Charadrius Semipalmatus Research Articles

Registros nuevos y notables de aves acuáticas en Querétaro y estados adyacentes

Como resultado de muestreos mensuales durante un año en embalses de Querétaro y zonas adyacentes de estados vecinos, así como de visitas a la Sierra de Lobos en Guanajuato, presentamos nuevos registros estatales de aves acuáticas para los estados de Querétaro (Bucephala albeola, Fregata magnificens, Numenius americanus), Hidalgo (Charadrius semipalmatus, Leucophaeus atricilla, Hydroprogne caspia) y Guanajuato (Pelecanus occidentalis); además de registros notables de especies poco conocidas en zonas alejadas de las costas mexicanas. Estos registros muestran que los embalses de zonas semiáridas altas de México son más utilizados por especies poco frecuentes que lo que se ha pensado, y elevan a 70 las especies observadas en la zona semiárida de Querétaro, lo que confirma la importancia de los cuerpos de agua artificiales de esta región para la conservación de las aves acuáticas.

Migratory Shorebirds during Boreal Summer and Southward Migration on the Coast of Paraíba, Brazil

Abstract. The coast of the state of Paraiba, northeastern Brazil, was surveyed for migratory shorebirds during northern summer and the southward migration period, late May through October 2010. Shorebirds were counted along beaches and rivers mouths. A total of eleven species was recorded. The most common were Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus), Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla), Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) and Black-belled Plover (Pluvialis squatarola). The highest richness, diversity, abundance and frequency of birds occurred on the two largest estuaries, Paraiba do Norte and Mamanguape, during southward migration period.

Concentrations of 17 elements, including mercury, in the tissues, food and abiotic environment of Arctic shorebirds

Exposure to contaminants is one hypothesis proposed to explain the global decline in shorebirds, and is also an increasing concern in the Arctic. We assessed potential contaminants (As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Tl, V, and Zn) at a shorebird breeding site in Nunavut, Canada. We compared element levels in soil, invertebrates and shorebird blood to assess evidence for bioconcentration and biomagnification within the Arctic-based food chain. We tested whether elements in blood, feathers and eggs of six shorebird species ( Pluvialis squatarola, Calidris alpina, C. fuscicollis, Phalaropus fulicarius, Charadrius semipalmatus, and Arenaria interpres) were related to fitness endpoints: adult body condition, blood-parasite load, egg size, eggshell thickness, nest duration, and hatching success. To facilitate comparison to other sites, we summarise the published data on toxic metals in shorebird blood and egg contents. Element concentrations and invertebrate composition differed strongly among habitats, and habitat use and element concentrations differed among shorebird species. Hg, Se, Cd, Cu, and Zn bioconcentrated from soil to invertebrates, and Hg, Se and Fe biomagnified from invertebrates to shorebird blood. As, Ni, Pb, Co and Mn showed significant biodilution from soil to invertebrates to shorebirds. Soil element levels were within Canadian guidelines, and invertebrate Hg levels were below dietary levels suggested for the protection of wildlife. However, maximum Hg in blood and eggs approached levels associated with toxicological effects and Hg-pollution in other bird species. Parental blood-Hg was negatively related to egg volume, although the relationship varied among species. No other elements approached established toxicological thresholds. In conclusion, whereas we found little evidence that exposure to elements at this site is leading to the declines of the species studied, Hg, as found elsewhere in the Canadian Arctic, is of potential concern for breeding bird populations.

DISTRIBUIÇÃO DA BATUÍRA-DE-BANDO (Charadrius semipalmatus) AO LONGO DO ANO DE 1999 NA PRAIA DA ILHA COMPRIDA

The beach of Ilha Comprida is important site in the semipalmated plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) migration. This paper analyses the seasonal occurrence of the semipalmated plover at Ilha Comprida and the impact of human disturbance in order to avaluate the importance of the area as a stopover site. The sighted birds were counted and simultaneously they were registered the atmosphere where happened, activity type that they were accomplishing and the disturbance human if there was. The results show that Ilha Comprida areas seem to be an important stopover site during December, but not during winter (June, July and August), and the abundance of semipalmated plover may be reduced by 80% in July. The Ilha Comprida is stopover in the migration for the south and north and important area for foranging and rest, for the Charadrius semipalmatus.

Behavioral Responses to Higher Predation Risk in a Subarctic Population of the Semipalmated Plover

Abstract. We studied dispersal, mate retention, apparent survival, and renesting in a subarctic breeding population of the Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) near the southern limits of its breeding range on Akimiski Island, Nunavut, Canada, from 2002 to 2007. The risk of predation at this site is higher than in more northern parts of this species' range. Dispersal of breeding birds was biased toward females, as found also at Churchill, Manitoba, a more northerly location. Mate retention was low both within (33.3%) and between (6.5%) seasons and much lower than previous estimates from Churchill. Return and encounter rates of adult males were higher than those of females, but apparent survival of adult males and females did not differ and was lower than that reported for Churchill. Within a season, renesting after a failed nest attempt was common (53%) with some pairs nesting three times in a season. Differences between the two study areas in rates of renesting may help to account for persistenc...

Noteworthy records of aquatic birds in the state of Querétaro, Mexico

Se realizó un muestreo sistemático durante dos años de las aves acuáticas del estado de Querétaro, México. Veintinueve especies se adicionan a la lista oficial de especies para el estado, nueve de las cuales tienen pocos registros en el interior del país: Dendrocygna autumnalis, D. bicolor, Lophodytes cucullatus, Gavia immer, Pluvialis squatarola, Charadrius semipalmatus, Numenius phaeopus, Limosa haemastica y Thalasseus maximus.

Concentrations of 17 elements, including mercury, and their relationship to fitness measures in arctic shorebirds and their eggs

Exposure to contaminants is one hypothesis proposed to explain the global decline in shorebirds, and this is of particular concern in the arctic. However, little information exists on contaminant levels in arctic-breeding shorebirds, especially in Canada. We studied potential contaminants in three biparental shorebird species nesting in Nunavut, Canada: ruddy turnstones ( Arenaria interpres), black-bellied plovers ( Pluvialis squatarola) and semipalmated plovers ( Charadrius semipalmatus). Blood, feathers and eggs were analyzed for As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Tl, V, and Zn. We assessed whether element concentrations a) differed among species and sexes, b) were correlated among pairs and their eggs, and c) were related to fitness endpoints, namely body condition, blood-parasite load, nest survival days, and hatching success. Non-essential elements were found at lower concentrations than essential elements, with the exception of Hg. Maximum Hg levels in blood approached those associated with toxicological effects in other bird species, but other elements were well below known toxicological thresholds. Reproductive success was negatively correlated with paternal Hg and maternal Pb, although these effects were generally weak and varied among tissues. Element levels were positively correlated within pairs for blood-Hg (turnstones) and feather-Ni and Cr (semipalmated plovers); concentrations in eggs and maternal blood were never correlated. Concentrations of many elements differed among species, but there was no evidence that any species had higher overall exposure to non-essential metals. In conclusion, whereas we found little evidence that exposure to the majority of these elements is leading to declines of the species studied here, Hg levels were of potential concern and both Hg and Pb warrant further monitoring.

Natal Philopatry and Apparent Survival of Juvenile Semipalmated Plovers

Natal philopatry is rare in long-distance migrant shorebirds and requires long-term population studies to detect. We report on the rate of natal philopatry from a 18-year study of Semipalmated Plovers (Charadrius semipalmatus) marked as hatchlings to an arctic breeding site near Churchill, Manitoba. About 2% (27/1271) of banded hatchlings returned to the Churchill area to breed. There was no male/female bias in rates of philopatry: 17 male and 10 female hatchlings recruited into the local breeding population. The annual rate of recruitment of hatchlings varied between 0 and 10.7%. Age of first encounter on breeding areas ranged from 1 to 8 years (median age 4) suggesting either unusually delayed age at first breeding, or low detection rates for philopatric hatchlings. The maximum age of a recruited (known-age) hatchling was 9 years. Natal dispersal distances did not differ between males and females, and averaged 5 km between hatching and breeding locations. We used a time-since-marking mark-recapture model to calculate apparent survival of hatchlings. Apparent survival in the interval after first capture was φ1 = 0.0475 (95% CI: 0.030–0.075), whereas apparent survival (φ2 ) of birds during subsequent intervals was 0.866 (95% CI: 0.764–0.927). Low rates of natal philopatry suggest little advantage to site familiarity for juveniles, and agree with theoretical predictions for migratory species with widespread habitat availability.

