Rainfall and habitat interact to affect the condition of a wintering migratory songbird in The Bahamas.

ABSTRACT: On the subtropical and tropical wintering grounds of migratory birds, variation in moisture levels and habitat can influence the availability of food resources and subsequently impact overwintering birds. Using stable carbon isotopes in blood samples as a measure of moisture, we assessed the interactive effects of rainfall, vegetation, and moisture on the demographics and condition of Prairie Warblers (Setophaga discolor) wintering in The Bahamas. Carbon isotopes in Prairie Warbler blood were more depleted in taller, wetter habitats; we additionally detected novel temporal effects of rainfall on isotope values. During a winter with more rainfall, most birds maintained mass and pectoral muscle regardless of the habitat type occupied. In a winter with less rainfall, birds lost mass an

SUBMITTER: Akresh ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6662339 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature