How to distinguish male and female starlings?
The myna is a common ornamental bird beloved for its intelligence and ability to imitate human voices. Many bird enthusiasts want to know how to distinguish male and female starlings for better care and breeding. This article will introduce in detail how to distinguish male and female starlings, and provide structured data for reference.
1. The appearance difference between male and female starlings

There are some subtle differences in appearance between male and female starlings. The following are the main distinguishing points:
| Features | male starling | Myna |
|---|---|---|
| body shape | Larger, body more slender | Smaller, rounder body |
| head | The head is larger and the beak is thicker | Small head, slender beak |
| feather color | The feathers are darker in color and have a strong luster | Feathers are lighter in color and less shiny |
| behavior | Lively and active, likes to tweet | Relatively quiet, chirps less frequently |
2. The difference between the calls of male and female starlings
The call of starlings is also one of the important basis for distinguishing male and female. Male starlings often have louder, more complex calls and tend to imitate human voices or other sounds. The female starling's call is relatively simple and low in frequency.
| tweet characteristics | male starling | Myna |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Larger | smaller |
| Frequency | High, frequent tweets | low, chirping occasionally |
| Imitation ability | Strong, good at imitating | Weak, less imitative |
3. Differences in reproductive behavior between male and female starlings
During the breeding season, the behavioral differences between male and female starlings will be more obvious. Male starlings will show more courtship behavior, while female starlings are mainly responsible for incubating eggs and caring for young birds.
| reproductive behavior | male starling | Myna |
|---|---|---|
| courtship display | Frequent chirping and display of feathers | Quiet, receptive to courtship |
| nest building | assist in nest building | Mainly responsible for nest building |
| hatch eggs | less involved | Mainly responsible for incubating eggs |
4. Other methods of differentiation
In addition to the above methods, you can also further confirm the male and female starlings through the following methods:
1.DNA testing: This is the most accurate method, but requires professional laboratory support.
2.Observe the anus: During the breeding season, the female myna's anus will bulge slightly, while the male myna's anus will be flatter.
3.Professional appraisal: You can ask experienced bird keepers or veterinarians for identification.
5. Summary
Distinguishing male and female starlings requires a combination of appearance, song, and behavior. While appearance and call are the most commonly used methods, more specialized identification may be required in some cases. Hopefully the information provided in this article will help you better understand the differences between male and female starlings.
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