Great Salt Lake Shorebirds, Their Habitats, and Food Base

摘要: Every year millions of shorebirds representing 42 species congregate on Great Salt Lake (GSL). It is one the largest concentrations Earth, and yet, compared to waterfowl colonial nesting at GSL, they have received relatively little attention. Some nest rear young, but many more use lake as a fueling stopover during migration with some departing flights lasting thousands nonstop kilometers. Three ecological parameters determine whether or not any given location suitable shorebird habitat: water depth, type extent vegetation, food items available. Although are opportunistic, each shows preferential niche along intersection these parameters, which do form distinct units lie overlapping continuums. We explain continuums describe how, in specific habitat, salinity driver for both vegetation macroinvertebrates, primary source. Playas mudflats important components characteristics that define features landscape been mired confusion. clarify major GSL ecosystem. Finally, we provide accounts while detailing status, abundance, range, and timing arrival departure preferences.