Investigating Spring Migration Timing and Stopover Duration of Sora and Virginia Rail in Central Illinois using the Motus Tracking Network
Detailed information about the spring migratory connectivity and stopover ecology of Sora (Porzana carolina) and Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) is lacking. Much of the wetland habitat required by these secretive marsh birds during migration has been lost across the Midwest. Stopover sites are critical for survival during the most stressful portion of the annual cycle allowing birds to rest and refuel during migration. High-quality stopover sites are important to alleviate potential carryover effects, especially in spring when breeding success could be affected. Therefore, it is important to understand the migratory behavior and connectivity of rails to assess conservation priorities. Our goals are to describe migration timing and stopover duration and investigate factors influencing the departure behavior of Sora and Virginia Rail in Central Illinois using the Motus Tracking Network.
