Measurements Used to Determine the Sex of Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis)

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Ruthrauff, Daniel R. (ORCID: 0000-0003-1355-9156)
Originator: Tibbitts, T. Lee (ORCID 0000-0002-0290-7592)
Originator: Handel, Colleen M. (0000-0002-0267-7408)
Originator: Gill, Robert E., Jr. (ORCID 0000-0002-6385-4500)
Publication_Date: 20190905
Title:

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: tabular digital data
Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Anchorage, Alaska
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center

Other_Citation_Details:

Suggested Citation: Ruthrauff, D.R., Tibbitts, T.L., Handel, C.M., Gill, R.E. Jr. 2019. Measurements used to determine the sex of Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9X8J7ST

Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.5066/P9X8J7ST
Larger_Work_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center
Publication_Date: 2001
Title: Population Status and Ecology of North Pacific Shorebirds
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: website
Series_Information:

Series_Name: Alaska Science Portal
Issue_Identification: 82

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Anchorage, AK
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center

Other_Citation_Details:

This is a link to the broader USGS Alaska Science Center research project supported by these data. Users will find a description of the research project and links to associated reports, publications, and data products.

Online_Linkage: https://alaska.usgs.gov/portal/project.php?project_id=82

Description:

Abstract:

This data set contains bill and tarsal measurements from 114 Bristle-thighed Curlews, captured on breeding grounds in Alaska, and non-breeding areas in Hawaii and Reitoru atoll, French Polynesia.

Purpose:

These data were collected as part of a multi-year study of the ecology of Bristle-thighed Curlews and are specifically used to determine sex-specific differences in measures of the bill and tarsus (leg).

Supplemental_Information:

With these date, we derived a logistic regression model to determine the sex of curlews based on measurements of the tarsus and bill, using sex as determined via genetic analyses to assess the accuracy of the model. The top-performing model had a 95% accuracy in predicting the sex of curlews based on measurements compared to an assessment of sex based on genetic techniques.

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Range_of_Dates/Times:

Beginning_Date: 1989
Ending_Date: 2014

Currentness_Reference: ground condition

Status:

Progress: Complete
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: None planned

Spatial_Domain:

Description_of_Geographic_Extent:

Capture and measurement of Bristle-thighed Curlews was conducted at various locations throughout the species' breeding (Alaska) and nonbreeding range (South Pacific islands).

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate: -166.55
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -141.15
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 65.40
South_Bounding_Coordinate: -18.0

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Metadata Identifier
Theme_Keyword: USGS:ASC225

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Category
Theme_Keyword: biota
Theme_Keyword: inlandWaters
Theme_Keyword: oceans

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: NASA GCMD Earth Science Keywords Thesaurus
Theme_Keyword: Earth Science
Theme_Keyword: Biological Classification
Theme_Keyword: Animals/Vertebrates
Theme_Keyword: Birds
Theme_Keyword: Survival Rates

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS CSA Biocomplexity Thesaurus
Theme_Keyword: Shorebird
Theme_Keyword: Survival
Theme_Keyword: Survival rate
Theme_Keyword: Population dynamics

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Thesaurus
Theme_Keyword: Field methods
Theme_Keyword: Field sampling
Theme_Keyword: Plant and animal tagging
Theme_Keyword: Capturing (animals)
Theme_Keyword: Sciences
Theme_Keyword: Life sciences
Theme_Keyword: Zoology
Theme_Keyword: Vertebrate zoology
Theme_Keyword: Ornithology
Theme_Keyword: Organisms
Theme_Keyword: Animals
Theme_Keyword: Vertebrates
Theme_Keyword: Birds

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Theme_Keyword: Morphometrics
Theme_Keyword: Bristle-thighed Curlew
Theme_Keyword: Numenius tahitiensis

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)
Place_Keyword: Alaska
Place_Keyword: Seward Peninsula
Place_Keyword: Nulato Hills
Place_Keyword: Hawaii
Place_Keyword: O'ahu
Place_Keyword: Moloka'i

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: NGIA GeoNames System
Place_Keyword: Reitoru

Taxonomy:

Keywords/Taxon:

Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Taxonomic_Keywords: Single species
Taxonomic_Keywords: Animals
Taxonomic_Keywords: Vertebrates
Taxonomic_Keywords: Birds
Taxonomic_Keywords: Shorebird
Taxonomic_Keywords: Bristle-thighed Curlew
Taxonomic_Keywords: Numenius tahitiensis

Taxonomic_System:

Classification_System/Authority:

Classification_System_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: ITIS Integrated Taxonomic Information System
Publication_Date: Unknown
Title: ITIS Integrated Taxonomic Information System
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: database
Series_Information:

Series_Name: Taxonomic Serial Number
Issue_Identification: TSN 176604

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: online
Publisher: ITIS-North America

Other_Citation_Details:

Taxonomic details retrieved May 14, 2019; from the Integrated Taxonomic Information System online database https://www.itis.gov

Online_Linkage: https://www.itis.gov

Taxonomic_Procedures:

Species were identified by skilled observers in the field based on general appearance of feathers and plumage, behavior, and vocalization.

Taxonomic_Completeness:

Taxonomy is completed for all samples. No voucher specimens were collected.

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Animalia
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Subkingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Bilateria
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Infrakingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Deuterostomia
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Phylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Chordata
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Subphylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Vertebrata
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Infraphylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Gnathostomata
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Superclass
Taxon_Rank_Value: Tetrapoda
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Class
Taxon_Rank_Value: Aves
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Charadriiformes
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Scolopacidae
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Numenius
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Numenius tahitiensis
Applicable_Common_Name: Bristle-thighed Curlew
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN 176604

Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints:

It is requested that the authors and the USGS Alaska Science Center be cited for any subsequent publications that reference this dataset.

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: Mailing and Physical
Address: 4210 University Drive
City: Anchorage
State_or_Province: Alaska
Postal_Code: 99508
Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 907-786-7000
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: ascweb@usgs.gov

Cross_Reference:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Ruthrauff, D.R.
Originator: Handel, C.M.
Originator: Tibbitts, T.L.
Originator: Gill, R.E.
Publication_Date: 2020
Title:

Through thick and thin: Sexing Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis) using simple measures of the bill depth

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:

Series_Name: Wader Study
Issue_Identification: 127(1):31-36

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: online
Publisher: International Wader Study Group

Other_Citation_Details:

Ruthrauff, D.R., Handel, C.M, Tibbitts, T.L., Gill, R.E. Jr. 2020. Through thick and thin: Sexing Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis) using simple measures of the bill depth. Wader Study 127(1):31-36 doi:10.18194/ws.00171

Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.18194/ws.00171

Cross_Reference:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Ruthrauff, D.R.
Originator: Tibbitts, T.L.
Originator: Patil, V.P.
Publication_Date: 2019
Title:

Survival of Bristle-thighed Curlews equipped with externally mounted transmitters

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:

Series_Name: Wader Study
Issue_Identification: 126(2):109-115

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: online
Publisher: International Wader Study Group

Other_Citation_Details:

Ruthrauff, D.R., Tibbitts, T.L. Patil, V.P. 2019. Survival of Bristle-thighed Curlews equipped with externally mounted transmitters. Wader Study 126(2):109-115 doi:10.18194/ws.00145

Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.18194/ws.00145

Cross_Reference:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Tibbitts, T.L.
Originator: Ruthrauff, D.R.
Originator: Underwood, J.
Originator: Patil, V.P.
Publication_Date: 2020
Title:

Factors promoting the recolonization of Oahu, Hawaii, by Bristle-thighed Curlews

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:

Series_Name: Global Ecology and Conservation
Issue_Identification: 21:e00785

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: online
Publisher: Elsevier

Other_Citation_Details:

Tibbitts, T.L., Ruthrauff, D.R. , Underwood, J., Patil, V.P. 2020. Factors promoting the recolonization of Oahu, Hawaii, by Bristle-thighed Curlews. Global Ecology and Conservation 21:e00785 doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00785

Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00785

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report:

Morphological measures were cross-checked and verified to match original field data. Genetic sex determination followed established protocols (Griffiths et al 1996). Sterile techniques were used throughout all molecular protocols, including positive controls for DNA extractions.

Logical_Consistency_Report:

Attribute values fall within expected ranges and data were proofed for the presence of duplication and omission. Molecular procedures included controls.

Completeness_Report:

Measurements of curved culmen were not recorded for 20 curlews. Users are advised to read the rest of the metadata record carefully for additional details, particularly the Entity and Attribute definitions for specifics on each entity and data within those entities.

Lineage:

Methodology:

Methodology_Type: Field
Methodology_Description:

We used mist nets, whoosh nets, bow traps, and net guns to capture Bristle-thighed Curlews.

Methodology_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Stroud, D.A.
Originator: Davidson, N.C.
Publication_Date: 2003
Title:

Catching and handling birds, and data: practical papers published in the Wader Study Group Bulletin.

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:

Series_Name: International Wader Studies
Issue_Identification: no. 6

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: online
Publisher: Searchable Ornithological Research Archive

Other_Citation_Details:

Stroud, D.A., and N.C. Davidson (eds.). 2003. Catching and handling birds, and data: practical papers published in the Wader Study Group Bulletin. Wader Study Group Bulletin 69 (Special Issue). International Wader Studies 6, Thetford, Norfolk, UK.

Online_Linkage: https://sora.unm.edu/node/3791

Methodology:

Methodology_Type: Field
Methodology_Description:

We measured the length of various morphological attributes (+/- .1 mm) of each curlew using calipers or a flexible ruler.

Methodology:

Methodology_Type: Field
Methodology_Description:

We collected a small blood sample (2-3 drops) from each bird, either from the brachial or tarsal vein, using a single-use, sterile needle. Blood was stored in vials and preserved in a solution of Longmire buffer.

Methodology_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Fair, J.M.
Originator: Paul, E.
Originator: Jones, J.
Publication_Date: Unknown
Title: Guidelines to the use of wild birds in research.
Edition: 3rd
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: book
Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Washington, D.C.
Publisher: Ornithological Council

Other_Citation_Details:

Fair, J.M., Paul, E., Jones, J. Eds. 2010. Guidelines to the use of wild birds in research. 3rd Edn. Ornithological Council, Washington, DC, USA.

Online_Linkage:

https://www.aaalac.org/accreditation/RefResources/SS_WildBirds.pdf

Methodology:

Methodology_Type: Lab
Methodology_Description:

We determined the sex of Bristle-thighed Curlews by applying standard polymerase chain reaction techniques to the CHD gene.

Methodology_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Griffiths, R.
Originator: Daan, S.
Originator: Dijkstra, C.
Publication_Date: 1996
Title: Sex identification in birds using two CHD genes.
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:

Series_Name: Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Issue_Identification: 263(1374):1251–1256

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: London
Publisher: Royal Society

Other_Citation_Details:

Griffiths, R., Daan, S., Dijkstra, C. 1996. Sex identification in birds using two CHD genes. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 263(1374):1251–1256 doi:10.1098/rspb.1996.0184

Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.1996.0184

Process_Step:

Process_Description: Field notes were transcribed into an electronic table.
Process_Date: Unknown

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

We fit generalized linear models using a logistic link to determine which combinations of measurements from Bristle-thighed Curlews most accurately differentiated between females and males. We used genetic assessments of sex as the response variable in our models, and the length of each curlew's tarsus, total culmen, and bill depth measurements A, B, and C, as response variables. We used the base function 'glm' in the R statistical package to fit models.

Process_Date: Unknown

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Indirect_Spatial_Reference:

Site names indicate a representative local geographic name where curlews were captured.

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: bristleThighedCurlew_morphologyMeasures_ruthrauff_1989_2014
Entity_Type_Definition:

Table with data from 114 Bristle-thighed Curlews with measures of the bill and tarsus and sex as determined by genetic techniques. Presented in a Comma Separated Value (CSV) formatted table.

Entity_Type_Definition_Source: Author defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: ID
Attribute_Definition:

Unique identifier for each Bristle-thighed Curlew included in study.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Unique identifier for each Bristle-thighed Curlew included in study.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: genetic_sex
Attribute_Definition:

Sex of Bristle-thighed Curlew as determined either via genetic assessment or because curlew was paired to a bird sexed via genetic assessment.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: M
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Male
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: F
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Female
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: morphological_sex
Attribute_Definition:

Sex of Bristle-thighed Curlew as determined by logistic regression model incorporating measures tot_culmen, bill_a, bill_b, bill_c, and diag_tar.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: M
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Male
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: F
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Female
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: location_measured
Attribute_Definition:

General site where Bristle-thighed Curlew was captured and measured.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Seward Peninsula
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Seward Peninsula, Alaska (Approximately 65.0 N, 165.0 W)
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Nulato Hills
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Nulato Hills, Alaska (Approximately 64.5 N, 159.5 W)
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Oahu
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Island of Oahu, Hawaii (Approximately 21.7 N, 157.9 W)
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Geographic Names Information Service

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Moloka'i
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Island of Moloka'i (Approximately 21.1 N, 156.9 W)
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: USGS Geographic Names Information Service

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Reitoru
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Reitoru Atoll in French Polynesia (Approximately 17.8 S, 143.0 W)

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: NGIA GeoNames System

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: date_measured
Attribute_Definition: Date when curlew was captured and measured.
Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 14-Jul-89
Range_Domain_Maximum: 6-Apr-14
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Date (DD-Mon-YY)

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: bill_a
Attribute_Definition:

The depth of the Bristle-thighed Curlew's bill measured at the distal end of the nares.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 6.52
Range_Domain_Maximum: 11.50
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Millimeters

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: bill_b
Attribute_Definition:

The depth of the Bristle-thighed Curlew's bill measured midway between the distal end of the nares and the tip of the bill.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 4.56
Range_Domain_Maximum: 9.00
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Millimeters

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: bill_c
Attribute_Definition:

The depth of the Bristle-thighed Curlew's bill measured 10 mm from the tip of the bill.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 2.88
Range_Domain_Maximum: 7.70
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Millimeters

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: tot_culmen
Attribute_Definition:

Total culmen. Length of Bristle-thighed Curlew's culmen measured diagonally from the most proximal unfeathered portion of the bill to the bill tip.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 80.6
Range_Domain_Maximum: 107.7
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Millimeters

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: curved_culmen
Attribute_Definition:

Curved culmen. Length of Bristle-thighed Curlew's culmen measured along the top of the bill from the most proximal unfeathered portion of the bill to the bill tip using a pliable ruler. Empty cells indicate that the curved culmen was not measured.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 82.0
Range_Domain_Maximum: 113.0
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Millimeters

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: diag_tar
Attribute_Definition:

Diagonal tarsus. Length between the Bristle-thighed Curlew's intertarsal joint and the distal end of the last leg scale before the toes emerge.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 53.4
Range_Domain_Maximum: 67.6
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Millimeters

Measurements Used to Determine the Sex of Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis)

Metadata: