Painted Bunting

This is the first Painted Bunting to visit my yard this year. They are so colorful.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/08...nting_4595.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/08...nting_4702.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/08...nting_4692.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/08...nting_4679.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/08...nting_4628.jpg

Very nice capture of a beautiful bird. - TF

Remarkable pictures Ira. I have wondered this before, but I really have to ask after seeing this bird... Can any Ornithologists out there tell me exactly why this bird has to have so many different colors? Is there a reason? I mean, I know basically it is to attract a mate, but other birds have only 1 to 3 different colors and they manage ok.
What's up with this one? It's really wild!
:confused:

Kristine

. . . very colourful series Ira, all excellent captures of an exotic little bird ! :thumbsup:

Kristine,
There are many birds that are very colorful, and some that are even more extraordinary. Just look at some of the birds of paradise, or other tropical birds. You hit the nail on the head -- the colors are really just for mating, each in their own way. If you subscribe to evolution, then picking up a mate is all there is too it -- think about it this way: the more colorful they are, the easy it is for them to become the prey, so there must be some pretty big benefit to being so bright.

A beautiful bird Ira, nice shots.

Wow. Those are beautiful shots!

Ufda. I'd be happy to just see one of these gorgeous birds, let alone photograph one.

Great feather detail!!!