Multi-Isotopic (δ2H, δ13C, δ15N) Tracing of Molt Origin for Red-winged Blackbirds Associated with Agro-ecosystems

We analyzed stable-hydrogen (δ2H), carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ 15N) isotope ratios in feathers to better understand the molt origin and food habits of Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) near sunflower production in the Upper Midwest and rice production in the Mid-South of the United States. Outer primary feathers grown on the breeding grounds were used from 661 after-second-year (ASY) male blackbirds collected in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota (breeding collection), and Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas (winter collection).

本研究通过分析羽毛中的稳定氢同位素（δ2H）、碳同位素（δ13C）与氮同位素（δ15N）比值，以期明确美国上中西部向日葵种植区及美国中南部水稻种植区附近红翅黑鹂（Agelaius phoeniceus）的换羽起源与食性。研究样本取自661只次成年后（ASY）雄性红翅黑鹂，其使用的外侧初级飞羽均形成于繁殖地；样本采集地涵盖明尼苏达州、蒙大拿州、北达科他州与南达科他州（繁殖采集组），以及阿肯色州、路易斯安那州、密西西比州、密苏里州与得克萨斯州（越冬采集组）。