Age and Environmental Effects on Flight Performance of California Condors
Additional Funding Sources
This research, conducted at the Raptor Research Experiences for Undergraduates site, was supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. DBI-1852133 and by Boise State University. The project was also supported by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
Presentation Date
7-2019
Abstract
The flight behaviors of avian scavengers depend on a complex array of physiological, social, and environmental factors. As long-lived animals age, the ways in which they interact with their environment often change. California Condors (Gymnogyps californianus), a long-lived scavenging species, are a valuable model for observing avian learning behavior. Condors rely on thermal and orographic uplift to subsidize extended bouts of soaring flight, and their soaring flight performance is expected to improve as condors age. We used high-frequency telemetry data collected in August 2016 to examine 5,964 flight segments, each >30 sec in length, collected from five California Condors, and we calculated the climb rate (altitude gained per unit of time) of each segment as an indicator of flight performance. We associated these flight segments with data on condor age, topography, land cover, and weather variables. Preliminary evaluation of flight segments suggested climb rate was strongly influenced by the external environment the bird experienced. Our study describes how age and environmental factors affect condor flight performance, and it provides insight into avian learning behavior. Finally, because flight performance influences risk that birds face, it has potential consequence for development of conservation management plans.
Age and Environmental Effects on Flight Performance of California Condors
The flight behaviors of avian scavengers depend on a complex array of physiological, social, and environmental factors. As long-lived animals age, the ways in which they interact with their environment often change. California Condors (Gymnogyps californianus), a long-lived scavenging species, are a valuable model for observing avian learning behavior. Condors rely on thermal and orographic uplift to subsidize extended bouts of soaring flight, and their soaring flight performance is expected to improve as condors age. We used high-frequency telemetry data collected in August 2016 to examine 5,964 flight segments, each >30 sec in length, collected from five California Condors, and we calculated the climb rate (altitude gained per unit of time) of each segment as an indicator of flight performance. We associated these flight segments with data on condor age, topography, land cover, and weather variables. Preliminary evaluation of flight segments suggested climb rate was strongly influenced by the external environment the bird experienced. Our study describes how age and environmental factors affect condor flight performance, and it provides insight into avian learning behavior. Finally, because flight performance influences risk that birds face, it has potential consequence for development of conservation management plans.
Comments
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