Growth and development of redshank tringa totanus chicks on the ribble saltmarshes, N.W. England

Abstract

This paper reviews growth and development of Redshank chicks in relation to growth in other waders. Chick weight was significantly correlated with egg volume (r = 0.76, P <0.001). At birth, the tarsii were well developed but the bill was short (30%) and the chick light (12%) relative to adult size. The effect of chick age on weight, bill and tarsus length are described. At fledging, the bill was short relative to adult length but the tarsii almost fully developed. Adult bill length was reached shortly after fledging but adult weight was not reached until later. An age determining method is derived from the result of a regression analysis. Growth rates did not differ significantly between years. © 1990 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.