Crossin, Richard S., 1965-1966, 1968
Page 109
Image from the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Contributed by Smithsonian Institution Archives. | www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Transcription
RDBrown 1968 Fairy Tern McKenay Island 20 Oct. Worked at Fairy Tern nest on the high SW walls and the entire large central complex of walls. Data as follows: 20 oct 14SW Walls 20 oct LCC 24 oct NW Circular Wall TOTAL Egg SDY MDY LFG Imm. Total 2 2 2 — 4 17 2 3 2 26 5 1 2 — 8 TOTAL 24 2 6 4 2 38 20 oct All egg were measured as follows: 38.2 x 29.6 38.2 x 29.4 38.7 x 30.7 38.8 x 31.2 38.9 x 30.9 39.0 x 30.0 39.2 x 30.2 39.5 x 30.3 39.5 x 31.6 39.6 x 29.9 40.1 x 29.9 40.9 x 31.1 41.0 x 30.3 41.0 x 31.4 41.5 x 30.4 43.1 x 31.2 43.1 x 32.2 43.8 x 33.2 44.0 x 39.7 Total 19 Stage of Incubation 20 oct 24 oct Total Fr. 4 1 5 VSC 1. — 1 1 VSC 2. 1 — 1 SE 1 1 2 MC 4 1 5 HI 5 1 6 rafted 4 — 4 Total 19 5 24 Egg measurement, 24 oct 48.0 x 31.0 39.9 x 31.1 38.2 x 29.2 40.1 x 33.4 40.6 x 31.3 RDBrown 1968 Fairy Tern McKenay Island 20 Oct. Measurements of the culmen from apposed skin (free of down or feathers) to tip of upper mandible were taken on all chicks. The individuals were first visually placed in an age class, and then measured. SDY MDY LFY Imm. 20.5 mm. 23.0 mm. 24.1 mm. 24.3 mm. 13.5 mm. 21.7 mm. 25.2 mm. 27.5 mm. 14.0 mm. 24.1 mm. 26.3 mm. — 24.8 mm. 24.3 mm. 24.1 mm. 25.4 mm. 24.2 mm. Hence by visual placement, there is some overlap between individuals in the middle down young and large feathered young classes, and very close measurements in the large feathered young and immature groups. A larger sample could no doubt give a better series in which to set lower and upper limits to the various age classes. However, individual variation will probably make this criteria invalid; hence I can see no reason for maintaining some age class method which utilizes measurements, but it will allow a field worker to utilize the same visual methods we use in that our unfamiliar with aging this species can check himself with some concrete measurements. All young were banded 7/12-5/24/68. One egg was known to be laid on 18 oct High SW walls.