Agreed. This is more akin to evolution being stuck in a suboptimal (and perhaps a dead-end) local minima - but it is still natural selection as more pleasing features = survival on an individual scale.
Complex systems can spend a long time following gradient descent without reaching the local optimal. For all we know, it's features have other advantages, like scaring off predators.
Traits need to be considered with the ones they compete against. It's impossible to judge the bird in isolation.
Traits need to be considered with the ones they compete against. It's impossible to judge the bird in isolation.