The Use of Body Dimensions of Lesser Black-Backed Gulls Larus fuscus to Indicate Size and to Estimate Body Reserves

Abstract

The body dimensions and weights of female Lesser black-backed gulls were analysed to investigate which most accurately described body size and whether these measures, together with body weight, could be used to predict the level of fat and protein in a live bird. Conventional measures were not found to predict body size as accurately as a combination of tarsus, sternum keel and wingspan. Using these to indicate basic body size it was possible to predict accurately the fat but not the protein content of a bird from its dry body weight. Further work is needed to assess the technique in the field.