Quantifying variation in δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N isotopes within and between feathers and individuals: Is one sample enough?

ABSTRACT: Studies of avian migration increasingly use stable isotope analysis to provide vital trophic and spatial markers. However, when interpreting differences in stable isotope values of feathers, many studies are forced to make assumptions about the timing of moult. A fundamental question remains about the consistency of these values within and between feathers from the same individual. In this study, we examine variation in carbon and nitrogen isotopes by sub-sampling feathers collected from the wings of adults of two small congeneric petrel species, the broad-billed Pachyptila vittata and Antarctic prion P. desolata. Broad-billed prion feather vane material was enriched in ¹⁵N compared to feather rachis material, but there was no detectable difference in δ

SUBMITTER: Grecian WJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4356738 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature