Using eggshell evidence to determine nest fate of shorebirds.: An article from: Wilson Bulletin

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From the author: I collected eggshell evidence at nest sites of Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus), Snowy Plover (C. alexandrinus), and Killdeer (C. vociferus) in southeastern Colorado during 1994-1995, and determined nest fate independently. Successful nests of all three species generally contained eggshell fragments (ca 1-4 mm) in the scrape and eggshell membranes separated from the eggshell. In comparison, eggshell "tops" or "bottoms" were found only near successful nests of Piping Plovers and Snowy Plovers. I used discriminant function analysis to predict the probability of correctly classifying a nest's fate given different types of eggshell evidence. The use of eggshell fragment evidence resulted in the correct classification of the fate of Snowy Plover and Killdeer nests in 90% and 96% of the cases, respectively. Eggshell evidence can be used in future studies to determine nest fate of shorebirds and increase the precision of estimates of reproductive success.

Citation Details
Title: Using eggshell evidence to determine nest fate of shorebirds.
Author: Todd J. Mabee
Publication:Wilson Bulletin (Refereed)
Date: June 1, 1997
Publisher: Wilson Ornithological Society
Volume: v109 Issue: n2 Page: p307(7)

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