Moult of primaries in Long-toed Stints (Calidris subminuta) at a non-breeding area in Thailand

Abstract

Adult Long-toed Stints Calidris subminuta, spending the non-breeding season at a coastal fresh to brackish water site in central Thailand, commenced moult of primaries soon after their arrival from their breeding grounds. The estimated duration of primary moult was 70 days, with starting and completion dates 14 August (standard deviation ± 13.3 days) and 23 October. Juvenile/first-year birds did not moult any flight feathers during the 1 July to 31 December study period. The adaptive significance of this rapid moult of flight feathers is probably linked to the influence of monsoon upon food abundance. Birds underwent a rapid moult of flight feathers towards the end of the southwest monsoon (wet season), when food was most abundant, and completed their moult before the onset of the dry season caused many wetland habitats to dry up. © 2012 Copyright British Trust for Ornithology.