Bird Genders

Many animal species exhibit sexual dimorphism. This is when the male and females of that species show different physical characteristics. This can be related to physical size, color, or any other trait. This slideshow provides several examples of Iowa bird species with pictures of both genders for each species. A yellow circle will appear around the males. 

• Bird pair 1: The bird on the left is a bright red northern cardinal with a vivid orange beak and a black mask surrounding its beak and eyes. On the right is a  northern cardinal, displaying muted brown plumage with hints of red on the wings, tail, and crest. It has an orange beak.
• Bird pair 2: On the left, a wood duck has vibrant plumage with iridescent green and purple hues, a white throat patch, and a red eye. On the right, another wood duck has muted colors including brown, white, and blue patterns with a distinctive white eye-ring.
• Bird pair 3: The American gold finch on the left has yellowish feathers with brownish wings. The gold finch the right has bright yellow feathers with black wings and a small black cap on its head.
• Bird pair 4:  Both images show a bluejay with plumage of blues, grays, and whites,  distinct black markings around the eyes and a prominent crest atop its head. Both birds have sharp, dark beaks.
• Bird pair 5: The pheasant on the left has patchy brown feathers. In the image on the right, a pheasant has a strikingly colorful plumage, with a vibrant red and blue head and a long, patterned tail.
• Bird pair 6: The Canadian Goose on the left is covered in brown and tan feathers, with a striking black head and neck, accented by a distinctive white patch on its face. The goose on the right stands. This goose on the right also has a black head and neck, accented by a distinctive white patch on its face but with a white chest.
• Bird pair 7: The red-winged black bird on the left is black with red and yellow patches on its wings and a pointed beak.The bird on the right is small, brown with a mix of brown and white streaks, and it has a pointed beak.
• Bird pair 8: Both the American Crow on the right and left have glossy, black feathers and a sharp beak.
• Bird pair 9: On the left, is a small Belted Kingfisher with a slate-blue head with a distinctive crest, dark eyes, and a slightly long beak. Its body features a mix of blue and white plumage, with some contrast provided by grayish tones. The bird on the right also has a blue head with a striking crest, white underparts, and an additional reddish-brown band across its chest.