Pluvialis Fulva Research Articles

Alaska’s climate sensitive Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta supports seven million Arctic-breeding shorebirds, including the majority of six North American populations

Abstract Baseline information about declining North American shorebird populations is essential to determine the effects of global warming at low-lying coastal areas of the Arctic and subarctic, where numerous taxa breed, and to assess population recovery throughout their range. We estimated population sizes on the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) in western Alaska on the eastern edge of the Bering Sea. We conducted ground-based surveys during 2015 and 2016 at 589 randomly selected plots from an area of 35,769 km2. We used stratified random sampling in 8 physiographic strata and corrected population estimates using detection ratios derived from double sampling on a subset of plots. We detected 11,110 breeding individuals of 21 taxa. Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri), Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus), Dunlin (subspecies C. alpina pacifica), and Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata) were the most abundant taxa. We estimated that ~7 million individual shorebirds were breeding on the entire YKD in 2015 and 2016. Our surveys of this region provided robust population estimates (coefficient of variations ≤ 0.35) for 14 species. Our results indicate that the YKD supports a large proportion of North America’s breeding populations of the Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva), the western population of a Whimbrel subspecies (Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus), a Bar-tailed Godwit subspecies (Limosa lapponica baueri), Black Turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala), a Dunlin subspecies (C. alpina pacifica), and Western Sandpiper. Our study highlights the importance of breeding shorebirds of this relatively pristine but climatically sensitive deltaic system. Estuaries and deltaic systems worldwide are rapidly being degraded by anthropogenic activities. Our population estimates can be used to refine prior North American population estimates, determine the effects of global warming, and evaluate conservation success by measuring population change over time.

52 Organic pesticides in feathers of three species of migratory birds overwintering in the Tibetan Plateau

We determined the levels of 52 organic pesticides (OPs), including 17 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 14 organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), 8 organic nitrogen pesticides (ONPs), and 13 pyrethroids (PYRs) for four types of contour feathers (breast, tail, back, and wings) from three species of migratory birds overwintering in the Tibetan Plateau. The studied species included the Pacific golden plover (Pluvialis fulva), a long-distance migratory omnivore; common snipe (Gallinago gallinago), a mid-distance migratory omnivore; and bar-headed goose (Anser indicus), a short-distance migratory herbivore. The primary and emerging pollutants included malaoxon and paraoxon from the OPP group, and alachlor and metalaxyl from the ONP group, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the levels of OP from different types of feathers, suggesting the suitability of contour feathers for biomonitoring. Significant species-level differences were observed between the levels of OP, with common snipe > Pacific golden plover > bar-headed goose. Pesticide levels were generally higher for feathers from omnivorous species. Additionally, species with longer migration distances tended to have higher pesticide levels for feathers, indicating migratory birds could influence the global transport of pollutants.

Over-summering shorebirds at the Kerala coasts, west-coast of India

Over-summering is a phenomenon usually exhibited by migratory shorebirds. Those individuals that over-summer at their wintering grounds appear to be sexually immature or unfit to meet the risks of migration. Documentation of such migratory shorebirds are scanty along the Indian coasts and the present study focused on recording the over-summering shorebirds at five sites (Kappad Beach, Korappuzha Beach, Elathur Beach, Ariyallur Beach and Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu Community Reserve) along the west coast of India during 2021–2022. Over-summering shorebird species were identified and documented once in a week using a binocular, a spotting scope and a 4 K high speed motion latest video camera. Six species of over-summering shorebirds (Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus, Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii, Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva, Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus, Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos and Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres) were recorded from the five study areas and their abundance were observed to be declining during the study period.

Shorebird community and diversity in Bagan Serdang Beach, North Sumatra

The occurrence of shorebirds is strongly influenced by environmental factors, especially food availability. Shorebirds are closely linked to their habitat conditions, so they seek out feeding sites according to their life cycle. Coastal conditions that have changed due to human activities may affect the assemblage of shorebird community. The aim of this study is to determine the diversity of shorebird species and the factors that influence them. Bird observations were made for three days using the point count method while the number of individuals was estimated by using “block method”. The results revealed 17 shorebird species from the families, Charadriidae, Scolopacidae and Sternidae. The dominant species were Charadrius mongolus, Pluvialis fulva and Sterna hirundo. The number of species in the morning observations was higher than in the afternoon. The diversity index for migratory birds ranges from 1.16 to 1.96, which is relatively low. This study showed that mudflats in Bagan Serdang Beach, Pantai Labu District is occupied by shorebirds in this region.

BIRDS OF BRIER ISLAND, NOVA SCOTIA, REVISED AND UPDATED

This monograph is a revision and updating of our publication on the birds of Brier Island, Nova Scotia, published in the Proceedings of the Nova Scotian Institute of Science in 2011. Known for its concentrations of seabirds and large volume of migration in spring and autumn, the island has gained constantly increasing attention by birders since it was first investigated by members of the Nova Scotia Bird Society in 1955. The past decade, since 2011, has seen a remarkable increase in bird reports, mainly due to increased field work by birders, but also because of the use of the online bird logging system eBird. The heart of this monograph is the annotated list of birds, which has been enlarged and revised in the light of new reports by field observers and new information from the ornithological literature. We have incorporated eBird observations, along with our personal records of occurrences and bird banding data into this revision, along with the changes in the order and arrangement of North American bird families as set out by the Checklist Committee of the American Ornithological Society. Three species, Pacific Golden-Plover, Brown Booby and Zone-tailed Hawk, have been added to the island checklist, and one has been lost, Thayer’s Gull, which has been incorporated into Iceland Gull. The total list of species reported from the island is 357, including two hypothetical species. The number of known breeding bird species has increased from 74 to 83. We also update ecological knowledge of the island as a result of recent fieldwork and the restoration of the Big Meadow Bog in support of Eastern Mountain Avens conservation.

Long-distance dispersal of the beach strawberry, Fragaria chiloensis, from North America to Chile and Hawaii.

The beach strawberry, Fragaria chiloensis, is found in a narrow coastal band from the Aleutian Islands to central California and then jumps thousands of kilometres all the way to Hawaii and Chile. As it probably had a North American origin, it must have been introduced to the other locations by long-distance dispersal. The aim of this study was to determine which agent carried the beach strawberry to its Pacific and South American locations. A deductive framework was constructed to separate between the possible modes of long-distance dispersal involving animals, wind and ocean currents. Bird migration was subsequently identified as the most likely scenario, and then the routes, habitats, feeding preferences and flight distances of all the shorebird species were evaluated to determine the most likely carrier. Six species migrate between North America and Chile and feed on the beaches and rocky shores where F. chiloensis grows naturally: Black-bellied Plovers, Greater Yellowlegs, Ruddy Turnstones, Sanderlings, Whimbrels and Willets. Of these, only two eat fruit and migrate in long continuous flight: Ruddy Turnstones and Whimbrels. Two species travel between North America and Hawaii, eat fruit and forage on the beaches and rocky shores where F. chiloensis grows naturally: Pacific Golden-plovers and Ruddy Turnstones. Ruddy Turnstones eat far less fruit than Pacific Golden-plovers and Whimbrels, making them less likely to have introduced the beach strawberry to either location. We provide evidence that F. chiloesis seeds were probably dispersed to Hawaii by Pacific Golden-plovers and to Chile by Whimbrels.

Over-summering abundance, species composition, and habitat use patterns at a globally important site for migratory shorebirds

The Indian subcontinent is the primary wintering ground and stopover site for migratory shorebirds to refuel along the Central Asian and South Asian Flyways. Despite the conservation importance of this region for migratory shorebirds, we lack information on the distribution and abundance of over-summering shorebirds—migrants that remain on their wintering grounds during the breeding season—to evaluate the impacts of anthropogenic change on this poorly understood life history strategy. We conducted weekly surveys of over-summering shorebirds at mudflats, mangroves, and sand beaches at the Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu Community Reserve on the southwest coast of India, 2005–2018. We examined long-term patterns of over-summering shorebird abundance, species composition, and habitat use and estimated proportional changes in over-summering abundance of each shorebird species documented at this globally important site. Over the 14 yr study, we documented 7 over-summering species, including Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus), Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultia), Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), and Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva). Mean abundance and species richness were higher at mudflats than at mangroves and sand beaches, with fewer individuals and species observed over-summering after 2010. Mudflats also had the highest species diversity and evenness compared to mangroves and sand beaches. Management plans that aim to restore vulnerable mudflats and mangroves and to reduce anthropogenic threats such as sand mining and waste dumping are needed to prevent the loss of important over-summering, foraging habitat for migratory shorebirds in southern India and along the Central Asian and South Asian Flyways.

