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Effects of body size on sex-related migration vary between two closely related gull species with similar size dimorphism
Bosman, D.S.; Vercruijsse, H.J.P.; Stienen, E.W.M.; Vincx, M.; De Neve, L.; Lens, L. (2012). Effects of body size on sex-related migration vary between two closely related gull species with similar size dimorphism. Ibis 154(1): 52-60. dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2011.01182.x
In: Ibis. British Ornithologists' Union/Wiley: London. ISSN 0019-1019; e-ISSN 1474-919X
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Open Marine Archive 228174 [ download pdf ]

Keywords
    Allometry
    Body size
    Migration
    Sexual dimorphism
    Larus argentatus Pontoppidan, 1763 [WoRMS]; Larus fuscus Linnaeus, 1758 [WoRMS]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    allometry; arrival time; differential migration; sexual segregation; social dominance

Authors  Top 
  • Bosman, D.S.
  • Vercruijsse, H.J.P.
  • Stienen, E.W.M.
  • Vincx, M.
  • De Neve, L.
  • Lens, L.

Abstract
    Studies of migration have revealed multiple trade-offs with other life-history traits that may underlie observed variation in migratory properties among ages and sexes. To assess whether, and to what extent, body size and/or sex-specific differences in competition for resources (e.g. breeding territories or winter food) may shape variation in migration distance and timing of arrival in ecologically and phylogenetically related species, we combined over 30 000 sightings of individually marked, sexually mature males and females of Herring Gulls Larus argentatus and Lesser Black-Backed Gulls Larus fuscus with biometric measurements and phenological observations at a mixed breeding colony. In L. argentatus, larger males migrated further from the breeding colony, whereas migration distance was independent of body size in adult females. In L. fuscus, no relationship between body size and migration distance was apparent in either sex. Mean arrival dates at the breeding colony did not vary with migration distances but differed between males and females of L. argentatus (but not L. fuscus). As allometry at least partly explains sexual segregation in migration behaviour in L. argentatus, but not in L. fuscus, we conclude that the effect of body size on sex-related migratory strategies may vary between closely related, sympatric species despite similar size dimorphism.

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