Sex-reversal, another example

N 5096
House Sparrow Passer domesticus female ad
24 April 1994 Mallorca, Spain
Ovarie 7.3 X 5.0, one egg in oviduct 19.3 x 14.8
oviduct + egg 2.3g, another egg 6.6 x 5.2
Weight 27.4g. Whole body in alcohol No. 1430

This is an interesting case, because it show that a female House Sparrow is able to continue reproduction in spite of getting a nearly 100% male plumage! The female showed no sign of injuries or disease and the ovary was normal. The only not-male features for the season are 1) the upper mandible is nearly black but lower much paler, 2) the bib has some wholly pale grey feathers in the middle and on the right side.

Because sex reversal has been observed most in Phasianinae the following short list of sex-reversal in other bird families maybe can be of some interest:

References:

Baumgartner, A. M. 1987: Sex-reversal in banded Cardinal. North Amer. Bird Bander 12 (2): 76.

Baumgartner, A. M. 1989: Sequel to the tale of the sex-reverted cardinal. North Amer. Bird Bander 14 (3):101.

Post, J. N. J. & E. J. O. Kompanje. 1992: External change in sexual character in female Mallard. Dutch Birding 14 (4): 131-134.

Riddle, O. 1924: A case of complete sex-reversal in the adult pigeon. Amer. Nat. 58: 167-181.