AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Feeding Habits of Calidris alpina L. and C. minuta Leisl. (Aves) in Relation to the Distribution of Marine Shore Invertebrates

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1968
Authors:Bengtson, S-A, Svensson, B
Journal:Oikos
Volume:19
Issue:1
Date Published:1968
ISBN Number:00301299
Keywords:Calidris, Calidris alpina, Scolopacidae
Abstract:The marine invertebrate fauna of a sand bank in south Sweden was surveyed and migrating Calidris alpina (23 specimens) and C. minuta (6 specimens) were collected and their stomach contents analysed. The two species were found to exploit different food sources. C. alpina fed predominantly on Nereis diversicolor while C. minuta was insectivorous. The former foraged near the water's edge and in shallow water by boring with its bill in the sand. The latter confined itself to a narrow strip above the water's edge where it collected food items on the surface using sight to detect the prey. Corophium volutator and Bathyporeia pilosa, although occurring in great numbers, were not found to be exploited. The predation by the waders cannot appreciably have reduced the invertebrate fauna on the bank.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/3564742
Short Title:Oikos
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