Peri‐urban systems alter trophic niche size and overlap in sympatric coastal bird species

• DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4643
• Publication Date: 2023-08-11T05:59:49Z
• Authors: Kimberly A. Lato; Matthew Fuirst; Richard R. Veit; Lesley H. Thorne
• Keywords: Niche segregation; Niche differentiation; Urban ecology

Abstract Urban habitats can create empty trophic niche space by providing abundant alternative dietary resources, allowing some generalist species to either shift or expand their niches. Resulting changes size may consequently affect interspecific interactions and competition, although impacts are less clear in peri‐urban systems, where both natural urban resources readily accessible highly mobile species. We combined stable isotope (δ 13 C, δ 15 N, 34 S) data with GPS tracking of two sympatric coastal bird ( Larus argentatus , L. marinus ) across four study sites on the east coast United States, ranging from a site New York City (the most populous city States) less‐urban off Massachusetts. quantified overlap three‐dimensional isotopic assessed spatial foraging habitat between at sites. found that for species, birds had significantly larger niches than Furthermore, occurred, we was lower site. These results suggest environments facilitate expansion decrease contrasting previous studies showing increased more isolated populations. Following further analysis, facilitated within‐ between‐individual differences strategies. posit environments, particularly along areas, reduce competition access variety anthropogenic diet items, especially consumers areas. Research assessing how what scale systems influence wildlife is key understanding global urbanization will shape ecosystem structures.