Relationship of Calidris Sandpiper Wing Shape With Relative Fuel Load and Total Migration Distance

Abstract

It has proven difficult to support the classic prediction of aerodynamic theory that highly migratory birds should have more pointed wings than less migratory birds. This study extends the search by testing for correlations between wing shape of Calidris sandpipers and a traditional migratory variable (total migration distance) as well as a novel variable (relative fuel load). Using phylogentically independent contrasts, it was determined that relative fuel load is a better predictor of wing shape than total migration distance.