Stable Isotope Data from Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) Feathers, Alaska, 2008 and 2010

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Wolf, Nathan
Originator: Ely, Craig R. (ORCID: 0000-0003-4262-0892)
Publication_Date: 20201113
Title:

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: tabular digital data
Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Anchorage, Alaska
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center

Other_Citation_Details:

Suggested Citation: Wolf, N., and Ely, C.R., 2020, Stable isotope data from Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) feathers, Alaska, 2008 and 2010: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9501CQV

Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.5066/P9501CQV
Larger_Work_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center
Publication_Date: 2009
Title: Population Ecology of Waterfowl and Loons
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: website
Series_Information:

Series_Name: Alaska Science Portal
Issue_Identification: 377

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Anchorage, Alaska
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center

Other_Citation_Details:

This is a link to the broader USGS Alaska Science Center research project supported by these data. Users will find a description of the research project and links to associated reports, publications, and data products.

Online_Linkage: https://alaska.usgs.gov/portal/project.php?project_id=377

Description:

Abstract:

These data are in a single table that provides date and location information of Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus) that were sampled in Alaska for feathers that were subsequently used in a stable isotope analysis. Results of deuterium, nitrogen, and carbon stable isotope analysis of feathers are provided.

Purpose:

The data were collected to explore potential overlap in timing of feather molt and migration to fall and winter areas.

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Range_of_Dates/Times:

Beginning_Date: 2008
Ending_Date: 2010

Currentness_Reference: observed

Status:

Progress: Complete
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: None planned

Spatial_Domain:

Description_of_Geographic_Extent:

Sampling locations across Alaska including northern, northwestern, western, and southwestern parts of the state.

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate: -163.83
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -150.48
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 70.38
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 55.27

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Metadata Identifier
Theme_Keyword: USGS:ASC330

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Category
Theme_Keyword: Biota
Theme_Keyword: Environment

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: NASA GCMD Earth Science Keyword Thesaurus
Theme_Keyword: Animals/Vertebrates
Theme_Keyword: Birds
Theme_Keyword: Ducks/Geese/Swans
Theme_Keyword: Species life history

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS CSA Biocomplexity Thesaurus
Theme_Keyword: Waterfowl
Theme_Keyword: Migratory birds
Theme_Keyword: Breeding sites
Theme_Keyword: Plumage
Theme_Keyword: Seasonal distribution
Theme_Keyword: Seasonal movement
Theme_Keyword: Carbon isotopes

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Thesaurus
Theme_Keyword: Wildlife
Theme_Keyword: Terrestrial ecosystems
Theme_Keyword: Tundra ecosystems
Theme_Keyword: Coastal ecosystems
Theme_Keyword: Wetland ecosystems
Theme_Keyword: Capturing (animals)
Theme_Keyword: Animal behavior
Theme_Keyword: Migration (organisms)
Theme_Keyword: Isotopic analysis

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Theme_Keyword: Tundra swan
Theme_Keyword: Stable isotopes
Theme_Keyword: Nitrogen isotopes
Theme_Keyword: Carbon isotopes
Theme_Keyword: Deuterium isotopes

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)
Place_Keyword: Alaska
Place_Keyword: Yukon Delta
Place_Keyword: Colville River
Place_Keyword: King Salmon
Place_Keyword: Kotzebue

Taxonomy:

Keywords/Taxon:

Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Taxonomic_Keywords: Birds

Taxonomic_System:

Classification_System/Authority:

Classification_System_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: ITIS Integrated Taxonomic Information System
Publication_Date: Unknown
Title: ITIS Integrated Taxonomic Information System
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: database
Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: online
Publisher: ITIS-North America

Other_Citation_Details:

Taxonomic details retrieved October 16, 2022 from the Integrated Taxonomic Information System online database https://www.itis.gov

Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.5066/F7KH0KBK

Taxonomic_Procedures:

Species were identified by skilled observers in the field based on general appearance of feathers and plumage, behavior, and vocalization.

Taxonomic_Completeness:

Taxonomy is completed for all samples. No voucher specimens were collected.

