DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/FNZF-S534
Defense Date
2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Environmental Studies
First Advisor
Lesley Bulluck
Second Advisor
Derek Johnson
Third Advisor
Daniel McGarvey
Fourth Advisor
Leonard Smock
Abstract
Food supply has been suggested as the main determinant of reproductive success in birds. Riparian species can take advantage of seasonal pulses of both terrestrial and aquatic prey, though aquatic resources are often overlooked in studies of diet and reproductive ecology. This study investigates the flux of both aquatic (mayfly) and terrestrial (caterpillar) prey resources and nestling diet of the Prothonotary Warbler throughout the breeding season in two eastern Virginia sites. One site had significantly higher aquatic prey (mayfly) availability. Nestling diet was generally reflective of prey availability, and nestlings grew faster at the site with high aquatic prey availability. At the site with low aquatic prey availability, nestling growth rates and condition were positively correlated with the amount of aquatic prey in the diet. Our results provide evidence that aquatic subsidies are an important resource for nestlings, and are crucial to understanding the breeding ecology of riparian species.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
8-7-2015