scholarly journals Multidimensional natal isotopic niches reflect migratory patterns in birds

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Franzoi ◽  
S. Larsen ◽  
P. Franceschi ◽  
K. A. Hobson ◽  
P. Pedrini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Trophic Position ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Type I ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Migration Strategy ◽  
Stopover Site ◽  
Migratory Patterns

AbstractNaturally occurring stable isotope ratios in animal tissues allow estimation of species trophic position and ecological niche. Measuring multiple isotopes of migratory species along flyway bottlenecks offers the opportunity to sample multiple populations and species whose tissues carry information at continental scales. We measured δ2H, δ18O, δ13C, δ15N in juvenile feathers of 21 bird species captured at a migratory bottleneck in the Italian Alps. We examined if trends in individual isotopes reflected known migratory strategies and whether dietary (δ13C–δ15N) and spatially-explicit breeding origin (δ2H–δ18O) niche breadth (NB) differed among long-distance trans-Saharan (TS), short-distance (IP) and irruptive (IR) intra-Palearctic migrants, and whether they correlated with reported populations long-term trends. In both TS and IP groups, species δ2H declined with capture date, indicating that northern populations reached the stopover site later in the season, following a Type-I migration strategy. Values of δ2H indicated that breeding range of TS migrants extended farther north than IP and IR migrants. The breeding season was longer for IP migrants whose δ13C and δ15N values declined and increased, respectively, with time of capture. Average species dietary NB did not differ among migratory groups, but TS migrants displayed wider breeding origin niches, suggesting that long-distant migration is linked to broader ecological niches. Isotope origin NB well reflected species geographic range extent, while dietary NB did not correlate with literature accounts of species’ diet. We found no relationship between species breeding NB and population trends in Europe, suggesting that conditions in the breeding grounds, as inferred by stable isotopes, are not the only determinant of species’ long-term persistence. We demonstrate that ringing activities and isotopic measurements of passerines migrating through a bottleneck represents a unique opportunity to investigate large-scale life-history phenomena relevant to conservation.

scholarly journals Multidimensional natal isotopic niches reflect migratory patterns in birds

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Franzoi ◽  
S. Larsen ◽  
P. Franceschi ◽  
K.A. Hobson ◽  
P. Pedrini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Trophic Position ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Type I ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Migration Strategy ◽  
Stopover Site ◽  
Migratory Patterns

AbstractNaturally occurring stable isotope ratios in animal tissues allow estimation of species trophic position and ecological niche. Measuring multiple isotopes of migratory species along flyway bottlenecks offers the opportunity to sample multiple populations and species whose tissues carry information at continental scales.We measured δ2H, δ18O, δ13C, δ15N in juvenile feathers of 21 bird species captured at a migratory bottleneck in the Italian Alps.We examined if trends in individual isotopes reflected known migratory strategies and whether dietary (δ13C-δ15N) and spatially-explicit breeding origin (δ2H-δ18O) niche breadth (NB) differed among long-distance trans-Saharan (TS), short-distance (IP) and irruptive (IR) intra-Palearctic migrants, and whether they correlated with reported populations long-term trends.In both TS and IP groups, species δ2H declined with capture date, indicating that northern populations reached the stopover site later in the season, following a Type-I migration strategy. Values of δ2H indicated that breeding range of TS migrants extended farther north than IP and IR migrants. The breeding season was longer for IP migrants whose δ13C and δ15N values declined and increased, respectively, with time of capture.Average species dietary NB did not differ among migratory groups, but TS migrants displayed wider breeding origin niches, suggesting that long-distant migration is linked to broader ecological niches. Isotope origin NB well reflected species geographic range extent, while dietary NB did not correlate with literature accounts of species’ diet. We found no relationship between species breeding NB and population trends in Europe, implying that conditions in the wintering grounds could be more important for the long-term persistence of species.We demonstrate that isotopic measurements of passerines migrating through a bottleneck represents a unique opportunity to investigate large-scale life-history phenomena relevant to conservation.

