Presentation Display
Eggs - A Virtual Exhibition is viewed best at 640 x 480 pixels in 24 bit colour.
A Single Image
Beware, due to space limitations we are only able to illustrate one egg of each species.
Remember however, eggs vary markedly in coloration, size and shape within and among
clutches. We try to show eggs that are representative of each species and provide
descriptions of the range of variation in that species.
Image Size
While the egg images are not life-size, they are all magnified to the same extent. However,
passerine eggs are further magnified (two-fold) to show details of markings, which are
helpful in species identification in these smaller and more heavily marked eggs.
Breeding Status
The breeding status for all of the eggs of Alberta is taken from the breeding codes recorded in
The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Alberta (see
References).
Confirmed is the strongest code and is indicated by any of: nest-building
(not for wrens and woodpeckers), distraction displays, evidence of a used nest or eggshells,
recently fledged young, an occupied nest, adults carrying food, and a nest with eggs or young.
Probable is a slightly weaker breeding code. A pair observed in nesting
habitat, observations of territorial or courtship behaviour, a bird visiting a probable
nest-site and nest-building (for wrens and woodpeckers) are all indicative of a probable
breeding area. When a species is observed or breeding calls are heard or a bird is located
in suitable nesting habitat, it is recorded as being a
Possible breeder in
that area. Finally, the weakest breeding code,
Observed, is assigned when
a species is identified without any indication that the bird breeds in the area.
