Sexing greater flamingos by weight and linear measurements
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1990 |
Authors: |
Nadine A. Richter, Godfrey R. Bourne |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
laparoscopic exam, sex determination, sexual size comparison |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430090407.abs The sex of 59 adult Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber roseus L.) was determined by laparoscopic exam of the gonads. Concomitant body weight (kg) and linear measurements (mm) of the culmen (bill), tarsus, middle toe, and wing were taken and compared for males vs. females. Although an overlap between sexes existed in all measurements, males on average were larger than females. Student’s t-test indicated significant sexual differences for all five measurements. Thus, weights and linear measurements—especially tarsus, middle toe, and wing length—appear to be a useful parameter in determining an individual’s sex in lieu of laparoscopic, feather pulp, blood chromosome, or fecal steroid analysis.