Optimal fat loads and long‐distance flights by migrating Knots Calidris canutus, Sanderlings C. alba and Turnstones Arenaria interpres

Abstract

Arctic waders often build up large fat loads and complete their migratory journeys by a few long‐distance flights between traditional staging sites. Optimal fat loads and choices of staging sites differ depending on whether the birds are adapted to minimize energy or time spent on migration. In the latter case, we predict that the birds will depart for the next staging site when the instantaneous speed of migration expected after arrival at the next site, exceeds the corresponding speed at the departure site. The instantaneous migration speed is a function of the rate of fat deposition and the current fat load. As a consequence of this, overloading (birds deposit larger fat loads than needed merely for covering the flight distance to the next destination) and by‐passing of possible, but low‐quality staging sites, are expected under specific conditions in time‐selected migration.Estimates of fat deposition rates and departure fat loads were obtained by captures of Knots Calidris canutus, Sanderlings C. alba and Turnstones Arenaria interpres in W. Iceland during spring migration. Further fat deposition data referring to spring migration of these species were compiled from the literature. Fat deposition rates at different sites, as measured by the daily gain in mass relative to lean body‐mass, range between 1.0 and 3.6%/day, and departure fuel loads (in % of lean body‐mass) between 27 and 73%.Comparison with flight range estimates suggests that overloading may be a regular phenomenon during spring migration of Knots, Sanderlings and Turnstones. Furthermore, fat deposition rates at different staging sites, and the general difference in migration patterns between spring and autumn, indicate that by‐passing of possible staging sites may well occur. Hence, it cannot be excluded that the waders' migratory habits primarily serve to maximize the overall speed of migration.