Egg-capping and eggshell removal by Western and Semipalmated sandpipers

Article Abstract:

Shorebirds such as Western and Semipalmated Sandpipers (Calidris mauri; C. pusilla) remove eggshells from the nests after hatching even though the young leave the nest fairly soon. Eggshell removal probably reduces risks of egg-capping and predation. Egg-capping, in which shells become attached to form a double layer on a later-hatching egg, poses a greater danger for shorebirds due to the conical pyriform shape and mode of hatching of the eggs. Egg-capping has been observed in both species. Risk of predation may make the parents carry eggshells to places far away from the nest.

Behavior, Bird eggs, Bird nests, Eggshells, Shore birds, Shorebirds

Fat content and stopover ecology of spring migrant semipalmated sandpipers in South Carolina

Article Abstract:

A study on avian biology hypothesized that the fat content of semipalmated sandpipers upon their arrival at a staging area is negatively correlated to the duration of their stay if the birds minimize the time that they spend travelling between wintering areas and breeding grounds. The sandpipers, or Calidris pusilla, replenish their fat reserves at staging areas to help them cope with the long distance flights during migration. Results show that the season's date largely influences the birds' migratory behavior.

Analysis, Physiological aspects, Natural history, South Carolina, Ornithological research, Fat, Fats

Spring stopover ecology of migrant western sandpipers

Article Abstract:

Radiomarked western sandpipers, Calidris mauri, were monitored to investigate the stopover ecology of these migratory birds. Results reveal that the birds captured and marked at inland sites had significantly lower fat scores, shorter periods of stay and shorter lengths than those radiomarked at coastal sites. The ephemeral nature of the inland stopover and the risk of predation are cited as contributory factors to these observations.