  From R-band images of 42 Hickson compact groups, we present a sample of 47
candidate dwarf galaxies that are associated with the tidal tails and arms in
the groups. The candidates, found in 15 tidal features, have R magnitudes and
masses (for M/L = 1) in the ranges -16.5 < M_R - 5 log h_{75} < -11.5 and
2x10^6 M_{\odot} < M < 2x10^8 M_{\odot}, respectively. Their masses and
locations are compared to the predictions of theoretical/N-body tidal dwarf
formation scenarios. Considering the longevity of tidal debris in the compact
group environment and the results of this survey, we estimate the contribution
of the tidal dwarf formation mechanism to the population of dwarf galaxies
observed at large in compact groups. If the majority of our dwarf galaxy
candidates are confirmed as being gravitationally bound stellar systems, then a
significant fraction, perhaps as much as one-half, of the dwarf population in
compact groups is the product of interactions among giant parent galaxies.
