Gynandromorph Cardinal

Photograph by Jim Frink (c) 2009

No, this image has not been photoshopped. And no, a female cardinal did not fall sideways onto a recently painted front porch. This Northern Cardinal (seen recently in Illinois) is a gynandromorph, an organism which contains both male and female characteristics. For a brief explanation of how this happens and some more photographs, check out:

http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com/2009/01/i-just-received-coolest-bird-photo-ive.html