| Abstract: | Ornithologists sampling breeding bird populations are subject to a number of biases in bird recognition and identification. Using Breeding Bird Survey data, these biases are examined qualitatively and quantitatively, and their effects on counts are evaluated. Differences in hearing ability and degree of expertise are the major observer biases considered. Other, more subtle influences are also discussed, including unfamiliar species, resolution, imagination, similar songs and attitude and condition of observers. In most cases, welltrained observers are comparable in ability and their differences contribute little beyond sampling error. However, just as hearing loss can affect results, so can an unprepared observer. These biases are important because they can reduce the credibility of any bird population sampling effort. Care is advised in choosing observers and in interpreting and using results when observers of variable competence are involved. |
| Genre: | Book chapter |
| ProdID: | 5210391 |
| Citation Author: | Faanes, C.A.; Bystrak, D. |
| Citation Contributing Office: | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
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| Citation End Page: | 359 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Estimating Numbers of Terrestrial Birds |
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| Citation Phsyical Description: | x, 630 |
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| Citation Publisher: | Cooper Ornithological Society |
| Citation Series: | Studies in Avian Biology |
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| Citation Series Number: | 6 |
| Citation Search Results Text: | The role of observer bias in the North American Breeding Bird Survey; 1981; Book chapter; 6; Estimating Numbers of Terrestrial Birds; Faanes, C.A.; Bystrak, D. |
| Citation Start Page: | 353 |
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| Citation Year: | 1981 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | The role of observer bias in the North American Breeding Bird Survey; 1981; Book chapter; 6; Estimating Numbers of Terrestrial Birds; Faanes, C.A.; Bystrak, D. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| Date Other: | Tue, 9 Jun 2009 09:23 -0500 |
| Publisher: | Cooper Ornithological Society |
