Current methods and future directions in avian diet analysis

Hoenig, B. D. et al. (2022) Current methods and future directions in avian diet analysis. Ornithology, 139(1), ukab077. (doi: 10.1093/ornithology/ukab077)

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Abstract

Identifying the composition of avian diets is a critical step in characterizing the roles of birds within ecosystems. However, because birds are a diverse taxonomic group with equally diverse dietary habits, gaining an accurate and thorough understanding of avian diet can be difficult. In addition to overcoming the inherent difficulties of studying birds, the field is advancing rapidly, and researchers are challenged with a myriad of methods to study avian diet, a task that has only become more difficult with the introduction of laboratory techniques to dietary studies. Because methodology drives inference, it is important that researchers are aware of the capabilities and limitations of each method to ensure the results of their study are interpreted correctly. However, few reviews exist which detail each of the traditional and laboratory techniques used in dietary studies, with even fewer framing these methods through a bird-specific lens. Here, we discuss the strengths and limitations of morphological prey identification, DNA-based techniques, stable isotope analysis, and the tracing of dietary biomolecules throughout food webs. We identify areas of improvement for each method, provide instances in which the combination of techniques can yield the most comprehensive findings, introduce potential avenues for combining results from each technique within a unified framework, and present recommendations for the future focus of avian dietary research.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Powell, Dr Luke
Authors: Hoenig, B. D., Snider, A. M., Forsman, A. M., Hobson, K. A., Latta, S. C., Miller, E. T., Polito, M. J., Powell, L. L., Rogers, S. L., Sherry, T. W., Toews, D. P.L., Welch, A. J., Taylor, S. S., and Porter, B. A.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Ornithology
Publisher:Oxford University Press
ISSN:0004-8038
ISSN (Online):2732-4613
Published Online:03 December 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 American Ornithological Society
First Published:First published in Ornithology 139(1): ukab077
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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