Feeding Ecology of the Migrant Dunlin (Calidris Alpina) in Massachusetts
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Authors
Kremers, Walter
Issue Date
1979
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Dunlin (Calidris alpina) were observed on a mudflat in Scituate,
Massachusetts during October and November 1979 to determine 1) habitat
usage, 2) prey selection, and 3) effects on prey populations by
Dunlin. Rather little is known about the winter ecology of shorebirds
in North America (Holmes, 1966). Dunlin fed on the lower areas of the
mudflats exposed at that time and near the water's edge. By direct
observation, sampling of marine fauna, and analysis of fecal pellets,
Dun1in were found to feed largely on Mytilus edulis and spionid and/or
Scoloplos worms. Feeding rates, Dunlin counts, and invertebrate
densities indicated that the Dunlin should have reduced the M. edulis
population by 30% and the spionid/Scoloplos population by 12%. The
M. edulis population declined during the study due to alteration of
habitat not caused by Dunlin, obscuring attempts to observe the effects
of Dunlin predation on M. edu1is. The spionid/Scoloplos population
underwent a significant change in distribution but not in size
possibly indicating that they migrated. Mya arenaria and Tellina
which were also preyed on by Dunlin significantly declined during
the study. Nereis, which was seen to be taken by Black-bellied Plovers
(Squatarola squatarola), and Nephyts also significantly declined
during the study. The feeding on M. edulis and_spionid and/or Scoloplos
deviates from reports in the literature where Dunlin were found to
take mostly Nereis and small amounts of other prey (Bengston &
Svensson, 1964; Ehlert, 1964).
Description
31 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
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