Growth and plumage development of Pintail ducklings

Abstract

The growth of Pintail ducklings raised in semi-captivity was measured, and their growth curves presented so as to provide a tool for determination of the age of Pintail ducklings. Significant differences exist between the measurements of mate and female ducklings, but the overlap between values of the two sexes prevents accurate determination of the sex of Pintail ducklings from morphometric measurements alone. A reference table allowing precise determination of the age of Pintail ducklings from plumage characteristics is presented, which can be used when it is not possible to catch ducklings in the field.