The Mayfield method of estimating nesting success: A model, estimators and simulation results

The Wilson Bulletin
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Abstract

Using a nesting model proposed by Mayfield we show that the estimator he proposes is a maximum likelihood estimator (m.l.e.). M.l.e. theory allows us to calculate the asymptotic distribution of this estimator, and we propose an estimator of the asymptotic variance. Using these estimators we give approximate confidence intervals and tests of significance for daily survival. Monte Carlo simulation results show the performance of our estimators and tests under many sets of conditions. A traditional estimator of nesting success is shown to be quite inferior to the Mayfield estimator. We give sample sizes required for a given accuracy under several sets of conditions.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title The Mayfield method of estimating nesting success: A model, estimators and simulation results
Series title The Wilson Bulletin
Volume 93
Issue 1
Year Published 1981
Language English
Contributing office(s) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Description 42-53
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Wilson Bulletin
First page 42
Last page 53
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