| Summary: | Understanding ecological and evolutionary dynamics in globally rare tidal marsh systems is important in the face of anthropogenically accelerated climate change. In particular, the north Atlantic coast of the U.S. is considered a hotspot for accelerated sea level rise, resulting in an urgent need for full annual cycle data to manage wildlife populations in this region. Secretive, migratory birds pose a challenge as they are difficult to track throughout their various life stages and their population connectivity is largely unknown. ☐ My dissertation focuses on one such species, the Clapper Rail (Rallus crepitans), which is a cryptic salt marsh specialist endemic to North America. Although historical observations documented various aspects of Clapper Rail life history, virtually no quantitative research or contemporary data exist across most of its range. Data needs are particularly critical for the migratory subspecies, the declining Northern Clapper Rail (R. c. crepitans). I therefore focused my efforts on estimating important breeding season vital rates (nest and chick survival), quantifying space use and migratory patterns, developing a reference genome to support genomic work, and evaluating population genetic structure of Clapper Rail throughout their U.S. range. ☐ I produced the first quantitative nest survival estimates for Clapper Rail in this region, revealing that site, nest visual obscurity, and time of season influence nest survival. Additionally, I provide here the first data directly tracking Rallus chick survival. Using tag technology, I produced the first home range estimates for the Northern Clapper Rail, assessed brood movement patterns by tracking chicks, and discovered a novel migratory pathway taken by Clapper Rail in Delaware. After assembling a high-quality Clapper Rail reference genome, I used ddRAD sequencing and determined that Clapper Rail along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts are panmictic and hybridize extensively with King Rail throughout this range. My results will serve as ...
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