The effect of foraging method on stopover duration in migratory waders

Gaag, D.O. van der (2012) The effect of foraging method on stopover duration in migratory waders. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

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Abstract

In this literature study I will focus on the effect of foraging method on stopover duration in waders. I compared species based on their foraging method: visually and tactile foragers. Data on stopover length and fuel deposition was compiled for thirteen wader species. Visual surface waders had a shorter stopover time than tactile waders (7.1 days and 13.4 days, respectively). The effect of travel distance before and after a stopover on stopover duration was investigated in more detail in Red Knots (Calidris canutus rufa). The longer a Knot flies the longer it will prepare for the flight. Tactile waders had a higher mass-specific fuel deposition than visual waders (2.5%/day and 1.8%/day respectively). When a tactile wader has the same mass as a visual surface wader and also flies the same distance between stopovers, the tactile wader is able to refuel quicker than the visual surface wader. Tactile waders are thus able to refuel quicker but in reality they stay on the stopovers longer then visual surface waders. This is possible if tactile waders have a longer travel time between stopovers as this requires a longer preparation. In conclusion, foraging methods are not the only affecting factor. Also the travel time between stopovers had an effect on stopover length. . The combined effect of fuel deposition and travel time between stopovers seems to determine the stopover duration. More research is required to find out if the travel time of tactile waders is in fact longer. Many different species need to be observed and caught on the same place at the same time to make sure environmental factors are all the same for each species. With such data it is possible to make a good comparison between species based on their foraging method

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	15 Feb 2018 07:49
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2018 07:49
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/10321

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