Further delineating the breeding range of Pacific Golden-Plovers on the Alaska Peninsula

Further delineating the breeding range of Pacific Golden-Plovers on the Alaska Peninsula

Does habitat partitioning by sympatric plovers affect nest survival?

AbstractThe vertical structure and composition of vegetation can influence the quantity and quality of potential nesting sites for birds. Interspecific competition for high-quality nesting habitat may force some individuals into suboptimal habitat and lead to reduced reproductive success, eventually leading to changes in distribution or abundance. Large climate-mediated shifts in vegetation, including the rapid expansion of shrubs onto tundra, are occurring in the Arctic across important breeding grounds of many shorebird species of conservation concern. We investigated effects of vegetation structure and composition on nest-site selection and nest success of sympatrically breeding American Golden-Plovers (Pluvialis dominica) and Pacific Golden-Plovers (P. fulva), which nest along an elevational gradient ranging from coastal tundra meadows to alpine tundra. Both species strongly selected nest sites with less cover of tall shrubs and other tall vegetation than available at random sites within their territories. American Golden-Plovers selected territories and nest sites that were higher in elevation and had more rocky substrates and less graminoid vegetation than those selected by Pacific Golden-Plovers. The daily nest survival rate was equivalent in the 2 species (0.966, 95% CI: 0.955, 0.975) and similar to that found in other Arctic-breeding shorebirds; however, contrary to predictions, nest survival was not associated with habitat features selected for nest sites for either species. Strong selection of open habitat for nest sites suggests that continued climate-related shrub expansion may reduce the amount of suitable breeding habitat for both species, but partitioning along the elevational gradient and differences in body size suggest that impacts may be more severe for Pacific Golden-Plovers. Additional research is needed to determine if differential selection of nesting habitat is related to survival of the adults or their young.

Inorganic and organic contaminants in Alaskan shorebird eggs.

Many shorebird populations throughout North America are thought to be declining, with potential causes attributed to habitat loss and fragmentation, reduced prey availability, increased predation, human disturbance, and increased exposure to environmental pollutants. Shorebirds may be particularly vulnerable to contaminant exposure throughout their life cycle, as they forage primarily on invertebrates in wetlands, where many contaminants accumulate disproportionately in the sediments. Therefore, it is important to document and monitor shorebird populations thought to be at risk and assess the role that environmental contaminants may have on population declines. To investigate potential threats and provide baseline data on shorebird contaminant levels in Alaskan shorebirds, contaminant concentrations were evaluated in shorebird eggs from 16 species residing in seven geographic distinct regions of Alaska. Similar to previous studies, low levels of most inorganic and organic contaminants were found, although concentrations of several inorganic and organic contaminants were higher than those of previous studies. For example, elevated strontium levels were observed in several species, especially black oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) sampled in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Additionally, contaminant concentrations varied among species, with significantly higher concentrations of inorganic contaminants found in eggs of pectoral sandpiper (Calidris melanotos), semipalmated sandpiper (Calidris pusilla), black oystercatcher, and bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica). Similarly, significantly higher concentrations of some organic contaminants were found in the eggs of American golden plover (Pluvialis dominica), black-bellied plover (Pluvialis squatarola), pacific golden plover (Pluvialis fulva), bar-tailed godwit, and semipalmated sandpiper. Despite these elevated levels, current concentrations of contaminants in shorebird eggs suggest that breeding environments are relatively free of most contaminants and that contaminant concentrations are below levels (except potentially strontium) that would likely affect the survival of individuals and consequently regulate the species at the population level.

Comment on Jukema et al. (2015), “Geographic variation in morphometrics, molt, and migration suggests ongoing subspeciation in Pacific Golden-Plovers (Pluvialis fulva)”

ABSTRACT Jukema and colleagues published in The Auk a study dealing with geographic variation within the Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva). We highlight a taxonomic problem created unwittingly by the last sentence of their article, in which the authors suggest a new name for the Siberian population.

Assessment of the Birds of Swains Island, American Samoa

ABSTRACT Swains Island is an uninhabited 210 ha former copra plantation 360 km North of American Samoa. The island, dominated with coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), was last surveyed in 1976. The goal of this 17–26 September 2012 survey was to identify the bird species present, and document relative abundance, distribution, and breeding activity across the island. Two shoreline surveys recorded a seabird community dominated by Black Noddy (Anous minutus), White Tern (Gygis alba), and Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus), while the reef flat community was dominated by Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva) and Wandering Tattler (Tringa incana). Inland surveys revealed four roosting or breeding species, including Black Noddy, White Tern, Brown Noddy, and Red-footed Booby (Sula sula). Seabird densities were highest in the northwest section of the island, furthest from former settlements. Although feral pigs (Sus scrofa) were recently eradicated, feral cats (Felis cattus) remain present, and Pacific rats (Rattus exulan...

Erratum: Geographic variation in morphometrics, molt, and migration suggests ongoing subspeciation in Pacific Golden-Plovers (Pluvialis fulva)

Erratum: Geographic variation in morphometrics, molt, and migration suggests ongoing subspeciation in Pacific Golden-Plovers (<i>Pluvialis fulva</i>)

The complete mitochondrial genome of Pacific golden plover Pluvialis fulva (Charadriiformes, charadriidae)

Pacific golden plover Pluvialis fulva (Charadriiformes, Scolopacidae) is obligate long-distance migrant bird breeding from northernmost Asia into western Alaska, and wintering on islands in the Pacific Ocean and Australia. In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of P. fulva, which is a circular molecule of 16,854 bp in size and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and a control region. The A + T content of the overall base of the composition of H-strand is 54.88% (A: 31.48%, T: 23.40%, C: 31.48%, and G: 13.65%). It is very interesting that there are some insertions/deletions in the cytb gene sequence (total of 10bp deletions and 5bp insertions in four positions), which may result in reading frame shift and/or internal stops. Some short microsatellite-like repeat regions (ACCACCC) are scatter in the control region. The phylogenetic analysis resolved a well-supported clade of Charadriiformes in which Pluvialis appears to be sister group of Vanellus. This mitogenome provides a valuable resource for further study of molecular systematics, species identification, population genetics, phylogeography, and conservation genetics of Charadriiformes.

Moorland Point: Decline of a traditional roost-site for Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres, Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva and other shorebirds in northern Tasmania

The Moorland Point area has been an important high-tide roost for certain migratory shorebird species on the central-north coast of Tasmania, where shorebirds are generally scarce. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres and Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva roost on a small rocky headland and adjacent piles of seaweed along with up to three Grey-tailed Tattlers Tringa brevipes (all mainly in summer), and Double-banded Plover Charadrius bicinctus roost above the high-tide mark 250 m to the east (mainly February–early August). More than 300 counts of shorebirds have been made at this site from 1985 to 2014. All these species have declined in recent years. Ruddy Turnstone, Pacific Golden Plover and Grey-tailed Tattler may have been affected by factors elsewhere in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, but local disturbance is also implicated and needs further management in addition to the recent initiative to block vehicles from the beach. The situation highlights some of the problems in conserving shorebird species that favour scattered small sites and may escape the attention given to sites supporting large numbers of more social shorebirds.

Geographic variation in morphometrics, molt, and migration suggests ongoing subspeciation in Pacific Golden-Plovers (Pluvialis fulva)

Breeding Pacific Golden-Plovers (Pluvialis fulva) cover 140 longitudinal degrees of Arctic tundra. Having examined 557 museum skins from across this huge distributional range, we conclude that Pacific Golden-Plovers breeding in Alaska are structurally larger than those breeding in Siberia, especially in wing length. Birds from Alaska also have more pointed wings and almost always postpone the initiation of primary molt until they reach their winter quarters, whereas many Siberian birds start primary molt in the breeding areas. These differences could have been favored by the longer transoceanic flights followed by the Alaskan populations to nonbreeding destinations in the Pacific Islands. We propose that the Alaskan and Siberian breeding birds be distinguished as distinct flyway populations to be used in conservation assessments by the international conservation community.

