Foster, Chris C.; Forsman, Eric D.; Meslow, E. Charles; Miller, Gary S.; Reid, Janice A.; Wagner, Frank F.; Carey, Andrew B.; Lint, Joseph B. 1992. Survival and reproduction of radio-marked adult spotted owls. Journal of Wildlife Management. 56(1): 91-95.
We compared survival, reproduction, and body mass of radio-marked and non-radio-markedspotted owls (Strix occidentalis) to determine if backpack radios influenced reproduction or survival. In moststudy areas and years, there were no differences (P > 0.05) in survival of males and females or in survivalof radio-marked versus banded owls. There was no difference (P = 0.31) in mean mass of owls before andafter they had worn radio transmitters. Radio-marked owls produced fewer (P 19-g) backpack style transmitters, we recommend that researchers consider the use of smaller transmittersmounted on the tail.