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

Smarter People Talk To Their Pets – Is That True Or Just A Silly Act?

Carolyn Mullet

Formal Black Suit Only To Complement The Striking Golden Yellow Collar Of This Bird

Daniel

The Indian Giant Squirrel Is Almost Too Beautiful To Be Real

Carolyn Mullet

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

Carolyn Mullet

20+ Photos That Prove Pets Can Make Our Lives Meaningful And Happy

Carolyn Mullet

Newborn Baby Panda Gets Reunited With Mom After A Month Of Separation

Olivia

10+ Pictures Showing The Amazing Effort Of Animal Rescue

Carolyn Mullet

15+ Photos That Display How Animal Caregivers Weigh Our Little Pals

Carolyn Mullet

15+ Cute Silly Animals Who Surprise Us With Their Quirky Behaviors

Carolyn Mullet

A Long-Legged Bird With A Serious Kick And Eye Lashes Luxurious Enough To Make Many Woman Green With Envy!

Carolyn Mullet

15+ Animals Who Had A Tough Life, But Now Find Care And Love

Carolyn Mullet

10+ People Who Hoped For A Sea Of Feline Love But Got An Ocean Of Problems

Carolyn Mullet