How can children tell if “Big Bird” from Sesame Street is a boy or a girl bird and what gendered features does Big Bird use in his/her behavior, especially speech patterns and style?

To determine the gender of "Big Bird" from Sesame Street, which is an anthropomorphic character, we can look at a few key factors:

1. Official Statements: The creators of Sesame Street have referred to Big Bird as male in various interviews and promotional material. This source provides an authoritative statement on the character's gender.

2. Appearance: Although appearance alone doesn't determine gender, Big Bird is typically associated with male characteristics. He is proportioned with traits stereotypically associated with male birds, such as a tall stature, broad shoulders, and a deep voice.

3. Pronouns: In Sesame Street scripts and related materials, Big Bird is consistently referred to using male pronouns like "he" and "him".

Regarding behavior, speech patterns, and style, Big Bird does not exhibit overtly gendered characteristics. Big Bird's speech patterns are neutral and not specifically coded as masculine or feminine. Big Bird's behavior emphasizes childlike innocence, curiosity, and empathy, rather than conforming to gender norms typically associated with boys or girls.

If children have further questions about gender, it can be an opportunity to explain that gender is not always binary, and that everyone has the right to express their gender identity in their own unique way.