Sex identification in raptors using PCR

Recent discovery of a gene on the W-chromosome of birds provides a method f or sexing in a variety of avian taxa. We investigated the possible use of p olymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers specific to the CHD-W (chromodomain- helicase-DNA-binding on the W-chromosome) gene to identify sex in nine spec ies of raptors. Blood was collected from birds of known-sex (female and mal e) and DNA was extracted. PCR. using primers P2 and P3, was performed follo wed hy restriction enzyme digestion of the PCR products. Primers P2 and P3, specific to the CHD genes, reliably confirmed the sex in all 38 birds test ed representing nine species and four families. A convenient, inexpensive a nd effective procedure was developed for blood collection, storage and subs equent DNA isolation and PCR analysis.