Researching for my New Guinea field guide, I came across a curious situation
with the measurements of Bridled Tern, which in Coates Birds of New Guinea is
36-42 cm, 36-41 in Slater, yet 30-32 in Pizzey, which I think derives its
measurements from HANZAB.
If it were the odd cm either way it could just be a matter of converting
imperial measures into metric ones, but 32 vs 42 is a difference of over 33%!
For what it's worth Birds of the W. Palearctic gives 30-32, as do Olsen &
Larsson (Terns of Europe & North America). However, Brazil (Birds of East
Asia) give a whacking great "35 - 38" although the given wingspan in Brazil's
book is pretty much consistent with Olsen & Larsson.
I have stuck with Pizzey and Hanzab, but was simply amazed at the discrepancy
in other published sources, and all referring to the same taxon, the nominate
race.
Phil Gregory
www. cassowary-house.com.au==============================www.birding-aus.org
birding-aus.blogspot.com
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