Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Year of Publication: | 1996 |
Authors: | Mitchell, PI, Scott, I, Evans, PR |
Journal: | Ringing & Migration |
Volume: | 17 |
Issue: | 2 |
Date Published: | 1996 |
ISBN Number: | 0307-8698 |
Keywords: | Iceland, indicator, Scolopacidae, Totanus, Tringa, Tringa totanus, United Kingdom |
Abstract: | Redshank from Iceland (Tringa totanus robusta) and from Britain (T. t. britannica) spend the non?breeding season and moult period around the British coast. Only biometric data distinguishes the two races. Furness & Baillie (1981) proposed that the proportions of the two races present on the Wash (or any other site) in late summer could be estimated during the period of primary moult, based on the premise that britannica commences moult earlier than robusta. We tested Furness & Baillie's approach on a moulting mixed?race assemblage of Redshank at Teesmouth, NE England. Using a model of speed of primary moult derived from captive Redshank we show that there is no consistent difference in starting date or duration of primary moult between the two races. We conclude that the proportions of two races of Redshank in Britain during the moult period cannot be determined using moult score.Redshank from Iceland (Tringa totanus robusta) and from Britain (T. t. britannica) spend the non?breeding season and moult period around the British coast. Only biometric data distinguishes the two races. Furness & Baillie (1981) proposed that the proportions of the two races present on the Wash (or any other site) in late summer could be estimated during the period of primary moult, based on the premise that britannica commences moult earlier than robusta. We tested Furness & Baillie's approach on a moulting mixed?race assemblage of Redshank at Teesmouth, NE England. Using a model of speed of primary moult derived from captive Redshank we show that there is no consistent difference in starting date or duration of primary moult between the two races. We conclude that the proportions of two races of Redshank in Britain during the moult period cannot be determined using moult score. |
URL: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03078698.1996.9674123 |
Short Title: | Ringing & Migration |
Taxonomic name: