| Summary: | Migratory species trade-off long-distance movement with survival and reproduction, but the spatiotemporal scales at which these decisions occur is relatively unknown. Technological and statistical advances allow fine-scale study of animal decision-making, improving our understanding of possible causes and therefore conservation management. We quantified effects of reproductive preparation during spring migration on subsequent breeding outcomes, breeding outcomes on autumn migration characteristics, and autumn migration characteristics on subsequent parental survival in Greenland white-fronted geese ( Anser albifrons flavirostris ). These are long-distance migratory birds with a ~50% population decline from 1999 to 2022. We deployed GPS-acceleration devices on adult females to quantify up to five years of individual decision-making throughout the annual cycle. Weather and habitat-use affected time spent feeding and overall dynamic body acceleration (i.e., energy expenditure) during spring and autumn. Geese that expended less energy and fed longer during spring were more likely to successfully reproduce. Geese with offspring expended more energy and fed for less time during autumn, potentially representing adverse fitness consequences of breeding. These behavioural comparisons among Greenland white-fronted geese improve our understanding of fitness trade-offs underlying abundance. We provide a reproducible framework for full annual cycle modelling using location and behaviour data, applicable to similarly studied migratory animals. Funding provided by: University of Saskatchewan Crossref Funder Registry ID: https://ror.org/010x8gc63 Award Number: Funding provided by: University of Missouri Crossref Funder Registry ID: https://ror.org/02ymw8z06 Award Number: Funding provided by: National Parks and Wildlife Service Crossref Funder Registry ID: https://ror.org/03xkf7525 Award Number: Funding provided by: Ducks Unlimited Canada's Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research* Crossref Funder Registry ID: Award ...
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