Condition models for wintering Northern Pintails in the Southern High Plains

Authors

Loren M. Smith, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Douglas G. Sheeley, Eldora, Iowa
David B. Wester, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

Abstract

Three condition models for wintering Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) were tested for their ability to predict fat mass, logarithm of fat mass, or a condition index (CI) incorporating fat mass. Equations generated to predict fat mass and the logarithm of fat mass accounted for more than 69% of the variation in these dependent variables. Log transformations of body mass, wing length, and total length explained at least 60% of the variation in CI. All models performed better on an independent data set. Mean prediction error was minimal (≤8% of measured variables) and negative for all models. Regression models apply to live and dead pintails and thus represent tools that have utility in a wide variety of studies on pintail condition.

Recommended Citation

Smith, Loren M.; Sheeley, Douglas G.; and Wester, David B. (1992) "Condition models for wintering Northern Pintails in the Southern High Plains," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 52: No. 3, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol52/iss3/3