Photo and Commentary ©2026 by Robert Howson
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
It’s an interesting question. Why do most of us see bands of color when we look at a rainbow, even though the rainbow contains a continuum of colors across the visible spectrum? Speculation has it that we categorize what our sensory organs receive in order to make sense out of this abundance of information. Recent research has found that birds have the ability to distinguish between degrees of carotenoid-based colors, say between orange and red, but it has also been found that birds tend to categorize, just as we do, into groups.
Colors are used by birds to attract mates. There is evidence to show that in at least some species females are attracted to males that sport the brightest colors. This is particularly true of reds since carotenoids are not created by the bird itself but must be obtained from the food it finds. Thus, good color would not only indicate good foraging abilities but also good health. The key enzyme that is needed to metabolize carotenoids is also required for the bird’s immune system to function properly. The inference is that this color indicates a healthy partner who is able to pass on those same qualities to its offspring. This evolutionary model may have some validity, but one should be careful how far they follow this line of reasoning. From all appearances, this male Summer Tanager appears to be in good health. Not only is he eating right but he’s also following good hygiene practices.
There is a spiritual danger of following this same type of reasoning. Am I “red” enough to qualify for heaven? Am I good enough to be saved? After all, Jesus sets the standard very high when He tells us that we must be as perfect as our Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:48) The simple answer is, we too, like the birds, must get our “redness” from a source outside ourselves. Thank God that the One who set the standard is also the same One who provides the fulfillment.