Waders, their bills, on the breeding grounds

[Jill Dening <>]

Gee Bruce that's interesting about their eating rice! That would have to be on migration, and would conflict with agriculture. I would never have thought that. And there would be no probing for rice. Or would there? Perhaps the rice is under water. No, surely the rice is taken from the top of the stalk, like wheat. As you can see, I am no expert on rice growing.

Jill

Jill Dening
Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

26° 51' 41"S	152° 56' 00"E

Bruce Roubin wrote:

Jill,

I think you're on the right track when you write that  the bill length is no competitive advantage on the breeding grounds. I used to wonder about the same thing.

During the time spent on the breeding grounds - up to 8 weeks -  I understand the adult & chick diet is mostly insects, and is supplemented esp. by adults with some berries or other vegetative material.

Here below is an extract from Article by: Barry Taylor, PhD from

 http://www.answers.com/topic/scolopacidae-1  

On northern breeding grounds most migratory species appear to eat predominantly insects and arachnids, which are abundant. On migration and on wintering grounds, very different animal prey may be taken and some species become dietary specialists. Few species take predominantly plant material, although ruffs and black-tailed godwits periodically eat only rice. When newly returned to the breeding grounds, many species may find animal food scarce and may temporarily supplement their diet with seeds and shoots, while great knots (Calidris tenuirostris) feed predominantly on berries throughout the breeding season. Berries may also have been the staple food of the Eskimo curlew (Numenius borealis) when breeding.

Regards

Bruce Roubin

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