A Road-Count Index to Breeding Populations of Red-Winged Blackbirds

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Abstract
A roadbide-count method of censusing breeding male red-winged blackbirds was developed, employing the Petersen or Lincoln index principle of mark and recapture but without the necessity for trapping, marking, or recapturing specimens. Territorial male redwings are "marked" according to tape-recorded descriptions of their territories and surroundings, and "recaptures" are obtained by running a prescribed route again immediately, with the tape playing. The method can be used by one man driving a car. Thus it is far quicker and less expensive than other mark-and-recapture techniques. The fact that the animals are not handled or even disturbed may account for a high degree of accuracy obtained. Success of the method depends on conspicuous territorial behavior of the species, and the observer''s intimate knowledge of the species.

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