Proximity of breeding and foraging areas affects foraging effort of a crepuscular, insectivorous bird.

ABSTRACT: When complementary resources are required for an optimal life cycle, most animals need to move between different habitats. However, the level of connectivity between resources can vary and, hence, influence individuals' behaviour. We show that landscape composition and configuration affect the connectivity between breeding (heathlands) and foraging habitats (extensively-grazed grasslands) of the European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), a crepuscular insectivorous bird. On a daily basis, nightjars connect breeding and foraging sites by rapidly crossing unsuitable habitats in order to exploit a higher prey biomass in foraging sites. However, low availability of foraging habitat near breeding sites and clustered landscapes greatly increase foraging distance. Birds occupying these sub-optima

SUBMITTER: Evens R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5813100 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature