DOCSLIB.ORG

Speciation in Golden-Plovers, Pluvialis Dominica and P

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Speciation in Golden-Plovers, Pluvialis Dominica and P The Auk 110(1):9-20, 1993 SPECIATION IN GOLDEN-PLOVERS, PLUVIALIS DOMINICA AND P. FULVA: EVIDENCE FROM THE BREEDING GROUNDS PETERG. CONNORS,• BRIAN J. MCCAFFERY,2 AND JOHN L. MARON• •Universityof California,Davis, Bodega Marine Laboratory, P.O. Box247, BodegaBay, California 94923, USA; and 2YukonDelta NationalWildlife Refuge, P.O. Box346, Bethel,Alaska 99559, USA ABSTRACT.Two forms of golden-plover have long been consideredsubspecies, Pluvialis dominicadominica and P. d. fulva. Prior studies have shown differencesbetween forms in breedingdistributions, wintering distributions,plumage, morphology, molt, and maturation schedules.We report clear and consistentdifferences in breedingvocalizations and nesting habitat, and strict assortativemating in areas of sympatry in western Alaska. These results indicate a greater degree of differentiation between the forms than was previously appre- ciated. They are appropriately treated as separatespecies and should be referred to under the namesPluvialis dominica, for the AmericanGolden-Plover, and Pluvialis fulva, for the Pacific Golden-Plover.Received 24 May 1991,accepted 18 February1992. Two FORMSof golden-plover traditionally showing assortativemating in regionsof sym- have been treated as subspecies,Pluvialis dom- patry and clear differencesin molecular genet- inicadominica and P. d. fulva (e.g. Peters 1934, ics, plumage and morphology, biogeography, Bock1958, Vaurie 1964,Mayr and Short 1970, display behavior and vocalizations,and ecolo- AOU 1983). The form dominicabreeds on arctic gy. In practice, decisions often must be based and subarctic tundra from Baffin Island in Can- on a subset of these data. Differences between ada west to westernAlaska; fulva breedsfrom the dominicaand fulva forms of golden-plover the Yamal Peninsula in Siberia eastward to have alreadybeen documentedwith respectto western Alaska (AOU 1983). However, based plumage and morphology(Connors 1983), mi- on an analysisof almost 400 museumspeci- gration routesand wintering areas(AOU 1983), mens, Connors (1983) concluded that there was and molt and maturation schedules (Strese- no evidenceof interbreeding in western Alaska mann and Stresemann1966, Kinsky and Yald- where both forms had been collectedduring wyn 1981,Johnson and Johnson1983, Johnson the breedingseason. Employing a multivariate 1985). We now provide additional evidence statisticalanalysis to characterizespecimens, he documentingextensive breeding sympatry in detectedno increasein intermediate pheno- western Alaska, consistent habitat differences, typeswithin the regionof potentialsympatry species-specificbreeding vocalizations,and as- from Nunivak Island to Point Barrow, and he sortativemating in the two forms.These data, recommendedfull speciesstatus for the forms. bolsteredby moleculargenetic evidenceto be The museumdata, however,could not prove presented elsewhere (F. B. Gill, P. G. Connors, widespreadbreeding sympatry of dominicaand J. L. Maron in prep.), unambiguously indicate fulva,because of the absenceof breedinginfor- that separatespecies status is appropriate for mationaccompanying most museum specimens Pluvialisdominica and Pluvialisfulva. and the possibilityof distributionalchanges during the centuryof collections.Furthermore, STUDY AREA AND METHODS data identifying any potential differences in ecology, breeding behavior, or vocalizations Our observationsand data were collectedat many were not available. The AOU (1983), therefore, sites on the Seward Peninsula and Yukon Delta Na- has retained subspecificstatus for theseforms, tional Wildlife Refuge (YDNWR) in northwestern although other authorities now considerthem Alaska from 1985 through 1990 (Fig. 1). In 1988 (31 May-21 June),Connors and Maron surveyedslopes separatespecies (BOU RecordsCommittee 1986, and ridgesat many siteson the southernSeward Pen- Hayman et al. 1986). insula accessiblealong the gravel highway system Ideally, taxonomic decisions to separate emanating from Nome. The three principal roads-- closelyrelated forms should be supportedby a to Teller, Kougerok, and Council--cover more than broad spectrum of evidence, including data 300 km, repeatedlypassing through or near suitable 10 CONNORS,MCCAFFERY, ANDMARON [Auk,Vol. 110 or groups identified as present in a quadrat (i.e. Loise- leuriaprocurnbens, Ernpetrurn nigrurn, Betula nana, Ledurn palustre,Vacciniurn spp., moss,lichen, and sedge).Data from 16 quadrats were averaged for each nest. We measuredelevation change from the nestto each15-m transect point with a sighting level, totalling these for an index of slope. We measuredelevation at the nest with an altimeter and plotted nest locations on topographic maps.Using the statisticalcomputer pro- gram SYSTAT (Wilkinson 1988), we entered these data (vegetation cover, vegetation height, vegetation richness,slope, elevation) in a discriminant-function analysisto separatethe two populationsstatistically. During both 1988 and 1989 we recorded golden- plover vocalizationswith a Sony WM-D6C cassette recorder and an Audio-Technica AT815a directional microphone on TDK MA metallic tapes. Sonagrams were produced on a Kay ElemetricsModel 7800 dig- ital sonagraphusing the wide-band filter. On YDNWR, McCafiery observedbreeding golden- Fig. 1. Map of Seward Peninsula and Yukon Delta plovers at the following locations(see Fig. 1): Bethel NationalWildlife Refuge(YDNWR) studyareas. Prin- (April-May 1987), Nelson Island (May-June 1985), cipal study sitesdenoted by circles. AndreafskyHills and vicinity (June 1985,May-June 1986,May-July 1987),Ingakslugwat Hills (June1988), golden-plover breeding habitat. We selected three Pikmiktalik River headwaters (June 1985), and Cur- principal study sitesnear: Nugget Creek, mile 31 on lew Lake (April-July 1988-1990).In late May and the Nome-Kougerok Road (64ø54'N, 165ø14'W);Hor- early June 1987,McCafiery, Connors, and SarahGrif- ton Creek, mile 58 on the Nome-Council Road fin observedbreeding golden-ploversat siteseast of (64ø44'N, 164ø01'W); and Feather River, mile 37 on Curlew Lake. In addition, golden-ploverswere ob- the Nome-Teller Road (64ø51'N, 166ø05'W;Fig. 1). served by YDNWR personnel at several sites in the Other sites mentioned by name are: Cripple River, Andreafsky River watershed(June 1988, May-June mile 19 on the Nome-Teller Road; and Crete Creek, 1989). on the road to Woolley Lagoon from mile 38 of the Nome-Teller Road. RESULTS In 1989 we attemptedto revisit the three principal study sites earlier in the season(22 May-13 June). Of areas surveyed to date, we have located However, that spring had exceptionallyheavy snow- large numbers of both forms on breeding ter- fall and late snowmelt. Highwaycrews were delayed ritories only on the Seward Peninsula. Seward in opening highwaysbecause of the extensivedrifted Peninsula sites, therefore, hav• presented the snow and the need to repair subsequentwashouts most useful and revealing comparisons, and during the snow melt. We were able to reach only provide the data we emphasize here. Obser- one principal study site, Feather River, before leaving the area on 13 June. Most 1989 observations, there- vations from other sites are presentedmainly fore, occurredat a variety of locationswithin 30 km as comparisonswith the Seward Peninsula sit- uation. of Nome. We spent three to six days at each of the principal Identification.--With practice in the field, we study sitesin 1988, locating golden-plover pairs and found that both sexesoffulva and dominicawere nests,characterizing nest habitats, and recording vo- easierto identify on the basisof breeding-plum- calizations. We sampled vegetation characteristicsat age differencesthan indicated in previous re- each nest within a 50 cm x 50 cm square quadrat ports (Conover 1945, Gabrielson and Lincoln placed at four points along each of four transects,for 1959), or by examinationof museumspecimens a total of 16 quadrat points per nest. Transectswere (Connors 1983). Most males in breeding plum- set by compass,running in the four principal direc- age are easily separableby the pattern of white tions from the nest. Quadrat samplingpoints were at on the undersides. In dominica,white at the fore- 2.5 m, 5 m, 10 m, and 15 m from the nest on each transect. We recorded: vegetative cover (as estimated head and sidesof the face continuesonly as far percent of total quadrat area); maximum vegetation asthe upper breast,where it terminates,usually height within the quadrat; and vegetation richness, in a widened, bulbouspatch on eachside of the as indicated by the number of the eight plant species breast. Flanks and undertail coverts are black, January1993] Speciationin Golden-Plovers FEATHER RIVER NUGGET CREEK HORTON CREEK Fig. 2. Golden-ploverbreeding distributions at SewardPeninsula study sites. Map dimensionsare 3.6 km x 3.6 km (F = fulva;D = dominica).Circles are schematic,and do not indicateterritory-boundary locations; circle diameter is 350 m. Dark circle centers indicate nest locations.Open circles indicate areas of nesting activity with probablenests. Location of gravel road at eachsite shown as a bold line. Peripheralareas of each site map were not searched. rarely with some white mixed in undertail co- Peninsula study sites (n = 165 in 1988, n = 140 verts. In fulva, the white shows little or no in 1989). Additional differences in color, size, broadening at the upper breast, and almost al- and distribution of spots on wings and mantle ways continues in an irregular streak past the may assist in identification of both sexes in breastand along the flanks to the undertail
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary Myanmar
    Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary Myanmar EAAF NETWORK SITE CODE FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: E A A F 1 4 0 Site Information Sheet on East Asian-Australasian Flyway Network Sites (SIS) – 2017 version Available for download from http://www.eaaflyway.net/about/the-flyway/flyway-site-network/ 1 of 22 Information Sheet on EAA Flyway Network Sites | Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary [EAAF140] Categories approved by Second Meeting of the Partners of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership in Beijing, China 13-14 November 2007 - Report (Minutes) Agenda Item 3.13 Notes for compilers: 1. The management body intending to nominate a site for inclusion in the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Site Network is requested to complete a Site Information Sheet. The Site Information Sheet will provide the basic information of the site and detail how the site meets the criteria for inclusion in the Flyway Site Network. When there is a new nomination or an SIS update, the following sections with an asterisk (*), from Questions 1-14 and Question 30, must be filled or updated at least so that it can justify the international importance of the habitat for migratory waterbirds. 2. The Site Information Sheet is based on the Ramsar Information Sheet. If the site proposed for the Flyway Site Network is an existing Ramsar site then the documentation process can be simplified. 3. Once completed, the Site Information Sheet (and accompanying map(s)) should be submitted to the Secretariat. Compilers should provide an electronic (MS Word) copy of the Information Sheet and, where possible, digital versions (e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • The All-Bird Bulletin
    Advancing Integrated Bird Conservation in North America Spring 2014 Inside this issue: The All-Bird Bulletin Protecting Habitat for 4 the Buff-breasted Sandpiper in Bolivia The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Conserving the “Jewels 6 Act (NMBCA): Thirteen Years of Hemispheric in the Crown” for Neotropical Migrants Bird Conservation Guy Foulks, Program Coordinator, Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, U.S. Fish and Bird Conservation in 8 Wildlife Service (USFWS) Costa Rica’s Agricultural Matrix In 2000, responding to alarming declines in many Neotropical migratory bird popu- Uruguayan Rice Fields 10 lations due to habitat loss and degradation, Congress passed the Neotropical Migra- as Wintering Habitat for tory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA). The legislation created a unique funding Neotropical Shorebirds source to foster the cooperative conservation needed to sustain these species through all stages of their life cycles, which occur throughout the Western Hemi- Conserving Antigua’s 12 sphere. Since its first year of appropriations in 2002, the NMBCA has become in- Most Critical Bird strumental to migratory bird conservation Habitat in the Americas. Neotropical Migratory 14 Bird Conservation in the The mission of the North American Bird Heart of South America Conservation Initiative is to ensure that populations and habitats of North Ameri- Aros/Yaqui River Habi- 16 ca's birds are protected, restored, and en- tat Conservation hanced through coordinated efforts at in- ternational, national, regional, and local Strategic Conservation 18 levels, guided by sound science and effec- in the Appalachians of tive management. The NMBCA’s mission Southern Quebec is to achieve just this for over 380 Neo- tropical migratory bird species by provid- ...and more! Cerulean Warbler, a Neotropical migrant, is a ing conservation support within and be- USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern and listed as yond North America—to Latin America Vulnerable on the International Union for Conser- Coordination and editorial vation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
    [Show full text]
  • List of Shorebird Profiles
    List of Shorebird Profiles Pacific Central Atlantic Species Page Flyway Flyway Flyway American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) •513 American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana) •••499 Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) •488 Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) •••501 Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani)•490 Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites subruficollis) •511 Dowitcher (Limnodromus spp.)•••485 Dunlin (Calidris alpina)•••483 Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemestica)••475 Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)•••492 Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) ••503 Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa)••505 Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva) •497 Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa)••473 Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)•••479 Sanderling (Calidris alba)•••477 Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)••494 Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia)•••507 Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda)•509 Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) •••481 Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor) ••515 All illustrations in these profiles are copyrighted © George C. West, and used with permission. To view his work go to http://www.birchwoodstudio.com. S H O R E B I R D S M 472 I Explore the World with Shorebirds! S A T R ER G S RO CHOOLS P Red Knot (Calidris canutus) Description The Red Knot is a chunky, medium sized shorebird that measures about 10 inches from bill to tail. When in its breeding plumage, the edges of its head and the underside of its neck and belly are orangish. The bird’s upper body is streaked a dark brown. It has a brownish gray tail and yellow green legs and feet. In the winter, the Red Knot carries a plain, grayish plumage that has very few distinctive features. Call Its call is a low, two-note whistle that sometimes includes a churring “knot” sound that is what inspired its name.
    [Show full text]
  • Helminth Parasite Communities in Four Species of Shorebirds (Charadriidae) on King Island, Tasmania
    Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania, Volume 132, 1998 49 HELMINTH PARASITE COMMUNITIES IN FOUR SPECIES OF SHOREBIRDS (CHARADRIIDAE) ON KING ISLAND, TASMANIA by Albert G. Canaris and John M. Kinsella (with six tables and three text-figures) CANARIS, A.G. & KINSELLA, J.M., 1998 (31 :xii): Helminth parasite communities in four species of shorebirds (Charadriidae) on King Island, Tasmania. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm., 132: 49-57. https://doi.org/10.26749/rstpp.132.49 ISSN 0080-4703. PO Box 717, Hamilton, Montana, USA 59840 (formerly Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso) (AGC); and Department of lnfectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA 32611 QMK). Helminth community composition and structure were examined among two resident shorebird species, red-capped plover, Charadrius ruficapillus (N = 20), and masked lapwing, Vanellusmiles (N = 5), and two migrants, ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres (N = 20), and curlew sandpiper, Calidrisfe rruginea (N = 5), on King Island, Tasmania in March-April 1993, prior to northward migration to the nesting grounds. The total number of species of helminths recovered was 28 and life cycles of at least 19 of these were occurring on the island. Twenty-fivespecies were categorised as generalists and three were undetermined. One to three species of helminths were dominant in each host species. Eight species, to various degrees, were common among the four species of host. Most sharing occurred in the mucosa! trematode guild. Similarities between resident Charadrius ruficapillus and migrant A. interpres was 32.7%, while the mean number of species and mean number of helminths were significantlyhigher in A.
    [Show full text]
  • Plover, Snowy
    Plovers — Family Charadriidae 193 Snowy Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Nesting on beaches, dunes, and salt flats, the Snowy Plover is among San Diego County’s scarcest and most threatened breeding birds. In 1993 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed it as threatened along the entire Pacific coast. Thorough surveys from 1995 to 1998 put the county’s breeding population between 240 and 325 individuals, most concentrated in two areas, Camp Pendleton and the Silver Strand (Powell et al. 2002). Surveys from 1978 to 1998 suggest the decline of this once common bird has continued. When not breeding the Snowy Plover is more wide- spread along the county’s coast but it is not much Photo by Anthony Mercieca more numerous, in spite of considerable migration. Human disturbance of the remaining habitat and a high level of predation mean that intensive manage- single breeding season, some individuals shift from site to site, although most remain at one site. ment is needed to sustain the population. These variables considered, about half the population Breeding distribution: Powell et al. (2002) surveyed San breeds in Camp Pendleton, with six to eight nests per year Diego County’s coastline intensively from 1994 to 1998 at the mouths of Aliso and French creeks (F4) and 67 to and provided an exhaustive view of the Snowy Plover’s 88 at the Santa Margarita River mouth (G4). The high distribution. Their detailed table enumerated nests rather count of individual plovers was 120 at the latter site 11 than birds per site; because of multiple clutches per year, June 1997 (B.
    [Show full text]
  • Breeding Biology of the Mountain Plover
    BREEDING BIOLOGY OF THE MOUNTAIN PLOVER WALTER D. GRAUL The Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus) is an endemic species of western North America, breeding on the shortgrass prairie mainly east of the Rocky Mountains and wintering in similar habitat from California and Texas to northern Mexico. Apart from a few anecdotal reports, detailed informa- tion on the breeding biology of the species comes from a single study (Laun 1957). In 1969, I began a study of the Mountain Plover on its Colorado breeding grounds. This paper describes various aspects of the breeding biology of the species and discusses their adaptive significance. Other aspects of the behavior of the Mountain Plover have been published elsewhere (Graul1973a, 1973b,l974). STUDY AREA AND METHODS I studied these plovers on two areas in northern Weld Co., northeastern Colorado. The major area consisted of 16 km ’ just southwest of Keota. The second area was on the International Biological Programs’ Pawnee Site, approximately 64 km northwest of Keota. This general area is part of the high shortgrass prairie (elevation about 1470 m) and consists of gently rolling hills with extensive flats and intermittent streams. Most observations were confined to areas covered predominantly by blue grama grass (Bout&ma gracilis) and/or buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides), since I observed that Mountain Plovers prefer such areas. In these areas other common plants include western wheat grass (Agropyron smithii), fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) , and prickly pear cactus (Opuntia polycantha) . The climate of the area during the breeding season is hot and dry. Average yearly precipitation ranges from 30 to 38 cm, although precipitation is unevenly distributed on a yearly, seasonal, and area-to-area basis (Badaracco 1971).
    [Show full text]
  • SHOREBIRDS (Charadriiformes*) CARE MANUAL *Does Not Include Alcidae
    SHOREBIRDS (Charadriiformes*) CARE MANUAL *Does not include Alcidae CREATED BY AZA CHARADRIIFORMES TAXON ADVISORY GROUP IN ASSOCIATION WITH AZA ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITTEE Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Care Manual Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Care Manual Published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in association with the AZA Animal Welfare Committee Formal Citation: AZA Charadriiformes Taxon Advisory Group. (2014). Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Care Manual. Silver Spring, MD: Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Original Completion Date: October 2013 Authors and Significant Contributors: Aimee Greenebaum: AZA Charadriiformes TAG Vice Chair, Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA Alex Waier: Milwaukee County Zoo, USA Carol Hendrickson: Birmingham Zoo, USA Cindy Pinger: AZA Charadriiformes TAG Chair, Birmingham Zoo, USA CJ McCarty: Oregon Coast Aquarium, USA Heidi Cline: Alaska SeaLife Center, USA Jamie Ries: Central Park Zoo, USA Joe Barkowski: Sedgwick County Zoo, USA Kim Wanders: Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA Mary Carlson: Charadriiformes Program Advisor, Seattle Aquarium, USA Sara Perry: Seattle Aquarium, USA Sara Crook-Martin: Buttonwood Park Zoo, USA Shana R. Lavin, Ph.D.,Wildlife Nutrition Fellow University of Florida, Dept. of Animal Sciences , Walt Disney World Animal Programs Dr. Stephanie McCain: AZA Charadriiformes TAG Veterinarian Advisor, DVM, Birmingham Zoo, USA Phil King: Assiniboine Park Zoo, Canada Reviewers: Dr. Mike Murray (Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA) John C. Anderson (Seattle Aquarium volunteer) Kristina Neuman (Point Blue Conservation Science) Sarah Saunders (Conservation Biology Graduate Program,University of Minnesota) AZA Staff Editors: Maya Seaman, MS, Animal Care Manual Editing Consultant Candice Dorsey, PhD, Director of Animal Programs Debborah Luke, PhD, Vice President, Conservation & Science Cover Photo Credits: Jeff Pribble Disclaimer: This manual presents a compilation of knowledge provided by recognized animal experts based on the current science, practice, and technology of animal management.
