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

Grey Beak, Jet Black Head, And Rufous And Chestnut Brown Plumage, This Tiny Fluffy Passerine Bird Is An Attention

Margot Nolan

An Unmistakable Bird With Rufous-chestnut Coat, Orange Mohawk, Blue Face, And Manure-like Smell

Margot Nolan

Meet New Zealand Kaka, A Striking Parrot With Brown Plumage Decked With Green Grey, Orange, And Scarlet

Olivia

10+ Warm Photos Showing The Close Relationship Between Humans And Animals

Carolyn Mullet

10+ Cute Soft Animals That Are Perfect For Hugging And Snuggling

Carolyn Mullet

20 Photos Of Pets That Will Make Your Day More Colorful And Fun

Carolyn Mullet

10+ Photos Proving That Our Pets Have Their Own Kind Of Logic

Carolyn Mullet

Shining Turquoise Plumage Contrasts Well With Jet Black Spangles And A Glistening Jewel Like Purple Throat!

Carolyn Mullet

People Are Loving This Video Of A Bunny Chomping A Snowman’s Carrot Nose

Carolyn Mullet

Poor Foxes Were Rescued From A Fur Farm After Left To Starve Here

Carolyn Mullet

20+ Animals Who Won Our Hearts Thanks To Their Expressive Faces

Carolyn Mullet

Feral Stray Mom Cat and Five Baby Kittens Were Rescued and Helped To Find Their Loving Homes

Susanna