Birds of Anaktuvuk Pass, Kobuk, and Old Crow: A Study in Arctic Adaptation
Irving L. 1960. Birds of Anaktuvuk Pass, Kobuk, and Old Crow: A Study in Arctic Adaptation. U.S. National Museum Bulletin. 217. Smithsonian Institution. Washington, DC
This work synthesizes about 10 years worth of observations made by the author, a physiologist, in the Brooks Range. The document presents species-specific data for birds taken at Anaktuvuk Pass, Kobuk, and Old Crow. Physiological data are presented in tables that indicate sex of the specimens; dates of taking; weight in grams; fatness on a scale ranging from fat to very little fat; and (where important) physical measurements such as wing and tarsus lengths. It is argued that current patterns of migration to arctic Alaska are comparatively recent and did not exist prior to the end of the last ice age. An analysis is presented of the migratory paths of 93 species and of population isolation mechanisms and effects. The bulk of the species (61) reach Alaska via the American Pacific coast and through western Canada. Once in Alaska, migration corridors are shaped by mountain ranges and tend to follow major rivers and to flow through mountain passes.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Irving, Laurence
- Date of Issue
- 1960
- Publisher
- Smithsonian Institution
- Units
- GAAR , KOVA
- Keywords
- Adaptation, Anaktuvuk Pass, Animal Studies, Birds, Brooks Range, Gates Of The Arctic National Park And Preserve, Kobuk River, Kobuk Valley National Park, Migration, Physiology, Species List