We Love Animals
Animals Nature

Rare Genetic Anomaly Gives This Bird An One-In-A-Million Appearance

Unexpected changes in the genes of an organism could normally result in mental or physical disability. But in some cases, this could award the affected individual with some spectacular gifts.

Have a look at this stunning two-sided cardinal!

Credit Image: Inland Bird Banding Association

This cardinal bird has a genetic anomaly called ‘bilateral gynandromorphism’. This condition causes a bilateral asymmetry effect that makes half of the bird male and the other half female, resulting in a unique appearance.

This bird possesses a plumage cover of vermillion color on its left side and turtledove on its right. Normally, the male bird appears in bright reddish colors that vary from scarlet to reddish-orange and sometimes raspberry. The female bird looks more ordinary in a brown cover with some red accents.

Credit Image: Inland Bird Banding Association

Although the condition occurs in many species, not all of them can display obvious distinctions between the two genders that are easy to spot. Gynandromorphism is thought to result from the uneven distribution of sex chromosomes in the early stage of development, typically when the organism has between 8 and 64 cells.

Credit Image: Inland Bird Banding Association

Gynandromorphs can sometimes have both male and female tissues and most of the time, they are sterile. However, this little bird may not suffer from that because its right side, where the ovary is located in birds, is female.

Gynandromorphism can be found in a vast number of species, and even though it’s a rare phenomenon, it’s totally not impossible to find. Most frequently, this is found in organisms that have strong sexual dimorphism such as butterflies, spiders, and of course, birds.

H/T: One Big Birdcage

Related posts

20 Hilarious Photos Of Pets Getting Jealous Of Their Siblings

Carolyn Mullet

Adorable Moment Bear Cubs Hold Hands As Their Mom Goes Hunting For Dinner

Carolyn Mullet

Woman Leaves Back Door Open During Storm, Finds 3 Deer Huddled In Living Room

Carolyn Mullet

10+ Pet Owners Who Found Their Pets By Chance And Now Can’t Live Without Them

Carolyn Mullet

20+ Animal Photos That Add Vitamins For Your Monday

Carolyn Mullet

Fox Family Keeps Visiting Man’s Backyard And Make Themselves At Home

Olivia

20 Photos That Show The Unconditional Love Between Pets And Their Owners

Carolyn Mullet

Extremely Rare Black Black Flamingo Captured On Camera In Cyprus

Margot Nolan

Playful Baby Elephant Spotted Pressing Her Human Friend To The Ground To Hug Him

Margot Nolan

Adorable Footage Of Mother Elephant Helping Her Calf Climb Over The Concrete Fence While Crossing Road

Margot Nolan

It’s Real Life Lion King: Lion Dad Spotted Hugging His Cub Lovingly

Olivia

10+ Animals Who Are So Cute That We Want To Hug Them Immediately

Carolyn Mullet