Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Year of Publication: | 1993 |
Authors: | Dougall, TW |
Journal: | Ringing & Migration |
Volume: | 14 |
Issue: | 3 |
Date Published: | 1993 |
ISBN Number: | 0307-8698 |
Keywords: | Anthus, Anthus pratensis, bias, Motacillidae |
Abstract: | Meadow Pipits were mist?netted at tape?lures at a site in southern Scotland over three autumns, from 1990 to 1992. Only 0.2% of birds trapped were aged as adults, and it is suggested that tape?lures may be an age?related bias catching method for the species. In the juveniles caught, active body moult was recorded from late July to mid October and post?juvenile moult was estimated to take at least 30?40 days. Dispersal or migration commenced soon after the completion of the early stages of moult. An analysis of wing lengths suggested sex?related differences, with males having wing lengths ≥ 81 mm, compared with ≤ 79 mm for females. There was little seasonal variation in mean body weights, suggesting no deposition of fat in preparation for migration, but males were found to be heavier than females.Meadow Pipits were mist?netted at tape?lures at a site in southern Scotland over three autumns, from 1990 to 1992. Only 0.2% of birds trapped were aged as adults, and it is suggested that tape?lures may be an age?related bias catching method for the species. In the juveniles caught, active body moult was recorded from late July to mid October and post?juvenile moult was estimated to take at least 30?40 days. Dispersal or migration commenced soon after the completion of the early stages of moult. An analysis of wing lengths suggested sex?related differences, with males having wing lengths ≥ 81 mm, compared with ≤ 79 mm for females. There was little seasonal variation in mean body weights, suggesting no deposition of fat in preparation for migration, but males were found to be heavier than females. |
URL: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03078698.1993.9674059 |
Short Title: | Ringing & Migration |
Taxonomic name: