Naked armpits

I’ve seen Sacred Ibis before. They’re beautiful and fascinating. This one has something I’ve never seen before, though. As it flies in I can see intense red underwings.

I think, “I’ve never seen those red feather before”.

I’m fascinated, so I research them and find out the red isn’t feathers at all. It’s bare skin, flushed red and only develops during the breeding season.

Another great evolutionary adaptation to show how fit a bird is as a potential mate. I don’t think I’ll be flashing my armpits at potential mates anytime soon, though.