Morphometric-based sexual determination of Bananaquits (Coereba flaveola)

Brent D. Bibles; Clint W. Boal

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USGS · 70192540

Morphometric-based sexual determination of Bananaquits (Coereba flaveola)

Brent D. Bibles·Clint W. Boal

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Abstract

The Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) is a common passerine throughout the tropics and has been a convenient species for ecological studies. This species has sexually monomorphic plumage and cannot be reliably sexed unless in breeding condition. This is problematic for demographic and comparative studies, which are contingent upon accurately aging and sexing individuals. Although male Bananaquits are larger than females, there is overlap in both wing chord and mass. We used morphometric data collected over eight years to develop a predictive model based on logistic regression to assign adult Bananaquits to sex. Our model classified 96% of validation individuals to the correct sex. We suggest that this approach may enhance ecological studies of the species by facilitating correct sex determination independent of breeding status. We believe our modeling approach is applicable elsewhere but, because there may be geographical variation across the species distribution, models will need to be customized to local populations.

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Ornitologia Neotropical Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 18.46235033603078° to 18.49112747057403° latitude; -64.58527565002441° to -64.55703735351562° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Brent D. Bibles, Clint W. Boal. 2012. Morphometric-based sexual determination of Bananaquits (Coereba flaveola). https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70192540

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