Abstract
Phenotypic sexing of birds is a common practice among the songbird-keeping community, yet it is based on non-reputable information. This study aims to determine the sex of canaries (Serinus canaria) based on the alignment of the eye with the beak line. A total of 26 samples, consisting of six samples of one-month-old canaries (three males and three females based on PCR examination), 20 samples of six-month-old canaries (ten proven breeding pairs) were used in this study. The birds' heads were photographed from the sides, and then the positions of the eyes were compared with the shadow alignment of the beak. The results provided that five young birds and ten adult birds have a beak line alignment under the eye, while ten adult birds and one young bird have a beak line alignment across the eye. The accuracy of sexing using this method was 100% for both female and male adult canaries. However, this result could not be applied to sample that are not yet sexually mature, as two young male birds were found to have beak alignment below the eye. It can be concluded that sexing adult canaries can be performed by observing the eye and beak line's alignment.
Highlights
Canaries (Serinus canaria) are among the most globally common songbird kept among the bird keeping community (Mudawamah et al, 2012; Auzaini et al, 2013)
This study aims to determine the sex of the canaries based on the eye position with the beak line alignment
The sex of the one-month-old canary specimens was confirmed based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) examination performed at the Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada
Summary
Canaries (Serinus canaria) are among the most globally common songbird kept among the bird keeping community (Mudawamah et al, 2012; Auzaini et al, 2013). In Indonesia, canaries are commonly kept among the bird keeping community because of the fascinating chirping sounds and the unique combination of their feather colors (Padmadi, 2010; Auzaini et al, 2013; Julita et al, 2015). The morphology of males and females are very similar among the species (Cardoso et al, 2012; Abdollahi et al, 2018). Most modern methods are costly and rarely applied among the Indonesia bird keeping community. Several methods of bird sexing have been developed among the bird keeping community. The bird community was developing a sexing method based on the beak's alignment with the eye on Geopelia striata and canaries. This study aims to determine the sex of the canaries based on the eye position with the beak line alignment. The study results are expected to be useful as a reference for the public, veterinarians, and zoologists to determine the sex of canaries
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
