Bar-tailed Godwits - photo taken on mudflats near Cape Avinof, Alaska, while doing avian influenza sampling.
Daniel R Ruthrauff, Ph.D.
Reproductive and migration ecology of shorebirds; shorebird population demography
My career in Alaska began in 1996, working as a seasonal technician on various bird studies. Today, my research broadly investigates the biotic and abiotic factors that affect bird populations. My projects primarily focus on shorebirds as study subjects, but I also have extensive experience studying landbirds and waterfowl. My work focuses on documenting the status and distribution of shorebirds, studying the migration ecology of shorebirds, and assessing the reproductive ecology of Alaska-breeding shorebirds. Because most of Alaska's shorebirds are migratory, I collaborate on international efforts on many of these same topics. My current research focuses on the interactive effects of climate change and rapidly expanding goose populations on shorebirds, landbirds, and their breeding habitats in Arctic Alaska.
Professional Experience
2015 - Present Research Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center
2002 - 2015 Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center
1999 - 2001 Biological Technician, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Bethel, Alaska
1996 - 1999 Biological Technician, U.S. Geological Survey / Alaska Science Center
1995 - 1996 Volunteer Field Assistant, various projects
1995 Groundfish Observer, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska
1991 - 1992 Freshwater Fisheries Extension Agent, United States Peace Corps, Togo, West Africa
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2014 University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands Animal Ecology
M.S. 2002 Humboldt State University Arcata, California Wildlife Management
B.A. 1991 University of Colorado, Boulder Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Ornithological Society
Wader Study Group
Science and Products
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Biomass, and Nitrogen Content of Goose Forage, Northern Alaska, 2011-2018
Information from Bird Nests Monitored on the Colville River Delta, Alaska, 2011-2018
Measurements Used to Determine the Sex of Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis)
Tracking Data for Marbled Godwits (Limosa fedoa)
Bristle-Thighed Curlew (Numenius tahitiensis) Mark-Resight Encounter History from the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge and Surrounding Area, Oahu, Hawaii, 2012-2017
Allometrics of Baltic Tellin (Macoma balthica) bivalves from Cook Inlet, AK, and Baie de Somme, France, 2010-2011
Migratory Timing and Site Use of Marbled Godwits Breeding in Alaska, 2008-2015
Data for Montane-breeding Bird Distribution and Abundance across National Parks of Southwestern Alaska, 2004-2008
Bar-tailed Godwits - photo taken on mudflats near Cape Avinof, Alaska, while doing avian influenza sampling.
![A flock of shorebirds flying over the mudflats in western Alaska](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/BARG_flock_Cape_Avinof_9-3-2008_Dan_Ruthrauff.jpg?itok=60kFUKFs)
Bar-tailed Godwit flock flying over the mudflats on Cape Avinof, western Alaska.
Bar-tailed Godwit flock flying over the mudflats on Cape Avinof, western Alaska.
![Bar-tailed Godwits flying over mudflats near Cape Avinof, Alaska](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/Ruthrauff_godwitsCapeAvinof_2008a.jpg?itok=vzv46yDY)
Bar-tailed Godwits - photo taken on mudflats near Cape Avinof, Alaska. USGS and USFWS recently found that almost the entire population of Alaska-breeding bar-tailed godwits feed along sand bars near the mouth of the Kuskokwim River in autumn. These godwits spend the nonbreeding season primarily in eastern Australia an
Bar-tailed Godwits - photo taken on mudflats near Cape Avinof, Alaska. USGS and USFWS recently found that almost the entire population of Alaska-breeding bar-tailed godwits feed along sand bars near the mouth of the Kuskokwim River in autumn. These godwits spend the nonbreeding season primarily in eastern Australia an
Bob Gill spreading the wing of a Marbled godwit on the Alaska Peninsula near Ugashik.
Bob Gill spreading the wing of a Marbled godwit on the Alaska Peninsula near Ugashik.
Marbled Godwit near Ugashik, Alaska.
Marbled Godwit near Ugashik, Alaska.
Lee Tibbitts pointing to a Marbled godwit nest on the Alaska Peninsula near Ugashik.
