birding-aus

Waders, their bills, on the breeding grounds

To: Jill Dening <>
Subject: Waders, their bills, on the breeding grounds
From: Bruce Roubin <>
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:50:22 +1000
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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