Heat stress increases risk taking in foraging shorebirds

Heat stress significantly increases risk-taking behavior in foraging shorebirds, as demonstrated by their reduced flight initiation distance (FID) and altered escape modes when exposed to higher temperatures. This study, conducted across 16 species of shorebirds in the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau, revealed that birds tolerated closer human proximity during hot conditions and dry seasons, particularly at the start or end of low tide periods. Additionally, individuals exhibiting heat-reduction behaviors like ptiloerection showed elevated corticosterone metabolite levels, linking physiological stress to behavioral responses. The findings suggest a trade-off between thermoregulation and predation risk, with birds adjusting their behavior based on environmental conditions and human presence. This research highlights the complex interplay of ecological and physiological factors influencing foraging strategies in shorebirds, with broader implications for understanding animal responses to global change.

Gutiérrez, J. S., Catry, T., Espinosa‐Colín, M., Masero, J. A., & Granadeiro, J. P. (2023). Heat stress increases risk taking in foraging shorebirds. Functional Ecology, 37(4), 1005–1019. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.14288