The Energetics of Prey Selection by Redshank, Tringa totanus (L.), in Relation to Prey Density

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Abstract
The diet of redshank is described in relation to variations in the density of their prey and the energetics of prey selection is examined. The feeding rate on the amphipod Corophium volutator depended mainly on the density of that prey in mud. Feeding rate on the polychaete worms Nereis diversicolor and Nephthys hombergi depended not only on their own density but also on the abundance of Corophium. The probability that a bird would take a worm decreased as the density of Corophium increased. The bivalve mollusks Macoma balthica and Scrobicularia plana were taken sporadically and no relationship with prey density could be established. Few other prey were taken. Individual differences in diet in some sites suggested that the birds were selecting for species rather than simply taking every available prey item encountered. A preference for Corophium does not seem to maximize the net rate at which redshank collect energy. A preference for worms would be more profitable in this respect. The possible importance of the stimuli used by redshank in detecting their prey is discussed.

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