No penis required. Google "cloacal kiss." Photo by PWIO via Creative Commons
No penis required. Google “cloacal kiss.” Photo by PWIO via Creative Commons [Photo linked to original]
Sex is intriguing in all its forms, and bird sex is particularly intriguing. Some male birds have giant corkscrew-shaped penises, but most have none, thanks to its evolutionary disappearance millions of years ago. For “Matter,” my weekly New York Times column, I take a look at the case of the disappearing penis, and why it’s important to study, despite what some cable news pundits may say. Check it out!