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The effect of band loss on estimates of annual survival

Journal of Field Ornithology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Banding has proven to be a useful technique in the study of population dynamics of avian species. However, band loss has long been recognized as a potential problem, (Hickey, 1952; Ludwig, 1967). Recently, Brownie et al. (1978) presented 14 models based on an array of explicit assumptions for the analysis of band recovery data. Various estimation models (assumption sets) allowed survival and/or recovery rates to be (a) constant, (b) time-specific, or (c) time- and age-specific. Optimal inference methods were employed and statistical tests of critical assumptions were developed and emphasized.


The methods of Brownie et al. (1978), as with all previously published methods of which we are aware, assume no loss of bands during the study. However, some band loss is certain to occur and this potentially biases the estimates of annual survival rates whatever the analysis method. A few empirical studies have estimated band loss rates (a notable exception is Ludwig, 1967); consequently, for almost all band recovery data, the exact rate of band loss is unknown. In this paper we investigate the bias in estimates of annual survival rates due to varying degrees of hypothesized band loss. Our main results are based on perhaps the most useful model, originally developed by Seber (1970), for estimation of annual survival rate. Inferences are made concerning the bias of estimated survival rates in other models because the structure of these estimators is similar.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title The effect of band loss on estimates of annual survival
Series title Journal of Field Ornithology
Volume 51
Issue 1
Year Published 1980
Language English
Publisher Northeastern Bird-Banding Association
Publisher location Ipswich, NH
Description 9 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Journal of Field Ornithology
First page 30
Last page 38
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