'Interface' is male, reproductive organs are female: Strange 'gender reversal' phenomenon in birds

DNVN - The phenomenon of sex reversal has been recorded in many other animal species such as fish, amphibians and reptiles, but cases in birds and mammals are very rare.

The kingfisher is one of several species of birds that exhibit the phenomenon of "sex reversal".

A recent study, conducted by scientists from the University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia), has shown that the phenomenon of "sex reversal" (a mismatch between genetic sex and physical sex) in wild birds in Australia is more common than previously thought.

Accordingly, 500 birds of five common species in Australia, including magpies, laughing kingfishers, crested pigeons, rainbow parrots and scale-breasted parrots were DNA tested and their genitals examined. 24 of them (about 5%) were sex-reversed, of which kingfishers had the highest rate of 6.9% and magpies had the lowest rate of 4% of the birds surveyed. In particular, there was a case of a male bird showing signs of laying eggs.

“These results indicate that sex determination in wild birds is more flexible than we thought and may persist into adulthood,” said Dr Dominique Potvin, lead author of the study.

The study raises questions about the causes behind sex reversal in birds. Clare Holleley, an environmental biologist at Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, said the phenomenon could be caused by chemicals, environmental stress, or other factors.

Hien Thao

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/-giao-dien-la-duc-co-quan-sinh-san-la-cai-hien-tuong-dao-nguoc-gioi-tinh-ky-la-o-loai-chim/20250815033701453