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Animalia
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Subkingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Bilateria
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Infrakingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Deuterostomia
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Phylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Chordata
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Subphylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Vertebrata
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Infraphylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Gnathostomata
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Superclass
Taxon_Rank_Value: Tetrapoda
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Class
Taxon_Rank_Value: Aves
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Anseriformes
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Anatidae
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Subfamily
Taxon_Rank_Value: Anserinae
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Cygnus
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Cygnus columbianus
Applicable_Common_Name: Tundra Swan
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 174987

Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints:

It is requested that the authors and the USGS Alaska Science Center be cited for any subsequent publications that reference this dataset.

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: Mailing and Physical
Address: 4210 University Drive
City: Anchorage
State_or_Province: Alaska
Postal_Code: 99508
Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 907-786-7000
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: ascweb@usgs.gov

Data_Set_Credit:

Stable isotope analyses were performed at the University of Alaska Anchorage stable isotope facility.

Cross_Reference:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Wolf, N.
Originator: Smeltz, T.S.
Originator: Welker, J.M.
Originator: Rogers, M.C.
Originator: Ely, C.R.
Publication_Date: 2020
Title:

Exploring Overlap of Feather Molting and Migration in Tundra Swans Using H Analysis

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:

Series_Name: Animal Migration
Issue_Identification: 7:58-66

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: online
Publisher: De Gruyter

Other_Citation_Details:

Wolf, N., Smeltz, T.S., Welker, J.M., Rogers, M.C., Ely, C.R. 2020. Exploring Overlap of Feather Molting and Migration in Tundra Swans Using H Analysis. Animal Migration:7:58-66 doi: 10.1515/ami-2020-0102

Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1515/ami-2020-0102

Cross_Reference:

Citation_Information:

Originator: U.S. Geological Survey
Originator: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Publication_Date: 2011
Title:

Sampling for highly pathogenic Asian H5N1 avian influenza in migratory birds in Alaska: results of 2010 field season

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: document
Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Anchorage, Alaska and Madison, Wisconsin
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Other_Citation_Details:

USFWS/USGS. 2011. Sampling for highly pathogenic Asian H5N1 avian influenza in migratory birds in Alaska: results of 2010 field season. Progress Report, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Region 7, Alaska) and U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska, and U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin.

Online_Linkage:

https://www.usgs.gov/media/files/2010-avian-influenza-field-season-results

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report:

Individual sample IDs, collection dates, sampling locations, band IDs, and other values were cross-checked and verified with field worksheets. All d2H analyses were conducted using three keratin standards of known non-exchangeable hydrogen composition (CCHIX and TURK1 from the University of Georgia and BWBII from the University of Alaska Fairbanks; mean ± sd (‰) = -93.4 ± 1.3, -53.9 ± 1.4, and -108.0 ± 2.1, respectively). The standards were kept in a well plate exposed to laboratory air alongside the feather samples to be analyzed. A regression equation was created using raw versus known d2H values of the keratin standards for each run, which allowed for the correction of any bias due to exchangeable hydrogen. Regression R2 values were consistently 0.95 or higher. Long term analysis of quality control standards yielded precision of 2.5‰. For d13C and d15N analyses, long term analysis of standards (NIST 1547, mean ± sd (‰) = -25.9 ± 0.02 and 1.9 ± 0.2 for d13C and d15N, respectively; and BWBII, mean ± sd (‰) = -18.4 ± 0.1 and 14.5 ± 0.2 for d13C and d15N, respectively) yielded precisions of 0.1‰ for d13C, and 0.2‰ for d15N.

Logical_Consistency_Report:

Attribute values fall within expected ranges and data were proofed for duplication and omission. Carbon and Nitrogen concentrations were not determined for all samples, these are indicated by blank cells.

Completeness_Report:

Data set is complete. No data were omitted and there are no missing data.

Lineage:

Methodology:

Methodology_Type: Field
Methodology_Description:

In 2008, tundra swans were captured during the molt period at Alaska sampling sites. For each bird, 20-30 head crown feathers and 6-10 breast feathers were collected. Age of each bird (SY- second year, or ASY – after second year) of each bird was determined by plumage color and sex was assessed by cloacal examination. During an independent set of collection trips in late July, 2010, actively-growing wing covert feathers from separate individuals were sampled at each of the five sites. Multiple breast feathers sampled from each swan were run independently. Crown head feathers were were pooled for analysis. Only a single feather was used for the wing coverts.

Methodology:

Methodology_Type: Lab
Methodology_Description:

Feathers were cleaned with a 2:1 chloroform:methanol solution to remove surface contaminants, rinsed with deionized water, and air-dried. Feather barbs were removed from the rachis and minced into small sections using surgical scissors. Approximately 0.1 – 0.2 mg of each minced feather barb sample was loaded into a silver capsule Costech Analytical Technologies, Valencia, CA, USA) for 2H analysis. Carbon (13C) and nitrogen (15N) stable isotope values of feathers were determined in order to examine dietary heterogeneity as a potential source of variability in feather 2H values. For 13C and 15N analysis, 1 mg of each sample was loaded into a tin capsule (Costech Analytical Technologies, Valencia, CA, USA). Because of their small mass, head feathers from the same individual had to be pooled in order to create samples with a sufficient mass for reliable stable isotope analyses. Breast feathers, which are substantially larger than head feathers, were not pooled for analysis.

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Ely, C.R.
Originator: Terenzi, J.
Originator: Tibbitts, T.L.
Originator: Douglas, D.C.
Publication_Date: 2020
Title:

Tracking data for Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus) (ver 1.0, January 2020)

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: website
Series_Information:

Series_Name: U.S. Geological Survey data release
Issue_Identification: doi:10.5066/P9KBR79C

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Anchorage, Alaska
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey

Other_Citation_Details:

Ely, C.R., Terenzi, J., Tibbitts, T.L., Douglas, D.C., 2020, Tracking data for Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus) (ver 1.0, January 2020): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9KBR79C

Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.5066/P9KBR79C

Type_of_Source_Media: data set
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 2020

Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date

Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Ely et al 2020
Source_Contribution: Satellite tracking data of Tundra swans

Process_Step:

Process_Description: Original field data were transcribed to digital tables.
Process_Date: Unknown

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

As part of a Tundra swan migration study, 24 of the swans sampled for isotope ratios in 2008 were fitted with Argos PTT satellite transmitters. The mean distance traveled from each capture site to overwintering areas was calculated for swans fitted with PTTs and is included with these data. All of the Tundra Swan satellite tracking data is available in Ely et al 2020.

Process_Date: Unknown

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Indirect_Spatial_Reference:

Location names are listed to describe generalized field sampling locations.

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: tundraSwan_stableIsotope_alaska_wolf_ely_2008_2010
Entity_Type_Definition:

Table summarizing sampling information and results from stable isotope analysis (ratios of δ2H, δ13C and δ15N) of feather samples collected from Tundra swans in coastal areas of northern and western Alaska. Presented in a Comma Separated Value (CSV) formatted table.

Entity_Type_Definition_Source: Author defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Bird_ID
Attribute_Definition:

Unique identifier for each bird sampled. Either the final 5 digits of the metal leg band issued by the USGS Bird Banding Lab or unique ID from 2010 USGS/USFWS avian influenza sampling scheme (Bird_IDs starting with 44542). Records in this table can be uniquely identified by a combination of Bird_ID, Replicate_No, and Feather_Source.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Unique identifier for each bird sampled.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Replicate_No
Attribute_Definition: Replicate isotope analysis from an individual bird.
Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 1
Range_Domain_Maximum: 3
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Count

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: PTT_ID
Attribute_Definition:

PTT (Platform Transmitter Terminal) ID number from Argos to uniquely identify a satellite transmitter during deployment. Corresponds to the PTT_ID attribute in Tundra swan tracking data (Ely et al 2020). Blank cells indicate that no PTT was deployed on the Tundra swan.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Argos provided
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Unique identifier: the 5 digit PTT number provided by Argos.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Capture_Date
Attribute_Definition: Date that the bird was captured and sampled for feathers.
Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 2008-07-15
Range_Domain_Maximum: 2010-08-07
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Date (YYYY-MM-DD)

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Feather_Source
Attribute_Definition:

Region of the bird's body that feathers were sampled from, for stable isotope analysis.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: head
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Feathers from head (crown) sampled for stable isotopes.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: covert
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Feathers from wing coverts sampled for stable isotopes.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: breast
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Feathers from breast of the bird sampled for stable isotopes.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Location
Attribute_Definition: Tundra swan capture locations in Alaska.
Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Colville
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Capture location on the Colville River Delta, Alaska (approximately 70.38 N, 150.48 W).