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Publication Date

6-1-2003

Abstract

Information about the behavior of shorebirds at stop-over sites can be used to make inferences about which activities are predominant and the role of such sites in the life cycles of migrating shorebirds. Little is known about shorebirds using saline lakes of the Southern High Plains. In spring 2002, we initiated a study to determine time-activity budgets of migrant shorebirds. We used Focal Individual Sampling to determine behavior of American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana), Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor), Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) and Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes). Sampling was performed during 3 diurnal periods and 3 nocturnal periods. We noted time allocated to behaviors such as feeding, sleeping, alertness, locomotion, body maintenance, aggression, and mating. All 4 shorebird species studied spent more than 65% of time feeding during both spring and fall and during both day and night, except for phalaropes, which did not feed at night during spring migration. In the fall, all shorebirds spent less time feeding and more time sleeping and preening compared to spring. Results from this research will help wildlife biologists understand the importance of saline lakes in the life cycles of migrant shorebirds.

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