Birdwatchers Are Going Crazy Over One In Million Rare Bird Spotted In Alabama. But Why Is It So Special?

8The rare yellow cardinal cannot absorb other colors

The feathers of the Northern yellow cardinal that a study collected in 1989 in Baton Rouge Louisiana did not display any red carotenoids which are common to the Northern cardinals. The study then found that the rare yellow cardinal could not process the other hues or carotenoids.The genetic mutation had canceled its ability to absorb other hues. 

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9The missing colors don’t affect the bird’s health

The genetic mutation does not affect the bird’s health as studies have found that there is no relation of the colors to physiological functions of the bird. However, it denies the bird its ability to send the right social signals done through enhancing its bodily colors. This could make it hard for mating or defending territory.

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10The bird should not be confused with its South American counterpart

Hill says that in all of his 40 years of bird watching, he has never seen a rare yellow cardinal with the one in a million yellow appearance form a genetic mutation. However, the rare yellow cardinal should not be mistaken with the regular yellow cardinal which is an Endangered Species is found in South America. It also has black and white markings and can feature a green hue.

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11The migratory birds act by congress

Congress has passed the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918 that protects birds from useless killing. To celebrate this centennial, National Geographic partnered with the National Audubon Society of Birdlife International and the Cornell lab of ornithology and has declared 2018 to be the year of the bird. 

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