Common Sandpiper Research Articles

Occurrence and habitat choice of waders in a high mountain sedimentation flat on Hardangervidda, South Norway

Studies of the occurrence and nesting habitat choice of waders were conducted at Finsefetene (1200 m a.s.l.), a high mountain sedimentation flat on the Hardangervidda plateau, South Norway during 1967-1984. Eight species occurred in the study area during the period, either regularly such as Calidris temminckii, Actitis hypoleucos, Charadrius hiaticula, Calidris alpina, or occasionally, such as Tringa totanus, Calidris maritima, Pluvialis apricaria and Phalaropus lobatus. The densities of the whole wader community on the sedimentation flat were related to the proportion of snow-free areas at Finse around 10 July, and on the date when Finsefetene becomes totally snow-free (DFSF). Of the eight species, only C. temminckii and P. lobatus were found to be positively correlated with the extent of snow-free area, while C. alpina and C. lobatus were positively correlated with DFSF. In low density years the nests were usually placed in the same locations, these obviously being optimal sites. The majority of C. temminckii nests were located in the two intermediate fen vegetation associations, and according to its availability the Caricion canescentis-nigrae was clearly selected for. Two other preferred plant associations on drier ground, Lactucion alpinae and Arctostaphyleto-Cetrarion nivalis, were also selected for. Nest location preferences for vegetation associations are also indicated for the other wader species, but the data on these are limited. Changes in river flow causing varying water levels in the surroundings are a pronounced ecological trait on Finsefetene. In years with a heavy spring flood many nests would be submerged. The location of the nests in relation to a so-called «Zero point», varied from 34 cm below to 210 cm above. In high density years the nests of the most common species, C. temminckii, were spread over most of the flat. In years with a late spring flood, after the nesting had started, some low situated nests were flooded. To visualize the wader community pattern, the distribution of the variable number and scattered nest locations were plotted on maps. Details in nest locations of C. temminckii are given for each year; for the other recorded species the map covers all years. The Finsefetene sedimentation flat proved to be a valuable high mountain habitat for wader populations on Hardangervidda.

Autumn Passage of Waders (Charadrii) in the Middle Vistula Valley (Kaliszany, Central Poland)

Autumn Passage of Waders (Charadrii) in the Middle Vistula Valley (Kaliszany, Central Poland) The phenology and dynamics of wader migration were studied at a stopover area in the middle Vistula Valley (Kaliszany ringing station, 51°05'N, 21°48'E, central Poland). The study was conducted during autumn passage seasons of 1993-1996 and 1999-2001. At this time 364 counts were done from mid-July to the end of October. Altogether 23 030 waders of 27 species were recorded within the study period. The most numerous species observed were: the Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) — 49% of all birds, Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) — 16% and Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) — 9%. Species constituting ca 2-4% of all noted waders each were: the Dunlin (Calidris alpina), Spotted Redshank (T. erythropus), Wood Sandpiper (T. glareola), Curlew (Numenius arquata), Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) and Green Sandpiper (T. ochropus). The proportion of the remaining species did not exceed 2%. The pattern of autumn migration dynamics is presented for the dominant species.

Does climate change explain the decline of a trans-Saharan Afro-Palaearctic migrant?

There is an urgent need to understand how climate change will impact on demographic parameters of vulnerable species. Migrants are regarded as particularly vulnerable to climate change; phenological mismatch has resulted in the local decline of one passerine, whilst variations in the survival of others have been related to African weather conditions. However, there have been few demographic studies on trans-Saharan non-passerine migrants, despite these showing stronger declines across Europe than passerines. We therefore analyse the effects of climate on the survival and productivity of common sandpipers Actitis hypoleucos, a declining non-passerine long-distant migrant using 28 years' data from the Peak District, England. Adult survival rates were significantly negatively correlated with winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), being lower when winters were warm and wet in western Europe and cool and dry in northwest Africa. Annual variation in the productivity of the population was positively correlated with June temperature, but not with an index of phenological mismatch. The 59% population decline appears largely to have been driven by reductions in adult survival, with local productivity poorly correlated with subsequent population change, suggesting a low degree of natal philopatry. Winter NAO was not significantly correlated with adult survival rates in a second, Scottish Borders population, studied for 12 years. Variation in climatic conditions alone does not therefore appear to be responsible for common sandpiper declines. Unlike some passerine migrants, there was no evidence for climate-driven reductions in productivity, although the apparent importance of immigration in determining local recruitment complicates the assessment of productivity effects. We suggest that further studies to diagnose common sandpiper declines should focus on changes in the condition of migratory stop-over or wintering locations. Where possible, these analyses should be repeated for other declining migrants.

On a New Acanthocephalan Family and a New Order, From Birds in Vietnam

During November 2000, a collection of acanthocephalans from birds in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, included a new genus and species in a new family and order. Pyrirhynchus heterospinus n. gen., n. sp. (Pyrirhynchidae n. fam.: Heteramorphida: new order) is described from Actitis hypoleucos (Linnaeus, 1758) (common sandpiper). The new family combines characters from Polymorphidae and Heteracanthocephalidae, and it includes new features. Specimens of the new species are distinguished from those of Heteracanthocephalidae and/or Polymorphidae by their long cylindrical trunk with anterior swelling, pyriform proboscis with hooks much larger ventrally, brain at the anterior end of the receptacle, specialized tubular cement glands, and elliptoid eggs with concentric shells. A detailed analysis of proboscis and trunk armature is included, and specimens of several species of Arhythmorhynchus Lühe, 1911 (Polymorphidae) were studied for comparative purposes. The proboscis of P. heterospinus is armed with 17 to 20 rows of 17 to 19 hooks each, with anterior 9-11 hooks rooted and posterior 6-10 spines rootless.

Advances in Spring but Variable Autumnal Trends in Timing of Inland Wader Migration

Advancement of spring migration in response to recent global climate change is well documented for a variety of bird species, but the pattern for autumn migration is rather equivocal. During a 42-year period (1964–2005) the changes in timing of spring and autumn migration of eight wader species were studied at multiple inland sites in Central Europe (Czech Republic and Slovakia) using ringing data. While a clear pattern was found for the advancement of the spring passage, there were variable trends in the timing of the autumn passage. Three species significantly advanced (Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper and Dunlin), three species delayed (Ruff, Snipe and Little Ringed Plover), and two species did not change the timing of the autumn passage (Little Stint and Green Sandpiper). Earlier studies had predicted that long-distance migrants wintering south of the Sahara would advance the timing of autumn migration, while short-distance migrants would postpone it. However, our findings do not fully conform to these predictions. Across species, the timing of both the spring and autumn passages was negatively associated with the winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index, suggesting that even in long-distance migrants the timing of migration might be under direct environmental control. In conclusion, phenological responses of birds to recent changes in climate are quite coherent for the early phenological phases; however, the responses to later phases are not so straightforward, and the present study contributes to this diverse pattern.

Mitochondrial phylogeographies of five widespread Eurasian bird species

Five species of Eurasian birds displayed a range of mitochondrial DNA phylogeographic structures, including a single widespread lineage (common sandpiper), two geographically unsorted and closely related lineages (long-tailed tit), three partially overlapping closely related lineages (reed bunting), and two divergent geographically isolated lineages that rival species distinction (red-breasted flycatcher and skylark). Only the red-breasted flycatcher and the skylark displayed congruent phylogeographic structures. These five species represent different stages of diversification and speciation. There was little evidence that natural selection had influenced mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) sequences. In several instances, population growth was hypothesized, based on haplotype distributions within populations.

British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee: 36th Report (November 2007)

British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee: 36th Report (November 2007)

도시하천의 하안식생과 조류 Biotope에 관한 연구- 청주시 무심천을 중심으로 -

For the purposes to prepare diverse habitate and biotope for riparian plants and animals, Cheongju attempted to create "eco-friendly natural river" from 2002 to 2007. The present study investigated the facts of biotope creation for birds associated with riparian vegetation in Mushimcheon-river. Phragmites communis community, P. japonica community, Zizania latifolia community, Miscanthus sacchariflorus community, Typha angustata community, T. orientalis community as emerged plants, Lemna paucicostata-Spirodela polyrhiza community as free-floating plant and Trapa japonica community as floating-leaved plant are distributed in riparian zone. In addition, Poa pratensis community, Bromus japonicus community, Calamagrostis epigeios community, Humulus japonicus community) as weeds are distributed in floodplain. The distributional area of plant communities estimated by actual vegetation map are as follows: Phragmites communis community was 421,747m2(33.95%), Salix gracilistyla community 24,898m2 (0.26%), P. japonica-P. communis community 22,691m2(1.83%) and Zizania latifolia community 20,179m2(1.62%). The birds of 52 species are observed at Mushimcheon-stream from Sector 1 to Sector 10. The Sectors being observed diverse birds species and number of individual are Sector 1, Sector 4 and Sector 10. Especially, abundant bird species and number of individual are checked at Sector 1 and Sector 4 in winter, at Sector 7and Sector 10 in summer. By the observation of biotope, it is known that great tit(Parus major), brown-eared bulbul (Hypsipetes amaurotis), rufous turtle dove(Streptopelia orientalis), dusky thrush(Turdus naumanni), black-billed magpie(Pica pica), rustic bunting(Emberiza rustica), daurian redstart(Phoenicurus auroreus) and yellow-throated bunting(Emberiza elegans) are used the shrubs of Salix sp. and Amorpha fruticosa communities for feeding and resting places. Tall-grass types as Miscanthus sacchariflorus, Phragmites japonica and P. communis are used as breeding places by rustic bunting(Emberiza rustica), common buzzard(Bueto bueto), ring-necked pheasant(Phasianus colchicus), ellow-throated bunting(Emberzia elegans), vinous-throuted parrotbill Paradoxornis webbiana), little egret(Egretta garzetta), gray heron(Ardea cinerea), bull-headed shrike (Lanius bucephalus) and daurian redstart(Phoenicurus auroreus). It was also observed that the small birds such as rustic bunting, ellow-throated bunting and vinous-throuted heron were attacked and hunted by common buzzard. Rice paddy field and dry field are used as feeding places by rufous turtle dove(Streptopelia orientalis), bull-headed shrike(Lanius bucephalus), dusky thrush(Turdus naumanni eunomus), oriental greenfinch(Carduelis sinica), kestrel(Falco tinnunculus), tree sparrow(Passer montanus) and common buzzard(Bueto bueto). Gravelly fields and sand delta formed in water channel are used as beeding places by long-billed ringed plover(Charadrius placidus) and common sandpiper(Tringa hypoleucos) and as feeding places by white wagtail(Motacilla alba lugens), little egret(Egretta garzetta), gray heron(Ardea cinerea), common sandpiper(Tringa hypoleucos) and other Tringa spp. Mud flat formed in water channel side are used as feeding and resting places by white wagtail, common sandpiper and common sandpiper.

Taxonomic recommendations for British birds: Fourth report

Taxonomic recommendations for British birds: Fourth report

Structure and dynamics of a high mountain wetland bird community in southern Norway: An 18-year study of waders and gulls

We studied the breeding bird density of wader and gull species for 18 years (1967-1984) at a study plot at Finse (1200 m a.s.l.) in the northwestern part of the 10 000 km2 high mountain plateau Hardangervidda, South Norway (60°36’N, 7°30’E). The study plot was a 1 km2 large sedimentation flat in the bottom of the Finse Valley. Eight species of waders were recorded as territorial, and their combined densities varied from 2 to 19 (mean 10) territories/km2. Four species, the Temminck’s Stint, Calidris temminckii , the Common Sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos , the Ringed Plover, Charadrius hiaticula and the Dunlin, Calidris alpina , occurred regularly (>half of the study period) and constituted about 87% of the annual community densities in the study plot. One species, C. temminckii , was the dominant species, and held on average 60% of the territories. Four species, the Redshank, Tringa totanus , the Purple Sandpiper, Calidris maritima , the Golden Plover, Pluvialis apricaria , and the Red-necked Phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus , occurred only irregularly, with a low number of territories, and did not breed every year. Only one gull species was recorded as territorial, the Common Gull, Larus canus , and the density varied from 1 to 5 (mean 2.4) territories/km2. The variations in density of the wader community was correlated positively with the mean temperature in June, and negatively with the NAO index for June, the date of snow-melt and the percentage of snow cover in the area, showing that an early snow-melt was important for the establishing of territories. Both the wader community, the combined wader and gull community, each of the species C. temminckii, C. alpina and P. lobatus fluctuated in synchrony with the populations in the passerine community of the area. The wader community, the combined wader and gull community and the species C. temminckii and L. canus also varied with the fluctuations of the small rodent populations in the area. The densities of territories of the different wader species are compared with literature data from other parts of their distributional area.

Autumn Migration of Waders (Charadrii) in the Middle Vistula Valley in 2004-2005

Autumn Migration of Waders (Charadrii) in the Middle Vistula Valley in 2004-2005 Studies were conducted in 2004-2005 in the period: 3 July - 26 August. The study area was located in the middle Vistula valley, near village Pawłowice, about 20 km north to the town of Dęblin (51°36'N, 21°38'E). The area covers a 2.5 km long section of not regulated river with ca 2 km2 of sandy beach. This site is an attractive resting and foraging place for migrating waders. Altogether 25 species of migrant waders were observed there. The dominants were: Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) - 52.5-59.3%, Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) - 9.8-18.9%, Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) - 10.5-11.1%. For the Lapwing, Greenshank (Tringa nebularia), Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula), Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius), Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) and Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) the pattern of migration dynamics in the middle Vistula valley was similar to some earlier observations done in this area on the turn of the 1970s. In the Common Sandpiper in the 1970s-1980s no distinct migration peak was recorded, while in 2004-2005 one migration wave extended in time was observed. Migration of the Wood Sandpiper in the 1970s-1980s was characterized by a single migration peak, but in 2004-2005 migration pattern of this species had distinctly two peaks.

Migrations of Waders (Charadrii) in the Middle Odra Valley (W Poland)

Migrations of Waders (Charadrii) in the Middle Odra Valley (W Poland) Studies were conducted in 1994-2005, in the middle Odra valley (western Poland), between localities: Bytom Odrzański and Kunice (155 km). During research 1535 controls of different parts of valley were made. There were recorded 26 Charadrii species. Regular occurrence and migrations were observed only for a few of them: Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius), Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria), Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Ruff (Philomachus pugnax), Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), Curlew (Numenius arquata), Redshank (Tringa totanus), Grenshank (T. nebularia), Green Sandpiper (T. ochropus), Wood Sandpiper (T. glareola) and Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos). There were a few observations of rare in Poland - Sociable Plover (Vanellus gregarius) - or usually uncommon inland species - Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), Great Snipe (Gallinago media), Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) and Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus). Two features characterizing the waders' passages in the Lubusian part of Odra valley can be told. Firstly, the abundance of migrating birds is usually lower than in other areas, especially when comparing autumn numbers to big inland reservoirs and some ponds complexes. Secondly, the middle part of Odra valley plays more important role during spring than during autumn passage, especially for Lapwings and Golden Plovers.

