Clipping Seabird Feathers Reduced Survival but Boosted Future Breeding Success

Researchers in Alaska experimentally clipped wing and tail feathers of wild black-legged kittiwakes to increase the energy cost of flight. The birds had difficulty raising chicks during the affected breeding season, and only 67% returned the following year compared to unaltered birds. However, the survivors showed unexpected resilience, migrating greater distances and achieving higher breeding success in subsequent seasons. The study highlights how energy expenditure in one season can have lasting carry-over effects on a bird's future survival and reproduction.