Abstract:

This dataset was generated during field surveys to sample seaside sparrows and their possible prey community—specifically terrestrial arthropods, spiders and aquatic macrofaunal species—of Barataria Bay, Louisiana. The dataset includes site name, site location, species ID (to lowest taxonomic level) and stable isotope values of tissues from the sampled species. Seaside sparrows were sampled in June 2013 following the breeding season and prey species were collected between the months of March-June 2013, at various sites (site names and coordinate points included). All species were processed for stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) values. Related datasets provide information on abundance and breeding biology, stomach content analyses and genetics of the individuals represented in these databases.

Suggested Citation:

Olin, Jill, and R. Eugene Turner. 2014. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope composition of seaside sparrow and salt marsh arthropod species, Barataria Bay, LA, 2013. Distributed by: Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative Information and Data Cooperative (GRIIDC), Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/N7KK98P7

Publications:

Olin, J. A., Bergeon Burns, C. M., Woltmann, S., Taylor, S. S., Stouffer, P. C., Bam, W., … Turner, R. E. (2017). Seaside Sparrows reveal contrasting food web responses to large-scale stressors in coastal Louisiana saltmarshes. Ecosphere, 8(7), e01878. doi:10.1002/ecs2.1878

Purpose:

The goal is to understand how changes in the diet of the seaside sparrow affect trophic interactions and food web structure of terrestrial salt marsh communities.

Data Parameters and Units:

Seaside Sparrow: Latitude (decimal degrees), Longitude (decimal degrees), Location ID, Individual ID, Tissue [Liver, Muscle], Sex [Male, Female], delta 13C (%), delta 15N (%). Seaside Sparrow's prey: Latitude (decimal degrees) Longitude (decimal degrees), Location ID, Month, Individual ID, Species [Assassin bug, Beetle C, Blue Crab, Cricket A, Damselfly, Dragonfly, Fiddler crab, Flies A, Pagurus hermit crab, Leaf hopper, Littoraria snail, Miridae, Moth, Menippe crap, Ribbed mussle, Neritina snail, Malampus snail, Spider A, Spider B, Sesarma crab], Tissue [Whole body, Muscle], delta 13C (%), delta 15N (%).

Individual Files: