Males use this ornamental plumage to attract mates and establish a territory, while females build nests and care for the young alone. In Los Angeles, California, we observed a nesting Anna’s Hummingbird with male-like plumage on the crown and gorget but the rectrix morphology of a female—and it reared chicks. The extent of gorget development on this individual likely represents one of the most extreme examples of a male-plumaged female hummingbird yet documented.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.