Stable isotope mixing models demonstrate the role of an invasive plant in wetland songbird food webs

Abstract

Premise: Invasive plants in wetlands are often ecosystem engineers, mediating changes in ecosystem functions like trophic support. We documented the impacts of Lepidium latifolium, an invasive plant, on the food web of omnivorous birds (Suisun song sparrows, Melospiza melodia maxillaris) in a tidal wetland of northern California, USA. Methods: We used analysis of natural abundance stable isotopes of 13C and 15N in song sparrow blood, invertebrate food sources, L. latifolium seeds, and other marsh plant seeds to inform Bayesian, concentration-dependent mixing models that predicted average song sparrow diets. Results: Season and plant phenology influenced food source incorporation and isotopic signatures. Song sparrows showed higher isotopic variability in the summer. The observed changes in song sparrow diets were driven by altered invertebrate communities related to seasonal L. latifolium presence and by shifts from seeds to consumption of invertebrate food sources during the breeding season in the spring and summer. Discussion: This study used stable isotope tools and modeling to demonstrate two mechanisms of isotopic influence by L. latifolium on omnivorous song sparrows. This study can inform site- and species-specific management strategies by demonstrating how changes to the plant community can impact entire trophic systems.