Research looks at the evolutionary pathways to differences in bird plumage patterns between males and females -- and concludes that birds are able to adapt their appearance with remarkable ease.

Animals showcase a remarkable diversity of colors and patterns, from the shimmery appearance of a peacock's tail to the ...

From peacocks to birds of paradise, male birds are well known for showing off their brightly coloured plumage as a way of attracting a mate. However, new research has suggested that males birds may ...

One obvious reason why people enjoy the existence of birds so much is their bright and varied colors. Humans — and most mammals — seem boring in comparison. But why are birds the colors that they are?

When male northern cardinals perch amid evergreens highlighted with a dusting of snow, well, winter doesn't get much more greeting-card gorgeous than that. Because they're so handsome, cardinal images ...

What makes a bird a bird? For starters, it has to be covered with a collection of branching, hair-like structures known as feathers. If you add a toothless beaked jaw, a four-chambered heart, a strong ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. GrrlScientist writes about evolution, ecology, behavior and health. Spectacular plumage color like that seen in many parrot ...