Next Article in Journal
Exploring the Diversity of Some Microorganisms from Lake Al-Asfar, KSA: The Good, the Bad, and the Pathogenic
Previous Article in Journal
Assessment of Fish Species Biodiversity in the Yong River Basin Based on Environmental DNA Metabarcoding
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
Diversity
Volume 17
Issue 1
10.3390/d17010036
diversity-logo
Submit to this Journal Review for this Journal Propose a Special Issue
► Article Menu

Article Menu

share Share announcement Help format_quote Cite question_answer Discuss in SciProfiles
first_page
settings
Order Article Reprints
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Study on the Influence of Different Feeding Habitats on the Behavioral Habits of Siberian Cranes in the Songnen Plain

by
Shiying Zhu
1,
Guangyi Deng
1,
Haibo Jiang
1,*,
Jie Gao
2,*,
Chunguang He
1,
Yan Zhang
3 and
Yingyue Cao
4
1
Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
2
Kunming Center of Comprehensive Natural Resources Survey, China Geological Survey, Kunming 650100, China
3
Zhenlai County Water Resources Bureau, Zhenlai County People’s Government, Baicheng 137000, China
4
Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Diversity 2025, 17(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010036
Submission received: 16 November 2024 / Revised: 17 December 2024 / Accepted: 26 December 2024 / Published: 2 January 2025
Browse Figures
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
As a habitat for waterbirds, wetlands are key to their survival, reproduction and development. Waterbirds usually prefer breeding, wintering and resting in fixed locations. Siberian cranes (Grus leucogeranus), which are highly dependent on wetlands, have long fed on farmland at migratory stopover sites. To explore the reason for this phenomenon, the time budgets of Siberian crane populations stopping over on farmland or in wetland habitats were studied and compared in this study. The results showed that the farmlands visited by the Siberian cranes are rich in food resources and have experienced low levels of disturbance. The temporal distribution of feeding behavior on farmland (53.50%) was greater than that in wetland habitats (31.96%). The variations in warning, flying and walking behavior on farmland were less than those in wetlands. The feeding efficiency on farmland was significantly greater than that in wetlands. Therefore, Siberian cranes transiting the Songnen Plain leave wetland habitats and stop over on farmland, representing a behavior that occurs more than just occasionally. Instead, they change their foraging habitat choices based on the optimal foraging theory. As a transit feeding area for Siberian cranes, farmland poses a significant risk, and the restoration of wetland habitats and food resources is still needed. This study can provide theoretical support for the conservation of rare and endangered species (the Siberian crane) and the management of stopover sites.

1. Introduction

A habitat is an essential living space for animals at different stages of their lives [1]. Habitats provide food resources, breeding environments and living areas for animals, all of which have a profound impact on their reproductive success rate, population regulation, spatial distribution pattern and foraging efficiency [2]. Habitat changes can significantly affect the dynamics and distribution of species and even change habitat selection [3]. Species balance the optimal foraging time, social activities and environmental constraints in their habitat to minimize risks and energy costs and allocate time as needed to different behaviors [4,5]. Therefore, paying attention to the behavioral rules of animals can aid in understanding the impact of habitat on population survival, reproduction and development [6].
Waterbirds depend on wetlands as a habitat for survival. The existence and health of wetlands are the basic conditions for protecting waterbirds [7,8]. The Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus) is a large migratory bird and a crane species with a high level of dependence on wetlands [9]. It was listed as critically endangered (CR) in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species [10]. The eastern migratory population of the Siberian crane stops at the Songnen Plain in China as a transit stopover site, accounting for more than 99% of the world’s total population. These cranes stop and feed on the Songnen Plain for approximately four months to supply them with the energy needed for their subsequent migration [11]. The underground corms of the sedge Bolboschoenus planiculmis in wetland habitats are the main food for the Siberian crane at stopover sites [12]. However, in recent years, the mechanized harvesting of corn has improved the harvesting efficiency and increased the amount of grain residue on farmland [13,14]. During this transition, the Siberian cranes have exhibited abnormal habitat selection. They have remained on farmland for a long time, and residual corn was chosen as their main food. Changes in food inevitably have had a large impact on the energy supplementation of Siberian cranes.
Can changes in habitat selection ensure the feeding needs of Siberian cranes are met during the migration period? Is it an occasional behavior or a change in behavioral strategy for Siberian cranes to leave wetland habitats and rest and feed on farmland? The effect of corn field habitat on the ecological habits of Siberian cranes during their migration stopover period was investigated in this study. The behavior patterns of Siberian cranes in traditional wetland habitats were compared with those on farmland. The utilization patterns of Siberian cranes in different habitats were analyzed. This study is expected to provide well-informed strategies for protecting endangered species and a reference basis for exploring the habitats of migrating waterbirds.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area

