Large-Scale Movements and Habitat Characteristics of King Eiders Throughout the Nonbreeding Period

• Published in: The Condor
• Main Authors: Phillips, Laura M., Powell, Abby N., Rexstad, Eric A.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press (OUP) 2006
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Bering Sea; King Eider; Alaska
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/condor/108.4.887; http://academic.oup.com/condor/article-pdf/108/4/887/29713569/condor0887.pdf

Abstract Abstract King Eiders (Somateriaspectabilis) breeding inwestern Canada and Alaska molt wing feathers andspend the winter in remote areas of the Bering Sea,precluding direct observation. To characterizetiming of migration and habitat used by King Eidersduring the nonbreeding period, we collectedlocation data for 60 individuals (27 femalesand 33 males) over three years from satellitetelemetry and utilized oceanographic informationobtained by remote sensing. Male King Eidersdispersed from breeding areas, arrived at wing moltsites, and dispersed from wing molt sites earlierthan females in all years. Males arriving earlierat wing molt sites molted flight feathers at higherlatitudes. Distributions of molt and winterlocations did not differ by sex or among years. Ofthe variables considered for analysis, distance toshore, water depth, and salinity appeared to bestdescribe King Eider habitat throughout thenonbreeding period. King Eiders were located closerto shore, in shallower water with lower salinitythan random locations. During the winter, lower iceconcentrations were also associated with King Eiderlocations. This study provides some of the firstlarge-scale descriptions of King Eider migrationand habitat outside the breeding season.