Temminck´s Courser Cursorius temminckii, Swainson 1822: plumage, moult, biometrics and determination of age

Abstract

Data on biometrics and moult are scarce for many southern African species, and plumage features throughout the different age categories are not fully described. The moult of coursers is hardly explored, and many questions remain. In this study, we present biometric measurements and moult data of 12 Temminck´s Coursers Cursorius temminckii aridus from Namibia ringed during several years between December and March. With photographic evidence, we illustrate the progress from juvenile into adult plumage, compare features of young and adult plumage, and show undescribed features, like the white trailing edge of secondaries and the occurrence of apparently two age groups of coverts in young Temminck´s Coursers. We elucidate the previously undocumented
strategy of the primary moult of Temminck´s Coursers by showing congruences with the well-examined moult of the closely related Cream-coloured Coursers Cursorius cursor from northern Africa. We hope that our observations serve as a basis for further research to clarify and validate the proposed moult strategies and, with them, a refined determination of age.