Priorities for Future Research

Since Pitelka’s work on dowitchers in the 1940s and 1950s, remarkably little research has been conducted on the Long-billed Dowitcher. Studies on the breeding grounds could add significant information on the basic breeding biology of this species. The area of breeding sympatry between Long-billed and Short-billed dowitchers from Kuskokwim to Goodnews Bay, Alaska, may shed light on how these two species evolved (F. Pitelka pers. comm.). Characterization of roosting areas and importance of nontidal foraging areas such as salt evaporation ponds need investigation. Color-marking studies of Long-billed Dowitchers have not been done at either breeding or wintering grounds, and fidelity and survivorship data are entirely lacking. A detailed study of the migration of dowitchers is needed to add data on the scant information we currently have. A better description of the molt cycle is needed. Population estimates and trends remain crude and could be better estimated. Social aspects of Long-billed Dowitcher vocalizations are poorly known and need further study.