Advantages and disdvantages of interspecies associations of migratory northern sandpipers (Charadrii, Aves)

Field studies were carried out at two stations of the Ornithological Unit, Institute of Biological Problems of the North, Far East Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, located in Nizhnekolymsk District, Yakutia, from May 15–20 in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990; on the northern coast of Pukhovoy Bay, the southern island of Novaya Zemlya, from June 1st in 1994; at Cape Beliy Nos, the Yugorsky Peninsula, from June 1st in 1995–1997. Classic associations are detected in interspecies flocks of sandpipers between the following species: the Pacific golden plover and the curlew sandpiper, the pectoral sandpiper and the long-billed dowitcher, the pectoral sandpiper and the dunlin, and the grey plover and the dunlin. However, the total amount of birds forming associations is not large. In species of group “A” (the grey plover, the Pacific golden plover, and the pectoral sandpiper), no difference has been observed in migratory birds’ behavior within interspecies or conspecific flocks. Species of group “B” (the dunlin, the curlew sandpiper, and the long-billed dowitcher), on the contrary, change their behavior sharply depending on whether they belong to an association or not. Species of group “A” do not get any advantages when forming an association. Unlike them, species of group “B” profit from associating: the time spent on foraging substantially increases; more time is spent on rest, and less time is spent on reconnaissance and vigilance (readiness for actions); the safety of the birds is enhanced. On the other hand, in species of group “B” there are also disadvantages related with associating: i.e., interspecies competition for food; foraging in suboptimal habitats which may in turn lead to a notable increase in the time spent by birds on foraging. It is proposed that the advantages and limitations of associating for the species of group “B” cancel each other out to a certain extent, and this explains rather small number of birds forming associations.

Tracking Pacific Golden-Plovers Pluvialis fulva: transoceanic migrations between non-breeding grounds in Kwajalein, Japan and Hawaii and breeding grounds in Alaska and Chukotka

Tracking Pacific Golden-Plovers Pluvialis fulva: transoceanic migrations between non-breeding grounds in Kwajalein, Japan and Hawaii and breeding grounds in Alaska and Chukotka

Genetics of a high-latitude cryptic speciation event: American and Pacific golden-plovers

ABSTRACT Diversification during the Pleistocene is thought to have contributed significantly to taxonomic diversity at high latitudes. In some cases this diversity is cryptic, in that speciation has occurred with little change in phenotype. We examined the genetic signatures of one such case, between American and Pacific golden-plovers (Pluvialis dominica and P. fulva, respectively). This high-latitude species pair is morphologically very similar, and they are obligate long-distance migrants. They were only relatively recently recognized as separate species. We used 1,041 bp of the mitochondrial gene NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) from 20 dominica and 22 fulva and 242 amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) from 29 individuals of each species sampled from sympatric and allopatric breeding populations to assess the levels of divergence, divergence date, and gene flow. A divergence date of ∼1.8 mya was estimated, and although we detected a seemingly old hybridization event, very little gene flow...

In Tundra Plovers the Frequency of Inner Flight Feather Replacement Varies with Length of Long-Distance Flights

The repair jobs that birds have to do to maintain high quality plumage take energy and time, so should be under intense selection. Recently, we have shown that secondary moult in the Eurasian Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria is incomplete, irregular and asymmetric between wings, and argued that this reflected their ‘relaxed’ migratory habits. On the basis of this hypothesis, we predict that relatives of this species that have to make long flights between breeding areas and winter quarters would invest more in the moult of secondaries. To test this we collected data on moult patterns in two populations of Pacific Golden Plovers Pluvialis fulva (Siberia and Alaska), on American Golden Plovers Pluvialis dominica (Alaska) and Grey Plovers Pluvialis squatarola. Data were from the breeding, staging (Mongolia and Indiana) and wintering (Uruguay) areas. We found patterns consistent with our prediction: Pacific Golden Plovers from Siberia, and Grey Plovers have a similar moulting pattern to Eurasian Golden Plovers. Although both go to remote winter quarters, they migrate mainly over land, probably making short or moderate flights, as they are able to stage frequently. In contrast, the Alaskan populations of Pacific Golden Plovers and American Golden Plovers tend to renew all their secondaries from their second wing moult onwards. In line with their moult patterns, these two populations are known to make very long non-stop flights between breeding and winter areas. We argue that irregular moult and the partial renewal of secondaries is a primitive character in all four species. The full replacement of secondaries in the Pacific Golden Plovers and American Golden Plovers from Alaska may be considered as an adaptation for very long demanding flights. Regular moult patterns of secondaries, as found in many other shorebirds, could be a further refinement of this adaptation.