Estimating Nest Detection Probabilities for White-Winged Dove Nest Transects in Tamaulipas, Mexico

Nest transects in nesting colonies provide one source of information on White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica asiatica ) population status and reproduction. Historically, population estimates have been based on the actual nest counts on transects and thus have required the assumption that all nests lying within transect boundaries are detected (seen) with a probability of one. The authors' objectives were to test the hypothesis that nest detection probability is one and, if rejected, to estimate this probability. Fieldwork was conducted during June 1985 at two whitewing nesting colonies in Tamaulipas, Mexico