SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF MIGRATORY SHOREBIRDS CARNIVOROUS DIET IN THEIR NON-BREEDING PERIOD IN THE AMERICAS

Studying the trophic ecology of animals is crucial for comprehending their life history. Migratory shorebirds, characterized as opportunistic species, traverse diverse distances in pursuit of food. A comprehensive systematic review was conducted by the researchers using Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Google Academic databases to scrutinize the diets of 41 migratory shorebirds in the Americas. The analysis encompassed 94 documents, including 85 papers and 8 theses published from 1919 to July 2023. Over 90% of the results originate from studies concentrating on feces and intestinal tract analysis, with only two documents employing molecular analysis and DNA. Long-distance migratory species, particularly those in the Atlantic flyway, underwent frequent scrutiny, with substantial contributions from research conducted in Argentina, Brazil, and the USA. Among these species, Limnodromus griseus and Tringa flavipes were noteworthy for having the highest reported prey items. At the order level Diptera, Coleoptera, Littorinimorpha, Decapoda, and Hymenoptera were the most common prey items in the shorebird diet, with diverse representatives identified across the five regions analyzed. Stopover sites utilized by these birds offer diverse food resources influenced by intrinsic environmental conditions. Although coastal areas exhibited similarities in prey items such as Mollusca, Annelida, and Decapoda, dissimilarities were observed between shorebird diets. This variation is attributed to migratory shorebirds’ remarkable ability to explore various prey items during their migration. Despite advancements, information gaps persist in crucial conservation areas, particularly in tropical regions along the midcontinental and Pacific flyway. Migratory shorebird populations are declining, encountering challenges in stopover and non-breeding areas. Understanding the variability of their diets is paramount for making informed decisions in conservation efforts. Addressing these gaps will contribute to the effective conservation of migratory shorebirds and their habitats.