With few exceptions (such as sandpipers and button quails), it is the male denizens of the avian world who sport the more colorful plumage.
The most common example of this, of course, is the peacock.
The dull grey feathers of the peahen cannot compare to the peacock's colorful and dazzling tail when spread out to its full measure like the fan of a coy senorita.
The Question It is quite a different matter in the world of the homo sapiens.
Among humans, it is the female of the species who are more flamboyant and colorful, albeit often, a woman's "color" is anything but natural.
From the crown of her head to the tip of her fingernails, a woman has an almost limitless array of options to enhance, add, or amplify what nature has failed to adequately endow upon her.
Most men know the make-up comes off at the end of the day.
For men in the early stages of dating women whom they have only seen in full make-up, seeing their girlfriends without make-up for the first time can be quite a revelation, to say the least.
But they know to expect it.
If a woman is wearing hair extensions or a wig however, they may not even be aware of this fact.
The quality of products available to women today who wish to enhance their crowning glory is such that most men (or even other women) cannot tell them apart from natural hair.
This could be partly because top-rate products actually do use natural hair for their hair extensions and wigs.
So when is the best time to let the man in your life know that the hair he runs his fingers through is not all yours? Or should you even tell? After all, a woman is entitled to her secrets.
The Answer First of all, yes, do tell, but don't make a big deal about it.
There's no need to "prepare" him for the moment of truth.
You're using a beauty product that makes you feel good about yourself, not concealing a hidden identity threatening the existence of mankind.
Mention it casually, when you are most comfortable to talk about it.
Treat your hair extension or wig like make-up - it comes off at the end of the day -- or needs to be maintained every three months or so by your hairstylist.
If you have the right guy sitting across you from the restaurant table, his reaction should be no more than an equally casual, "Really? I couldn't even tell!" A stronger reaction with a hint of deceit or derision is a strong indication that your search for Mr.
Right is far from over.
Second, after you tell him, surprise him by meeting him without your hair extension or wig the next time you go out.
It is important for him to understand that underneath the hair and the make-up is the same fabulous woman he loves.