Item – Theses Canada

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OCLC number
1224180968
Link(s) to full text
LAC copy
Author
Crysler, Zoe.
Title
Breeding ground dispersal and fall migratory movements of Ipswich Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis princeps).
Degree
Master of Science -- Acadia University, 2015
Publisher
[Wolfville, Nova Scotia] : Acadia University 2015
Description
1 online resource
Abstract
Tracking small migratory birds on their breeding grounds and during migration is challenging. Breeding birds can be cryptic and may disperse long distances from nests, while migrating birds cover large temporal and geographical scales. Here I use an extensive automated digital telemetry array to assess and compare the breeding ground dispersal behaviour of adult and juvenile Ipswich Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis princeps) on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, and their subsequent fall migration along the Atlantic seaboard. Adults had low post-breeding, pre-migratory dispersal rates while juveniles made numerous broad scale movements dependent on approaching migration initiation date and time of day. Inexperienced juveniles departed earlier than adults thus relying on innate knowledge. Some juveniles appeared to take a distinctly different route, reducing risk by avoiding crossing the Gulf of Maine. Adults took a more direct route, and all birds appeared to increase the number of stopover events when open water was encountered. This thesis contributes to avian research by filling a gap in knowledge of a significant period in migratory birds life history.
Other link(s)
scholar.acadiau.ca
Subject
LE3 .A278 2015