Seasonal changes in body weight and composition of dunlin ( Calidris alpina )
Seasonal variations in body weight and composition were studied in a population of dunlin (Calidris alpina) wintering in the Fraser River delta in 1979–1980. In December, mean body weights reached a peak of 61 and 56 g in female and male dunlin, respectively. During the next 2 months, body weight de...
| Published in: | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
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| Main Authors: | , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Canadian Science Publishing
1984
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z84-024 http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z84-024 |
| Summary: | Seasonal variations in body weight and composition were studied in a population of dunlin (Calidris alpina) wintering in the Fraser River delta in 1979–1980. In December, mean body weights reached a peak of 61 and 56 g in female and male dunlin, respectively. During the next 2 months, body weight decreased 11–15% and fat depots by 61–67%. The weight and composition of migrant birds (April) were similar to the values determined in November. The linear regression relating body weight and fat (slope = 1.31, r = 0.58, P < 0.05) suggests that there is a slight relationship between weight changes and fat levels. The reduction in weight and fat resevoirs is related to adverse weather conditions and reduced prey densities. |
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