Comparative population dynamics of Common Sandpipers Actitis hypoleucos: living at the edge

Capsule Common Sandpiper populations at the edge of their range do not recruit so well. Aims To compare the survival rates, breeding success and recruitment of a population near the edge of its range (Peak District) with one more centrally placed (Borders). Methods Populations were censused weekly; adults and chicks were ringed, and apparent survival of adults determined by resighting colour-ringed birds. Breeding success was assessed from ringing chicks and the guarding behaviour of their parents over 3–4 weeks post-hatching. Results Survival rates of adults and their breeding success were similar in the two sites. Recruits were rarely ringed chicks returning to near their natal site; they were usually newly recruited adults. In both, natal dispersal took returning chicks away from their natal site, by 3–6 km, but far more potential recruits returned to the Borders (51% compared with 4%). The population in the Borders was more variable, but recovered better from declines. Conclusions There is no obvious difference in survival or reproductive rates that would explain the different recent fates of the two study populations. Differential survival over winter in West Africa (the presumed wintering grounds) is unlikely to explain the recent decline of the Peak District population, because conditions there should have affected the Borders population too. The Peak District population is exposed at the edge of the species' range, and it seems to be poorer breeding success across its general range that has caused the poorer recruitment there, and hence the decline.

Age-related differences in common Sandpiper <i>Tringa hypoleucos</i> (Linnaeus) foraging and aggressive behaviour in Opa reservoir, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Foraging behaviour of common Sandpiper was studied on the low water level and sand and weed-littered banks of Opa reservoir on the campus of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Foraging rates differed significantly between the two areas. In each of the two areas the foraging and success rates of adults and juveniles differed significantly while the frequencies of success were similar for both age groups. Experience in searching for and handling of prey may be a primary factor responsible for the observed differences in foraging rates of adults and juveniles. These rates may improve with maturity and experience. Adults and juveniles in the tail-depressed posture were dominant in aggressive interactions than birds in the tail-level posture. In mixed flocks of foraging sandpipers, four possible types of aggressive interactions occurred. Adult over juvenile interactions occurred more frequently than expected, and juvenile over adult interactions were never observed. Key Words: Sandpiper, age, foraging, postures, aggression. Ife Journal of Science Vol.6(2) 2004: 109-113

京都府木津川における繁殖中のイソシギ成鳥とヒナの標識記録

On 8 June, 2002, one fledgling Common Sandpiper was captured, banded and released on the Kizu River (34°52′N, 135°46′E) in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. On the same date the following year, a breeding adult Common Sandpiper was captured, banded and released, using a slipknot loop trap. Common Sandpiper breed across the middle and higher latitudes of the Eurasian continent. In Japan, they breed around lakes and marshes, and on river gravels, from the Ryukyu Islands north through Hokkaido. Even though they are resident in the Kinki Region, breeding records to date had been limited to Hyogo and Wakayama Prefectures, and these reports are the first for Kyoto Prefecture. The flood plain of the Kizu River consists of gravel interspersed with small patches of reeds and willows. The breeding sites were all located between 80 to 100 meters from the river, on gravelly soil protected by dense grasses. In addition to Common Sandpiper, Long-billed Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Snowy Plover and Little Tern also nest along the Kizu River. Currently, these breeding grounds are though to be diminishing. Conservation measures, such as establishment of seasonal sanctuaries and strict regulation of off-road vehicles, are urgently required.

Studies of avian communities along river Drava, between 2000-2004 (Aves)

The monitoring of avian fauna (Aves) along river Drava was launched in 2000. According to our results total density in the floodland sample areas in 2000-2004 was found to range between 54.0-76.56 pairs/10 ha. In the study years a total of 5-14 pairs of Sterna albifrons and 50-90 pairs of Sterna hirundo bred annually in the Drava section between river kilometres 236-180, being distributed in 2-3 nest colonies. Between river kilometres 199-180 a minimum of 32-48 pairs of Charadrius dubius and minimum 5-15 pairs of Actitis hypoleucos occupied their territorries in the studied years. The nesting of 1116-2370 pairs of Riparia riparia and 2-23 pairs of Merops apiaster was recorded in the Drava section between river kilometres 199-133 in the study years. During our investigations in the Berzence grassland habitat 10-15 bird species were found to breed annually, with total density varying between 9.28-13.34 pairs/10 ha. Data from the waterfowl surveys in 2001-2004 between river kilometres 199-184, 30 species occurred among the studied taxa, with the maximum number of specimens recorded in this section being 4650. The Ciconia ciconia population along river Drava decreased from 58 to 45 pairs in the studied years. During the monitoring studies we have gathered data on the occurrence of a total of 162 bird species.

Extrapair paternity in the common sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos, revealed by DNA fingerprinting

The prevalence of extrapair paternity in many socially monogamous passerines has not been mirrored in most monogamous nonpasserines studied to date. Here, we investigated the reproductive behaviour of a socially monogamous shorebird, the common sandpiper, using multilocus DNA fingerprinting. Given the high level of paternal care in the species, and the likely high costs in allocating care between kin and nonkin in species with precocial young, we predicted low levels of extrapair paternity similar to other monogamous shorebirds. We found the social mating system to be predominantly monogamous although one polyandrous pairing was identified. Of 83 offspring from 27 broods, 13 (15.7%) young from five (18.5%) broods were identified as being extrapair. There was no evidence of intraspecific nest parasitism or quasiparasitism. In this population, territorial intrusions were carried out largely by males but did not appear to be related to seeking extrapair copulations (EPCs). Seventy copulation attempts were observed and most were within-pair (84%). Six of eight EPC attempts occurred outside the territory of the female's social mate. Copulation rates were significantly higher just before and during egg laying than at other times during the study. At least two females that reared extrapair young had associated with males other than their eventual mates on arrival, suggesting that some females use rapid mate switching as a mating tactic, facilitated perhaps by the asynchronous arrival among both sexes in this population. Why some female sandpipers mate promiscuously remains unresolved.

Population dynamics of Common Sandpipers Actitis hypoleucos in the Peak District of Derbyshire – a different decade

Capsule A report of the failure of a population to recover from a catastrophic snow storm. Aims To examine why our study population of Common Sandpipers failed to recover from a sharp drop in 1989, caused by a severe late April snowstorm, when it had recovered from a similar event in 1981. Methods Populations were censused weekly, with extra visits to ring adults and chicks. Hatching was assumed to have occurred if adults alarmed, and fledging if alarming continued for three weeks. Data from 1989–99 and 1979–88 were compared. Results The recruitment of new adults to the population was much lower, but these recruits mostly came from other breeding areas, and the local recruits appeared to go elsewhere. Median dispersal distance is estimated as 3.3 km, sufficient to take most locally produced young adults outside the study area. Conclusions We do not know if poorer breeding in the source populations for our birds, or poorer survival of first year birds over winter in West Africa, is the cause of the failure of this population to recover in the 1990s.

Observations on the status of the land birds, wading birds and seabirds of Samoa

This paper reports my observations during 1994–97 for both American Samoa and [W] Samoa. New waders added to the Samoan list are Wood Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos), Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis), and Red Knot (Calidris canutus). The new breeding records are for the Black-naped tern (Sterna sumatrana), Bridled Tern (Sterna anaethetus), the Common Noddy (Anous stolidus), Crimson-crowned Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus porphyraceus) and the Red-headed Parrot-finch (Erythura cyaneovirens), in Samoa. Crested terns (Sterna bergii), Brown Boobies (Sula leucogaster) and Fairy Terns (Sterna nereis) were also observed with juveniles and so must be regarded as possible breeders in one of the Samoas.

Body weight variation and fat deposition in common sandpipers Actitis hypoleucos L. during their autumn migration in the Ría de Vigo, Galicia, north‐west Spain

Body weight variation and fat deposition of 111 Common Sandpipers Actitis hypoleucos L. are analysed in the Ría de Vigo, North‐west Spain, during their autumn migration. Retrapped birds did not show notable fat deposition and no body weight variation was found, but long staging periods were recorded. Discussions about body condition and its implication on the migratory strategy of the species are presented.