Oystercatchers' bill shapes as a proxy for diet specialization: more differentiation than meets the eye
van de Pol, Martijn; Ens, Bruno J.; Oosterbeek, Kees; Brouwer, Lyanne; Verhulst, Simon; Tinbergen, Joost M.; Rutten, Anne L.; de Jong, Martin
Description
Eurasian Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus ostralegus are a classic example of individual feeding specialization. Feeding specialization causes morphological differentiation in Oystercatchers' bill shapes due to varying degrees of abrasion associated with specific handling techniques for each prey species. Consequently, the Oystercatcher's bill shape has been used as a proxy for diet specialization, as it provides a quick and easy way to assess the diet choice of this marine top-predator....[Show more]
Collections | ANU Research Publications |
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Date published: | 2009 |
Type: | Journal article |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/1885/59710 |
Source: | Ardea |
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File | Description | Size | Format | Image |
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01_van de Pol_Oystercatchers'_bill_shapes_as_2009.pdf | 250.02 kB | Adobe PDF | Request a copy |
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