Population Densities of Birds Derived from Transect Counts
Emlen JT. 1971. Population Densities of Birds Derived from Transect Counts. The Auk. 88(2):323-342
The lack of efficient and reasonably accurate census methods applicable at any season has seriously hampered the progress of quantitative studies of avian population ecology. This paper describes a new method that is, 1) applicable at all seasons, 2) more efficient in terms of area covered per unit of effort than the nest or territory count methods, and 3) comparable in accuracy. The method uses the lateral distribution pattern of all detection points for each species to derive coefficients of detectability with which trail counts may be converted directly to density values in units of birds per 100 acres. Field procedures used in testing the new method are described and samples of preliminary results are presented and evaluated.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Emlen, John
- Units
- VOYA
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Birds (Aves), Census, Distribution, Ecology, Population Density, transect count