Calling All Cardinal Lovers!

KingstonsMom · ‎03-09-2010

A northern cardinal was caught in central Texas with a rare abnormality that causes it to have female plumage on one side of its body and male on the other.

Typically male cardinals are the well-known deep-red, while the female is a pale tan.

Birds who have bilateral gynandromorphism also share an ovary and a testis, the group Inland Bird Banding Association (IBBA), who initially banded the bird in 2014, said.

They said the bird returns each winter to their feeders.

Since the IBBA posted the picture to their Facebook page in late November, The cardinal's split color scheme has become an online sensation with more than 58,000 shares and 6,800 comments.

The rare cardinal not only has a split of male and female feathers, it also has dual sex organs

Bilateral gynandromorphism is the rare abnormality giving various animals and insects a combination of sexual organs on the inside and plumage on the outside. This cardinal was first discovered in Central Texas in 2014

A northern cardinal, showing the deep red male side, was found by Inland Bird Banding Association. They say the bird returns to their feeders each winter

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

That's so interesting @KingstonsMom ! Thanks for posting.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

Spurt · ‎03-20-2010

Thanks for posting...I just love Cardinals...

Animals are reliable, full of love, true in their affections, grateful. Difficult standards for people to live up to.”

BlueFinch · ‎08-31-2019

Love my garden cardinals. I saw this and thought it was fascinating. I was a bit perplexed by how this bird was captured, apparently more than once. Cardinals are skittish birds preferring to be admired from a distance.

I have a pair that has hung out in my garden for a couple of years. They enjoy several bird baths. What a devoted couple. On occasion, the male will be seen finding what must be a special treat, gently delivering it to the female. They never fail to make me smile.

I'm a little sad for this cardinal. I'm sure this anomaly has affected this birds ability for partnership. It's the makings for a little book -- The Loneliest Cardinal.

yellowrose · ‎03-10-2010

@KingstonsMom Thanks for posting about this. Amazing.

Fly on over to E. TX little cardinal - my feeders are full.

It would thrill me to see you. No Capturing!

Aaaah @BlueFinch I hadn't thought about the partnership factor.

"The Loneliest Cardinal" Now I'm a little sad.

But you're right, it would make a good book.

KingstonsMom · ‎03-09-2010

Either the loneliest cardinal or the most popular bird in the yard, since it has an ovary and a testis, LOL!

Depending on which sex mate they're trying to attract, it could just present that side!

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

Leggett28 · ‎12-17-2011

My Cardinal candle holder is the closest I’ve ever been to a Cardinal. I’ve never seen a real one.

KingstonsMom · ‎03-09-2010

@Leggett28

Awwww, that's a shame!

We have lots around here and they're so pretty, but shy.

The females will usually wait on the roof of DH's workshop, looking longingly at the bird feeder, until they're sure no other birds are around, before they'll eat.

I love your candle holder, though!

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.