Page 66 - Allah's Artistry in Colour

A male frigate-bird in the Galapagos Islands
inflates the scarlet pouch beneath its bill to
attract a female. The males often gather in
groups upon the mangrove, where they will
later build their nests, and engage in this be-
haviour so that the females flying overhead
can choose their partners. The scarlet colour
of the pouch contrasts sharply with the black
feathers on the upper part of the bird's body,
which have a metallic sheen. 38

Not all animals use their colourings for purposes of cam-
ouflage. Pheasant and peacock males use their coloured
feathers to attract females of the species. When a male
peacock spreads its tail feathers, a glorious scene is re-
vealed.