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Parasitic Indicators of Foraging Strategies in Wading Birds

Feeding ecology and trophic interactions of six species of wading birds were explored through a combined analysis of stable isotope profiles and endoparasite communities. Stable isotopes broadly characterize the feeding preferences and geographic information, while parasite communities reflect long-term trends in feeding ecology. Deceased birds were obtained from four South Florida wildlife rehabilitation organizations. Of the 81 birds dissected, 73 contained parasites. Parasites were predominately found within the gastrointestinal tract. Host and range extensions were noted for several parasite taxa. Bird host species had a significant effect on the parasite community (P=0.001) while wildlife center location and maturity status did not. Stable nitrogen (δ15N) values for pectoral muscle tissues, representing approximately 24 days, ranged from 6.44 to 13.48‰ while stable carbon (δ13C) values ranged from -33.39 to -11.66‰. δ13C varied significantly among location (P=0.0002) and δ15N varied significantly among species (P15N and δ13C was analyzed in combination; bird species (P=0.001) and location (P=0.001) were significantly different. By using this combined approach of stable isotope analysis and parasite identification, it was possible to elucidate more components of bird feeding ecology. Stable isotope analysis provided knowledge on trophic interactions based on δ15N values, while δ13C was used to determine the differences in geographic foraging location. As endoparasites are acquired trophically via food-web interactions, identifying the parasite community allowed for trophic links to be drawn between organisms present within the same environment. Combining these two techniques allows for an abundance of information on feeding ecology and trophic interactions to be obtained.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:nova.edu/oai:nsuworks.nova.edu:occ_stuetd-1494
Date24 July 2018
CreatorsGumbleton, Sarah
PublisherNSUWorks
Source SetsNova Southeastern University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typethesis
Formatapplication/pdf
SourceHCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations

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