This is a gynandromorph cardinal, half male and half female... a genetic abnormality that happens when the sex chromosomes (Z and W in birds) do not separate normally during early embryonic development. Credit for this find goes to Bob Motz and the photos were taken by Jim Frink. (via Kottke)Addendum: Discussion elsewhere indicates some of these bicolor cardinals may not be gynandromorphs, but rather partially leucistic birds (via i am the finch wench).
I wonder why it's divide is left to right and not front to back?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.euronet.nl/users/hnl/halfside.htm
ReplyDeleteThat explains why.