Metabarcoding reveals selective dietary responses to environmental availability in the diet of a nocturnal, aerial insectivore, the European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)

• DOI: 10.1111/ibi.13010
• Publication Date: 2021-08-12T09:01:40Z
• Authors: Lucy J. Mitchell; Gavin J. Horsburgh; Deborah A. Dawson; Kathryn H. Maher; Kathryn E. Arnold
• Keywords: Insectivore

Many bird species are vulnerable to environmental change, so knowledge of their diet and its variation can help understand population status flexibility respond change. Insectivorous predicted have a flexible within between individuals, which naturally fluctuating prey abundance, thus allowing opportunistic exploitation available resources. We analysed the nocturnal, aerial insectivore, European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus , using high‐throughput metabarcoding. quantified diversity composition 130 faecal samples from nests roosts on northern breeding site in UK 2015 2018, compared differences among individuals years. Although dominated by moths, varied significantly individual years months. Prey years, was more variable 2017 than other Faecal were likely contain moth with wingspan > 60 mm less < 25 wingspan. This indicated size‐selective foraging, also months Diet driven interindividual variation, indicating population‐level choice. Metabarcoding provided valuable tool exploration insectivorous diets, but efforts needed build comprehensive reference libraries order compile full lists.