Discrimination of sex in the White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster, using genetic and morphometric techniques

J.M. Shephard; C.P. Catterall; J.M. Hughes

doi:10.1071/MU03043

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Discrimination of sex in the White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster, using genetic and morphometric techniques

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Discrimination of sex in the White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster, using genetic and morphometric techniques

J.M. Shephard, C.P. Catterall and J.M. Hughes

Emu, Vol.104(1), pp.83-87

2004

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/MU03043

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Abstract

The White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster, is monomorphic for adult plumage colouration, but in body size displays reversed sexual dimorphism, with female birds significantly larger. Analyses of morphometric data from 37 individuals from Australia and Papua New Guinea revealed a latitudinal cline in body dimensions, with individuals larger in the south. A discriminant function based on 10 morphometric characters was 100% effective in discriminating between 19 males and 18 females that had been sexed using molecular genetic methods. Reclassification using a jackknife procedure correctly identified 92% of individuals. The discriminant function should be a viable alternative to genetic sexing or laparoscopy for a large proportion of individuals within the Australo-Papuan range of this species; and can also be used to identify a small proportion of 'ambiguous' individuals for which reliable sexing will require those other techniques.

Details

Title: Discrimination of sex in the White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster, using genetic and morphometric techniques
Authors/Creators: J.M. Shephard (Author/Creator)
C.P. Catterall (Author/Creator)
J.M. Hughes (Author/Creator)
Publication Details: Emu, Vol.104(1), pp.83-87
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Identifiers: 991005542667107891
Murdoch Affiliation: Murdoch University
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.35 Zoology & Animal Ecology; 3.35.33 Avian Ecology
Web Of Science research areas: Ornithology
ESI research areas: Plant & Animal Science