There was a time, long ago, when the birds of jungles were all adorned with gaudy plumage. In modesty the males changed their outfits for browns and grays each year after breeding season, as they had no desire to outshine the forest endlessly. The females were not so reserved. They kept their colors year-round, showing off their beauty to all. They would toss their heads and fluff out their feathers and bask in the sunlight filtering through the trees.
The unseen side of the females was one of insecurity and vanity. Preening and bathing, plucking every stray feather, they were never content to don a more muted coat. If ever she saw ano