A recent study in Australia has uncovered a surprising phenomenon: several wild bird species, including kookaburras and lorikeets, show signs of sex reversal, where genetic sex does not match reproductive organs.
Researchers found the anomaly in about 5 percent of the 480 birds examined, far higher than expected.
Using DNA tests on birds treated in wildlife centers in southeast Queensland, scientists determined genetic sex, ZZ for males and ZW for females.
They discovered 24 mismatches: most were genetically female but had male organs. Some cases were more complex, including pigeons with both ovarian and testicular tissue, and a male kookaburra showing evidence of egg production.
While causes remain unclear, scientists suspect endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the environment may alter hormonal development.
Experts warn such changes could impair reproduction, shift population dynamics, and exacerbate threats already posed by habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. The findings call for deeper research into environmental impacts on avian biology.
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