Issue 97 - June 2023

Smallest Shifting Fastest: Bird Species Body Size Predicts Rate of Change in a Warming World

By The University of Michigan

Birds across the Americas are getting smaller and longer-winged as the world warms, and the smallest-bodied species are changing the fastest, according to a new University of Michigan-led study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The new study combines data from two previously published papers that measured body size and wing-length changes in a total of more than 86,000 bird specimens over four decades in North and South America. The North American study was conducted by the Field Museum in Chicago.

From the side, this photograph shows birds from the Field Museum building-collision study. From front to back: brown creeper, magnolia warbler, Blackburnian warbler, indigo bunting, rose-breasted grosbeak, wood thrush, American robin, brown thrasher.

Photo credit: (c) Field Museum, Daryl Coldren

ANN ARBOR—Birds across the Americas are getting smaller and longer-winged as the world warms, and the smallest-bodied species are changing the fastest.

That’s the main finding of a new University of Michigan-led study scheduled for online publication May 8 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The study combines data from two previously published papers that measured body-size and wing-length changes in a total of more than 86,000 bird specimens over four decades in North and South America. One study examined migrating birds killed after colliding with buildings in Chicago; the other looked at nonmigrating birds netted in the Amazon.

Though the two datasets are nonoverlapping in both species composition and geography, and the data were collected independently using different methods, the birds in both studies displayed similarly widespread declines in body size with concurrent increases in wing length.

Now, a new analysis of the combined data has revealed an even more striking pattern: In both studies, smaller bird species declined proportionately faster in body size and increased proportionately faster in wing length.

“The relationships between body size and rates of change are remarkably consistent across both datasets. However, the biological mechanism underlying the observed link between body size and rates of morphological change requires further investigation,” said U-M ornithologist Benjamin Winger, one of the study’s two senior authors, an assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, and an assistant curator at the Museum of Zoology.

Both the Chicago and Amazonian studies attributed the reductions in species body size to increasing temperatures over the past 40 years, suggesting that body size may be an important determinant of species responses to climate change.

Even so, exactly why smaller-bodied species are changing faster remains an open question, according to the researchers.

It could be that smaller-bodied birds are adapting more quickly to evolutionary pressures. But the available data did not allow the U-M-led team to test whether the observed size shifts represent rapid evolutionary changes in response to natural selection.

“If natural selection plays a role in the patterns we observed, our results suggest that smaller bird species might be evolving faster because they experience stronger selection, are more responsive to selection, or both,” said co-senior author Brian Weeks, an evolutionary ecologist at the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability.

“Either way, body size appears to be a primary mediator of birds’ responses to contemporary climate change.”

So, if larger-bodied birds are responding more slowly to global change, what’s the prognosis for the coming decades, as temperatures continue to climb?

“Our results suggest that large body size could further exacerbate extinction risk by limiting the potential to adapt to rapid, ongoing anthropogenic change,” said study lead author Marketa Zimova, a former U-M Institute for Global Change Biology postdoctoral researcher now at Appalachian State University.

“In contrast, the body-size effect on evolutionary rates might increase persistence of small taxa if their rapidly changing morphology reflects a faster adaptive response to changing conditions.”

The new study analyzed data from 129 bird species: 52 migratory species breeding in North America and 77 South American resident species. The 86,131 specimens were collected over roughly the same period using different techniques.

The smallest bird among the Chicago species was the golden-crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa) at an average size of 5.47 grams, and the largest was the common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) at 107.90 grams. Among the Amazonian species, the fork-tailed woodnymph (Thalurania furcata) was the smallest at 4.08 grams, and the largest was the Amazonian motmot (Momotus momota) at 131.00 grams.

The North American dataset was derived from birds retrieved by staff and volunteers at Chicago’s Field Museum after collisions with city buildings. For each of the 70,716 individuals, Field Museum ornithologist David Willard measured bill length, wing length, body mass and the length of a lower leg bone called the tarsus.

“The birds collected from window collisions in Chicago are providing insights into morphological changes related to the changing climate. It is extremely gratifying to see data from these birds analyzed for a better understanding of the factors driving these changes,” said Willard, collections manager emeritus and a co-author of the new PNAS study.

The Amazonian dataset contains measurements of 15,415 nonmigratory birds captured with mist nets in the rainforest, measured, then released. Two measurements were consistently recorded throughout the study period: mass and wing length.

The large and complementary datasets provided a unique opportunity to test whether two fundamental organismal traits—body size and generation length—shaped the birds’ responses to rapid environmental change.

Among biologists, it is broadly assumed that a species’ generation length, defined as the average age of individuals producing offspring, is an important predictor of its ability to adapt to rapid environmental change.

Shorter-lived organisms that reproduce on relatively short time scales, such as mice, are predicted to evolve faster than creatures with longer generation lengths, such as elephants, because the mice have more frequent opportunities to make use of the random genetic mutations generated during reproduction.

The authors of the new PNAS study used statistical models to test the importance of both generation length and species body size in mediating rates of morphological change in birds.

After controlling for body size, they found no relationship between generation length and rates of change in the North American bird species. Generation-length data were not available for the South American birds, so they were not included in that part of the analysis.

At the same time, the new analysis showed that a species’ mean body size was significantly associated with the rates of change measured in both the Chicago and Amazonian birds.

“Body size may be a valuable predictor of adaptive capacity and the extent to which contemporary evolution may reduce risk of extinction among species,” the authors wrote.

In addition to Winger, Weeks, Zimova and Willard, the authors of the PNAS paper are Sean Giery of Pennsylvania State University, Vitek Jirinec of Integral Ecology Research Center and Ryan Burner of the U.S. Geological Survey.

The study was supported by funding from the Institute for Global Change Biology at the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability.

Study: Body size predicts the rate of contemporary morphological change in birds

This photograph shows birds from the Field Museum building-collision study. From left to right: golden-crowned kinglet, brown creeper, magnolia warbler, Blackburnian warbler, indigo bunting, rose-breasted grosbeak, wood thrush, American robin, brown thrasher. Photo credit: (c) Field Museum, Daryl Coldren.

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Feature Destination: Finland Spearheads New Marine Conservation Initiatives to Safeguard Baltic Sea

Finland, renowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability, has recently taken significant strides in marine conservation efforts to protect the delicate Baltic Sea ecosystem. With a firm focus on preserving biodiversity and ensuring the long-term health of its coastal waters, Finland has unveiled a range of innovative initiatives aimed at safeguarding the marine environment.

As part of the ongoing commitment to environmental protection, Finland has embarked on an ambitious plan to establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within its territorial waters. These MPAs will serve as crucial sanctuaries for marine life and habitats, creating safe havens that allow ecosystems to flourish and thrive. The designation of these areas will entail specific conservation objectives and management measures, ensuring sustainable practices and responsible use of resources.

“We recognize the urgent need to protect and preserve our marine environment for future generations,” stated Minister of Environment, Johanna Laitinen. “The establishment of Marine Protected Areas represents a significant step forward in our conservation efforts, reinforcing Finland’s commitment to sustainable marine management and biodiversity conservation.”

To complement the MPA initiative, Finland is actively collaborating with neighboring countries through the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM) to devise comprehensive strategies for Baltic Sea conservation. By pooling resources, sharing expertise, and coordinating efforts, Finland aims to enhance the effectiveness of marine protection measures throughout the region.

The Finnish government has also bolstered its commitment to marine conservation through the expansion of the Natura 2000 network. This EU-wide initiative, which designates protected areas of high ecological value, encompasses both terrestrial and marine habitats in Finland. By extending the network to include additional coastal and marine areas, Finland aims to ensure the conservation of key biodiversity hotspots and the sustainable management of these critical ecosystems.

Moreover, Finland is actively engaging local communities, NGOs, and scientific institutions to foster a collaborative approach to marine conservation. By encouraging public participation and incorporating scientific research into conservation planning, Finland seeks to ensure that its efforts are evidence-based, inclusive, and representative of diverse perspectives.

The coast of Finland is home to a diverse array of marine species, many of which are of interest for conservation and protection. Here are some notable marine species found along the Finnish coast:

Grey Seal (Halichoerus Grypus): The grey seal is one of the largest seal species found in the Baltic Sea. It is a protected species in Finland, and efforts are made to conserve its population and habitats.

Harbor Seal (Phoca Vitulina): The harbour seal, also known as the common seal, is another seal species that can be found along the Finnish coast. It is protected under Finnish legislation, and conservation efforts aim to ensure its survival and well-being.

Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar): The Atlantic salmon is an anadromous fish species that migrate between freshwater rivers and the sea. It is of significant ecological and economic importance in Finland. Conservation measures focus on maintaining healthy salmon populations and protecting their spawning habitats.

Baltic Sea Ringed Seal (Pusa Hispida Botnica): The Baltic Sea ringed seal is a subspecies of the ringed seal and is endemic to the Baltic Sea. It is considered one of the most endangered seal species globally. Conservation efforts in Finland aim to protect its habitats, reduce disturbances, and mitigate threats such as pollution and climate change.

Steller’s Eider (Polysticta Stelleri): The Steller’s Eider is a sea duck species that breeds along the Arctic coasts. It is listed as vulnerable globally, and Finland is an important breeding area for this species. Conservation measures focus on protecting its nesting sites and addressing threats such as habitat degradation and disturbance.

White-Tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus Albicilla): The white-tailed sea eagle is a large bird of prey that inhabits coastal areas and feeds on fish. It is a protected species in Finland, and conservation efforts aim to ensure the survival and recovery of its population.

Various Fish Species: The coastal waters of Finland are home to a range of fish species, including Baltic herring, Atlantic cod, flounder, and pikeperch. Sustainable fishing practices and conservation measures are implemented to maintain healthy fish populations and protect their habitats.

These recent marine conservation efforts in Finland are a testament to the country’s dedication to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. By prioritizing the preservation of its coastal waters, Finland is setting an inspiring example for other nations in their pursuit of effective marine conservation strategies.

