Unraveling the Mystery of a Newly Discovered Migratory Species, Hook-billed Kite, in Belize, Central America

Methods

Summary

1.      In 2016-17, we will conduct the annual Raptor Watch to visually monitor for Hook-billed Kites in southern Belize, where they bottleneck during migration between October and December. We will then conduct surveys in each study area for nesting Hook-billed Kites between March and September 2017. Once we have located a nest, we will assess the feasibility of trapping the kites given nest tree and nest location.  If nests are accessible and kites are healthy, kites will be banded and safely fitted with a backpack mounted GPS transmitter.

2.      We will trap Hook-billed Kites using various trapping techniques that have been widely tested and proven to work for raptors, particularly for kites. We will be using canopy mist-nets or noose carpets on a known feeding perch or nest.

3.      We will study movements and migration using GPS transmitters, which is the universal method for studying raptor movements. We will be using North Star Science and Technology’s Model 9.5GS, solar PTT transmitter which weighs 9.5g (www.northstarst.com/bird-trackers/model-9-5-gs-9-5-gram-solar-ptt/), Microwave Telemetry’s 5g solar PTT transmitter, or Lotek’s 3.5g GPS transmitter. The weight of the transmitter will not exceed 4% of the body weight of the individual. The mean female mass is 280g and the mean male mass is 263g. Therefore, for females we need a transmitter less than 11g and for males a transmitter less than 10g.  

4.      We will use the Argos satellite system and retrieve all data through Argos or CLS America. The transmitter will be programed to obtain 1-5 data points per day, which we will be analyzing using Arcmap or a similar spatial software program (PTT Tracker). The transmitter’s life expectancy varies between 1-5 years, but these transmitters can potentially last up to 12 years (North Star Science and Technology). Once the transmitter is dropped, we will recover the units using a PTT locater device and can use them again on other individuals.