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Oystercatchers use colour preference to achieve longer-term optimality
R Nagarajan1, J D Goss-Custard, S E G Lea
1School of Psychology, Washington Singer Laboratories, Perry Road, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|March 12, 2002
Summary
Oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus) prefer brown mussels (Mytilus edulis) over black ones. This preference maximizes their long-term energy gain by reducing mussel moisture content, aiding survival.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Ecology
- Animal Nutrition
- Ornithology
Background:
- Optimal foraging theory predicts maximizing energy intake rate.
- Long-term foraging optimization strategies are less understood.
- Oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus) are key predators of mussels (Mytilus edulis) in British estuaries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how oystercatchers optimize foraging over longer timescales.
- To determine the role of mussel shell color in oystercatcher foraging decisions.
- To assess the impact of mussel selection on energy gain and survival.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of wintering oystercatchers feeding on mussels.
- Analysis of mussel shell color preference (brown vs. black).
- Measurement of mussel ventral thickness, energy content, and moisture content.
Main Results:
- Oystercatchers showed a significant preference for brown-shelled mussels.
- Brown mussels had significantly lower moisture content than black mussels.
- Mussel color did not correlate with ventral thickness or energy content, factors important for short-term optimization.
Conclusions:
- Oystercatcher preference for brown mussels enhances long-term energy gain by increasing intake capacity.
- Lower moisture content in brown mussels allows greater flesh consumption per foraging bout.
- This strategy is crucial for oystercatcher survival, particularly during winter when mussel bed exposure is limited.