Asian Koel and Azure-Winged Magpie Egg Spectral Measurements from Central China

May–August 2025 data on egg color and morphology from breeding nests in Huangpi District, central China. The dataset, created by Caizhen Wen and last updated in April 2026, contains spectral reflectance measurements for Asian koel and azure-winged magpie eggs, analyzed using avian visual modeling. It is used to study host-specific egg mimicry in brood parasites.

Use Cases

• Analyzing spectral similarity between parasite and host eggs based on reflectance data from 300–700 nm.
• Modeling avian visual perception of egg color based on the described violet-sensitive (VS) visual system.
• Studying geographic and temporal patterns of brood parasitism based on nest location and first egg laying date.
• Quantifying egg morphology and clutch size variation in azure-winged magpie populations.

Strengths

• Spectral reflectance data was collected using a standardized spectrometer (AvaSpec-2048-SPU2) in a controlled dark environment.
• Egg color was measured at three regions per egg, with six measurement points summarized to average values.
• Data collection is geotagged using GPS for nests in a defined 2256.70 km² study area.
• Analysis applies avian visual modeling for brightness, chroma, hue, and UV ratio comparisons.

Limitations

• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Data is from a single district in central China over one breeding season, which may limit generalizability.

Provenance

Source

Caizhen Wen, published on figshare.

Collection Method

Systematic nest searches, GPS geotagging, and spectrometer measurements.

Time Range

May–August 2025

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-28 07:23:26; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Huangpi District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, central China (114°09′–114°37′ E, 30°40′–31°22′ N).