Locations of Smith's Longspurs tagged with light-level geolocators in northern Alaska, 2013 and 2014

Publication Date

2024-02-26

Start Date

2013

End Date

2014

Powell, A.N., 2024, Locations of Smith's Longspurs tagged with light-level geolocators in northern Alaska, 2013 and 2014: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9NHNCPL.

Type: Related Primary Publication

We used light-level geolocators to collect data on the timing and routes of migration of Alaska-breeding Smith's Longspurs thoughout the annual cycle. Little is known about their migratory movements or the connections between their breeding and wintering areas. We also used data collected through citizen science to compare with the data we collected directly. Finally, we collected head feathers from birds on the breeding ground of Alaska to determine their isotopic values of hydrogen and oxygen because values change in predictable ways allowing for identification of probable locations of feather growth based on isoscapes. We also measured the levels of feather corticosterone as indicators of hormone levels.Our goal was to provide basic behavioral and physiological information during the non-breeding season for Smith’s Longspurs breeding in Alaska’s Brooks Range.

• Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units
• USGS Data Release Products