Birds lifespan (1 Viewer)

Nicky mwangi

Nicky mwangi

• Apr 27, 2007

• #1

:h?: Am a bit confused by the lifespans of different species of birds as per their families.
Any one with information pertaining birds spp/families and their lifespans?

Nicky:h?:

 

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devilbirder

Well-known member

• Apr 27, 2007

• #2

I only know a few- small birds usually up to 5 years. Swans, wildfowl etc 20ish Albatross's 50ish years, Crows about 10 years, Parrots-anything from 10 to 80 years depending on species.

 

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eiderman

Well-known member

• Apr 27, 2007

• #3

Nicky

Try this link http://www.euring.org/data_and_codes/longevity-voous.htm

Although it is for European rather than African species, many species and families are common to both areas.

Hope that this helps

Chris

 

tim.birdboy

Well-known member

• Apr 27, 2007

• #4

This has quite a few, not just birds though http://www.demogr.mpg.de/longevityrecords/index2.htm

 

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Dave B Smith

Well-known member

• Apr 28, 2007

• #5

Life spans are often given as the maximum for a species. This should also be taken in context with "Life Expectancy". Several examples make this very vivid:
Yellow Warbler, Max = 7 yrs, Ave = <1 year
Herring Gull, Max = 31yrs, Ave = 2 1/2 years
(from 'Birding' Nature company guides)

 

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devilbirder

Well-known member

• Apr 28, 2007

• #6

In 2 and a half years a herring gull might not even have finished its mout into adult plumage Dave.

 

Last edited: Apr 28, 2007

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Dave B Smith

Well-known member

• Apr 28, 2007

• #7

Crazy Birder said:

In 2 and a half years a herring gull might not even have finished its mout into adult plumage Dave.

Click to expand...

Yes, sad but many never reach that stage.

 

Gentoo

Guest

• Apr 28, 2007

• #8

I've read that wild Purple finches that were banded had be recovered 12 years later. The Fringillidae often have longer lifspans than many other small birds.

 

Lichfield Birder

...should've been here 5 minutes ago, mate....

• Apr 28, 2007

• #9

Dave B Smith said:

Yes, sad but many never reach that stage.

Click to expand...

Why do many never reach 2.5 years??

 

talon_dfa

Well-known member

• Apr 28, 2007

• #10

Lichfield Birder said:

Why do many never reach 2.5 years??

Click to expand...

Survival of juvy birds is low.

Survival varies for species and varies between years (food supply, cold/wet weather, drought, disease, etc)

But in general at least 50-60% of most young birds do not survive their 1st Winter.

BBL lists longevity records of banded birds:
http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/homepage/longvlst.htm

There has also been posts showing European longevity records.