The Erlongtao River Basin is located on the Songnen Plain in Northeastern China and has a total length of 178.2 km. It is a typical seasonal river in a semiarid region with a temperate continental monsoon climate [15] (Figure 1). The water replenishment in this area involves precipitation and surface runoff from rivers. It has scattered waterways, widespread farmland, a rich water resource system and a large area of grain production, which provide the natural and ecological resources necessary for waterbird stopovers [16]. In recent years, more than 3000 Siberian cranes have been recorded in this basin, accounting for approximately 75% of the global wild population of Siberian cranes. The area has become an important stopover site for Siberian cranes [16]. The Erlongtao River Basin runs through the Tumuji National Nature Reserve in Inner Mongolia (Tumuji Nature Reserve) and the Momoge National Nature Reserve in Jilin (Momoge Nature Reserve). The Tumuji Nature Reserve is located in the transitional zone between wetland grassland and arid grassland, with a large area of farmland [16]. The Momoge Nature Reserve has seasonal shallow water meadows and is the main stopover habitat for the Siberian cranes [17].

2.2. Data Collection and Processing

Ten farmland and wetlands in the study area were randomly selected for observation of the stopover number and habitat of the Siberian crane by 8 binocular and 20 × 60 monocular telescopes during the stopover period from October 2020 to October 2022. The observation time ranged from 7:00 to 17:00 each day. The observation area is representative farmland and wetland habitats where Siberian cranes often rest and feed. Select a high ground with a wide field of view as the observation point in the main resting area of the Siberian cranes. Scan the sample area clockwise using binoculars and monocular telescopes. Direct counting is used for individuals with fewer numbers, while Siberian cranes with larger numbers of individuals or groups are counted in units of 10, 20 or 50 birds.

2.2.1. Behavioral Rhythm and Time Distribution

The behaviors of Siberian cranes are categorized into seven types (Table 1) [18]. All the individual Siberian cranes in the observation area were rapidly scanned every ten minutes via the instantaneous scanning method. Their instantaneous behaviors were recorded. The frequency of each behavior and the proportion of the cranes exhibiting each behavior out of the total number of observed Siberian cranes were calculated [19].

2.2.2. Feeding Behavior

The focal animal sampling method was selected [20]. Randomly select a Siberian crane and observed its feeding behavior for 1 min. Then record single feeding duration, feeding frequency, feeding success rate and feeding depth of the Siberian cranes in the wetland and farmland. The feeding depth of Siberian cranes in wetlands was determined by the position of their head and neck in the water during feeding (Table 2). The median was recorded as the average depth [18]. The feeding depth of Siberian cranes foraging on farmland depends on the depth at which they dig through the soil.
Excel 2010 was used to analyze observed behavioral data and calculate the percentage of each behavior occurring in a day out of the total number of Siberian cranes observed each day to represent the time allocation of Siberian cranes. A t-test was conducted to analyze the time allocation and feeding behavior selection of white cranes in order to express the distribution and degree of difference between two or more sets of numerical data. The data were presented as mean ± standard error. Excel 2010, ArcGIS 10.8 and CNSknowall were used to achieve graphical visualization (https://cnsknowall.com).

3. Results

3.1. Effect of Farmland on Allocation of Time for Siberian Crane Behavior

A total of 32,155 Siberian cranes were observed on the farmlands. A total of 12,665 individuals were observed in the wetlands (because of various migration periods, Siberian cranes are represented by the observed number rather than the individual count).
Foraging and vigilant behaviors were the main behaviors for both the farmland and wetlands. The Siberian cranes foraged 1.7 times more on the farmland compared to the wetlands, flew eight times more frequently in the wetlands compared to the farmland, and vigilance was observed 1.3 times more in the wetlands compared to the farmland (Figure 2). A statistical analysis of the allocation of time in the two habitats revealed significant differences for the time spent foraging, resting and flying, while variations for other behaviors were shown but were not significant.

3.2. Effect of Farmland on the Behavioral Rhythm of Siberian Cranes

To better reflect the influence of farmland on the migration of Siberian cranes, the diurnal behavior rhythm of the Siberian cranes observed on farmland was compared with that in traditional wetland habitats (Figure 3). The results indicated that the vigilance behavior of Siberian cranes on the farmland exhibited a relatively stable trend, with a small trough (16%) between 11:00 and 12:00 and a slightly higher proportion (28%) between 15:00 and 16:00. In contrast, the vigilance behavior of Siberian cranes in wetlands showed an overall fluctuating upward trend. The lowest value (20.25%) occurred from 12:00 to 13:00 and increased to the highest value of 38.47% after 15:00. The fluctuations were more substantial during other times. From 7:00 to 8:00, the vigilance behavior of the Siberian cranes on the farmland (25.5%) was higher than that in the wetlands (21.9%) and from 9:00 to 10:00. The vigilance behavior of the Siberian cranes on the farmland (25.9%) was higher than that in the wetlands (20.8%).
The foraging behavior of the Siberian cranes on the farmland gradually increased in the morning, with a foraging peak (66.89%) occurring from 10:00 to 11:00 and a small peak (51.57%) appearing again from 14:00 to 15:00. The foraging behavior of the Siberian cranes on the farmland for the ten time periods accounted for 52.5, 58.31, 60.4, 66.89, 61.26, 44.9, 47.63, 21.5, 47.4 and 45.14%, while the foraging behavior of the Siberian cranes in the wetland for the ten time periods accounted for 48.48, 49.33, 31.73, 35.27, 30.92, 30.52, 27.87, 28.05, 27.47 and 21.60%. Therefore, the foraging behavior of the Siberian cranes on the farmland was greater than that in the wetlands over the course of the whole day. The flying behavior of the Siberian cranes in the wetlands fluctuated between 4.11% and 18.30%, reaching a peak (17.9%) around 12:00 and another peak (18.30%) after 16:00. The flight behavior of Siberian cranes on the farmland fluctuated between 0.85% and 2.31%, with a stable range of variation. The walking behavior of the Siberian cranes on the farmland fluctuated between 1.48% and 2.31% only from 15:00 to 16:00. Their walking behavior on the farmland (2.14%) was higher than in the wetland habitats (1.68%). The resting behavior of the Siberian cranes on the farmland remained at a relatively low and stable level in the morning, with a high value (17.7%) from 1:00 to 13:00. The proportion of recharging behaviors between 13:00 and 14:00 was relatively high (14.7%). The resting behavior of the Siberian cranes in the wetland rapidly increased to a peak of 18.60% at 9:00, and then decreased after reaching another peak (18.46%) from 13:00 to 14:00. The proportion of corrective behavior was relatively high around 11:00 and 13:00 (17.1% and 21.1%).

3.3. Influence of Farmland on the Feeding Success Rate of Siberian Cranes

A total of 1666 Siberian crane feeding behaviors were observed in the farmland, and 884 individuals were observed in the wetlands. The average feeding depths of the Siberian cranes in the corn field and wetlands were 5.63 cm and 13.07 cm, respectively. The mean single feeding durations for feeding depths of S1–S6 in the wetland were 3.02, 3.54, 4.63, 5.04, 6.51 and 8.14 s. The mean single feeding durations at feeding depths of N1–N3 on the farmland were 2.05, 3.95 and 5.15 s. The mean duration of single feeding instances in both habitats increased with increasing digging depth (Figure 4).
The corn fields fluctuated steadily with depth. The feeding frequency and successful feeding frequency of the Siberian cranes in the wetlands decreased with increasing feeding depth. The mean feeding frequencies at feeding depths of wetland S1–S6 were 11.21, 10.79, 10.23, 9.14, 7.69 and 10.75 times/min. The mean feeding frequencies at feeding depths of N1–N3 on the farmland were 16.21, 15.63 and 16.75 times/min. The mean feeding frequency range of the Siberian cranes on the farmland (16.21~16.75 times/min) was greater than that in the wetlands (7.69~11.22 times/min). The mean successful feeding frequencies at feeding depths of S1–S6 in the wetland were 4.67, 4.67, 4.19, 3.54, 2.88 and 4 times/min. The mean successful feeding frequencies at feeding depths of N1–N3 on the farmland were 9.61, 9.88 and 10.10 times/min. The mean successful feeding frequency range (9.61~10.10 times/min) was also greater than that in the wetlands (2.88~4.67 times/min). The feeding frequency and single feeding times and success rate of the Siberian cranes in the wetlands had significant differences. However, in the corn field habitats, there were significant differences in the single feeding duration at different depths, while there were no significant differences in the feeding frequency, successful feeding frequency and feeding success rate at different depths (Figure 4).

