Multi-isotopic (δ2H, δ13C, δ15N) tracing of molt origin for European starlings associated with U.S. dairies and feedlots.

ABSTRACT: Introduced bird species can become invasive in agroecosystems and their management is inhibited if their origin and movements are not well understood. Stable isotope measurements of feathers can be used to infer molt origins and interstate movements in North America. We analyzed stable-hydrogen (δ2H), carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ 15N) isotope ratios in feathers to better understand the molt origin of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) collected at dairies and feedlots throughout the United States. Primary feathers were used from 596 adult and 90 juvenile starlings collected during winter at dairies and feedlots that experience starling damages in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Nor

SUBMITTER: Werner SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7417194 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature