Sexing Nuns

[Matt]

I managed to get a decent pic of a pair of Black Headed Nuns side by side showing the subtle differences between hen & cock. The hen is in front. The things I look for are:

1. Body colour. The cock bird is a darker richer colouration than the hen.
2. Head. Even though the hen is at the front, the cocks head still appears bigger and bolder than the hen.
3. Rump. The colour and lustre of the rump feathers is quite richer and glossier in the cock. I think this is the best way to sex them.
4. Beak. An old method of sexing munias is the curvature of the upper mandible where it meets the lower. I haven't really paid too much attention to this in recent years but it is quite evident in this pic.

[Jayburd]

cool Matt! very good, useful
in Tri nuns where colour is less indicative, I use posture - the hen is kind of slouched on the perch, while the male sits straight up.
This method has worked for 5 pairs of mine now, all the ones sitting upright sang and none of the slouched ones did.

[Diane]

I know nothing about nuns other than those two look great
Something else I noticed on the pic, the hens beak has a blue tinge to it, maybe the pic maybe not
Also the cock has a light coloured ring around his eye while the hens is dark, is this a sex indicator too, or more to to do with the age of birds?

[Jayburd]

oh yes I see what you mean - yes could these be indicators?

[Matt]

I think the beak colour is just the photo and I tend to think the eye ring would be age related. He is almost 3 years old and she is only 12 months. I will compare with others of similar age though.

[GregH]

That's damned useful for me - I hope it works on wild caught birds as it might explain why with 6 birds they have never had an interest in breeding. Mind you only one my spice finches builds a nest. Perhaps along with ease of breeding selection has occurred to create or increase sexual dimorphism in the Australian captive population. Must go feed the birds now and have a look for myself.

[jusdeb]

Awesome photo