Determining Age and Sex of Franklin Spruce Grouse by Tails Alone

Abstract
Tails of Franklin spruce grouse (Canachites canadensis franklinii) can be used for determining both age and sex. Plumage patterns and other characteristics of tails as used for this purpose are described. Three biologists tested the validity of the criteria on a series of 42 tails and identified sexes with 100% accuracy and ages with 98% accuracy.