scholarly journals Breeding origins and migratory connectivity at a northern roost of Vaux’s Swift, a declining aerial insectivore

The Condor ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellis L Smith ◽  
Matthew W Reudink ◽  
Peter P Marra ◽  
Ann E Mckellar ◽  
Steven L Van Wilgenburg
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Annual Cycle ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Vancouver Island ◽  
Cluster Solution ◽  
Migratory Connectivity ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Aerial Insectivores ◽  
Breeding Grounds ◽  
Weak Connectivity

ABSTRACT Populations of Vaux’s Swift (Chaetura vauxi), like those of many aerial insectivores, are rapidly declining. Determining when and where populations are limited across the annual cycle is important for their conservation. Establishing the linkages between wintering and breeding sites and the strength of the connections between them is a necessary first step. In this study, we analyzed 3 stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H) from feathers collected during spring migration from Vaux’s Swifts that perished during a stopover on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. We previously analyzed claw tissue (grown during winter) from the same individuals, revealing that the swifts likely wintered in 2 or 3 locations/habitats. Here, we used stable isotope analysis of flight feathers presumed to have been grown on, or near, the breeding grounds to determine the likely previous breeding locations and presumed destinations for the swifts. Stable isotope values (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H) showed no meaningful variation between age classes, sexes, or with body size. Surprisingly, ~26% of the birds sampled had feather isotope values that were not consistent with growth on their breeding grounds. For the remaining birds, assigned breeding origins appeared most consistent with molt origins on Vancouver Island. Overall, migratory connectivity of this population was relatively weak (rM = 0.07). However, the degree of connectivity depended on how many winter clusters were analyzed; the 2-cluster solution suggested no significant connectivity, but the 3-cluster solution suggested weak connectivity. It is still unclear whether low migratory connectivity observed for Vaux’s Swift and other aerial insectivores may make their populations more or less vulnerable to habitat loss; therefore, further efforts should be directed to assessing whether aerial insectivores may be habitat limited throughout the annual cycle.

Endogenous biomarkers reveal diet partitioning among three sympatric species of swallows

The Auk ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaelyn H Bumelis ◽  
Michael D Cadman ◽  
Keith A Hobson
Keyword(s):  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Sympatric Species ◽  
Tree Swallow ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Interspecific Differences ◽  
Cliff Swallow ◽  
Aerial Insectivores ◽  
Breeding Grounds ◽  
Potential Factors ◽  
Δ 15N

Abstract Since the early 1990s, aerial insectivorous birds have shown serious population declines in North America, but it is not clear if factors common to all species within this guild account for these declines. Among sympatric swallows, population trends differ, and this may be due to differences in ecology operating throughout the annual cycle. Although these species all feed on aerial insects, prey taxa can differ tremendously in their “aeroecology” and use by swallows. We examined the potential for dietary differences among three species of swallows, Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota), and Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), breeding sympatrically in southern Ontario, Canada. Potential interspecific differences in nestling diet were examined using two endogenous biomarkers, DNA barcoding of nestling feces and stable isotope analysis (δ 2H, δ 13C, δ 15N) of nestling feathers. We found evidence for differences in dietary sources of provisioned young where Barn Swallows provisioned more terrestrial-based prey, Cliff Swallows provisioned an intermediate diet, and Tree Swallows the most aquatic-emergent insect diet. We suggest this information may help to identify potential factors contributing to differential declines of aerial insectivores operating on the breeding grounds, including diet quality.

scholarly journals Wintering Areas, Migratory Connectivity and Habitat Fidelity of Three Declining Nearctic- Neotropical Migrant Swallows

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara Leah Imlay ◽  
Keith A. Hobson ◽  
Amélie Roberto-Charron ◽  
Marty L. Leonard
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotope ◽  
North America ◽  
South America ◽  
Migratory Connectivity ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Winter Habitat ◽  
Aerial Insectivores ◽  
Wintering Areas ◽  
Barn Swallows ◽  
Habitat Fidelity

Abstract Conservation efforts directed at population declines for migratory animals must consider threats occurring at different stages often separated by vast distances. Furthermore, connectivity between populations and fidelity of individuals to specific habitats during the annual cycle are also important considerations. Avian aerial insectivores are experiencing steep population declines in North America, and those declines may be driven, in part, by conditions on the wintering grounds. Here, using geolocators (2 species; 4 individuals) and stable isotope (δ2H, δ13C and δ15N) measurements of feathers (3 species; 841 individuals), we identified approximate winter areas, and assessed migratory connectivity and among-year winter habitat fidelity for three aerial insectivores (Bank Swallow Riparia riparia, Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica and Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) that breed in northeastern North America. All three species of swallows are declining in this region. Our results, largely from the stable isotope analysis, suggest that these species likely winter throughout the Cerrado, La Plata Basin, and the Pampas, in South America. These most likely areas were similar among years (2013-2016) for Bank and Cliff Swallows, but varied for Barn Swallows (2014-2016). We found weak migratory connectivity for all three species, and, with one exception, weak habitat fidelity among years for individuals. For individual Barn Swallows captured in two or more years, we found high repeatability in δ13C values, suggesting some fidelity to similar habitats among years. The most likely wintering areas for these species coincide with large areas of South America experiencing high rates of land-use change.

scholarly journals First insights into the migration route and migratory connectivity of the Paddyfield Warbler using geolocator tagging and stable isotope analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 159 (3) ◽  
pp. 879-882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vojtěch Brlík ◽  
Mihaela Ilieva ◽  
Simeon Lisovski ◽  
Christian C. Voigt ◽  
Petr Procházka
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Stable Isotope Analysis ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Migration Route ◽  
Migratory Connectivity

Assessing seasonal changes in animal diets with stable-isotope analysis of amino acids: a migratory boreal songbird switches diet over its annual cycle

Oecologia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 187 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Gómez ◽  
Thomas Larsen ◽  
Brian Popp ◽  
Keith A. Hobson ◽  
Carlos Daniel Cadena
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Stable Isotope Analysis ◽  
Annual Cycle ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Isotope Analysis

scholarly journals Migratory connectivity of two Baltic Sea salmon populations: retrospective analysis using stable isotopes of scales

2013 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 336-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyrki Torniainen ◽  
Pekka J. Vuorinen ◽  
Roger I. Jones ◽  
Marja Keinänen ◽  
Stefan Palm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotopes ◽  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Gulf Of Finland ◽  
Migratory Connectivity ◽  
Baltic Proper ◽  
Feeding Area ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
The Gulf Of Finland

Abstract Torniainen, J., Vuorinen, P. J., Jones, R. I., Keinänen, M., Palm, S., Vuori, K. A. M., and Kiljunen, M. 2014. Migratory connectivity of two Baltic Sea salmon populations: retrospective analysis using stable isotopes of scales. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 71: 336–344. Migratory connectivity refers to the extent to which individuals of a migratory population behave in unison, and has significant consequences for the ecology, evolution and conservation of migratory animals. We made a retrospective assessment of the migratory connectivity of River Simojoki and River Kymijoki populations of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. by using stable isotope analysis of archived scales to identify the final feeding areas used before ascending rivers for spawning. We also tested differences in migratory connectivity between wild and hatchery-reared salmon and compared Carlin-tag recoveries with salmon scale stable isotope analysis as methods for studying salmon migrations. Stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N) values from the last growth region of scales from salmon caught ascending their natal rivers were compared via discriminant analysis with those from scales of salmon caught in different Baltic Sea areas during 1989–2011. Most River Simojoki salmon had likely fed in the Baltic Proper (mean ± SD for ascending fish probability 0.59 ± 0.32) with secondary likely feeding areas in the Bothnian Sea (0.21 ± 0.26) and the Gulf of Finland (0.20 ± 0.27). Most River Kymijoki salmon had likely fed in the Gulf of Finland (0.71 ± 0.42) with the Baltic Proper (0.29 ± 0.41) a secondary feeding area. The results did not indicate the Bothnian Sea to be an important feeding area. The two salmon populations showed weak migratory connectivity and rather fixed areal preference throughout the record irrespective of wild or stocked origin. Although the results from the scale stable isotope analyses were broadly consistent with previously reported Carlin-tag recoveries, we argue that the stable isotope approach offers several important advantages in the study of salmon migratory behaviour.

scholarly journals The annual cycle of a trans-equatorial Eurasian–African passerine migrant: different spatio-temporal strategies for autumn and spring migration

2011 ◽  
Vol 279 (1730) ◽  
pp. 1008-1016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anders P. Tøttrup ◽  
Raymond H. G. Klaassen ◽  
Roine Strandberg ◽  
Kasper Thorup ◽  
Mikkel Willemoes Kristensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Annual Cycle ◽  
Arabian Peninsula ◽  
Light Level ◽  
Spring Migration ◽  
Control Mechanisms ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Lanius Collurio ◽  
Breeding Grounds ◽  
Spatio Temporal

The small size of the billions of migrating songbirds commuting between temperate breeding sites and the tropics has long prevented the study of the largest part of their annual cycle outside the breeding grounds. Using light-level loggers (geolocators), we recorded the entire annual migratory cycle of the red-backed shrike Lanius collurio , a trans-equatorial Eurasian-African passerine migrant. We tested differences between autumn and spring migration for nine individuals. Duration of migration between breeding and winter sites was significantly longer in autumn (average 96 days) when compared with spring (63 days). This difference was explained by much longer staging periods during autumn (71 days) than spring (9 days). Between staging periods, the birds travelled faster during autumn (356 km d –1 ) than during spring (233 km d –1 ). All birds made a protracted stop (53 days) in Sahelian sub-Sahara on southbound migration. The birds performed a distinct loop migration (22 000 km) where spring distance, including a detour across the Arabian Peninsula, exceeded the autumn distance by 22 per cent. Geographical scatter between routes was particularly narrow in spring, with navigational convergence towards the crossing point from Africa to the Arabian Peninsula. Temporal variation between individuals was relatively constant, while different individuals tended to be consistently early or late at different departure/arrival occasions during the annual cycle. These results demonstrate the existence of fundamentally different spatio-temporal migration strategies used by the birds during autumn and spring migration, and that songbirds may rely on distinct staging areas for completion of their annual cycle, suggesting more sophisticated endogenous control mechanisms than merely clock-and-compass guidance among terrestrial solitary migrants. After a century with metal-ringing, year-round tracking of long-distance migratory songbirds promises further insights into bird migration.

The potential breeding range of Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris identified from stable-isotope analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 228-237
Author(s):  
GRAEME M. BUCHANAN ◽  
ALEXANDER L. BOND ◽  
NICOLA J. CROCKFORD ◽  
JOHANNES KAMP ◽  
JAMES W. PEARCE-HIGGINS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Western Siberia ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Calibration Equation ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Breeding Range ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Southern Russia

SummaryThe breeding areas of the Critically Endangered Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris are all but unknown, with the only well-substantiated breeding records being from the Omsk province, western Siberia. The identification of any remaining breeding population is of the highest priority for the conservation of any remnant population. If it is extinct, the reliable identification of former breeding sites may help determine the causes of the species’ decline, in order to learn wider conservation lessons. We used stable isotope values in feather samples from juvenile Slender-billed Curlews to identify potential breeding areas. Modelled precipitation δ2H data were compared to feather samples of surrogate species from within the potential breeding range, to produce a calibration equation. Application of this calibration to samples from 35 Slender-billed Curlew museum skins suggested they could have originated from the steppes of northern Kazakhstan and part of southern Russia between 48°N and 56°N. The core of this area was around 50°N, some way to the south of the confirmed nesting sites in the forest steppes. Surveys for the species might be better targeted at the Kazakh steppes, rather than around the historically recognised nest sites of southern Russia which might have been atypical for the species. We consider whether agricultural expansion in this area may have contributed to declines of the Slender-billed Curlew population.

scholarly journals Variation in Hydrogen Stable-Isotope Ratios Between Adult and Nestling Cooper's Hawks

The Condor ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 105 (3) ◽  
pp. 567-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy D. Meehan ◽  
Robert N. Rosenfield ◽  
Viorel N. Atudorei ◽  
John Bielefeldt ◽  
Laura J. Rosenfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Stable Isotope ◽  
North Dakota ◽  
Stable Isotope Analysis ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Stable Isotope Ratios ◽  
Accipiter Cooperii ◽  
Breeding Grounds ◽  
Para Determinar ◽  
Cooper's Hawks

