Pre-1941 Eggshell Characteristics of Some Birds

Abstract

Parameters and techniques used to characterize avian eggshells are reviewed. Elongation, volume and thickness indices were calculated to estimate the shape and size of 1145 eggs (328 sets) representing 18 orders, 54 families and 253 species of the Clark K. Lloyd Collection at Miami U., Oxford, Ohio. The study includes eggs of species from 13 countries and 37 states collected prior to the widespread use of pesticides. Fifty four species came from Ohio and 43 from California. Sixteen species are considered rare or endangered, or have declining populations. A comparison of egg volumes as determined by Paganelli et al (1974) was made and differences ranged from 0.7% to 22%.