Researcher publishes detailed observations of bilateral gynandromorph bird in the wild

Researcher publishes detailed observations of bilateral gynandromorph bird in the wild

Western Illinois University biological sciences Professor Brian Peer is receiving attention for his research and publication on a bilateral gynandromorph bird found in the wild.

More specifically, the bird has the brownish-gray feathered appearance of a female cardinal on its right side and that of a male cardinal's red feathers on its left side.

The Northern Cardinal was spotted several years ago in Rock Island, IL by Peer and his colleague Robert Motz and was observed between December 2008 and March 2010. The two men documented how the cardinal interacted with other on more than 40 occasions during that time period and how the bird responded to calls.

"Our paper represents the most detailed observations of a bilateral gynandromorph bird in the wild," said Peer. " We never observed the bird singing and never saw it paired with another cardinal. It was one of the most unusual and striking birds that I've ever seen."

The research paper surrounding the unique bird, titled "Observations of a Bilateral Gynandromorph Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)," was published in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology in December and was then featured in Science magazine.

Peer's primary research focus is on the coevolutionary interaction between avian brood parasites and their hosts.

Researcher publishes detailed observations of bilateral gynandromorph bird in the wild

Journal information: Science

Citation: Researcher publishes detailed observations of bilateral gynandromorph bird in the wild (2015, January 30) retrieved 18 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2015-01-publishes-bilateral-gynandromorph-bird-wild.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Researchers able to perform extended study of stunning wild northern cardinal gynandromorph

12 shares

Feedback to editors