CRC Handbook of Avian Body Masses

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Body mass, or weight, is the most useful descriptive measure of relative body size in birds. Masses are usually reported in avian studies of comparative ecology, physiology, breeding biology, and zoology. In addition, adult body mass is a vital statistic for studies of allometric relationships, growth and development, flight, and biometrics. The data in this handbook was compiled to provide a ready reference source for body masses of most of the world's species of birds. Masses of over 5,800 species are presented, representing about 65% of the known birds. Information for each species includes, when available, the mean, standard deviation, range, sample size, collecting locale and season, and original source. Separate means are presented for males and females in sexually dimorphic species. This handbook should greatly improve the ability of avian researchers to quickly locate body masses for most bird species and incorporate this data into research. Airplane design engineers and airport management professionals can also use these data to calculate the damage done by various species of birds when they hit aircraft. Avid birders, members of birding organizations, and bird banders will also find the book useful for their activities.