AbstractHydrogen stable-isotope analysis of feathers is an increasingly popular method for estimating the origins of migrating and wintering birds. Use of this method requires that investigators know which feathers are grown on breeding grounds and how the hydrogen stable-isotope ratios of feathers (δDf) relate to those of local precipitation (δDp). In this study, we measured δDf of adult (primaries 1, 3, and 10) and nestling Cooper's Hawks (Accipiter cooperii) in Wisconsin, North Dakota, and British Columbia, Canada. As previously shown, δDf of nestling feathers were related to δDp. In contrast, the δDf of adult feathers grown on the breeding grounds were substantially greater than those of their nestlings, and varied significantly across primary feathers and study areas. Our findings suggest that it is not possible to use hydrogen stable-isotope analysis of feathers to learn the origins of migrating adult Cooper's Hawks (or possibly adults of other large-bodied species with extended molting periods) until more is learned about the physiological or ecological mechanisms underlying these isotopic discrepancies.Variación en las Proporciones de Isótopos Estables de Hidrógeno entre Adultos y Polluelos de Accipiter cooperiiResumen. El análisis de isótopos estables de hidrógeno en las plumas es un método cada vez más popular para determinar el origen de aves migratorias e invernantes. El uso de esta técnica requiere que el investigador conozca qué plumas crecen en los lugares de nidificación y cómo las proporciones de isótopos estables de hidrógeno de las plumas (δDf) se relacionan con aquellas de la precipitación local (δDp). En este estudio, medimos las δDf en adultos (primarias 1, 3 y 10) y en polluelos de Accipiter cooperii en Wisconsin, North Dakota y British Columbia, Canadá. Como se ha mostrado previamente, las δDf de plumas de polluelos se encontraban relacionadas con las δDp. Por el contrario, las δDf de plumas de adultos que crecieron en los lugares de nidificación fueron substancialmente mayores que aquellas de sus polluelos, y variaron significativamente entre plumas primarias y áreas de estudio. Nuestros resultados sugieren que no es posible utilizar el análisis de isótopos estables de hidrógeno de plumas para determinar el origen de adultos migratorios de A. cooperii (o de adultos de otras especies de aves con tamaños corporales grandes y con períodos de muda extendidos) hasta que los mecanismos ecológicos y fisiológicos que subyacen a estas discrepancias isotópicas sean mejor entendidos.

scholarly journals Population trends inVermivorawarblers are linked to strong migratory connectivity

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (14) ◽  
pp. E3192-E3200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunnar R. Kramer ◽  
David E. Andersen ◽  
David A. Buehler ◽  
Petra B. Wood ◽  
Sean M. Peterson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Annual Cycle ◽  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Population Trends ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Migratory Connectivity ◽  
Migratory Species ◽  
Vermivora Chrysoptera ◽  
Breeding Populations ◽  
Migratory Songbirds ◽  
Weak Connectivity

Migratory species can experience limiting factors at different locations and during different periods of their annual cycle. In migratory birds, these factors may even occur in different hemispheres. Therefore, identifying the distribution of populations throughout their annual cycle (i.e., migratory connectivity) can reveal the complex ecological and evolutionary relationships that link species and ecosystems across the globe and illuminate where and how limiting factors influence population trends. A growing body of literature continues to identify species that exhibit weak connectivity wherein individuals from distinct breeding areas co-occur during the nonbreeding period. A detailed account of a broadly distributed species exhibiting strong migratory connectivity in which nonbreeding isolation of populations is associated with differential population trends remains undescribed. Here, we present a range-wide assessment of the nonbreeding distribution and migratory connectivity of two broadly dispersed Nearctic-Neotropical migratory songbirds. We used geolocators to track the movements of 70Vermivorawarblers from sites spanning their breeding distribution in eastern North America and identified links between breeding populations and nonbreeding areas. Unlike blue-winged warblers (Vermivora cyanoptera), breeding populations of golden-winged warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera) exhibited strong migratory connectivity, which was associated with historical trends in breeding populations: stable for populations that winter in Central America and declining for those that winter in northern South America.

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