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Bird sex determination by DNA

For more than 10 years we have been experts in bird sexing on the basis of blood, feather or eggshell samples. In our state-of-the-art laboratory specialised in Molecular Biology we have already tested 450 bird species up till now and we are still expanding our expertise. Please check our avian species list to see whether we have tested your specific bird’s species before

In order to define your bird’s sex, you can choose to send us either:
  • Blood samples
  • Feather samples
  • Eggshell samples

You will receive the test results within 2-3 working days from receipt of the bird DNA together with a free bird identity card for each bird that you sex with us!

If you are not sure how to collect your samples, please take a look at our how to collect page. If you aren’t sure how you should order your bird sexing test, you can take a look at our how to order page.

Why should you choose STAB VIDA?
  • ISO 9001 certified
  • Results available within 2-3 working days
  • Quality assured, results are always double checked
  • Free electronic certificate, downloadable and printable
  • Certificate on special paper with white stamp also available
  • Creating your personal area on our website allows you to follow the status of all your samples
  • Free bird identity card
  • Personal service, online chat available
Bird Sexing by DNA, using samples of feathers, blood or eggshells is currently the most advantageous method, representing the following prominent benefits:
  • No surgical intervention such as anaesthetics required
  • Applicable to birds of any age, any time of the year
  • The birds are not subjected to the stress of transport
  • Reliable method applicable to most species
Do you wish a more scientific explanation of the bird sex determination?

In STAB VIDA's laboratory, experts are working every day on Bird Sexing. Bird Sexing is a service which requires conscientious precision, responsibility and a solid scientific basis. Our experts with more than 10 years’ experience working with animal DNA work in our state-of-the-art laboratory specialised in Molecular Biology.

The method of sex identification of birds via DNA is based on the different compositions of birds' sex chromosomes between male and female. The male has two equal sex chromosomes: the Z chromosome. On the other hand the female has two different ones: the Z and the W Chromosomes. The Z and the W chromosomes have different sizes allowing to observe different bindings between the two sexes. Therefore the distinction between male and female becomes effective: the male possess a single band (corresponding to two Z chromosomes), while the females have two bands (corresponding to the Z and W chromosomes).

bird dna analysis

The extensive database of DNA, present in STAB VIDA, always allows each result to be compared with birds of the same species and known sex.

Bird species list

Our list of bird species keeps on growing! Below you will find the list of avian species that we have tested so far. If you click on a bird species in the list, you will find a picture of the species along with some extra facts.

Is your bird species not on our list?

Step 1. Send us a master sample of a bird of the same species, preferably from a female bird
Step 2. Step 2. Send us the samples of the birds that you want to sex
There are no extra costs involved besides the sexing of your bird!
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require extra help!

Scientific name
Aburria cumanensis
Accipiter nisus
Accipter gentilis
Acridotheres cristatellus
Acridotheres Fuscus
Acridotheres ginginianus
Acridotheres tristis
Acryllium vulturinum
Aegypius monachus
Agapornis
Agapornis fischeri
Agapornis lilianae
Agapornis nigrigenis
Agapornis personatus
Agapornis roseicollis
Agapornis taranta
Alauda arvensis
Alectoris chukar
Alectoris graeca
Alisterus amboinensis
Alisterus scapularis
Amazona aestiva
Amazona aestiva aestiva
Amazona aestiva xanthopteryx
Amazona albifrons
Amazona amazonica
Amazona auropalliata
Amazona autumnalis
Amazona autumnalis lilacina
Amazona autumnalis mexicana
Amazona barbadensis
Amazona brasiliensis
Amazona cubano
Amazona dufresniana
Amazona farinosa
Amazona farinosa guatemalae
Amazona festiva
Amazona festiva bodini
Amazona finschi
Amazona leucocephala
Amazona muller
Amazona ochrocephala
Amazona ochrocephala panamensis
Amazona oratrix
Amazona oratrix tresmariae
Amazona parvipes
Amazona pretrei
Amazona rhodocorytha
Amazona tresmariae
Amazona tucumana
Amazona ventralis
Amazona vinacea
Amazona viridigenalis
Amazona xanthops
Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus
Anthropoides virgo
Aplopelia larvata
Aprosmictus erythropterus
Ara ararauna
Ara ararouca
Ara auricollis
Ara chloroptera
Ara couloni
Ara glaucogularis
Ara hyacinthinus
Ara macao
Ara maracana
Ara militaris
Ara nobilis
Ara rubrugena
Ara severus
Aramides ypecaha
Arara Jacinta
Arara-catalina
Aratinga acuticaudata
Aratinga aurea
Aratinga auricapilla
Aratinga auropalliata
Aratinga canicularis
Aratinga erythrogenys
Aratinga finschi
Aratinga jandaya
Aratinga leucophthalma
Aratinga mitrata
Aratinga nanday
Aratinga pertinax
Aratinga rubritorquis
Aratinga solstitialis
Aratinga wagleri
Aratinga weddellii
Arborophila gingica
Ardeola speciosa
Argusianus argus
Astrild cyanocephale
Athene noctua
Balearica pavonina
Balearica regulorum
Barnardius barnardi
Barnardius zonarius
Barnardius zonarius semitorquatus
Boissonneaua jardini
Bolborhynchus lineola
Bombycilla cedrorum
Bostrychia hagedash
Branta leucopsis
Brotogeris sanctithomae
Brotogeris tirica
Brotogeris versicolurus
Bucorvus leadbeateri
Burhinus oedicnemus
Cacatua alba
Cacatua ducorpsii
Cacatua galah
Cacatua galerita
Cacatua galerita eleonora
Cacatua goffini
Cacatua leadbeateri
Cacatua Moluccensis
Cacatua sanguinea
Cacatua sulphurea
Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata
Cacatua sulphurea parvula
Cacatua tenuirostris
Caloenas nicobarica
Caloenas nicobarica
Calyptorhynchus banksii
Carduelis atrata
Carduelis carduelis
Carduelis chloris
Carduelis cucullatus
Carduelis flammea
Carduelis flavirostris
Carduelis hornemanni
Carduelis magellanica
Carduelis major
Carduelis spinus
Carduelis tristis
Cariama cristata
Caropsis migra
Carpodacus mexicanus
Catreus wallichii
Chaetura meridionalis
Chaetura meridionalis
Chalcophaps chrysochlora
Chalcophaps indica
Chalcopsitta atra
Chalcopsitta cardinalis
chalcopsitta duivenbodei
Chalcopsitta scintillata
Chalcopsitta scintillata rubrifons
Charadrius hiaticula
Charmosyna papou goliathina
Chauna torquata
Chloris chloris
Ciconia nigra
Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
Cochlearius cochlearius
Colius striatus
Columba arquatrix
Columba corensis
Columba guinea
Columba larvata
Columba larvata
Columba livia
Columba maculosa
Columba maculosa albipennis
Columba minuta
Columba oenas
Columba oenops
Columba palumbus
Columba picazuro
Columba picturata
Columbina cruziana
Columbina squammata
Columbina talpacoti
Conur mandayus menday
Coracias cyanogaster
Coracias garrulus
Coracias naevieus
Coracopsis nigra
Coracopsis vasa
Coracya cyanogaster
Coragyps atratus
Corvus albus
Corvus corax
Coscoroba coscoroba
Cosmopsarus regius
Cossypha niveicapilla
Creatophora cinerea
