| Present in | Birds | Mammals, including humans |
| Structure | Complex, specialized structure | Structurally simple |
| Function | Responsible for vocalization in birds | Responsible for vocalization in mammalian |
| Location | Located at the base of the trachea, where the trachea splits into the bronchi | Located in the throat, below the pharynx |
| Number | Birds usually have one syrinx | Humans and most mammals have one larynx |
| Sound Production | Sound is produced by the vibration of membranes | Sound is produced by the vibration of vocal cords |
| Flexibility | Highly flexible, allowing complex vocalizations | Less flexible, limited range of sounds |
| Control | Birds have precise control over individual muscles in the syrinx, allowing for a wide range of sounds | Mammals, including humans, have control over the tension and position of vocal cords for speech production |
| Variation | The structure of the syrinx varies widely among bird species | The basic structure of the larynx is more consistent among mammals |
| Development | In birds, the syrinx develops independently of the respiratory system | In mammals, the larynx is integrated with the respiratory system |
