Understanding declines in the population size of migratory birds

A decline in the common sandpiper population, a migratory bird species, is driven by multiple factors across its lifecycle stages. The study found that disturbance during breeding reduces nest hatching success and heavy rainfall post-hatching decreases chick fledging probability. In winter, birds prefer areas with low salinity and high pH, which also enhance foraging success, indicating water chemistry influences habitat selection. Additionally, common sandpipers exhibit territorial behavior in winter, a previously anecdotal observation. Migration patterns show birds use wind to facilitate autumn migration but fly against it in spring. Contrary to many studies, the timing of wading bird migration is becoming later at a flyway scale, suggesting range shifts as the primary driver. The research combines field observations, geolocator data from multiple populations, and citizen science datasets to provide a comprehensive overview of factors affecting this species' population trends.

Mondain-Monval, T. (2020). Understanding declines in the population size of migratory birds. Lancaster University. https://doi.org/10.17635/LANCASTER/THESIS/1144