AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Primary Feather Pattern as a Sex Criterion in the Pheasant

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1971
Authors:Linder, RL, Dahlgren, RB, Elliott, CR
Journal:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume:35
Issue:4
Date Published:1971
ISBN Number:0022541X
Keywords:Phasianidae, Phasianus, Phasianus colchicus
Abstract:Sex of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) can be determined by color patterns of the outer primaries and primary coverts. Primaries from females typically show light-colored bars that meet the rachis at right angles along its entire length. Males typically have no pattern on the ends of their primaries, or primaries of males have a more diffuse color pattern than primaries of females. When males have a barred pattern, the bars are usually wedge-shaped and meet the rachis with the point of the wedge at an angle. Both game-farm and wild stock in juvenal plumage were sexed with less accuracy than older birds. After reviewing brief instructions and looking at several sample wings, observers using this technique averaged 96 percent accuracy for sexing game-farm birds and 93 percent accuracy for wild stock of all ages.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/3799797
Short Title:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith