Predation on the southwestern Atlantic fiddler crab ( Uca uruguayensis ) by migratory shorebirds ( pluvialis dominica, P. squatarola, arenaria interpres , and numenius phaeopus )

摘要: In Bahia Samborombon (SW Atlantic; 35°30′–36°22′S; 56°45′–57°23′W) migratory American golden plover (Pluvialis dominica), black-billed (P. squatarola), ruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres), and whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) forage on fiddler crabs (Uca uruguayensis). These shorebirds have distinct patterns of feeding behavior capture different proportions each sex size. P. dominica made short runs, capturing mostly juvenile crabs, which are eaten whole. squatarola use a similar strategy but females primarily. A. interpres walks continuously, almost exclusively large male (71%). N. phaeopus walk in the Uca patch probe burrows by inserting bill; they primarily females. The rate is higher than that dominica, squatarola, phaeopus. Handling time shown was greater other two species for all categories crabs. cases, handling those either or juveniles. All evidences suggest U. uruguayensis an important food source these should be accounted any conservation endeavor. *** DIRECT SUPPORT A01BY085 00006