We ran a stable hydrogen isotope analysis of Setophaga ruticilla rectrices using samples from the Powdermill Avian Research Center in Pennsylvania. Since warblers molt on breeding grounds, the hydrogen ratio within their feathers is representative of this location. We found that adult males migrate significantly earlier than their female counterparts, and juvenile females migrate significantly earlier than adult females. In respect to conservation, connecting breeding, stopover, and wintering sites may help scientists implement conservation efforts to protect passerine species.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Lopes, Ashilly M
• Luna, Yasmeen V
• Cerio, Alessandra Maria
• Puishys, Lauren M
• Anina, Elior

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-031016-160727

Advisor

• Buckholt, Michael Allan
• Bakermans, Marja

Year

• 2016

Sponsor

• Massachusetts State Ornithologist: Andrew C. Vitz

Date created

• 2016-03-10

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2021-01-29