Feather Morphology as an Age Indicator in Mandarin Ducks
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Date
1978-01
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Abstract
An investigation of known-age Mandarin ducks {Aix galericulata) indicated that primary feather length and secondary feather markings could be used to separate the majority of yearling from adult birds. The lengths of the 7th, 9th, and 10th primaries of adults of both sexes were longer than the corresponding feathers in yearlings. The 7th and 9th primaries probably would provide the greatest ageing accuracy, since their lengths were significantly different when the same females were measured as yearlings and adults. Color patterns on the secondaries could not be used to segregate age groups reliably.
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Author Institution: Environmental Studies Center, Bowling Green State University
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The Ohio Journal of Science. v78, n1 (January-February, 1978), 39-43