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The stable isotopic composition of carbonate (C & O) and the organic matrix (C & N) in waterbird eggshells from South Florida: insights into feeding ecology, timing of egg formation, and geographic range

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Abstract

In order to better understand the feeding ecology and timing of egg formation and regional geographic range of wading birds from South Florida, the δ13C and δ18O values of eggshells and the δ13C and δ15N values of the organic matrix, were measured in ~400 samples, representing nine species of waterbirds. Results reveal major differences between the eggshells of birds nesting in the Everglades versus Florida Bay, with the samples from the Everglades having lower δ13C, and more positive δ18O values, compared to specimens from Florida Bay. The differences in the δ13C values represent a fundamental difference in the δ13C of the organic material at the base of the food chains in the two areas. In the Everglades, the δ13C values are controlled by particulate organic material derived from terrestrial vegetation, while in Florida Bay δ13C values are controlled by seagrasses and other marine plants. The positive δ18O values from the Everglades reflect enrichment in 18O of the water as a result of evaporation in the Everglades compared to Florida Bay during the period of egg formation. All of the samples exhibited similar δ15N values and the absence of positive correlation between δ13C and δ15N suggests that either the birds are feeding at generally similar trophic levels, or that the δ13C and δ15N of the organic material in the eggshell are not an effective trophic indicator in these environments.

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Acknowledgments

These data were collected as part of a very large multicomponent research effort throughout the Everglades and Florida Bay conducted by the National Audubon Society (NAS) and supported by several foundations and government agencies. Funding for the stable isotopic analyses was provided by the Stable Isotope Laboratory at the University of Miami. The authors would like to thank the following for help with field collection: R. Bjork, N. Kline, J. Ogden, J. McConnaughey, G. Powell, J. Simon, M. Spalding, C. Wilson, H. Enspach, R. Corchoran, S. Jewel, A. Strong, C. Thompson, C. Wilson, and L. Quinn. Help in the laboratory was provided by A. Saied, C. Kaiser, and C. Schroeder.

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  1. F. C. Schaffner

    Present address: School of Science and Technology, Universidad del Turabo, Carr 189, Km 3.3, PO Box 3030, Gurabo, PR, 00778-3030, USA

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  1. Division of Marine Geology and Geophysics, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospherics Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33149, USA

    G. J. Mackenzie & P. K. Swart

  2. Research Department, National Audubon Society, 115 Indian Mound Trail, Tavernier, FL, 33070, USA

    F. C. Schaffner

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Mackenzie, G.J., Schaffner, F.C. & Swart, P.K. The stable isotopic composition of carbonate (C & O) and the organic matrix (C & N) in waterbird eggshells from South Florida: insights into feeding ecology, timing of egg formation, and geographic range. Hydrobiologia 743, 89–108 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-014-2015-1

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