Eye-ring coloration is not a reliable indicator for aging Mangrove Cuckoos (Coccyzus minor)

• Published in: The Wilson journal of ornithology Vol. 129; no. 1; pp. 163 - 165
• Main Authors: Frieze, Rachel D., Lloyd, John D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Fort Collins The Wilson Ornithological Society 01.03.2017; Wilson Ornithological Society
• Subjects: age determination; Age determination (Biology); Age determination (Zoology); bare-part coloration; Bird coloration; Bird colouration; Birds; Coccyzus minor; Color of birds; Cuckoos; Eye; Mangrove Cuckoo; Methods; Observations; Physiological aspects; Seasons; SHORT COMMUNICATIONS; Small mammals; soft-part coloration; Florida; North America

Soft-part coloration can be a useful method for determining the age of a bird. For example, hatch-year and early second-year Mangrove Cuckoos (Coccyzus minor) are supposedly distinguishable from older birds based on the presence of a dusky gray eye-ring; individuals gain a vivid yellow eye-ring in t...