Of course, I don’t think birds know a thing about fractal geometry, but here’s an interesting finding about the fractal characteristics of one indicator of a male bird’s health.

It’s the same reason that peacocks have such colorful, ostentatious tails – female birds like them! Evolution at work.

From Science Magazine:

Birds, do your math: The pattern of feathers on the chest of your potential mate might provide a good sense of his or her overall health and well-being. In a new study, researchers find that a single number that describes the complexity of those configurations, a parameter called the fractal dimension, is linked to whether a bird has a strong immune system or is malnourished.

You may read the full article here.