Criteria for Estimating the Condition of Birds: Relationship between Fat Content and Body Size Dimensions in the Hooded Crow Corvus corone cornix

Abstract

JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org.

Sex, Size, and Natural Selection in the Hooded Crow Corvus corone cornix

“…The wing lengths of German and Norwegian Hooded Crows do not differ (cf. the data from Bihrmann (1978) and Slagsvold (1980)), nor does the length of the third primary of English Carrion Crows C. c. corone and Norwegian Hooded Crows differ (cf. data from Seel (1976) and Slagsvold (1980)).…”

“…the data from Bihrmann (1978) and Slagsvold (1980)), nor does the length of the third primary of English Carrion Crows C. c. corone and Norwegian Hooded Crows differ (cf. data from Seel (1976) and Slagsvold (1980)). The same length values as a criterion of sex have therefore been used for the samples from localities all over Norway.…”

“…Data given in Bihrmann (1978) and Slagsvold (1980) suggest that the variability in feather length is greater for juvenile than for adult Hooded Crows. Moreover, tail feathers and the primaries of juveniles are much shorter than in adult birds (Slagsvold 1980), despite the fact that juveniles are more migratory than the adults (Busse 1969, Slagsvold 1979.…”

“…For details of the technique used in measuring the various body dimensions, see Slagsvold (1980). As a measure of fat content was used the weight of abdominal fat (see Seel 1976, Slagsvold 1980, Slagsvold 1982. This fat is only a fraction of the total, but reflects the general fat condition, viz.…”

“…They are also found on nestlings (also in broods of only one) and in particular on those which are undernourished, and on albinoid birds (Slagsvold unpubl.). For details of the technique used in measuring the various body dimensions, see Slagsvold (1980). As a measure of fat content was used the weight of abdominal fat (see Seel 1976, Slagsvold 1980, Slagsvold 1982.…”