AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Sexing and Aging Alaskan Spruce Grouse by Plumage

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1968
Authors:Ellison, LN
Journal:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume:32
Issue:1
Date Published:1968
ISBN Number:0022541X
Keywords:Canachites, Canachites canadensis, Falcipennis, Falcipennis canadensis, Phasianidae
Abstract:Spruce grouse (Canachites canadensis osgoodi) were accurately sexed by color pattern of either breast feathers or rectrices. The black breast feathers of males are tipped with white; the black breast feathers of females are barred with brown. Rectrices of males are black, lightly flecked with brown; rectrices of females are black, heavily barred with brown. In autumn, spruce grouse can be aged as juveniles (less than 1 year old) or adults (older than 1 year) with 91 to 100 percent accuracy, depending on the sex and age-class. Among juveniles, the outer primary is pointed and the tip of P9 is mottled and edged with brown. Among adults, the outer primary is rounded and the tip of P9 is only narrowly edged with brown.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/3798231
Short Title:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Taxonomic name: 
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith