Gouldian Finches Control Their Chick's Gender (Subconsciously?)

[cyaneus]

From the Discover Magazine Blog:The Gouldian finch female has a neat trick for maximizing her offspring’s chance of survival: If she mates with a male who is a poor match for her genetically, she increases the proportion of male chicks in the resulting brood. In a new study, researchers say they’ve found unprecedented evidence that these birds can

Comments

[genmaicha]

Gouldian finches are so weird.

[cyaneus]

I've always liked how they look like they're wearing lipstick.

Also, I love that icon; is it from luxicons?

[genmaicha]

Their nestlings' gape markings are awesome, too. :)

Thank you! Yes, it is, and actually I am the creator of it/owner of that icon account; I just had an LJ username change. :)

[cyaneus]

Oh! Those are the little guys that have reflector strips in their mouth, aren't they? Did anyone post about that here? It's pretty WTF.

And I didn't even recognize you! Nice to see you here.

[phoenixineohp]

I hadn't noticed that! Sweet!