4. Discussion

4.1. The Abundance and Availability of Food Resources in Corn Fields Significantly Enhance the Energy Acquisition of Siberian Cranes Compared to Wetlands

The abundance and availability of food resources in habitats affect the energy acquisition of waterbirds [21,22]. The amount of food resources provided by a habitat determines the duration of foraging behaviors and changes in behavioral rhythms. The cranes’ vigilant behavior on the farmland was significantly less frequent than in the wetlands, possibly due to a decrease in vigilance as the food density increases [23]. The foraging behavior of cranes usually has two peak periods [23]. The morning foraging peak is to replenish the crane’s own large energy consumption from the previous night, and the afternoon foraging peak is to prepare for the upcoming night, maintain a constant temperature and cope with possible adverse weather [24]. In this study, there were also two peak periods for foraging on the farmland, but only one obvious peak period (7:00–9:00) was shown for the wetland, which is roughly the same as the behavioral rhythm observed in Zhalong Nature Reserve [25]. This may be related to the abundance of food resources. In the absence of food resources, Siberian cranes usually form two foraging peaks based on their own metabolic levels, but wetland habitats cannot provide a sufficient energy supply due to food resource limitations. In the past decade, the construction of water conservancy projects in the Songnen Plain and the continuous landfall of typhoons (“Bawei”, “Mishak” and “Haishen”) in Jilin Province have led to a significant increase in wetland water volume in the study area. Many shallow water wetlands have become connected to form large water areas. The water level has risen. The historical food resource of the Siberian crane is Bolboschoenus planiculmis in wetland habitats, but this plant is only suitable for growing in areas with shallow water [26,27]. Hydrological changes in wetlands can cause changes in and the succession of vegetation and directly affect the spatial distribution, richness and availability of food resources for Siberian cranes in wetlands [28]. The existing community of Bolboshoenus planiculmis is small and scattered. The supply of food sources has been reduced [29]. Therefore, Siberian cranes that only forage in wetlands will not have sufficient energy for migration [17].
Northeast China is an important commodity grain production base [30]. With the advancement of mechanization in the whole grain production process in the northeast region, the residual amount of crops after mechanical harvesting has increased [31]. There are vast farmlands in the study area. A large amount of residual grain can be used as food resources for Siberian cranes after harvesting, which can guarantee the survival of and subsequent migration energy accumulation for Siberian cranes. Moreover, we measured the nutritional components of the collected corm of Bolboshoenus planiculmis and corn. By calculating the energy content of the corms and corn based on the measured nutritional indicators, we found that the corm of Bolboshoenus planiculmis can provide 11.75 kJ/g of energy, while corn can provide 15.01 kJ/g. Corn can provide more energy for Siberian cranes. Therefore, most Siberian cranes choose farmland as their feeding habitat. This can compensate for the shortage of wetland food resources and ensure normal transfer energy replenishment.

4.2. Reducing the Energy Consumption Ratio During the Migration of Siberian Cranes to Farmland

Siberian cranes are naturally alert. When they are disturbed by external factors, they will take flight and become vigilant to avoid risks. During this process, the use of available resources is restricted, which can increase physiological pressure and energy consumption. Because of changes in regional hydrological patterns, small-scale wetlands have become connected to become large wetlands, and indirectly flooded areas have become permanently flooded areas. Most of the shallow water habitats that Siberian cranes originally preferred have disappeared. The remaining shallow water areas are usually close to sources of interference, such as roads and villages. These areas usually have a high human population density and high traffic flow, resulting in the frequent vigilance behaviors of Siberian cranes. Farmlands are mostly cultivated on a large scale, with sparse populations and little disturbance to waterbirds. The main source of interference is farmers, so vigilance behaviors fluctuate with farmers’ working hours. Therefore, the time allocations of flying and vigilance behaviors for Siberian cranes on farmland were lower than those in wetlands. Siberian cranes were able to allocate more time for foraging behavior and increase their energy intake on farmland.
The successful feeding frequency and success rate of Siberian cranes in corn field habitats are higher than those in wetland habitats, and there is no significant effect on the feeding frequency, successful feeding frequency and success rate of Siberian cranes at different feeding depths in corn field habitats. However, there are differences in the feeding behavior of Siberian cranes at different feeding depths in wetland habitats, and the feeding depth increases. Waterbirds consume more energy with increasing feeding depth during the feeding process, resulting in a decrease in the net intake of food. The Bolboschoenus planiculmis corms are in underwater mud. Siberian cranes feed by dipping their beaks into water [32]. Waterbirds are subjected to increased resistance with increasing feeding depth. The turbidity of the water body can lead to a decrease in the visual and tactile feeding abilities of Siberian cranes. This can result in an increase in feeding difficulty, a decrease in feeding frequency and success rate, excessive energy consumption, and a decrease in the net energy intake for feeding. The residual grain in the farmland is on the surface of the soil or buried in the surface layer of the soil. Parameters such as the feeding frequency and success rate of Siberian cranes did not significantly differ due to changes in feeding depth, except for the feeding duration. Feeding is relatively easy on farmland. Therefore, Siberian cranes can obtain sufficient food resources at different feeding depths on farmland, and their energy consumption is relatively low.

4.3. The Migration Risk of Siberian Cranes on Farmland

Farmlands can provide more energy for Siberian cranes to forage, but they also carry significant risks. The migration time of waterbirds is influenced mainly by climatic conditions and has a certain degree of stability [33]. However, farmland cultivation is affected by various factors in addition to climate, such as policies, regional disasters, farming practises and crop varieties, which all come with significant uncertainties [34]. There may be a mismatch between the migration period of Siberian cranes and the sowing or harvesting period of corn. If farmland is sown early in the spring and the land is turned too early, a shortage of food resources will occur. If corn is harvested late in autumn, it can also prevent Siberian cranes from reaching farmland for foraging. This poses significant risks to the stable energy replenishment of Siberian cranes. With the improvement in mechanical harvesting efficiency, the amount of residual grain will also decrease. In addition, swallows and sparrows forage on farmland, leading to feeding competition among Siberian cranes. Therefore, although farmland can supplement energy sources for Siberian cranes, its risks are also significant. It is necessary to restore suitable wetland habitats and food resources for Siberian cranes as soon as possible.

5. Conclusions

To explore the reasons why Siberian cranes choose farmland as transit feeding areas, the ecological habits of Siberian cranes on farmland and wetland habitats were analyzed in this study. The results showed that the time allocation for the foraging behaviors of Siberian cranes on farmland was greater than that in wetland habitats, and their vigilance, resting, social, flying and walking behaviors on farmland were less than those in wetland habitats. The behavioral rhythm of Siberian cranes’ vigilance, flying and walking behaviors varies steadily on farmland and dramatically in wetlands. The successful feeding frequency of Siberian cranes on farmland was significantly greater than that in wetland habitats. It changed steadily with the feeding depth on farmland but decreased with an increasing feeding depth in wetlands. To meet their own nutritional and energy needs during the migration stage, animals choose habitat patches with sufficient food and habitat resources based on the optimal foraging theory. The change in habitat selection for Siberian cranes is not accidental but rather an inevitable result of balancing food resources, feeding efficiency and foraging costs. Farmlands, as transit feeding sites for Siberian cranes, come with significant risks. The wetland habitats and food resources of Siberian cranes need to be further restored. This study investigated the impact of corn field and wetland habitats on the ecological habits of Siberian cranes during their migration and resting periods and analyzed the utilization patterns of Siberian cranes in different habitats in order to provide a reference for the study of bird habitat transfer.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, S.Z. and H.J.; methodology, Y.C.; software, G.D.; validation, H.J. and C.H.; formal analysis, J.G.; investigation, S.Z.; resources, H.J.; data curation, S.Z.; writing—original draft preparation, S.Z.; writing—review and editing, H.J.; visualization, J.G.; supervision, Y.Z. and Y.C.; funding acquisition, H.J. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was funded by National Key R&D Program of China, grant number 2022YFF1300900.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

