Bird measurements

annmaria · #1 (**permalink**) 13-05-2008, 06:13 AM

Hi , may sound a silly question to most birding people but I need to know when the bird books give measurements for a bird how exactly how do they do this ...from beak tip to end of claw . If they have a crest is this included, only I am getting very confused.
Thank you
Annmaria

mrs fish · #2 (**permalink**) 13-05-2008, 06:16 AM

The head to the end of the tail I believe

annmaria · #3 (**permalink**) 13-05-2008, 07:11 AM

Thank you for reply, can I just clarify , the beak is not included

Annmaria

mrs fish · #4 (**permalink**) 13-05-2008, 08:08 PM

I'm not sure

aeshna5 · #5 (**permalink**) 14-05-2008, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annmaria

Thank you for reply, can I just clarify , the beak is not included

Annmaria

From bill tip to end of tail!

witham · #6 (**permalink**) 14-05-2008, 08:48 AM

I've just had this mental image of a bird holding its wings up while someone gets to work with a tape-measure taking its vital statistics

annmaria · #7 (**permalink**) 14-05-2008, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witham

I've just had this mental image of a bird holding its wings up while someone gets to work with a tape-measure taking its vital statistics

Lol, driving into town years ago there was a temp road sign up " warning HEAVY PLANT CROSSING "........ I had visions of a huge plant pot !!

Have a nice day
Annmaria

annmaria · #8 (**permalink**) 14-05-2008, 08:57 AM

Hi Aeshna5 , that is most hepful.
Many thanks
Annmaria

Adam Cheeseman · #9 (**permalink**) 14-05-2008, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeshna5

From bill tip to end of tail!

It's a little bit more compicated than that. Though it is from the tip of the beak to the end of the tail, it is not as in when a bird is in normal standing/perched position. The measurements are taken from birds that are in-hand/dead and lain flat so that they are slightly more elongated. This is so it gives a more accurate measurement as opposed to one taken from a bird that could be in perched/standing in any old position and therefore might not naturally be representative of its actual dimensions This is usually illustrated at the front of most field guides.

Chers,

Adam

annmaria · #10 (**permalink**) 15-05-2008, 12:28 PM

Hi Adam , firstly thankyou for replying

Now just bear with me a little more. It makes sense what you say. I am sculpting another Hoopoe. My book says Blackbird 25-27cm and for hoopoe25- 28 , so I thought great no problem. Naturally people thought my Hoopoe a little on the small side, it could be the horzontal stripes or the fancy top feathers but if we were to measure a dead Hoopoe tip of bill to end of feet surely its going to read much longer. Also if you are familiar with the Hoopoe in your opinion does it appear much bigger .
Very confused ,

Annmaria

Adam Cheeseman · #11 (**permalink**) 15-05-2008, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annmaria

Hi Adam , firstly thankyou for replying

Now just bear with me a little more. It makes sense what you say. I am sculpting another Hoopoe. My book says Blackbird 25-27cm and for hoopoe25- 28 , so I thought great no problem. Naturally people thought my Hoopoe a little on the small side, it could be the horzontal stripes or the fancy top feathers but if we were to measure a dead Hoopoe tip of bill to end of feet surely its going to read much longer. Also if you are familiar with the Hoopoe in your opinion does it appear much bigger .
Very confused ,

Annmaria

I think Hoopoes are one of those birds that people think are bigger than what they actually are. If you have seen one feeding on the ground they are quite small and slender, and are similar in size to a Blackbird. Their beak, which you would think is quite long, is only 4-5 cm long. It's only when they fly do they appear to be much larger because of the shape and colouring of the wings. Obviously, individuals vary in size so I wouldn't worry about being too precise so long as you have it's relative dimensions in proportion.
Good luck, and can we see the finished item please?

Cheers,

Adam

annmaria · #12 (**permalink**) 16-05-2008, 09:30 AM

Hi Adam , you have been most helpful, getting the bill length is very useful as other dimensions fall into place if that is right

My first attempt at Hoopoe is in the art gallery( sorry I do not know how to attach it to this reply ),just measured its bill and as luck would have it ( lot of luck ! ) it measures a tad over 5cm so phew !.
Right now I am trying to do a hoopoe feeding young.....bit tricky

IF it works I will post new thread and let you know.
Many thanks
Annmaria