Different individual-level responses of great black-backed gulls (Larus marinus) to shifting local prey availability.

ABSTRACT: To grow, survive and reproduce under anthropogenic-induced changes, individuals must respond quickly and favourably to the surrounding environment. A species that feeds on a wide variety of prey types (i.e. generalist diet) may be comprised of generalist individuals, specialist individuals that feed on different prey types, or a combination of the two. If individuals within a population respond differently to an environmental change, population-level responses may not be detectable. By tracking foraging movements of great black-backed gulls (Larus marinus), a generalist species, we compared group-level and individual-level responses to an increase in prey biomass (capelin; Mallotus villosus) during the breeding season in coastal Newfoundland, Canada. As hypothesized, shifts in prey availab

SUBMITTER: Maynard LD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8528284 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature