Foot-trembling behavior in Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus reveals prey on surface of Brazilian beaches

Abstract

Foot-trembling is a foraging technique normally performed by plovers and lapwings. It exposes preys, and may increase the likelihood of capture. Currently, no detailed description of this technique is available for the Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus. This article described the foot-trembling behavior during wintering of this species in southeastern Brazilian beaches.

Does the gathering of shellfish affect the behavior of gastropod scavengers on sandy beaches? A field experiment

“…In some cases, the vibration transmitted through the sediment by waders leads to the emersion of invertebrates, thus facilitating predation by birds (Cestari, 2009;Keeley, 2001;Pienkowski, 1983). In the case described here, the mechanical perturbation through the sediment is considered to be a negative factor for invertebrates that inhabit the intertidal environment.…”