Morphometric pattern of European Reed Warblers (Aves, Sylviidae) during spring migration in eastern Romania

We analysed the biometric traits of 245 individuals of adult European Reed Warblers. Measurements were made in two locations from Eastern Romania in May 2009 and May 2010. For each captured full grown individual, we recorded the sex and 14 measurements traits. Comparing the identification methods which we found in literature, we recommend, for the eastern Romanian Reed Warbler population, three methods: Biometric Index, Notch length/Wing length and Wing length/Bill to skull. Regarding the time of migration, we found significant differences in wing shape, which demonstrates that the birds with longer wings arrive earlier. These birds have longer and pointed wings (3rd primary is longer), bigger notch length, tarsus length and total foot span than those which arrive in late May. Our data suggests also, that there are no significant differences in the arrival time between males and females.