Exam 1 Study Deck Pt.2 Flashcards by Nicolas Harrison

why send a signal instead of do a direct action?

Because actions are “expensive” and signals avoid physical fighting. scent last longer time. Back up threat.

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Define Signal

a signal is sent purposely by the sender-snding out info by smell, vocalization, touch, visual

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Define a Cue

A cue is a unintended byproduct of performing required behavior (ex: foraging). Also contain info

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How are marine birds classified Taxonomically?

SEA BIRDS

SHOREBIRDS

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Classification of Seabird

procellariformes

albatross, shearwater, storm-petrel

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Classification of Seabird

Sphenisciformes

penguins

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Classification of Seabird

Pelicaniformes

pelicans, frigatebirds, boobies, cormorants

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Classification of Seabird

Pelicaniformes

pelicans, frigatebirds, boobies, cormorants

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Classification of Shorebirds

Chardriformes

plovers, killdeer, sandpipers, avocets, godwit, long-billed curlew

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Classification of Shorebirds

ciconiiformes

herons, egrets

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Adaptions for flight in birds

4 chambered heart
no blader-weight
wings and feathers
one ovary-weight
Large pectoral muscles
Hallow bones-weight
no teeth-weight

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Adaptations for marine lifestyle

arrow like body-flying
longer wings for SOARING

torpedo like body-swimming
webbed feet
shorter wings for water

BOTH: osmoregulation(salt glands)

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Other uses of feathers besides flying

insulation
courtship/communication
camoflage

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Two kinds of feathers

short feathers with oil for water proofing

Flight feathers-lock together

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common foraging strategies in sea birds

*plunge diving-BOOBIES,PELICANS
*surface feeding-skim surface-PELICANS(scoop fish), PUFFINS, ALBATROSS, FRIGATE BIRDS
*dipping(hovering over surface to pick food)
*kleptoparasitism(steal food)
deep diving-PENGUINS
*Scavanging-GULLS-sharp beak

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Life history characteristics of marine birds

K-selected-delay reproduction, raise young, produce fewer/larger offspring (1-2), long life.
Competition is high
Environment stable

common foraging strategies in shorebirds

Spear-HERRONS-long beaks
Dabble-strain small fish from water-AVOCET
Hunt in mud/sand-crabs/snails
Scavenge-HERONS, EGRETS

Osmoregulation

add and removal of salt and water from body. With salt glands, water proof feathers/skin

Mating systems

mostly monogamous-
hold territory better
get food to feed chick
have a mate each season
better compatability

Shorebirds can be: polyanderous, polygynous

Thermoregulation

panting
hide head under wings
fluff feathers

problems with weather on foraging and breeding

wash away nests
make it difficult for birds to fly and get food
water merky-hard to find food
warm/cold water makes thermoregulation harder
damaged breeding grounds

Cope with damage by weather

-depends on severity of food shortage, breeding conditions of chick, age factor/experience

abandon nest

try new location

Predators of seabirds and shorebirds

raccoons, sharks, hawks, foxes, predatory birds (skua, falcons, eagles, heron’s, egrets, pelicans, gulls-namely chicks and eggs), rats.

Anti-predator mechanisms

mobbing-attack predator
alarm calling
stealth-ambush
runaway

Why different breeding systems in sea birds than shorebirds

some seabirds have difficulty monaganizing due to distance from food, small habitat, ability to attract multiple mates

advantages of colonial breeding in seabirds

dilution effect against predator, alarm calls, better relection of partners, more info on food source locations, fledging of young overwhelms predator, group stimulation

disadvantages of colonial breeding in seabirds

competition for resources | increased parasitic loads

Nest site selection

large species nest in open, small species in burrows or cliff crevices. Nest locations for ease of take off, usually in proximity of water.

conspecific attraction

They settle near their own species. | used to lure seabirds into recognizable former nesting sites

social stimulation of reproduction

some cannot reproduce as single pairs, need group to stimulate reproduction

Seabirds return to the same site every year to breed because...

Helps them hold down territory better and interaction with their neighbors

benefits to choosing the same mate

better partner coordination, hold territory, always have a mate during the season, share the load (foraging, feeding, incubation)

What sea birds look for in a mate

direct benefits indicators of foraging ability (health) similiar age

How seabirds find their chicks in a colony

parent sends out a fundamental frequency and beats from the two voice system, play back syllables, so the chick can recognise and ID

distribution of penguins

ancestor originated from antarctica 40-50 mya then spread northward as continents drifted

ecology of penguins

no flight feathers, just 2 layers of feathers for floating. webbed feet, leopard seals and sea lions are predators