Beintema A.J. & Visser G.H. (1989) Growth parameters in chicks of charadriiform birds. ARDEA 77 (2): 169-180

Growth curves are given, for the Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, and Redshank Tringa totanus. Gompertz' growth coefficients were calculated. Chicks in captivity generally grow faster than chicks in the field. In the field chicks often suffer from reduced growth, as a result of adverse weather conditions. In cold weather, so much time has to be devoted to keeping the chicks warm (brooded by a parent), that too little time remains to obtain sufficient food. Lapwing chicks are susceptible to reduce growth until a later age than Godwit chicks. In the species studied most chicks are born during a period when the number of dry hours above 15.degree. C between sunrise and sunset, and hence the time available for foraging for small chicks, usually shows a sharp rise. Nomograms are presented for bill length, which can be used to estimate the age of wild chicks. In general, Scolopacidae grow faster than Charadriidae. In both families, the chicks grow faster than chicks of other precocial birds do. Differences in growth rates correspond with adaptations to different climatic conditions.