How to Determine the Sex of a Finch

If you are looking to breed finches or choose one that sings well (usually only males do), it is important to be able to determine the sex of a bird. Please understand that this is not easy. Males and females look alike. However, there are a few methods to distinguish the different genders. For some species it is easy to visually determine the sex. For others you must wait and watch the actions of the birds or look for the appearances to become distinguishable during breeding season.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Look at the markings and bird color to determine the sex of a Zebra finch. In addition to their red beak, male Zebra finches will have a black bar on their breasts, orange patches on the cheeks, red-brown flanks with white specks and a scaled pattern beneath the chin. Females have more orangey beaks and lack the colorful body markings.
2. Look for color differences to determine the gender of a Gouldian finch. In Purple-Breasted Gouldian Finches, the males will have a darker purple breast than the females. In White-Breasted Gouldian Finches, the breast colors are the same in both genders. The difference lies with the circle of blue feathers around the head. In Males, this blue circle is slightly bigger and brighter.
3. Examine the color of Green Singers to determine the genders. Males are brighter with more green on their breasts. Females are less green with a circle running around the throat.
4. Look at the face of a European Goldfinch to determine if the bird is a male or female. While both sexes may have the same bright red mask, the color will run all the way past the eye on the males and stop before or in the middle of the eye area on the females.
5. Examine the head on a Blue Cap Cordon Bleu. The males' heads are a vivid blue, while the females' heads are more brownish. This is only true in adult birds.
6. Determine the sex of a Red Cheeked Cordon Bleu by looking at the bird's cheeks. On a male, the cheek area is a vivid red. Males also tend to have a more intense blue body than females.
7. Look at the face of an Owl Finch to determine the bird's sex. The white area on the bird's face is brighter and larger on a male.
8. Determine the sex of an African Red Head by checking out the bird's head. A male will have a red head, while the female will not.
9. Find out the sex of a Java Rice Finch by at the crown of the head. Male Java Rice have a larger cap than the females do.
10. Use the changes caused by the breeding season to determine the sex of a Weaver. Males exhibit vivid colors like red, yellow or black. At other times, look to their actions to determine the sex of Weavers. Only the males weave the nests.
11. Look at a Wydah during breeding season to determine its gender. Males have brightly colored feathers with an extended tail as the time to breed approaches. This is the only time when distinguishing the sexes is possible.
12. Look at the actions of other types of finches to determine the sex. These species include Lavender Waxbills, Tri-Color Nuns, Society, Spice Finches and St. Helena Waxbills. While certain species may require further examination. Mostly, males are the only birds that sing. Females will be the ones laying eggs.

Tips & Warnings

• Understand that the markings are sometimes subtle. Get a second opinion before bringing home a bird you think to be a specific gender.
• If you are forced to observe a bird's actions to determine its sex, make sure you understand what to look for. Each species is different and the indicators may not be general enough to apply to every species.
• Visit efinch.com for photos and additional information on the different species of finches (see Resources below).