A Comparative Study of Morphometric Profiles and Hematological Analysis and Food Preference Between Male and Female Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus) Sampled from Different Wetlands of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Spotted redshank (Tringa erythropus) is a shorebird. Morphometric and feeding studies on birds were very important to understanding geographic distribution and it plays a key role in conservation of particular species.

Objective: The present research was conducted to investigate hematological variation, food preference, and morphometric profiles of the spotted redshank (Tringa erythropus).

Methods: Twenty samples (n = 10 for each sex) were collected from different wetlands. Blood was collected for hematological analysis and measuring tape was used for mensural profiles. For gut analysis, stomach was removed.

Results: Results showed that body weight of males was heavier than body weight of females. All parameters, like body weight, body length, total wing span, primary wing, tarsal, meta-tarsal, body circumference, and tail length had greater values in males as compared with females, except head size. The male head size was smaller than the female head size. A significant difference was recorded in all blood parameters except hemoglobin and monocytes between the both sexes. Analysis of gut showed that the spotted redshank mostly feeds on Ceratopogonidae and larvae of Chironomidae.

Conclusion: It is concluded that a significant difference was observed in morphometric profiles and hematological analysis and food preference between male and female spotted redshank (Tringa erythropus).