thumbnail

Predicting chick survival and productivity of Roseate Terns from data on early growth

Waterbirds
By: , and 

Links

  • The Publications Warehouse does not have links to digital versions of this publication at this time
  • Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core

Abstract

Early growth of Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) chicks is a strong predictor of chick survival and hence of productivity. We developed discriminant functions to predict chick survival from body-masses measured during the first 3 days of life. Productivity is estimated by assuming that almost all A-chicks (first-hatched in each brood) survive to fledging, and using the discriminant functions to predict survival of B-chicks (second-hatched in each brood). A relation between survival rates and classification rates is derived, allowing discriminant function results to be used in predicting survival rates. In the absence of predation, the resulting estimates of chick survival and productivity are almost as good as those obtained by more intensive methods, but require much less effort and much less disturbance. This approach might be useful for other seabird species in which chick survival is determined primarily by parental performance.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Predicting chick survival and productivity of Roseate Terns from data on early growth
Series title Waterbirds
Volume 22
Issue 1
Year Published 1999
Language English
Contributing office(s) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Waterbirds
First page 90
Last page 97
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details