AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Criteria for age determination in the Spotless Starling (Sturnus unicolor) : cranial pneumatization and tarsal colour

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1983
Authors:Alvarez, SJPeris
Journal:Journal of Ornithology
Volume:124
Issue:1
Date Published:1983
ISBN Number:2193-7192
Keywords:Sturnidae, Sturnus, Sturnus unicolor, Sturnus vulgaris
Abstract:Summary Tarsal coloration in Sturnus unicolor becomes progressively lighter with age and is of certain value in ageing adult birds (3Y–4Y). The process of cranial pneumatization lasts about six months from July to December for first clutch birds and from August to January for those of second broads. According to the degree of frontal pneumatization, October and November are the most effective months for the discrimination between adult and juvenile individuals.
URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01650663
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith