Migration tactics and connectivity of a Nearctic-Neotropical migratory shorebird

During long-distance spring migrations, birds may rest and refuel at numerous stopover sites while minimizing the time to reach the breeding grounds. If habitat is limited along the migration route, pre-breeding birds optimize flight range by having longer stopovers at higher quality sites compared to poorer quality sites. Stopover duration also depends on distance remaining to breeding grounds, ecological barriers, and individual characteristics.
We assessed spring migration tactics and connectivity of a Nearctic-Neotropical migratory shorebird, the semipalmated sandpiper (Calidris pusilla), at two sites with known relative habitat quality on the Northern Gulf of Mexico (NGOM) coast, the first land encountered after crossing the Gulf of Mexico (GOM).
We used automated radio telemetry (Motus) to estimate stopover duration and probability of departure. Migration speed was estimated for individuals detected at subsequent receivers on the Motus Network. To measure migratory connectivity, ...