  1. Rands, M.R.W.; Adams, W.M.; Bennun, L.; Butchart, S.H.M.; Clements, A.; Coomes, D.; Entwistle, A.; Hodge, I.; Kapos, V.; Scharlemann, J.P.W.; et al. Biodiversity Conservation: Challenges Beyond 2010. Science 2010, 329, 1298–1303. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  2. Doligez, B.; Danchin, E.; Clobert, J. Public information and breeding habitat selection in a wild bird population. Science 2002, 297, 1168–1170. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  3. Beyer, R.M.; Manica, A. Historical and projected future range sizes of the world’s mammals, birds, and amphibians. Nat. Commun. 2020, 11, e5633. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  4. Downes, S. Trading heat and food for safety: Costs of predator avoidance in a lizard. Ecology 2001, 82, 2870–2881. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  5. Frey, S.; Fisher, J.T.; Burton, A.C.; Volpe, J.P. Investigating animal activity patterns and temporal niche partitioning using camera-trap data: Challenges and opportunities. Remote Sens. Ecol. Conserv. 2017, 3, 123–132. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  6. Li, Z.; Zhang, Q.; Wu, Q.; Gao, X.; Ngo Thi Kieu, T.; Xu, Z. Behavioral response pattern of Aythya baeri under different weather conditions during wintering. Chin. J. Appl. Ecol. 2022, 33, 2557–2562. [Google Scholar]
  7. Zhang, Q.; Ma, K.; Li, J.; Zhang, Y. The effect of stopover wetlands on migratory waterbirds at different scales: A review. Acta Ecol. Sin. 2017, 37, 2520–2529. [Google Scholar]
  8. Cao, L.; Fox, A.D. Birds and people both depend on China’s wetlands. Nature 2009, 460, 173. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Parchizadeh, J.; Williams, S.T. Waterbirds targeted in Iran’s wetlands. Science 2018, 359, 877–878. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Chen, Q.; Wang, Z.; Tang, W.; Ding, H.; Liao, J.; Wang, Y.; Wang, W. Carrying capacity of Siberian cranes (Leucogeranus leucogeranus) in the rice fields around Poyang Lake. Acta Ecol. Sin. 2022, 42, 5340–5347. [Google Scholar]
  11. Wang, Y.; Zhao, Q.; Xie, Y.; Damba, I.; Deng, X.; Ga, R.; Liu, G.; Xu, Z.; Li, Y.; Gao, D.; et al. Population dynamics and age ratio of large-bodied waterbird species in the wetlands of the Yangtze River floodplain. Acta Ecol. Sin. 2023, 43, 868–877. [Google Scholar]
  12. Wang, L.; Gao, Y.; He, C.; An, Y.; Zhang, H. Progress on the Effects of Environmental Factors on Physiological and Ecological Characteristics of Bolboschoenus planiculmis. Wetl. Sci. 2023, 21, 122–130. [Google Scholar]
  13. Zhang, H.; Gao, Z.; Wang, J.; Liu, Y.; Han, S.; Zhang, Y.; Li, Y. Habitat change analysis based on the coupling relationship of pattern-processquality in Yancheng coastal wetlands. Acta Ecol. Sin. 2020, 40, 4749–4759. [Google Scholar]
  14. Zhang, H.; Zhen, Y.; Wu, F.; Li, Y.; Zhang, Y. Relationship between habitat quality change and the expansion of Spartina alterniflora in the coastal area: Taking Yancheng National Nature Reserve in Jiangsu Province as an example. Resour. Sci. 2020, 42, 1004–1014. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  15. Yang, J.; Huang, X. The 30 m annual land cover datasets and its dynamics in China from 1985 to 2022. Earth Syst. Sci. Data 2023, 13, 3907–3925. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  16. Liu, G.; Gong, M.; Liu, W.; Li, H.; Zhang, J.; Yue, W.; Wei, X.; Qian, Y.; Xie, Y.; Zhang, J.; et al. Bird Population Dynamics during the Breeding Season in Inner Mongolia Tumuji National Nature Reserve. J. Ecol. Rural Environ. 2021, 37, 341–347. [Google Scholar]
  17. Zhang, M.; Wang, X.; Tong, S.; Zhang, D.; Qi, Q.; An, Y. Species Biodiversity of Plant Communities in Restored Area in MomogeWetlands. Wetl. Sci. 2021, 19, 458–464. [Google Scholar]
  18. Shao, M.; Gong, H.; Dai, N.; Zhi, Y.; Xu, N.; Lu, P. Study on time budgets and behavioral rhythm of wintering Siberian Cranes in a lotus pond reclamation area in Poyang Lake. Acta Ecol. Sin. 2018, 38, 5206–5212. [Google Scholar]
  19. Zhang, C.; Zhi, Y.; Lu, P.; Shao, M.; Dai, N. Energy expenditure and foraging behavior of wintering Tundra Swan and Swan Goose in a lotus pond reclamation area in Poyang Lake. Chin. J. Ecol. 2019, 38, 785–790. [Google Scholar]
  20. Yang, F.; Lei, X.; Zeng, J.; Shao, M.; Zhi, Y. Foraging Behavior and Population Dynamics of Ciconia boyciana in Two Areas of Poyang Lake during the Wintering Period. Sci. Silvae Sin. 2023, 59, 128–135. [Google Scholar]
  21. Zheng, M.; Zhou, L.; Zhao, N.; Xu, W. Effects of variation in food resources on foraging habitat use by wintering Hooded Cranes (Grus monacha). Avian Res. 2015, 6, 186–195. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  22. Karmiris, I.; Kazantzidis, S.; Platis, P.; Papachristou, T.G. Diet selection by wintering Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus and the role of food availability. Bird Conserv. Int. 2017, 27, 355–370. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  23. Shao, M.; Zeng, J.; He, W.; Zhi, Y.; Gong, H. Wintering behavior and foraging strategies of six wild duck species in Poyang Lake. Chin. J. Ecol. 2023, 41, 294–299. [Google Scholar]
  24. Gong, H.; Shao, M.; Lu, P.; Zhu, G.; Dai, N. Behavior patterns and affecting factors of wintering common cranes inhabiting paddy fields of Poyang Lake. Chin. J. Ecol. 2020, 39, 559–566. [Google Scholar]
  25. Li, F.; Wang, Q.; Lu, S.; Cai, Y. Time Budget and Activity Rhythm of Siberian Crane during Day at Stopover Site in Spring in Zhalong Wetland. Chin. J. Zool. 2007, 42, 68–72. [Google Scholar]
  26. Zhang, M.; Zhang, D.; Tong, S.; Qi, Q.; Liu, B. Species Biodiversity of Plant Communities in Baihe Lake Wetlands in 2019. Wetl. Sci. 2020, 18, 597–602. [Google Scholar]
  27. An, Y.; Gao, Y.; Tong, S. Emergence and growth performance of Bolboschoenus planiculmis varied in response to water level and soil planting depth: Implications for wetland restoration using tuber transplantation. Aquat. Bot. 2018, 148, 10–14. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  28. Chen, Y.-Q.; Wu, L.-L.; Zhang, G.-X.; Qiao, S.-J. Quantitative assessment of surface hydrological connectivity in Momoge National Nature Reserve, Northeast China. Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao = J. Appl. Ecol. 2020, 31, 3833–3841. [Google Scholar]
  29. Wang, J.; Shi, F.; Yang, L.; Jiang, H.; Wang, Y. Saline-alkaline conditions altered Bolboschoenus planiculmis carbon and nitrogen allocation tradeoffs. Environ. Exp. Bot. 2024, 228, 106032. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  30. Cui, N.; Sheng, S.; Fang, Y. Standard quantification and mechanism construction of inter-provincial cultivated land ecological compensation from the perspective of food security. J. China Agric. Univ. 2021, 26, 232–243. [Google Scholar]
  31. Gao, J.; Yang, Y. Spatial-temporal Patterns and Driving Factors of Green Transformation for Cultivated Land Use of Major Grain-producing Areas in Northeastern China. China Land Sci. 2023, 37, 114–123, 134. [Google Scholar]
  32. Rueda-Uribe, C.; Lotberg, U.; Akesson, S. Foraging on the wing for fish while migrating over changing landscapes: Traveling behaviors vary with available aquatic habitat for Caspian terns. Mov. Ecol. 2022, 10, e27. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  33. Horton, K.G.; La Sorte, F.A.; Sheldon, D.; Lin, T.-Y.; Winner, K.; Bernstein, G.; Maji, S.; Hochachka, W.M.; Farnsworth, A. Phenology of nocturnal avian migration has shifted at the continental scale. Nat. Clim. Chang. 2020, 10, 63–68. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  34. Abrahms, B.; Aikens, E.O.; Armstrong, J.B.; Deacy, W.W.; Kauffman, M.J.; Merkle, J.A. Emerging Perspectives on Resource Tracking and Animal Movement Ecology. Trends Ecol. Evol. 2021, 36, 308–320. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Diversity 17 00036 g001