    [Show full text]
  • Migratory Shorebird Guild
    Migratory Shorebird Guild Piping Plover Charadrius melodus Sanderling Calidris alba Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus Red Knot Calidris canutus Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis Wimbrel Numenius phaeopus White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis Long-billed Curlew Numenius americanus Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria Wilson’s Snipe Gallinago gallinago delicata Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia American Avocet Recurvirostra Americana Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus Dunlin Calidris alpina Contributors: Felicia Sanders and Thomas M. Murphy DESCRIPTION Photograph by SC DNR Taxonomy and Basic Description The migratory shorebird guild is composed of birds in the Charadrii suborder. Migrants in South Carolina represent three families: Scolopacidae (sandpipers), Charadriidae (plovers) and Recurvirostridae (avocets). Sandpipers are the most diverse family of shorebirds. Their tactile foraging strategy encompasses probing in soft mud or sand for invertebrates. Plovers are medium size birds, with relatively short, thick bills and employ a distinctive foraging strategy. They stand, looking for prey and then run to feed on detected invertebrates. Avocets are large shorebirds with long recurved bills and partial webbing between the toes. They feed employing both tactile and visual methods. Shorebirds are characterized by long legs for wading and wings designed for quick flight and transcontinental migrations. Migrations can span continents; for example, red knots migrate from the Canadian arctic to the southern tip of South America.
    [Show full text]
  • Biometrics and Breeding Phenology of Terek Sandpipers in the Pripyat’ Valley, S Belarus
    54 Wader Study Group Bulletin Biometrics and breeding phenology of Terek Sandpipers in the Pripyat’ Valley, S Belarus NATALIA KARLIONOVA1, MAGDALENA REMISIEWICZ2, PAVEL PINCHUK1 1Institute of Zoology, Belarussian National Academy of Sciences, Academichnaya Str. 27, 220072 Minsk, Belarus. [email protected] 2Avian Ecophysiology Unit, Dept of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, Univ. of Gdansk, al. Legionów 9, 80-441 Gdansk, Poland. [email protected] Karlionova, N., Remisiewicz, M. & Pinchuk, P. 2006. Biometrics and breeding phenology of Terek Sandpipers in the Pripyat’ Valley, S Belarus. Wader Study Group Bull. 110: 54–58. Keywords: Terek Sandpiper, Xenus cinereus, biometrics, breeding phenology, Pripyat’ Valley, Belarus We present data on the breeding phenology and biometrics of Terek Sandpipers from the isolated westernmost population in the Pripyat’ river valley, S Belarus, close to the border with Ukraine. Studies were conducted on floodplain islands between the beginning of April and mid-July during 1996–1999 and 2002–2006. Over the years, the first arrivals appeared during 10–26 April (median 14 April), first eggs were laid during 24 April to 5 May (median 30 April) and the latest egg was laid on 25 May, first chicks hatched during 19 May to 1 June (median 25 May) and the first fledged juveniles were caught on 23 June. We present biometric data for juve- niles (at the post-fledging stage) and adults. The mean wing length of juveniles, just before departure from the breeding grounds in mid June, reached 96% of that of adults. Juvenile total head lengths were 91% of adult, and bill and nalospi lengths 85% of adult, but tarsus and tarsus plus toe lengths were the same as adults.
    [Show full text]
  • Compendium of Avian Ecology
    Compendium of Avian Ecology ZOL 360 Brian M. Napoletano All images taken from the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/infocenter.html Taxonomic information based on the A.O.U. Check List of North American Birds, 7th Edition, 1998. Ecological Information obtained from multiple sources, including The Sibley Guide to Birds, Stokes Field Guide to Birds. Nest and other images scanned from the ZOL 360 Coursepack. Neither the images nor the information herein be copied or reproduced for commercial purposes without the prior consent of the original copyright holders. Full Species Names Common Loon Wood Duck Gaviiformes Anseriformes Gaviidae Anatidae Gavia immer Anatinae Anatini Horned Grebe Aix sponsa Podicipediformes Mallard Podicipedidae Anseriformes Podiceps auritus Anatidae Double-crested Cormorant Anatinae Pelecaniformes Anatini Phalacrocoracidae Anas platyrhynchos Phalacrocorax auritus Blue-Winged Teal Anseriformes Tundra Swan Anatidae Anseriformes Anatinae Anserinae Anatini Cygnini Anas discors Cygnus columbianus Canvasback Anseriformes Snow Goose Anatidae Anseriformes Anatinae Anserinae Aythyini Anserini Aythya valisineria Chen caerulescens Common Goldeneye Canada Goose Anseriformes Anseriformes Anatidae Anserinae Anatinae Anserini Aythyini Branta canadensis Bucephala clangula Red-Breasted Merganser Caspian Tern Anseriformes Charadriiformes Anatidae Scolopaci Anatinae Laridae Aythyini Sterninae Mergus serrator Sterna caspia Hooded Merganser Anseriformes Black Tern Anatidae Charadriiformes Anatinae
    [Show full text]
  • 177 European Golden Plover Put Your Logo Here
    Javier Blasco-Zumeta & Gerd-Michael Heinze Sponsor is needed. Write your name here 177 European Golden Plover Put your logo here Golden Plover. Winter. Adult (14-I) EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER (Pluvialis apricaria) Grey Plover IDENTIFICATION 26-28 cm. In winter with dark upperparts with dense golden notches; pale underparts with brown streaks; white underwing; white axilla- ries; grey-greenish legs. SEXING In winter, plumage of both sexes alike. AGEING It is not possible to find juveniles in Ara- gon, so only 2 types of age can be recognized: 1st year autumn/2nd year spring similar to adult but with worn juvenile feathers on back, rump, tail, outer tertials and wing; wing always with only one generation of flight feat- hers; tail feathers with broken short off-white bars or spots; unmoulted inner median coverts and tertials with a broad dark shaft-streak to tips. Adult with fresh feathers; if some seconda- ries remain unmoulted, then with a mixed of new and old feathers; tail feathers with narrow and shallow greyish-yellow chevrons; inner me- dian coverts with a fine dark shaft-streak to tips; tertials without a dark shaft-streak on tips. Golden Plover. Winter. Pattern of underwing, rump, wing and upperparts. SIMILAR SPECIES Recalls a Grey Plover, with black axillaries, wide wingbar and white rump. http://blascozumeta.com Write your website here Page 1 Javier Blasco-Zumeta & Gerd-Michael Heinze Sponsor is needed. Write your name here 177 European Golden Plover Put your logo here MOULT Complete postbreeding moult, but many birds can retain secondaries and wing coverts: usually starts in July and suspended before migration.
    [Show full text]
  • WILSON's PLOVER Scientific Name: Charadrius Wilsonia Ord Other
    Common Name: WILSON'S PLOVER Scientific Name: Charadrius wilsonia Ord Other Commonly Used Names: Thick-billed plover Previously Used Names: Ochthodromus wilsonius Family: Charadriidae Rarity Ranks: G5/S2 State Legal Status: Threatened Federal Legal Status: Not Listed Federal Wetland Status: N/A Description: The Wilson's plover is about 20 cm (8 in) in length. Its crown, cheek, back, and upper wings are brown. The white on the forehead tapers into a line that extends over the top of the eye. The throat, breast, abdomen, and underside of the wings are white, with a white collar extending to the back of the neck. During the breeding season, the male has a broad black collar- like band on the lower throat; this band is brown on the female and the non-breeding adult male. The breeding male also has a black patch on the top of the forehead. The bill of both sexes is black and is large for a medium-sized plover. Legs are pinkish to fleshy-gray in color. Juveniles look very similar to adult females. Similar Species: The semipalmated plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) is similar in appearance but is slightly smaller with yellowish legs and a much smaller bill that often has some yellow color near the base. The snowy plover (C. alexandrinus) and the piping plover (C. melodus) are also similar in appearance but both have light sand colored backs, upper wings, and heads and much smaller bills. The snowy plover has gray legs while the piping plover has yellowish or yellow-orange legs. The killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) also looks similar to the Wilson's plover but is a much larger bird (26-27 cm) with two wide black bands on its neck and upper chest and a red-orange rump and upper tail; however, it is rarely found in the same habitats as the Wilson's plover.
    [Show full text]