Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia, 43(1-2) 2000

Issue:

VOL 43(1-2) 2000

Keywords:

Magpie, eggs, repeatability, female quality

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Repeatability of size and shape of eggs in the urban Magpie Pica pica (Passeriformes: Corvidae) population

• Leszek JERZAK
• Marcin BOCHEŃSKI
• Lechosław KUCZYŃSKI
• Piotr TRYJANOWSKI

Abstract:

This study was conducted over four breeding seasons, 1986, 1987, 1998 and 1999 in Zielona Góra, western Poland. Repeatability patterns for length, breadth, volume index, and elongation index are presented (based on 234 Magpie eggs from 42 clutches). Mean repeatability estimates were 0.63, 0.59, 0.60, 0.64 for length, breadth, volume and elongation index, respectively. These data suggest that in the Magpie population in Zielona Góra variation between clutches both in the size and shape of eggs is dependent on the body condition and physiological limitations of the female.