Justin Vivian Bond: Rare Bird at Feinstein's at the Nikko

Justin Vivian Bond: Rare Bird Finally, The Times gets it right!!! The bird’s internal characteristics remain a mystery. In some, but not all, previously studied cases, gynandromorphic birds have had internal sex organs that matched their external plumage, with an ovary on one side and a testis on the other. Past observations suggest that some gynandromorphic birds can successfully court mates and reproduce. But this particular green honeycreeper was never observed engaging in any courtship or mating behavior. It tended to avoid other green honeycreepers and often hung back from the feeding station until other birds had departed. “The bird was inclined to be a bit of a loner,” Dr. Spencer said. Still, it seemed to stick around, visiting the feeding station repeatedly over a period of nearly two years. “This bird was around for a long time,” Dr. Spencer said. “It wasn’t at any kind of obvious disadvantage, except possibly in finding a mate.” - Emily Anthes, The New York Times Come kick off Pride month with this rare songbird at Feinstein’s at the Nikko May 30-June 1!!!