Length of the recovery period after extreme flood is more important than flood magnitude in influencing reproductive output of Brown Dippers (Cinclus pallasii) in Taiwan

Abstract

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Flood avoidance behaviour in Brown Dippers Cinclus pallasii

“…However, floods also reduced invertebrate density in the following breeding season, especially when typhoons occurred late in the year (Hong et al . ). A previous study showed that the breeding population size would decrease on the Cijiawan if invertebrate density was low, and some adults would abandon reproduction and disappear (Hong et al .…”

“…A previous study showed that the breeding population size would decrease on the Cijiawan if invertebrate density was low, and some adults would abandon reproduction and disappear (Hong et al . ). This phenomenon suggests that the reduction in annual survival rates caused by flooding as reported in Chiu et al .…”

“…The entire study area was surveyed for nests at least twice per month from January to March; nests were readily found by following adults carrying nest material or food (Hong et al . ). All nestlings were given unique colour‐ring combinations when 16–18 days old (January–April).…”

“…In 2004, the Cijiawan was surveyed five times (from June to December) and the Yousheng twice (in September and November). Birds were counted by slowly walking along the stream edge and ignoring individuals which flew ahead to avoid double counting; individuals almost invariably double back once they reach the boundary of their territory and thus fly past the observer (Chen & Wang 2010, Hong et al 2016.…”

“…In Taiwan, typhoons have become increasingly frequent (Tu et al 2009) and can cause devastating floods between June and October (Chiang & Chang 2011). The Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii is a specialist of fastflowing streams, feeding mainly on aquatic macroinvertebrates (Chiu et al 2009), and previous studies have shown that extreme flooding following typhoons causes significant reductions in prey density, leading to decreases in population size (Chiu et al 2008), survival rate (Chiu et al 2013) and reproductive performance (Hong et al 2016). Chiu et al (2008) reported the movement of several individuals from a major stream to a small tributary after one flood in 2004, but sample sizes were small.…”