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Issue 97 - June 2023

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – June 2023 – Issue 97

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Where Sustainability Meets Serenity on The Shores of The Baltic Sea

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The Greener Side of Koh Phangan

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Innovative Tool for Effective Management of Marine Mammals within MPAs

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Scientists Draw Attention to Low Number of North Atlantic Right Whale Births

As North Atlantic right whale calving season ends, New England Aquarium scientists are celebrating the births while emphasizing that the number of mother-calf pairs documented this season is far below what is needed to sustain the critically endangered species. Read more…

Polar Amplification: Why is The Arctic Warming Faster Than The Rest of The World?

The Arctic is the fastest-warming region on Earth. Last year, an international team of climatologists discovered that the Arctic could warm even 4.5 times faster than the rest of the globe. It means that in the next 25 years, we can experience a no-ice in the Arctic in the summer season. Read more…

Smallest Shifting Fastest: Bird Species Body Size Predicts Rate of Change in a Warming World

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You can either make a direct financial contribution to SEVENSEAS Media through The Ocean Foundation website or connect us with potential donors by sending an email to Giacomo Abrusci, our Editor-in-Chief.

The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List

Signing up for the free Weekly Newsletter & Jobs List will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs list.

To sign up for our free subscription, please Click Here or email us Here.

Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email us Here.

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Feature Destination

Feature Destination: Where Sustainability Meets Serenity on The Shores of The Baltic Sea

Explore the Finnish Capital’s Unique Blend of Urban Sophistication, Pristine Nature, and Oceanic Wonders

With its vibrant cityscape harmoniously intertwined with pristine nature and the captivating Baltic Sea, Helsinki stands as a shining example of sustainable tourism at its finest. This Nordic gem beckons travelers seeking an enchanting escape that seamlessly blends urban sophistication, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a deep respect for the ocean’s wonders. Discover Helsinki, where sustainability takes center stage, inviting visitors to explore its eco-friendly initiatives, embrace nature’s splendor, and forge an indelible connection with the world beneath the waves.

Urban Sophistication: Helsinki’s urban landscape effortlessly combines modern design, cultural richness, and a commitment to sustainability. Meander through its streets, lined with stylish boutiques, avant-garde architecture, and innovative culinary establishments that proudly embrace organic and locally sourced ingredients. The city’s bustling markets, such as the famed Old Market Hall, offer a delectable array of sustainable and traditional Finnish delicacies, tantalizing both the palate and the senses.

Embracing Sustainable Tourism: Helsinki’s sustainable tourism initiatives are at the forefront of its ethos. The city boasts an exceptional public transportation system, including efficient trams and ferries, encouraging visitors to explore the city with a minimal carbon footprint. To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, rent a city bike and pedal your way through Helsinki’s well-maintained cycling paths, discovering hidden gems and lush green parks along the way.

Pristine Nature: Helsinki is blessed with an abundance of pristine nature within its city limits. Start your journey at the majestic Central Park, a lush oasis that seamlessly melds forests, lakes, and meandering trails. Breathe in the fresh air as you wander through Sibelius Park, named after Finland’s beloved composer, where magnificent sculptures pay homage to his melodic masterpieces.

Venture to the nearby Nuuksio National Park, a tranquil wilderness that invites you to explore its enchanting trails, spot elusive wildlife, and marvel at crystal-clear lakes. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Finnish nature, embracing the restorative power of forests and their timeless allure.

Oceanic Wonders: Helsinki’s undeniable charm lies in its connection to the Baltic Sea, offering an array of unforgettable experiences for ocean enthusiasts. Embark on a sailing adventure, gliding through the archipelago’s myriad of islands, and witness the mesmerizing interplay of sun-kissed waves and dramatic coastal cliffs. Engage in sustainable fishing excursions, guided by experienced local experts, and savor the thrill of catching your own dinner while respecting the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

For a truly immersive experience, dive beneath the waves and discover Helsinki’s vibrant underwater world. The Baltic Sea reveals an astonishing tapestry of marine life, including colorful fish, awe-inspiring shipwrecks, and graceful seals. Dive responsibly with eco-certified operators who prioritize marine conservation and share their knowledge of the delicate marine ecosystem.

Dive Finland – www.divefinland.fi
Helsinki Diving Center – www.helsinkidivingcenter.fi
Adventure Dive – www.adventuredive.fi
Helsinki Scuba Diving – www.helsinkiscubadiving.com
Baltic Scuba – www.balticscuba.fi

Helsinki captivates the soul of the sustainable traveler, inviting them to experience a harmonious blend of urban sophistication, untouched nature, and the mesmerizing Baltic Sea. From its eco-friendly initiatives and vibrant markets to its pristine parks and captivating underwater realm, this Finnish capital effortlessly showcases its dedication to sustainable tourism. Immerse yourself in Helsinki’s transformative journey, where the city, nature, and ocean seamlessly converge, leaving an indelible mark on your heart and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of sustainable travel.

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