Using stable isotope analysis to determine the winter moult extent in migratory birds: the complex moult of Savi's warblers Locustella luscinioides

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2006

Authors

Neto, JM (Author) Other; Newton, J (Author) Other; Gosler, AG (Author) Other; Perrins, CM (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Avian Biology

Vol. 37

Pages: 117-124

ISSN: 0908-8857

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 14 Citations

Scopus - 23 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-004-Q24

DOI: 10.1111/j.2006.0908-8857.03563.x

Abstract (EN): Patterns of feather wear in birds captured in spring have traditionally been analysed to describe the extent of winter moult in long-distance migrants. However, the interpretation of feather wear may be rendered extremely difficult due to long moult periods, by the progress of the season, and by the existence of complex moult patterns. Here, stable isotope analysis is used to determine the origin of the wing feather generations present in Savi's warblers Locustella luscinioides captured in Portugal. Carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen isotope ratios of feathers of known European origin differed significantly from those known to have grown in Africa. A discriminant analysis, in which 91.1% of the cross validated samples were correctly classified, was used to determine the origin of tail and wing feathers collected from birds caught when they returned to the breeding quarters. The interpretation of feather-wear generally agreed with the stable isotope analysis, but some inconsistencies were identified. The extent of winter moult in Savi's warblers is described and its moult strategy discussed.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8