scholarly journals Prevalence and genetic diversity of avian haemosporidian parasites in wild bird species of the order Columbiformes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne R. Schumm ◽  
Dimitris Bakaloudis ◽  
Christos Barboutis ◽  
Jacopo G. Cecere ◽  
Cyril Eraud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Species ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Phylogenetic Reconstruction ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Avian Species ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Migration Strategy ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Multiplex Pcr Assay ◽  
And Migration

AbstractDiseases can play a role in species decline. Among them, haemosporidian parasites, vector-transmitted protozoan parasites, are known to constitute a risk for different avian species. However, the magnitude of haemosporidian infection in wild columbiform birds, including strongly decreasing European turtle doves, is largely unknown. We examined the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and subgenera Haemoproteus and Parahaemoproteus in six species of the order Columbiformes during breeding season and migration by applying nested PCR, one-step multiplex PCR assay and microscopy. We detected infections in 109 of the 259 screened individuals (42%), including 15 distinct haemosporidian mitochondrial cytochrome b lineages, representing five H. (Haemoproteus), two H. (Parahaemoproteus), five Leucocytozoon and three Plasmodium lineages. Five of these lineages have never been described before. We discriminated between single and mixed infections and determined host species-specific prevalence for each parasite genus. Observed differences among sampled host species are discussed with reference to behavioural characteristics, including nesting and migration strategy. Our results support previous suggestions that migratory birds have a higher prevalence and diversity of blood parasites than resident or short-distance migratory species. A phylogenetic reconstruction provided evidence for H. (Haemoproteus) as well as H. (Parahaemoproteus) infections in columbiform birds. Based on microscopic examination, we quantified parasitemia, indicating the probability of negative effects on the host. This study provides a large-scale baseline description of haemosporidian infections of wild birds belonging to the order Columbiformes sampled in the northern hemisphere. The results enable the monitoring of future changes in parasite transmission areas, distribution and diversity associated with global change, posing a potential risk for declining avian species as the European turtle dove.

scholarly journals Long-Term Declines and Decadal Patterns in Population Trends of Songbirds in Western North America, 1979–1999

The Condor ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 105 (4) ◽  
pp. 737-755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grant Ballard ◽  
Geoffrey R. Geupel ◽  
Nadav Nur ◽  
Thomas Gardali
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
North America ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Population Trends ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Historia De Vida ◽  
Los Grupos

Abstract We analyzed population trends from a constant-effort mist-netting study conducted in central coastal California during the autumns of 1979–1999. Of 31 taxa captured in sufficient numbers, 16 underwent statistically significant declines and none increased. Twice as many species declined from 1989–1999 as compared to 1979–1989. Overall, our results were similar to those of regional Breeding Bird Surveys determined for the same species during the same period. In an attempt to identify possible causes for trends, we grouped species by various life-history categories including nest height, nest type, likelihood of cowbird parasitism, wintering location, winter food preference, and tolerance for human presence on the breeding grounds. All groups underwent significant declines, although high nesters, common cowbird hosts, and Neotropical migrants declined faster than their respective counterparts. While life-history attributes explained differences in trends between groups, there was significant heterogeneity of trends within groups. Capture rates of certain species and groups appeared to be affected by various climate variables, and accelerating declines since 1990 may reflect effects of large-scale climate cycles, particularly on long-distance migrants. We suggest that long-term population trajectories of songbird populations across North America may be better understood in the context of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Interpretation of our results is, in some cases, problematic due to the complex interaction of methodological limitations and environmental variables, especially habitat change on the study site. We recommend the use of multiple methods and multiple sites for monitoring trends in songbird population abundance during fall migration. Disminuciones a Largo Plazo y Patrones Década a Década en Tendencias Poblacionales de Aves Canoras en el Oeste de Norte América, 1979–1999 Resumen. Analizamos las tendencias poblacionales de un estudio de esfuerzo constante con redes de niebla realizado en la costa central de California durante los otoños de 1979 a 1999. De las 31 especies capturadas en números suficientes, 16 sufrieron disminuciones estadísticamente significativas y ninguna aumentó. En comparación con el período de 1979 a 1989, el doble de las especies disminuyeron entre 1989 y 1999. En general, nuestros resultados fueron similares a los determinados para las mismas especies en el mismo período por los censos regionales de aves reproductivas. En un intento por identificar las posibles causas de las tendencias, agrupamos las especies de acuerdo a varias categorías de historias de vida incluyendo altura del nido, tipo de nido, probabilidad de parasitismo por Molothrus, localidad de invernada, preferencias alimenticias en el invierno y tolerancia ante la presencia humana en las áreas reproductivas. Todos los grupos sufrieron disminuciones significativas, aunque las aves con nidos altos, los hospederos comunes de Molothrus y los migrantes neotropicales disminuyeron más rápidamente que sus respectivas contrapartes. Aunque los atributos de historia de vida explicaron las diferencias de las tendencias entre grupos, existió una heterogeneidad significativa al interior de los grupos. Las tasas de captura de ciertas especies y grupos parecieron ser afectadas por varias variables climáticas, y las disminuciones aceleradas desde 1990 podrían reflejar efectos de ciclos climáticos a gran escala, particularmente en migrantes de larga distancia. Sugerimos que las tendencias poblacionales a largo plazo de las aves canoras a través de Norte América podrían ser mejor entendidas en el contexto de la oscilación década a década del Pacífico. En algunos casos, la interpretación de nuestros resultados es problemática debido a la compleja interacción entre las limitaciones metodológicas y las variables ambientales, especialmente los cambios en el hábitat en el sitio de estudio. Recomendamos el uso de múltiples métodos y sitios para monitorear las tendencias en la abundancia de las poblaciones de aves canoras durante la migración de otoño.

scholarly journals Simple rules guide dragonfly migration

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Wikelski ◽  
David Moskowitz ◽  
James S Adelman ◽  
Jim Cochran ◽  
David S Wilcove ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Rules ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Migration Strategy ◽  
Anax Junius ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Radio Transmitters ◽  
Migratory Patterns ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Made In

Every year billions of butterflies, dragonflies, moths and other insects migrate across continents, and considerable progress has been made in understanding population-level migratory phenomena. However, little is known about destinations and strategies of individual insects. We attached miniaturized radio transmitters ( ca 300 mg) to the thoraxes of 14 individual dragonflies (common green darners, Anax junius ) and followed them during their autumn migration for up to 12 days, using receiver-equipped Cessna airplanes and ground teams. Green darners exhibited distinct stopover and migration days. On average, they migrated every 2.9±0.3 days, and their average net advance was 58±11 km in 6.1±0.9 days (11.9±2.8 km d −1 ) in a generally southward direction (186±52°). They migrated exclusively during the daytime, when wind speeds were less than 25 km h −1 , regardless of wind direction, but only after two nights of successively lower temperatures (decrease of 2.1±0.6 °C in minimum temperature). The migratory patterns and apparent decision rules of green darners are strikingly similar to those proposed for songbirds, and may represent a general migration strategy for long-distance migration of organisms with high self-propelled flight speeds.

scholarly journals The effect of climate change on the duration of avian breeding seasons: a meta-analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 284 (1867) ◽  
pp. 20171710 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucyna Halupka ◽  
Konrad Halupka
Keyword(s):  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Ecological Flexibility ◽  
Breeding Grounds ◽  
Breeding Seasons

Many bird species are advancing the timing of their egg-laying in response to a warming climate. Little is known, however, of whether this advancement affects the respective length of the breeding seasons. A meta-analysis of 65 long-term studies of 54 species from the Northern Hemisphere has revealed that within the last 45 years an average population has lengthened the season by 1.4 days per decade, which was independent from changes in mean laying dates. Multi-brooded birds have prolonged their seasons by 4 days per decade, while single-brooded have shortened by 2 days. Changes in season lengths covaried with local climate changes: warming was correlated with prolonged seasons in multi-brooded species, but not in single-brooders. This might be a result of higher ecological flexibility of multi-brooded birds, whereas single brooders may have problems with synchronizing their reproduction with the peak of food resources. Sedentary species and short-distance migrants prolonged their breeding seasons more than long-distance migrants, which probably cannot track conditions at their breeding grounds. We conclude that as long as climate warming continues without major changes in ecological conditions, multi-brooded or sedentary species will probably increase their reproductive output, while the opposite effect may occur in single-brooded or migratory birds.

Techniques for optimising long-term, large-scale capture–mark–resighting raptor studies: climb hard, band fast

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor G. Hurley ◽  
John G. White ◽  
Raylene Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Individual Recognition ◽  
Traditional Approach ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Window Of Opportunity ◽  
Seasonal Breeding ◽  
Active Nest

Context Efficiency of large-scale capture–mark–recapture (CMR) studies can be improved by developing accurate methods for predicting the window of opportunity in which banding can occur. Aims This research aimed to investigate potential efficiency improvements in a long-term CMR raptor study. The research focussed on: (1) developing selection processes for adopting CMR protocols; (2) testing methods for increasing the number of nestlings successfully banded; and (3) assessing the efficacy of visual identification (VID) bands for collecting re-sight data. Methods Ten selection criteria were developed into a robust CMR-technique selection process and used to assess marking techniques commonly applied to birds. Optimising banding effort by predicting banding dates using two different techniques a priori and a posteriori were tested against a traditional approach to the timing of banding. The cost (in time) to collect resight data at an active nest site was also measured. Key results The CMR selection criteria and parameters provided a transparent selection process and scored metal VID bands the highest for the study design. This provided individual recognition of marked birds up to the expected life-span of 14 years. Both techniques for predicting banding dates improved the proportion of whole clutches banded by 40%. The average time to identify both peregrine falcon adults of a breeding pair wearing VID bands was 30 min. Conclusions The two methods described here for predicting preferred banding dates are of particular value as efficient approaches to banding large numbers of nestlings are key to the success of CMR studies. All of the methods developed in this research can be applied to CMR studies of almost any bird species with a predictable seasonal breeding system. Implications Optimisation and cost effectiveness of CMR studies for seasonal breeding birds can be significantly improved by accurately predicting the window of opportunity in which banding of nestlings can be carried out, and also utilising VID colour bands for rapid collection of recapture data.

Reduced diurnal activity and increased stopover duration by molting Swainson’s Thrushes

The Auk ◽  
2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Morales ◽  
Barbara Frei ◽  
Greg W Mitchell ◽  
Camille Bégin-Marchand ◽  
Kyle H Elliott
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Energy Gain ◽  
Daily Mortality ◽  
Stopover Site ◽  
Stopover Duration ◽  
Migration Timing ◽  
Time Investment

Abstract Migration consists of a sequence of small- to large-scale flights often separated by stopovers for refueling. Tradeoffs between minimizing migration time (more flights, shorter stopovers) and maximizing energy gain (fewer flights, longer stopovers) will affect overall migration timing. For example, some individuals make long-term stopovers in high-quality habitat that maximize energy gain (e.g., molt-migration), but movement to those habitats likely costs time. We used radio telemetry and blood plasma metabolite levels to examine physiological and behavioral tradeoffs between molt-migrant (birds molting at the molt stopover; n = 59) and post-molt (birds that presumably completed their molt elsewhere; n = 19) migrant Swainson’s Thrushes (Catharus ustulatus) near Montreal, Canada. Molt-migration was a large time investment as the average stopover duration for molt-migrants was of 47 ± 9 days (~13% of the entire annual cycle), almost twice as long as previously assumed from banding records, and far longer than stopovers of post-molting individuals (7 ± 2 days). Daily mortality rate during the molt stopover was similar to the average annual daily mortality rate. Molt-migrants’ circadian rhythms closely matched light levels, whereas post-molting birds had irregular rhythms and averaged 1 hr greater activity per day than molt-migrants. Despite being less active, molt-migrants had similar refueling rates based on metabolite profiles. As compared with migrants that completed molt earlier, molt-migrants at this stopover site had slower subsequent migration rates. Thus, birds using long-term stopovers appeared to tradeoff energy (efficient refueling) for time (slower subsequent migration).

