EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULES — NATURE’S COLOR STRATEGY

Wildlife Education | Ornithology & Natural Selection

In the natural world, rules are often established by necessity, but nature always leaves room for fascinating exceptions. A common rule in the avian world is that males possess vibrant, striking colors while females remain drab and camouflaged. This is vividly seen in species like Sunbirds and Asian Fairy Bluebirds. The logic is simple: a male’s brilliance indicates his health and age, helping a female make the best choice for her offspring. Conversely, the female’s muted tones protect her and her nest from predators. However, several species in Langkawi’s ecosystem defy these traditional roles.

THE KINGFISHER EXCEPTION

Take the Collared Kingfisher and the Brown-winged Kingfisher found in our bays. Unlike many other birds, both males and females are equally colorful. The reason lies in their nesting habits. Because kingfishers nest in deep burrows or termite mounds—essentially living in total darkness—their young are naturally hidden from view. This allows the female to be just as vibrant as the male without compromising the safety of the nest.

PREDATORS AND CAMOUFLAGE

In contrast, birds of prey like the White-bellied Sea Eagle and Brahminy Kite break the rule in the opposite direction. Here, even the males lack vibrant colors. As top predators, being too colorful would act as a warning to their prey—akin to a "circus coming to town." For these hunters, camouflage is the ultimate tool for survival, regardless of gender.

By: Irshad Mobarak - Naturalist

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