In the context of abundance of bird species I understand common to
mean widespread and frequently encountered. It is purely a relative
term based upon popular experience. Rare has the opposite meaning.
Frequent, uncommon and occasional may also be used as relative terms
based upon popular experience. All of these terms require definition
in their context of use. Population density has a specific meaning
that requires no definition but is onerous to measure. Is the
population density of Yellow-tufted Honeyeater known in the ACT? Is
it seen relatively frequently in winter? How do we ascribe a status
to this species?
As an additional problem, how do we describe a species that occurred
only once but in an extremely large flock?
--
Dr P.J. Milburn
Technical Specialist
ANU Biomolecular Resource Facility
John Curtin School of Medical Research
Australian National University
GPO Box 334
Canberra ACT 0200
'Phone +61 2 6125 4326
FAX +61 2 6125 4326
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