GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN DOTTEREL CHICKS CHARADRIUS-MORINELLUS

The development of Dotterel was examined at a site in the Cairngorms o f Scotland during 1990. Rates and patterns of development of 5 standar d measurements-head-and-bill-length, bill-length, tarsus-and-toe, wing -length, and weight-were consistent with other waders. Conventional gr owth models were fitted to the data to produce quantitative measures o f both maximum developmental rate and final dimensions, suitable for c omparisons with other studies and other species. Growth of bill-length and head-and-bill-length showed more rapid initial development than o ther biometrics. Loss of weight after hatching was observed. Chicks dy ing did not show slower developmental rates that those which survived, nor was there any evidence that they were the chicks of lower quality parents. Unpredictable harsh weather may have an important but largel y random influence on Dotterel chicks in this area.