Seasonal Changes in Feeding Success, Activity Patterns, and Weights of Nonbreeding Sanderlings (Calidris alba)

• Published in: The Auk
• Main Authors: Maron, J. L., Myers, J. P.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press (OUP) 1985
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Calidris alba; Sanderling
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/auk/102.3.580; http://academic.oup.com/auk/article-pdf/102/3/580/30080585/auk0580.pdf

Abstract Seasonal changes in Sanderling (Calidris alba) feeding success, time budgets, and weights were followed throughout the nonbreeding season at Bodega Bay, California. Sanderlings spent more time roosting in fall than in winter, and in fall adults spent more time roosting than juveniles. Sanderling prey capture rates were high in fall and spring and declined through winter. Sanderling weights paralleled seasonal changes in feeding success and activity patterns: birds were heaviest in fall and spring and lightest in winter. These results reflect lowered food availability in winter and imply that birds may have difficulty balancing their energy budgets during part of the nonbreeding season.