Migration and Staging Patterns of the Wryneck (Jynx Torquilla) at Eilat, Israel

2011 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reuven Yosef ◽  
Piotr Zduniak
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
Migratory Bird ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Condition Index ◽  
Migration Routes ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Stopover Site ◽  
The Mean

The wryneck is an unusual representative of PalearcticPicidaein that it is a long-distance migrant, whose populations have declined across Europe in the last century. Israel is at the eastern extremes of the known wryneck migration routes in the spring, which are little studied. Hence, we studied the species migration patterns and staging at Eilat, the southern tip of Israel being a very important stopover site for many migratory bird species. During 28 springs and 25 autumn migration seasons in the years 1983-2010, a total of 588 wrynecks were trapped.The mean number of birds recorded per spring season was 18.32 (SE = 2.12) and only 3.00 ± 0.71 per autumn season. The analysis performed for spring passage showed that the mean proportion of juveniles to all birds to which ages were assigned was 48.9 ± 5.2%. Furthermore, we did not find any differences in the dates of ringing, wing length, body mass or body condition index of juvenile and adults. We retrapped 97 (18.9%) wrynecks during the spring. The average proportion retrapped per season was 18.3 ± 2.9% and the average stopover was 4.8 ± 0.4 days. Recaptured birds were in better body condition than at first capture, and the body condition index gained significantly during their stay at the stopover site. The low conservation priority accorded to these habitats — and ignored in spite of many studies from the reagion — highlights the importance of the preservation of priority areas such that avian and other migrations can continue with minimal human impact.

scholarly journals Shifting of the Migration Route of White-Naped Crane (Antigone vipio) Due to Wetland Loss in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 2984
Author(s):  
Yifei Jia ◽  
Yunzhu Liu ◽  
Shengwu Jiao ◽  
Jia Guo ◽  
Cai Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Wetland Loss ◽  
Migration Route ◽  
Bohai Bay ◽  
Migration Routes ◽  
Utilization Distribution ◽  
Stopover Site ◽  
Conservation Actions

In the last 15 years, the west population of white-naped crane (Antigone vipio) decreased dramatically despite the enhanced conservation actions in both breeding and wintering areas. Recent studies highlighted the importance of protecting the integrity of movement connectivity for migratory birds. Widespread and rapid landcover changes may exceed the adaptive capacity of migrants, leading to the collapse of migratory networks. In this study, using satellite tracking data, we modeled and characterized the migration routes of the white-naped crane at three spatial levels (core area, migratory corridor, and migratory path) based on the utilization distribution for two eras (1990s and 2010s) spanning 20 years. Our analysis demonstrated that the white-naped crane shifted its migratory route, which is supported by other lines of evidences. The widespread loss of wetlands, especially within the stopover sites, might have caused this behavioral adaptation. Moreover, our analysis indicated that the long-term sustainability of the new route is untested and likely to be questionable. Therefore, directing conservation effects to the new route might be insufficient for the long-term wellbeing of this threatened crane and large-scale wetland restorations in Bohai Bay, a critical stopover site in the East Asian-Australasian flyway, are of the utmost importance to the conservation of this species.

scholarly journals Collaboration across Time and Space in the LTER Network

BioScience ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 353-364
Author(s):  
Tian-Yuan Huang ◽  
Martha R Downs ◽  
Jun Ma ◽  
Bin Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Ecological Research ◽  
Bibliographic Database ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
The Monte Carlo Method ◽  
The Us ◽  
Long Term Ecological Research ◽  
Temporal And Spatial ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Abstract The scale of ecological research is getting larger and larger. At such scales, collaboration is indispensable, but there is little consensus on what factors enable collaboration. In the present article, we investigated the temporal and spatial pattern of institutional collaboration within the US Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network on the basis of the bibliographic database. Social network analysis and the Monte Carlo method were applied to identify the characteristics of papers published by LTER researchers within a baseline of papers from 158 leading ecological journals. Long-term and long-distance collaboration were more frequent in the LTER Network, and we investigate and discuss the underlying mechanisms. We suggest that the maturing infrastructure and environment for collaboration within the LTER Network could encourage scientists to make large-scale hypotheses and to ask big questions in ecology.

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