Seasonal survival and reversible state effects in a long-distance migratory shorebird

1. Events during one stage of the annual cycle can reversibly affect an individual’s condition and performance not only within that stage, but also in subsequent stages (i.e., reversible state effects). Despite strong conceptual links, however, few studies have been able to empirically link individual-level reversible state effects with larger-scale demographic processes.

2. We studied both survival and potential reversible state effects in a long-distance migratory shorebird, the Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica). Specifically, we estimated period-specific survival probabilities across the annual cycle and examined the extent to which an individual’s body condition, foraging success, and habitat quality during the nonbreeding season affected its subsequent survival and reproductive performance.

3. Godwit survival rates were high throughout the annual cycle, but lowest during the breeding season, only slightly higher during southbound migration, and highest during the stationar...