Figure 1. Location of the study area.
Figure 1. Location of the study area.
Diversity 17 00036 g001
Diversity 17 00036 g002
Figure 2. Comparison of and differences in distributions of time for the behavior of Siberian cranes in different habitats (* represents p < 0.05; ** represents p < 0.01).
Figure 2. Comparison of and differences in distributions of time for the behavior of Siberian cranes in different habitats (* represents p < 0.05; ** represents p < 0.01).
Diversity 17 00036 g002
Diversity 17 00036 g003
Figure 3. Behavioral rhythms of Siberian cranes in different habitats.
Figure 3. Behavioral rhythms of Siberian cranes in different habitats.
Diversity 17 00036 g003
Diversity 17 00036 g004
Figure 4. Feeding parameters under different digging depths in corn field and wetland habitats (* represents p < 0.05; ** represents p < 0.01; *** represents p < 0.001; N1–N3 represent the digging depth of Siberian cranes on farmland; S1–S6 represent the digging depth in wetlands).
Figure 4. Feeding parameters under different digging depths in corn field and wetland habitats (* represents p < 0.05; ** represents p < 0.01; *** represents p < 0.001; N1–N3 represent the digging depth of Siberian cranes on farmland; S1–S6 represent the digging depth in wetlands).
Diversity 17 00036 g004
Table 1. Classification and definition of Siberian crane behavior.
Table 1. Classification and definition of Siberian crane behavior.
Behavior Type Description
VigilanceRaise head to look around, walk around, gaze into the distance
ForageGaze and peck at food, look down for food, swallow food, feed young cranes, which beg for food
RestStanding still or lying quietly on the ground
RechargePeck at feathers, spread grease, clean, scratch head and the front part of neck with claws, peck tarsometatarsus and feet with beak, shake wings, fluff feathers
SocietyDirectly fight and chase others
FlyingFlap wings and fly off the ground to create a displacement in the air
WalkingWalk or run side by side
Table 2. Relationships between body parts and feeding depths of Siberian cranes.
Table 2. Relationships between body parts and feeding depths of Siberian cranes.
Habitat TypeDigging Depth LevelDescription of Excavation DepthDepth Range/cmAverage Depth/cm
WetlandsS1<1/3 beak0~6.033.02
S21/3~2/3 beak6.04~12.079.05
S32/3~1 beak12.08~18.1015.09
S4beak~1/3 neck18.11–27.1522.62
S51/3~2/3 neck27.16~36.2031.68
S61/3~2/3 neck36.21~45.2540.73
Corn fieldN1<1/3 beak0~6.033.02
N21/3~2/3 beak6.04~12.079.05
N32/3~1 beak12.08~18.1015.09
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Zhu, S.; Deng, G.; Jiang, H.; Gao, J.; He, C.; Zhang, Y.; Cao, Y. Study on the Influence of Different Feeding Habitats on the Behavioral Habits of Siberian Cranes in the Songnen Plain. Diversity 2025, 17, 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010036

AMA Style

Zhu S, Deng G, Jiang H, Gao J, He C, Zhang Y, Cao Y. Study on the Influence of Different Feeding Habitats on the Behavioral Habits of Siberian Cranes in the Songnen Plain. Diversity. 2025; 17(1):36. https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010036

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zhu, Shiying, Guangyi Deng, Haibo Jiang, Jie Gao, Chunguang He, Yan Zhang, and Yingyue Cao. 2025. "Study on the Influence of Different Feeding Habitats on the Behavioral Habits of Siberian Cranes in the Songnen Plain" Diversity 17, no. 1: 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010036

APA Style

Zhu, S., Deng, G., Jiang, H., Gao, J., He, C., Zhang, Y., & Cao, Y. (2025). Study on the Influence of Different Feeding Habitats on the Behavioral Habits of Siberian Cranes in the Songnen Plain. Diversity, 17(1), 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010036

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop