Feeding of the least, crested, and parakeet auklets around St. Lawrence Island, Alaska

1969 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 1025-1050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Bédard
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Food Resources ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Depth Range ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Feeding Apparatus ◽  
Structural Differences ◽  
Aethia Cristatella ◽  
Prey Items

The feeding habits of three plankton-feeding Alcidae, the least, crested, and parakeet auklets were studied on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, between 1964 and 1966. The crested and the least auklets (Aethia cristatella, A. pusilla) exhibit similar patterns of dependence upon the food resources: both have, during early summer, a diversified diet consisting of mysids, hyperiids, gammarids, etc., but restrict themselves largely to one principal prey during the chick-rearing period. Then, A. pusilla eats mostly Calanus sp. while A. cristatella eats Thysanoessa spp. In all years, hatching coincided closely with the appearance of these prey items (copepods and euphausids) in the environment and it is argued that the timing of the auklets' breeding season has been adjusted to their cyclical abundance. Cyclorrhynchus psittacula, the parakeet auklet, maintains a diversified diet throughout the summer: Parathemisto libellula, a pelagic amphipod, is the dominant prey in its diet.The three species are found feeding together and are presumed to use the same depth range. Segregation in feeding between A. cristatella and A. pusilla is achieved by difference in bill size. This difference is sufficient to impose obligatory feeding upon different resources. Segregation between two possible competitors, A. cristatella and Cyclorrhynchus, seems to rest upon innate preferences for different prey types, minor structural differences in the feeding apparatus, and differences in foraging habits: the relative importance of each of these factors remains to be established.As a whole, the amount of overlap in feeding between the three species studied is very small.

Feeding habits ofEucinostomus entomelasandMicropogonias megalopsin Las Guasimas lagoon Gulf of California

2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (8) ◽  
pp. 1721-1729
Author(s):  
Dana I. Arizmendi-Rodríguez ◽  
J. López-Martínez ◽  
E. Herrera-Valdivia
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Gulf Of California ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Diet Breadth ◽  
Dark Spot ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Index Of Relative Importance ◽  
Trophic Overlap ◽  
Taxonomic Groups ◽  
Prey Items

The trophic spectrum of bothEucinostomus entomelasandMicropogonias megalops, the two most abundant fish species in Laguna Las Guásimas, Sonora, México is described in our study. A total of 21 types of prey were identified belonging to seven taxonomic groups (Crustacea, Mollusca, Annelida, Rhodophyta, Copepoda, Echinodermata and Chordata) to analyse the feeding spectra and diet breadth. The preferred prey items ofEucinostomus entomelas(Dark-spot mojarra) were Polichaeta (index of relative importance = 46.7%), followed by bivalves(36.6%), andLuidia columbia (5.6%), while those ofMicropogonias megalops(Bigeye croaker) were Portunidae (22.8%) followed by Gammaridae (20.55%) and Crustacea (18.37%). The trophic spectrum for maleE. entomelawas composed of Bivalvia and Polychaeta. Both predators showed low values in diet breadth (E. entomelas(Levin's indexBi = 0.14) andM. megalops(Levins's indexBi = 0.43)). The low trophic overlap (Cλ = 0.14) between predators suggests that both fish are not competing with each other for food resources in Laguna Las Guásimas.

Observations on the diet and feeding habits of the epaulette shark, Hemiscyllium ocellatum (Bonnaterre), on Heron Island Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

1998 ◽  
Vol 49 (7) ◽  
pp. 753 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. Heupel ◽  
M. B. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Reef Flat ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Stomach Content Analysis ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Barrier Reef ◽  
Epaulette Shark ◽  
Index Of Relative Importance ◽  
Prey Items

The diet and feeding habits of the epaulette shark, Hemiscyllium ocellatum, were investigated through stomach content analysis. Five groups of prey items were found. The index of relative importance showed worms and crabs to be of greatest value at 51.3% and 40.1% respectively. The three minor prey groups were shrimps (7.7%), small fishes (0.7%) and amphipods (0.3%). Epaulette sharks tend to be crepuscular, although feeding bouts may occur at any time. They appear to be opportunistic predators, using olfaction and electroreception in prey capture. This species appears to be an important benthic predator in the reef flat environment on Heron Island Reef.

scholarly journals Density and Flock Size of the Raven (Corvus corax) In the Orawa - Nowy Targ Basin During Non-Breeding Season

Ring ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-125
Author(s):  
Michał Ciach ◽  
Dominik Wikar ◽  
Małgorzata Bylicka
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Food Resources ◽  
High Density ◽  
Line Transect ◽  
Flock Size ◽  
Early Winter ◽  
Corvus Corax ◽  
Line Transect Method ◽  
Breeding Seasons

Density and Flock Size of the Raven (Corvus corax) In the Orawa - Nowy Targ Basin During Non-Breeding Season During the 2002/2003-2004/2005 non-breeding seasons the density of the Raven in the open habitats of the Orawa - Nowy Targ Basin was studied by line transect method. The results were analysed in four periods (autumn, early winter, winter and early spring). The median density of Ravens did not differ significantly between individual periods and was respectively: 3.5, 3.8, 4.8 and 3.8 indiv. / 10 km. Number of birds during particular controls varied from 1.0 to 24.8 indiv. / 10 km. However, while excluding flocks, the median density of single individuals and pairs of the Raven was considerably lower and in subsequent periods reached respectively: 2.2, 2.4, 2.2 and 1.7 indiv. / 10 km. Flock size did not differ significantly between individual periods. Single individuals and, less often, groups of two birds were recorded mostly. Small (3-5 indiv.) and medium (6-15 indiv.) flocks were recorded rarely and large flocks (16 indiv. and above) - only exceptionally. The high density and strong fluctuations of abundance of Ravens were determined by flocks presence, which was probably linked to irregular occurrence of food resources.

scholarly journals Feeding habits of Cocobolo Andinoacara pulcher in the cienaga Grande de Lorica, Colombia

2016 ◽  
pp. 5189-5197
Author(s):  
Charles W Olaya-Nieto ◽  
Liquey Camargo-Herrera ◽  
Vanessa Díaz-Sajonero ◽  
Fredys F Segura-Guevara
Keyword(s):  
River Basin ◽  
Stomach Content ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Frequency Of Occurrence ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Total Length ◽  
Length Relationship ◽  
Importance Index ◽  
Gut Length

ABSTRACTObjective. The feeding habits of Cocobolo (Andinoacara pulcher) in the cienaga Grande de Lorica, Sinu river basin, were studied. Materials and methods. The stomach content was analyzed using the Proportion of empty stomachs, Grade of digestion, Frequency of occurrence, numerical Frequency, Gravimetry, relative importance Index (RII) and the gut length-total length relationship. Results. 39.8% of stomachs were empty, 47.1% of preys were fresh and five food groups were identified. Vegetable remains was the most frequent group (63.8%) and the prey with greatest composition in weight (33.5%), while Rest of fishes was the most abundant group (34.7%). It was observed that in low and rising waters, fishes was the most consumed prey, while that in high and falling waters the most consumed prey was vegetable remains. Vegetable remains, detritus and fishes were food groups of secondary relative importance, while Insects and Others were circumstantial or incidental groups. Conclusions. The results achieved indicate that Cocobolo is a fish with omnivores feeding habits with a preference for fishes and vegetable remains. RESUMEN Objetivo. Se estudiaron los hábitos alimentarios de Cocobolo (Andinoacara pulcher) en la ciénaga Grande de Lorica, cuenca del río Sinú, Colombia. Materiales y Métodos. El contenido estomacal se evaluó con el Coeficiente de vacuidad, Grado de llenado, Grado de digestión, Frecuencia de ocurrencia, Frecuencia numérica, Gravimetría, Índice de importancia relativa y la relación longitud intestinal- longitud total. Resultados. El 39.8% de los estómagos se encontró vacío, el 47.1% de las presas en estado fresco y se identificaron cinco grupos alimentarios. Material vegetal fue el grupo más frecuente (63.8%) y con mayor composición por peso (33.5%), mientras que Restos de peces fue el más abundante (34.7%). Se observó que en aguas bajas y en aguas ascendentes, peces fue la presa más consumida, mientras que en aguas altas y aguas descendentes, fue material vegetal. Material vegetal, detritos y restos de peces fueron grupos alimentarios de importancia relativa secundaria, mientras que insectos y otros fueron circunstanciales o incidentales. Conclusiones. Los resultados alcanzados indican que Cocobolo es un pez de hábitos alimentarios omnívoros con preferencia por peces y material vegetal.

scholarly journals Cormorant pellets as a tool for the knowledge of parasite-intermediate host associations and nematode diversity in the environment

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 296-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Garbin ◽  
J. I. Diaz ◽  
A. Morgenthaler ◽  
A. Millones ◽  
L. Kuba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prey Item ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Paratenic Host ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Good Tool ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Nematode Diversity ◽  
Bird Colonies ◽  
Prey Items ◽  
Host Associations

SummaryAnisakids are usually acquired through the diet. Cormorant pellets are useful to detect both parasite larval stages, and prey items which could act as intermediate hosts in the environment. The current study provides information about the feeding habits of both birds and mammals, and the diversity of parasites circulating in the environment. The objective of the study was to identify Anisakidae larvae and prey items in pellets from the Imperial shag Phalacrocorax atriceps and the Red-legged cormorant P. gaimardi, suggesting possible parasite–prey associations. A total of 92 P. atriceps’ and 82 P. gaimardi’s pellets were collected from both Punta León, and Isla Elena bird colonies, respectively, during the period from 2006 to 2010. Pellets were preserved in ethanol and hard prey item remnants, and nematode larvae were studied using standard techniques. Prey item occurrence, nematode prevalence, and mean intensity were calculated. A correspondence analysis was performed to evaluate the larvae-prey association. Contracaecum spp., Pseudoterranova spp,, Anisakis spp., Terranova spp., and Hysterothylacium spp. third-stage larvae (L3) were identifi ed in pellets. Pseudoterranova spp. and Anisakis spp. L3 predominated in the environment of Punta León, whereas Contracaecum spp. and Hysterothylacium spp. L3 predominated in the Puerto Deseado area. The highest larvae-prey association was that of Contracaecum spp. L3 with Engraulis anchoita, followed by with Odontestes sp. in P. atriceps’ pellets. Contracaecum spp. L3 were significantly related to both sprats, Sprattus fueguensis and Ramnogaster arcuatta, in P. gaimardi’s pellets. It was verifi ed that E. anchovy is the main gateway of Contracaecum spp. L3 in P. atriceps. Odonthestes sp. might act as an intermediate/paratenic host of Contracaecum spp. L3 in the area. Both sprats might play a role as intermediate/paratenic hosts of C. australe, being the main gateway into P. gaimardi in the area. Thus, pellet analysis can be postulated as a good tool for indicating parasite-host associations between anisakids, and the prey items which act as intermediate hosts.

Trophic ecology of large pelagic fish in the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (10) ◽  
pp. 1402 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. V. Albuquerque ◽  
A. F. Navia ◽  
T. Vaske ◽  
O. Crespo ◽  
F. H. V. Hazin
Keyword(s):  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Saint Paul ◽  
Pelagic Fish ◽  
Trophic Niche ◽  
Trophic Relationships ◽  
Main Prey ◽  
Important Prey ◽  
Saint Peter ◽  
Prey Items

Trophic relationships of large pelagic predators can determine the structure and dynamics of oceanic food webs. The feeding habits and trophic ecology of five large pelagic fish (Acanthocybium solandri, Coryphaena hippurus, Elagatis bipinnulata, Thunnus albacares and Thunnus atlanticus) in the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago were evaluated to determine whether there is a trophic-niche overlap or resource partitioning among them. Eighty prey items found in 1528 stomachs were identified and grouped into Cephalopoda, Cnidaria, Crustacea, Gastropoda, Teleostei and Tunicata. Exocoetidae and Scombridae were the main prey in the diet of Acanthocybium solandri. In C. hippurus, Cheilopogon cyanopterus and Exocoetus volitans were the most important prey items, whereas C. cyanopterus was the main prey for T. albacares. Thunnus atlanticus consumed a great proportion of invertebrate species, with shrimps of Sergestidae family being particularly important. The gastropod Cavolinia sp. was the most important prey for E. bipinnulata. The five species had a high trophic specialisation and a high trophic level (>4.4), whereas most dietary overlaps were consistently low. The most important factor for diet dissimilarity was the consumption of Exocoetidade. All species were classified as top predators with varied diets, indicating their structural and functional importance in the food web of the Archipelago.

Nestling foods of the savannah sparrow

1984 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Meunier ◽  
Jean Bédard
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Temporal Changes ◽  
Prey Abundance ◽  
Large Prey ◽  
Passerculus Sandwichensis ◽  
Main Prey ◽  
Savannah Sparrow ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Prey Items

The diet of savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) nestlings was monitored at Îsle Verte, Québec, during the 1980 breeding season. Adults carried exclusively arthropods to the nest. The main prey types found were Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera larvae, larval and adult Diptera and Homoptera. The proportion of different prey types in the diet varied during the season but there was no close relationship between temporal changes in the indices of prey abundance in the habitat and the type of prey chosen by the adult birds. Both the type and size of prey brought to the nest changed with the age and number of nestlings (aged 4–10 days). The proportion of Homoptera in the diet decreased sharply with age while that of Lepidoptera and Diptera increased. Adults feeding broods of four brought a larger proportion of large prey items (Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera larvae) than those feeding broods of a lesser size; to these they brought a larger proportion of smaller items such as Diptera and adult Lepidoptera. Males and females brought the same major prey types to the nest but not in the same proportions.

Utilization of plant food resources by phytoseiid mite species with different feeding habits

2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Wari ◽  
Jun Yamashita ◽  
Hidenari Kishimoto ◽  
Shoji Sonoda
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Mite Species ◽  
Food Resources ◽  
Phytoseiid Mite ◽  
Plant Food

scholarly journals Diet of Dinocras cephalotes and Perla marginata (Plecoptera: Perlidae) in an Apennine stream (northwestern Italy)

2007 ◽  
Vol 139 (3) ◽  
pp. 358-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiziano Bo ◽  
Stefano Fenoglio ◽  
Giorgio Malacarne
Keyword(s):  
Trophic Structure ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Freshwater Invertebrates ◽  
Trophic Preferences ◽  
Prey Items

AbstractThe feeding habits of nymphs of Perla marginata (Panzer) and Dinocras cephalotes (Curtis) were investigated in the Rio Orbarina (northwestern Italy). These species are among the largest European carnivorous freshwater invertebrates and they play an important role in the trophic structure of small, fishless Apennine streams. We examined the gut contents of 60 P. marginata and 60 D. cephalotes nymphs to characterize the diets and evaluate possible feeding differences between the species. In both of these predaceous stoneflies, the diet included vegetable detritus, mainly in the smaller instars. Both species showed trophic preferences, since only a few taxa constituted most of the ingested prey items, independently of their availability in the substratum. Interestingly, there were no clear differences in prey selection between nymphs of the two species.

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