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Researchers Find Rare Bird With Both Male And Female Characteristics

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A gynandromorph — a bird that is both female and male — was banded at Powdermill Nature Reserve in Recotr, Pennsylvania during its fall migration. (Annie Lindsay/Powdermill Nature Reserve - Carnegie Museum of Natural History)
A gynandromorph — a bird that is both female and male — was banded at Powdermill Nature Reserve in Recotr, Pennsylvania during its fall migration. (Annie Lindsay/Powdermill Nature Reserve - Carnegie Museum of Natural History)

Rose-breasted grosbeaks are not uncommon during fall migration in western Pennsylvania. But scientists at a research station were surprised to see a rare rose-breasted grosbeak at their bird banding station recently.

The bird was male on one side and female on the other. Kara Holsopple of The Allegheny Front reports.

Black and white feathers are indicative of a male. (Annie Lindsay / Powdermill Nature Reserve - Carnegie Museum of Natural History)
Black and white feathers are indicative of a male. (Annie Lindsay / Powdermill Nature Reserve - Carnegie Museum of Natural History)

This segment aired on October 21, 2020.

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