Crossoptilon auritum
Crossoptilon crossoptilon
Crossoptilon mantchuricum
Cyanocompsa brissonii
Cyanocompsa brissonni
Cyanoliseus patagonus
Cyanopica cyanus
Cyanoramphus novaezeleandiae
Cygnus atratus
Cygnus melanocoryphus
Cygnus olor
Dacelo novaeguineae
Dendrocopos major
Dendrocygna arborea
Deroptyus accipitrinus
Dinemellia dinemelli
Diopsittaca nobilis
Diuca diuca
Dromaius novaehollandiae
Ducula pistrinaria
Ducula rosacea
Ducula spilorrhoa
Duteo buteo
Egretta novaehollandiae
Elanus caeruleus
Emblema guttata
Eolophus roseicapillus
Eos bornea
Eos reticulata
Eos squamata obiensis
Erithacus rubecula
Erythrura cyaneovirens
Erythrura gouldiae
Erythrura Psittacea
Erythrura trichroa
Estrilda caerulescens
Estrilda melpoda
Estrilda rhodopyga
Estrilda troglodytes
Eudocimus albus
Eudocimus ruber
Eudromia elegans
Falco femoralis
Falco peregrinus
Falco rusticolus
Falco vespertinus
Forpus coelestis
Forpus xanthopterygius
Galinholas
Gallicolumba criniger
Gallicolumba luzonica
Gallicolumba rufigula
Gallicolumba tristigmata
Garrulax canorus
Garrulus glandarius
Geopelia cuneata
Geopelia humeralis
Geopelia maugei
Geopelia placida
Geopelia striata
Geophaps lophotes
Geotrygon versicolor
Geotrygon versicolor
Geronticus calvus
Geronticus eremita
Gibber italicus
Goura cristata
Goura victoria
Goura victoria
Gracula religiosa
Gracula religiosa
Grus vipio
Guarouba guarouba
Guttera pucherania pucherania
Gymnorhina tibicen
Gyps fulvus
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Hieraaetus pennatus
Himantopus himantopus
Himantopus mexicanus
Ixobrychus minutus
Lamprotornis caudatus
Lamprotornis chalybaeus
Lamprotornis chloropterus
Lamprotornis iris
Lamprotornis purpureus
Lamprotornis regius
Lamprotornis splendidus
Lamprotornis superbus
Lathamus discolor
Leiothrix lutea
Leptotila rufaxilla
Leptotila verreauxi
Leucopsar rothschildi
Leucosarcia melanoleuca
Lonchura atricapilla
Lonchura bicolor
Lonchura castaneothorax
Lonchura cucullata
Lonchura griseicapilla
Lonchura maja
Lonchura malabarica
Lonchura malabarica
Lonchura malacca
Lonchura molluca
Lonchura nevermani
Lonchura striata domestica
Lophocroa leadbeateri
Lophophorus impeyanus
Lophospingos pusillus
Loris Arco-Iris
Loris fuscata
Loris mitchell
Loris molucanos
Loris reticulata
Lorius chlorocercus
Lorius garrulus
Lorius hypoinochrous
Lorius lory
Lybius dubius
Melopsittacus undulatus
Merops apiaster
Metriopelia ceciliae
Mino dumontii
Monticola saxatilis
Musophaga rossae
Musophaga violacea
Mycteria ibis
Myiopsitta monachus
Nandayus nenday
Neochmia ruficauda
Neochmia temporalis
Neophema bourkii
Neophema chrysostoma
Neophema elegans
Neophema pulchella
Neophema splendida
Neophema tourquoisine
Neopsephotus bourkii
Nitycorax nitycorax
Northiella haematogaster
Numida meleagris
Nymphicus hollandicus
Ocyphaps lophotes
Oena capensis
Onychognathus morio
Oratrix magna
Oreortyx pictus
Oriolus oriolus
Orthopsittaca manilatus
Oryzoborus crassirostris
Otus scops
Padda fuscata
Padda oryzivora
Parabuteo unicinctus
Paroaria capitata
Paroaria coronata
Paroaria dominicana
Parus caeruleus
Passerina ciris
Passerina cyanea
Pauxi pauxi
Pavo cristatus
Phapitreron leucotis nigrorum
Phaps chalcoptera
Pica pica
Piezorinha cinerea
Pinicola Enucleator
Pionites leucogaster
Pionites leucogaster xanthomerius
Pionites melanocephala
Pionopsitta pileata
Pionus chalcopterus
Pionus fuscus
Pionus maximiliani
Pionus menstruus
Pionus senilis
Pipile cumanensis
Platycercus adelaideae
Platycercus adscitus
Platycercus caledonicus
Platycercus elegans
Platycercus eximius
Platycercus flaveolus
Platycercus icterotis
Platycercus pallicep
Platycercus venustus
Plegadis falcinellus
Podargus strigoides
Poephila acuticauda
Poephila bichenovili.
Poephila cincta
Poephila personata
Poicephalus cryptoxanthus
Poicephalus gulielmi
Poicephalus jardine
Poicephalus meyeri
Poicephalus Robustus
Poicephalus rueppellii
Poicephalus Rufiventris
Poicephalus senegalus
Polyplectron bicalcaratum
Polyplectron chalcurum
Polyplectron germaini
Polyplectron inopinatum
Polyplectron napoleonis
Polytelis alexandrae
Polytelis anthopeplus
Polytelis swainsonii
Porphyrio porphyrio
Primolius couloni
Primolius Maracana
Propyrrhuna couloni
Propyrrhura auricollis
Psephotus chrysopterygius chrysopterygius
Psephotus dissimilis
Psephotus haematogaster
Psephotus haematonotus
Pseudeos fuscata
Psilopsiagon Aymara
Psittacara holochlorus
Psittacula alexandri
Psittacula cyanocephala
Psittacula derbiana
Psittacula eupatria
Psittacula himalayana
Psittacula krameri
Psittacula roseata
Psittacus erithacus
Psittacus erithacus erithacus
Psittacus erithacus princeps
Psittacus erithacus timneh
Psitteuteles goldie
Psitteuteles iris
Pternistis erckelii
Pteronetta hartlaubii
Ptilopachus petrosus
Ptilopsis leucotis
Puffinus pacificus
Pulsatrix perspicillata
Purpureicephalus spurius
Pycnonotus cafer
Pycnonotus jocosus
Pycnonotus leucogenys
Pycnonotus leucotis
Pyrrhula pyrrhula
Pyrrhura aurea
Pyrrhura cruentata
Pyrrhura egregia
Pyrrhura egregia
Pyrrhura emma
Pyrrhura frontalis
Pyrrhura griseipectus
Pyrrhura hypoxantha
Pyrrhura lepida
Pyrrhura leucotis
Pyrrhura melanura
Pyrrhura molinae
Pyrrhura molinae cinnamon
Pyrrhura molinae hypoxantha
Pyrrhura molinae pineapple
Pyrrhura perlata
Pyrrhura picta
Pyrrhura picta
Pyrrhura rhodocephala
Pyrrhura rhodogaster
Pyrrhura roseifrons
Pyrrhura rupicola
Pyrruhura leucogaster
Ramphastos sulfuratos
Ramphastos toco albogularis
Rosela platycercus eximius
Sarcops calvus
Senegal
Serinus atrogularis
Serinus atrogularis
Serinus atrogularis somereni
Serinus canaria
Serinus dorsostriatus
Serinus hypostictus
Serinus leucopygius
Serinus mozambicus
Serinus reichenows
Serinus striolatus
Serinus sulphuratus
Sicalis flaveola
Sittasomus griseicapillus
Spreo superbus
Stagonopleura guttata (or Emblema guttata)
Streptopelia capicola
Streptopelia chinensis
Streptopelia decaocto
Streptopelia decipiens
Streptopelia lugens
Streptopelia picturata
Streptopelia roseogrisea
Streptopelia semitorquata
Streptopelia senegalensis
Streptopelia turtur
Strix leptogrammica
Strix nebulosa
Struthio camelus
Sturnus pagodarum
Sturnus sinensis
Sturnus unicolor
Sturnus vulgaris
Taeniopygia guttata
Tangara cyanicollis
Tauraco erythrolophus
Tauraco fischeri
Tauraco hartlaubi
Tauraco leucolophus
Tauraco leucotis
Tauraco livingstonii
Tauraco persa buffoni
Tauraco Persa Persa
Tauraco porphyreolophus
Tauraco schalowi
Thalassornis leuconotus
Theristicus caudatus
Theristicus melanopis
Threskiornis spinicollis
Tockus erythrorrinchus
Tockus flavirostris
Tordo dissimilis
Trachyphonus darnaudii
Tragopan caboti
Treron calva
Treron wallia
Trichoglossus capistratus
Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus
Trichoglossus euteles
Trichoglossus haematodus
Trichoglossus haematodus haematodus
Trichoglossus haematodus caeruleiceps
Trichoglossus haematodus capistratus
Trichoglossus haematodus micropteryx
Trichoglossus haematodus mitchellii
Trichoglossus haematodus moluccanus
Trichoglossus haematodus moluccanus
Trichoglossus haematodus ornatus
Trichoglossus haematodus rubritorqui
Trichoglossus iris
Trichoglossus ornatus
Trichoglossus rubritorquis
Turdus iliacus
Turdus merula
Turdus philomelos
Turdus viscivorus
Turtur abyssinicus
Turtur afer
Turtur brehmeri infelix
Turtur chalcospilos
Tyto alba
Upupa epops
Uraenghitus angolensis
Urocissa erythrorhyncha
Vanellus armatus
Vanellus chilensis
Vanellus coronatus
Vanellus miles
Vanellus miles
Vanellus vanellus
Vini australis
Zenaida asiatica
Zenaida auriculata
Zenaida aurita
Zenaida graysoni

How to collect

Feather Blood Eggshell
- Order a free collection kit or download & print our ‘Print it Yourself’ kit
- Wash your hands with alcohol before collecting the sample to avoid contamination.
- When you collect samples from multiple birds, wash your hands with alcohol in between taking samples from different birds
- Do not touch the feathers after they have been collected
- Pluck 4-5 feathers with an average size and in the initial growth phase, i.e. when the feather begins to emerge from the calamus (fig.4). Please avoid direct contact between hands and the calamus region.
- After collecting the feathers should be placed within a sterile bag (fig.2). If the bird doesn't have feathers at this stage of growth, you can pluck a few feathers and wait until the new feathers grow up to the desired stage.
- The bird DNA samples should be sent to STAB VIDA within a maximum of 5 days after collection.
- You can store the samples in a cool and dry place in the meanwhile.
- Order a free collection kit or use blood collection papers (ex. filter papers)
- Wash your hands before collecting the sample to avoid contamination
- When you collect samples from multiple birds, wash your hands with alcohol in between taking samples from different birds
- Do not touch the blood after it has been collected
- Cut the tip of the nail of the bird (fig.3)
- Extract a few drops of blood (3-5)
- You can also collect approximately 0.1 ml of blood from each bird with the help of a sterile syringe (use a syringe for each bird).

Tube:
- Collect it in the tube with alcohol (fig.1) provided in the Kit.

Paper:
- When you user filter paper, please put all the blood in the same spot in the centre of the paper.

- The bird DNA samples should be sent to STAB VIDA within a maximum of 5 days after collection.
Order a free collection kit
- Wash your hands before collecting the sample to avoid contamination
- Do not touch the eggshells after they have been collected
- Collect the entire eggshell of the bird (fig.5) whose sex is to be determined, within the first 24 hours after hatching.
- Put the eggshell in the tube with alcohol (fig.1) provided in the Kit.
- The bird DNA samples should be sent to STAB VIDA within a maximum of 5 days after collection.

Please note: if the eggs hatch at the same time and if you are testing multiple birds, please avoid mixing the eggshells.

Every sample should have the identification number of the bird, or a personal identification if the bird is not registered. Furthermore the data related to your birds should be included in the request for analysis as well as the test kits.

The samples do not need to be refrigerated, but stored in a cool and dry place; however after collecting they must be sent as soon as possible. Please note that the parcel must include the request for analysis.

STAB VIDA is not responsible for any consequences that the test results can cause. Collecting and sending the samples is the responsibility of each client.

Stab Vida PME Excelência 2022