Behavior of Migrant Shorebirds in Playas of the Southern High Plains, Texas

摘要: Playas in the Southern High Plains (SHP) are important for migrant shorebirds, but functional role of playas to shorebirds is not clearly understood. We conducted diurnal time-activity budgets on American Avocets (Recurvirostra americana), Long-billed Dowitchers (Limnodromus scolopaieus), Least Sandpipers (Calidris minutilla), and Western (C. mauri) spring fall 1993 1994 69 SHP Texas. During both seasons, spent 70-80% their time feeding. 77% feeding spring, more sleeping less fall. 41-50% 34-40% during each season. All four species minimal engaged locomotion, body maintenance, alert, aggressive behaviors. fed most midday late periods slept early period. period, whereas activities remained throughout day. Each these use different behavioral strategies response such factors as migration distances, energetic needs, differential predation. nocturnal foraging, diet. appear serve intermediate stopover sites migration.