Foraging Behavior of Non-Breeding Semipalmated Plovers

Abstract. Time activity budgets, foraging habitat quality and behavior of Semipalmated Plovers (Charadrius semipalmatus) were examined during three non-breeding seasons in a large estuarine system in southeastern Georgia, USA. Among the foraging sites available to shorebirds at each tidal stage, non-breeding plovers tracked those with the greatest biomass and density of invertebrate prey. Prey biomass differed according to tidal conditions but was strongly predicted by the salinity, organic content and particle sizes of the sediments. Foraging rates (pecks/ min) and densities (birds/ha) of plovers were both predicted by invertebrate density and biomass. Foraging rates correlated significantly with the rate of defecations, indicating that peck rates were related to intake rates. Foraging rates reached an asymptote of 25 pecks per minute, suggesting an upper limit to the rate of capture unconstrained by digestive bottlenecks. While available, nearly all plovers foraged when on mudflat habitats, while about ...

Foot-trembling behavior in Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus reveals prey on surface of Brazilian beaches

Foot-trembling is a foraging technique normally performed by plovers and lapwings. It exposes preys, and may increase the likelihood of capture. Currently, no detailed description of this technique is available for the Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus. This article described the foot-trembling behavior during wintering of this species in southeastern Brazilian beaches.

Heterospecific sociality of birds on beaches from southeastern Brazil

Studies on the sociality of heterospecific assemblages of birds have promoted a greater understanding of the types of interactions and survivorship between coexisting species. This study verified the group compositions in bird assemblages and analyzed the sociality of migratory and resident species on sandy beaches of southeastern Brazil. A transect was established on the median portion of beaches and all the groups of bird species (monospecific, heterospecific) and solitary individuals were registered four days per month from November 2006 to April 2007. The sociality of each species was calculated by its frequency in heterospecific groups, its proportional number of contacts with other species in heterospecific groups, and the number of species that it associated with. Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla (Linnaeus, 1766) and Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus Bonaparte, 1825 (both migratory) had the highest degree of sociality and did not show a preference to associate with either residents or migratory species. Sanderling Calidris alba (Pallas, 1764) (migratory) occupied the third position in the sociality rank and associated with migratory species frequently. Southern Caracara Carara plancus (Miller, 1777) and Black Vulture Coragyps atratus (Beschstein, 1793) (both resident) were uniquely found among heterospecific groups with necrophagous and resident species. Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus Lichtenstein, 1823 (resident) associated more frequently with resident species. The sociality in assemblages of birds may promote advantages such as an increased collective awareness in dangerous situations and indication of sites with abundant food sources.

Abundance of Shorebirds on the Caribbean Coast of Guatemala

The Punta de Manabique Wildlife Refuge in the inner Gulf of Honduras, Guatemala, was surveyed for shorebirds from August 2000 to June 2001. Shorebirds were counted along beaches, coastal lagoons and river mouths. A total of 25 species was recorded. Species richness and abundance were highest in a zone where several river mouths and coastal lagoons occurred. The most common species, each accounting for >5% of all individuals observed, were in decreasing order of abundance: Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius), Sanderling (Calidris alba), Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola), Collared Plover (Charadrius collaris), Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla), Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), and Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus). Species composition differed between autumn and spring by 42%. For all surveys a total of 2,673 individuals was recorded, and flock size ranged from 2 to 35 birds, indicating that Punta de Manabique is a secondary migration site for shorebirds.

Habitat Choice and Niche Characteristics Under Poor Food Conditions. A Study on Migratory Nearctic Shorebirds in the Intertidal Flats of Brazil

The tidal flats of the Bragantinian Peninsula in the tropical part of Brazil harbour wintering and migratory nearctic shorebirds in very high densities, whereas the benthic food supply is very low. In 2001 and 2002 a study was conducted on the habitat choice and distribution of shorebirds to investigate the formation of niches and the spatial distribution under the constraint of a limited food supply. We showed that shorebird densities were not correlated with a range of abiotic variables or with prey density within sites, but that between sites birds tended to select sites with peak prey densities. Two foraging guilds were differentiated: Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus, Willet Tringa semipalmata and Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus preferred to forage in the water or on wet sand at the water's edge; while Red Knot Calidris canutus, Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola, Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres, Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla and Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus, were found predominantly on dry substrate. Although the birds showed species-specific preferences for characteristics defining microhabitats, niches were broadly overlapping. The results of our study suggest that, in case of a very low food supply, individuals might not be able to react to competition by niche segregation but might be forced to feed in a broad range of available niches.

Seasonal Occurrence and Abundance of Shorebirds at Atalaia Nova Beach in Sergipe State, Brazil

Many Neartic shorebirds migrate to South America for the non-breeding season, and use several key stopover and wintering sites along the Atlantic coast. However, there is little information about annual shorebird use along the northeast coast of Brazil. This year-long study examined the seasonal occurrence and abundance of shorebirds at Atalaia Nova beach in Sergipe State, Brazil. Of the 13 species recorded, the most abundant were Semipalmated Plovers (Charadrius semipalmatus), Semipalmated Sandpipers (Calidris pusilla), and Sanderlings (Calidris alba). Highest numbers occurred between September and March, and the lowest numbers occurred between April and August. Some species were present throughout the year. Atalaia Nova beach is an important migration stopover and wintering site for shorebirds in northeastern Brazil.

O uso de praias arenosas com diferentes concentrações humanas por espécies de aves limícolas (Charadriidae e Scolopacidae) neárticas no sudeste do Brasil

As aves migratórias podem reconhecer humanos e animais domésticos como possíveis predadores, alterando seus padrões de abundância e comportamento de formação de bandos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a abundância de aves migratórias neárticas, a freqüência de bandos e o número médio de aves por bando em áreas com alta e baixa concentração humana em uma região costeira de praia arenosa no sudeste do Brasil. As aves, pessoas e cães foram contados mensalmente entre novembro de 2006 a abril de 2007. Foram registradas seis espécies de aves (Arenaria interpres, Calidris alba, Calidris canutus, Calidris pusilla, Charadrius semipalmatus, Pluvialis dominica) nas duas áreas, no entanto somente C. canutus foi registrado exclusivamente na área com baixa concentração humana. Houve diferença significativa no número médio de pessoas e cães entre as áreas, mas não no número médio de aves. Não houve correlação entre o número de humanos e aves, e entre cães e aves. Adicionalmente, não houve diferença significativa na freqüência de bandos e número de indivíduos por bando entre as áreas. Os resultados deste estudo destacaram a sensibilidade de C. canutus na área com alta concentração humana e a necessidade de futuras investigações que determinem os limites máximos de concentração de pessoas e cães domésticos que as aves migratórias neárticas podem tolerar para a tomada de ações de proteção em áreas costeiras com ocupação humana.

Biodiversity of birds of 13 de julho avenue mangrove in Aracaju, Sergipe

One agreed to use the denomination 13 de Julho-Atalaia mangrove the mangrove extension of 13 de Julho up to the Districtof Atalaia, Aracaju (SE). In this study area, 6 fixed points were established, of which we did the identification and the counting of thenumber of individuals of each species and the characterization of the type of activity they engage in. From July 2003 to July 2004 atotal of 44 observation journeys were carried out with a minimum duration of 1 hour and a maximal of 4 hours and 20 minutes (meanduration ±2 2 h 36 m). We identified 19 families and 46 birds species, being that 17 of these were migrant coming from the Northhemisphere. Among the observed migrant species four belonged to the Charadriidae family: Charadrius semipalmatus, Charadriuswilsonia, Pluvialis squatarola, Pluvialis dominica; eleven to Scolopacidae: Calidris alba, Calidris pusilla, Calidris fuscicollis, Calidriscanutus, Arenaria interpres Numenius phaeopus, Tringa flavipes, Tringa melanoleuca, Actitis macularia, Catoptrophorus semipalmatus,Limnodromus griseus. Ardeidaes observed in mangroves can be considered residents, in spite of the variations presented by some speciessuch as Egretta thula, Florida caerulea, Casmerodius albus, Butorides striatus, Nyctanassa violaceus and Bubucus ibis.

The birds at Ilha Comprida beach (São Paulo State, Brazil): a multivariate approach

Birds were censused weekly from January 1999 to January 2001 along Ilha Comprida beach, a barrier island off São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. To evaluate the similarity in the bird's species composition among the weekly surveys, species counts data were arranged on a data matrix with 144 weekly surveys, analyzed following a multivariate analysis protocol. We counted a total of 205,399 individuals and 52 species. Migratory birds were an important component of the avifauna (maximum N = 21,294 individuals and 14 species). The largest numbers of birds were observed during summer, when Nearctic migrants arrive. All 14 of the most common species were migrants, including Calidris alba, Sterna maxima, Charadrius semipalmatus, Sterna hirundo, Thalasseus maximus, Pluvialis dominica and Calidris fuscicollis. The most common residents were Thalasseus s. eurrygnathus, Larus dominicanus, Coragyps atratus, Fregata magnificens and Sterna hirundinacea. Recently, most of the peripheral area adjacent to the beach has been urbanized and rapid habitat change is progressing. In this paper, we establish a reference that will allow future comparisons to assess the impact of such urbanization on the composition of bird populations on Ilha Comprida.

Using Digital Photographs to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Plover Egg Crypsis

Abstract:The focus of digital photography has moved from documentation to quantitative analysis. To illustrate the potential application of this diagnostic tool to quantify color and shape, we photographed both artificial and natural semipalmated plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) nests to determine what benefits, if any, were derived from egg crypsis (i.e., eggshell color and egg marking shape). This simple and cost‐effective method provides precise and repeatable quantification of color and shape that discriminated subtle differences in egg crypsis of artificial and natural nests that were not visible to us. The advantages of digital photography and image‐editing software outweigh any shortcomings, as long as standard protocols are followed for capturing and analyzing images. Used with due care, digital photography is useful in studies that need to quickly assign biological traits, such as age and sex, to individuals, and to document temporal change that may occur as a response to management or disturbance.

Effects of Nest Habitat, Food, and Parental Behavior on Shorebird Nest Success

AbstractAbstractIn environments such as arctic tundra, where bird densities are low and habitats are comparatively homogeneous, suitable nest sites likely are not limited. Under these conditions, reproductive success of birds may be determined by factors other than the habitat characteristics of nest sites. We studied the relative influence of nest habitat, food, nest distribution, and parental behavior on the reproductive success of tundra-breeding shorebirds at East Bay, Southampton Island, Nunavut, Canada. From 2000 to 2002, we monitored the nests of five species: Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola), Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus), Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis), and Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius). For each species, habitat differed between nest sites and random sites. In contrast, habitat differed between successful and failed nest sites only for White-rumped Sandpipers. Shorebirds did not prefer to nest in habitats where food was most abundant. Although nest success varied among species in all years, artificial nest experiments suggested that interspecific variation in predation rate was not related to habitat type. Instead, the marked interspecific variation in nest success may have been related to incubation behavior. Species taking fewer incubation recesses had higher nest success, although these results should be viewed as preliminary. The factor with the greatest interannual influence on nest success was fluctuating predation pressure, apparently related to the abundance of predators and lemmings.

EFFECTS OF NEST HABITAT, FOOD, AND PARENTAL BEHAVIOR ON SHOREBIRD NEST SUCCESS

Abstract ABSTRACT In environments such as arctic tundra, where bird densities are low and habitats are comparatively homogeneous, suitable nest sites likely are not limited. Under these conditions, reproductive success of birds may be determined by factors other than the habitat characteristics of nest sites. We studied the relative influence of nest habitat, food, nest distribution, and parental behavior on the reproductive success of tundra-breeding shorebirds at East Bay, Southampton Island, Nunavut, Canada. From 2000 to 2002, we monitored the nests of five species: Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola), Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus), Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis), and Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius). For each species, habitat differed between nest sites and random sites. In contrast, habitat differed between successful and failed nest sites only for White-rumped Sandpipers. Shorebirds did not prefer to nest in habitats w...