How to Tell If a Parrot is Male or Female

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The most accurate ways to check your parrot’s gender
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Telling the sex of parrots can be difficult, as some species have no visible differences between males and females (monomorphic). For these breeds, the only way to definitively tell the sex is to get a DNA test or wait and see if they lay eggs. However, other species of parrots have distinct differences between males and females (dimorphic). To help you tell the sex of your parrot, we spoke with bird specialist Hayley Heartfield and ornithologist Dr. Roger J. Lederer to learn the most accurate methods to use, as well as how to identify specific breeds. Read on to learn more!

The Best Ways to Identify Your Parrot’s Sex

The most accurate way to tell your parrot’s sex is with a DNA test. Use a home testing kit or ask your vet if they’ll do one for you. Or, wait to see if your parrot lays eggs—this is a sure sign she’s female. Some parrot species, like ringnecks and parakeets, have visible differences you can look for, but many do not.

Section 1 of 3:

Determining Your Parrot's Sex

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  1. The most definitive way to determine the sex of a parrot is to observe whether or not they lay eggs. Only female parrots produce eggs. In the wild, a female parrot only lays eggs after mating with a male. But female parrots in captivity may lay eggs in their cage, even if a male isn’t present. [1]
    • Parrots do not lay eggs until they reach the age of sexual maturity. Smaller parrots, like parakeets (also known as budgies) usually reach maturity by 6 months to 1 year. Larger parrots, like African greys, typically reach maturity at 3 to 5 years old. [2]
    • Egg production can have a negative impact on a bird's health. If you have a solo parrot laying eggs, contact your vet.
  2. Get a DNA test . Unless your bird is a sexually dimorphic breed, Heartfield says “DNA sexing is the safest, most efficient way to sex a parrot.” [3] As a plus, it’s faster than waiting for eggs. Many people do not want to wait several years to determine the sex of their bird. For instance, if you are a parrot breeder, you want to know if the birds you have are sexually compatible. DNA test results are typically accurate, but there is a slight chance they could be wrong. [4]
    • Get a DNA test kit online or ask your vet if they perform DNA testing.
    • If you use a DNA test kit, you typically have to collect feathers or draw blood from your bird. Simply follow the directions for the specific kit. Then, send the DNA sample to the specified lab.
    • Monomorphic parrots do not have clear, visual differences between males and females, so a DNA test is usually the best way to determine their sex. Monomorphic breeds include lovebirds, African greys, and conures.
    • Dimorphic parrots do have clear, visual differences between males and females. Dimorphic breeds include ringneck parrots and parakeets/budgies.
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  3. Surgical sexing should be performed by an experienced vet. If you are not an expert in animal medicine, it is unlikely that you will be able to properly find and identify the sex organs of birds. Ask your vet if they perform surgical sexing, or if they can recommend a doctor who does. [5]
    • This method is not used as regularly since the advent of DNA testing. Surgical sexing is more invasive, riskier, and typically more expensive.
    • Parrots' reproductive organs are inside their body. During the surgery, the vet makes a small incision to visually identify the parrot’s reproductive organs.
    • Surgical sexing is mostly used to determine adult parrots with an unknown history. It has been known to harm the reproductive systems of smaller, younger birds.
    Brian Speer, Avian Veterinarian

    Discerning a parrot's sex can perplex even experts. Behaviors may suggest gender, but only DNA or egg-laying confirm it. In monomorphic species, subtle clues provide guesses. Yet biology intersects identity complexly. We should meet each bird on its own terms rather than impose assumptions.

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Section 2 of 3:

Sexing Specific Breeds

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  1. The Ringneck differs from some other breeds because it is sexually dimorphic. This means that there is a way to visually distinguish the sex of these birds. A male Ringneck develops a brightly colored, dark ring around his neck. The female will have a very faint ring, or no ring at all. [6]
    • The ring does not develop until the bird is sexually mature. This will occur when he is about 3 years old.
    • A female Ringneck typically has a rounder face than a male.
  2. According to Heartfield, the best way to tell if a parakeet is male or female is to look at their cere, which are the nostrils above their beak. She says “male budgies will have purple or dark blue ceres” while “females will have white, pink, or even a rusty red/brown” cere. [7]
    • Wait to identify your budgie’s sex once they’re mature, which is around 4 to 6 months. Heartfield says “it can be hard to tell gender in the young parakeets who have not hit sexual maturity yet, as the color hasn't always developed.” [8]
  3. Lovebirds are considered monomorphic parrots, so the best way to tell if your bird is male or female is to get a DNA test. However, Lederer suggests there are some slight differences between males and females. He says that males “have a less rounded head than the females” and “the female’s beak is also larger and wider than that of males.” [9]
  4. To tell if your cockatiel is male or female , Heartfield suggests looking at their tail and wing feathers. She says “females typically have barring or pearled (stripes) on the tail or wing feathers” while males do not. Males also might have brighter orange cheeks, but Heartfield says this is “subjective to the viewer.” [10]
  5. The Eclectus is one of the simpler breeds to visually sex. The male is typically mostly green with vivid splashes of red on his wing bends and the sides of his body. The female Eclectus is mainly red, blue, or purple. [12]
    • The male has a candy corn (multi-colored) beak, while the female almost always has an entirely black beak.
  6. Most people consider these parrots monomorphic, so the best way to tell the sex of an African grey is to wait for eggs or get a DNA test performed. However, African grey parrots have several physical characteristics that can help you tell whether you have a male or female. It is just important to remember that these are general traits and do not lead to a scientific determination. [13]
    • Male African greys tend to be larger. They are typically 12-14 inches (30-36 cm) in height, while females are usually less than 12 inches (30 cm) tall.
    • Male African greys usually have eye patches that are pointed, while a female's eye patches are mainly rounded.
    • Female African greys have light grey feathers on the underside of their bodies. In males, these feathers are typically a darker grey.
  7. With the Quaker parrot , the only definitive way to tell the sex is to get a DNA test or wait for the bird to lay eggs. Some female Quakers do not lay eggs until they are more than 10 years old, so you might have to be very patient to determine the sex of your Quaker. [14]
    • You can make an educated guess based on some behavioral traits of Quaker Parrots. For example, a male parrot may move his tail briskly side to side during high hormonal periods. Females are more apt to move their tails up and down.
    • Tip : When you purchase or adopt a parrot, make sure that you ask for information about the breed. Different types of parrots look and behave differently. Some of them have easier ways to discern sex, too.
  8. There is a fairly accurate way to determine the sex of Senegal parrots. The under-tail feathers of a male Senegal are almost always pure yellow. It is very rare to find a male Senegal with any green in these feathers. [15]
    • Female Senegals have under-tail feathers that are a combination of yellow and green.
    • Male Senegals also tend to be larger and have wider heads.
    • This method is not 100% accurate.
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Section 3 of 3:

Caring For Your Parrot

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  1. If you are considering adopting or buying a parrot, make sure that you have considered all aspects of bird ownership. For instance, in order to be happy, parrots like to have at least a little bit of time outside of the cage each day. Be certain that you are comfortable having a parrot flying around or house before bringing one home. [16]
    • If you have a spare room, consider devoting that room solely to your parrot. They will appreciate having their own space to fly.
    • Parrots like to chew, so make sure to cover wires, candles, air fresheners, or anything else that would be harmful to a bird.
  2. Parrots are very smart and can make wonderful companions. Remember, your parrot is not just decoration. They have a personality, likes, and dislikes. Take some time to get to know your bird. [17]
    • Parrots like to be social, so spend time with them each day. Talk to your parrot or try singing to them.
    • Consider adopting 2 parrots. They will enjoy having company.
  3. If your parrot will spend most of their time in a cage, make it a comfortable space. Purchase the largest cage that you have room for. Make sure there is room for them to have several perches and toys. [18]
    • Place perches on different levels so your bird has a variety of places to play and rest.
  4. Like humans, parrots need food from a variety of sources, including grains and vegetables. You can purchase commercial parrot pellets as a base for your parrot's diet. Then, supplement the pellets with specific "human" foods. [19]
    • Feed your parrot a variety of vegetables, such as zucchini, peas, and green beans. Cut them into small pieces to feed them.
    • Your parrot can eat almost any type of grain-based breakfast cereal. Feed them dry cereal each morning.
    • Table foods should make up 20-40% of your parrot's total diet.
    • Provide your parrot with fresh, clean water daily.
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      • Be aware of the responsibilities that go along with owning any pet.
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      • Ask your vet for tips to tell the sex of your parrot.
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      • In terms of interaction, if 2 parrots are fighting each other for dominance, they are probably female. If the 2 are ignoring each other for a couple of weeks, it likely means one is a male and the other is a female.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.forthebirdsdvm.com/pages/discouraging-breeding-behavior-in-pet-birds
      2. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/animal/African-gray-parrot
      3. ↑ Hayley Heartfield. Bird Specialist. Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.
      4. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10648277/
      5. ↑ https://nilesanimalhospital.com/services/blood-sexingsurgical-sexing/
      6. ↑ http://indianringneck.com/sexing/
      7. ↑ Hayley Heartfield. Bird Specialist. Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.
      8. ↑ Hayley Heartfield. Bird Specialist. Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.
      9. ↑ Roger J. Lederer, PhD. Ornithologist. Expert Interview. 28 November 2023.
      1. ↑ Hayley Heartfield. Bird Specialist. Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.
      2. ↑ Hayley Heartfield. Bird Specialist. Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/birds/female-ecelctus-parrots-flamboyant-plumage-sectrets
      4. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/animal/African-gray-parrot
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/s1his_XQqHQ?feature=shared&t=42
      6. ↑ https://birdsnways.com/introduction-to-senegals/
      7. ↑ https://www.mspca.org/pet_corner/how-to-care-for-birds-parrots-as-pets/
      8. ↑ https://www.mspca.org/pet_corner/how-to-care-for-birds-parrots-as-pets/
      9. ↑ https://www.mspca.org/pet_corner/how-to-care-for-birds-parrots-as-pets/
      10. ↑ https://smallanimal.vethospital.ufl.edu/clinical-services/zoological-medicine/how-to-care-for-your-pet-bird/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To tell the sex of a parrot that's around 3 years old, look for eggs in its cage, since females in captivity often lay eggs without mating. Alternatively, try taking the parrot to the vet for a DNA test, which involves sending a feather or nail clipping sample to a lab. You could also talk to your vet about performing surgical sexing to properly identify your bird's sex organs However, keep in mind that this may only be an option if your bird is older, since the process can harm younger birds. For tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to tell the sex of other types of parrots, such as African Grey and Quaker Parrots, keep reading.

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