Lee Tibbitts pointing to a Marbled godwit nest on the Alaska Peninsula near Ugashik.
![Image: Rock Sandpipers Roosting Along Shore of Cook Inlet](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/ROSA_2.jpg?itok=vx4ZrXnR)
A small flock of Rock Sandpipers roosts near the splash zone along the shore of upper Cook Inlet. Numerous individuals exhibit ice encasing their lower legs and adhering to their feathers.
A small flock of Rock Sandpipers roosts near the splash zone along the shore of upper Cook Inlet. Numerous individuals exhibit ice encasing their lower legs and adhering to their feathers.
![Shorebirds huddled together on the icy mud](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/ROSA_ice_Kasilof_12-19-2007_Dan_Ruthrauff.jpg?itok=TSViZxnC)
Rock Sandpipers huddle together on the icy mudflats near Kasilof, AK.
Rock Sandpipers huddle together on the icy mudflats near Kasilof, AK.
![Shorebirds standing on the ice](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/ROSA_Kasilof_12-18-2007_Dan_Ruthrauff.jpg?itok=vU3v7a-o)
Rock Sandpipers huddle together on the ice near Kasilof, Alaska.
Rock Sandpipers huddle together on the ice near Kasilof, Alaska.
![A flock of shorebirds along Cook Inlet in the winter](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/ROSA_flock_Kasilof_12-18-2007_Dan_Ruthrauff.jpg?itok=_zt-VLap)
Rock Sandpiper flock on the mudlfats near Kasilof, AK in the winter.
Rock Sandpiper flock on the mudlfats near Kasilof, AK in the winter.
Image of a Rock Sandpiper with its lower left leg encased in ice.
Image of a Rock Sandpiper with its lower left leg encased in ice.
Bar-tailed Godwit tagged Z0 near Naknek, Alaska
Bar-tailed Godwit tagged Z0 near Naknek, Alaska
![A Bar-tailed Godwit with a Z0 tag on it's leg and a satellite transmitter antenna emerging from rear feathers](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/BARG_Z0_Alaska_ruthrauff.jpg?itok=pAXmjgZ9)
Bar-tailed godwit "Z0" instrumented with an implanted Argos satellite transmitter (note dorsally exposed antenna) to facilitate aerodynamics during the species non-stop flights across the Pacific Ocean.
Bar-tailed godwit "Z0" instrumented with an implanted Argos satellite transmitter (note dorsally exposed antenna) to facilitate aerodynamics during the species non-stop flights across the Pacific Ocean.
Marbled Godwit on a nest near Ugashik, Alaska.
Marbled Godwit on a nest near Ugashik, Alaska.
Dunlin flock near Egegik, Alaska.
Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis) are large shorebirds that breed in Alaska and spend the nonbreeding season on atolls and small islands throughout Oceania. This life history pattern requires curlews to migrate long distances each year.
Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis) are large shorebirds that breed in Alaska and spend the nonbreeding season on atolls and small islands throughout Oceania. This life history pattern requires curlews to migrate long distances each year.
Curlews migrate long distances each year. Captured birds are quickly removed from mist nets and transported to the care of a veterinarian, who performs the implant surgeries to outfit the bird with a tracking device. In June 2007, USGS scientists tagged 13 curlews with satellite transmitters at their southern breeding area in Alaska.
Curlews migrate long distances each year. Captured birds are quickly removed from mist nets and transported to the care of a veterinarian, who performs the implant surgeries to outfit the bird with a tracking device. In June 2007, USGS scientists tagged 13 curlews with satellite transmitters at their southern breeding area in Alaska.
Curlew Chicks hatch in late June and are almost immediately ready to leave the nest. The coloring and pattern of the downy chicks provides camouflage to protect them from avian and mammalian predators. Chicks follow their parents on long hikes to feeding areas. Curlews also migrate long distances each year.
Curlew Chicks hatch in late June and are almost immediately ready to leave the nest. The coloring and pattern of the downy chicks provides camouflage to protect them from avian and mammalian predators. Chicks follow their parents on long hikes to feeding areas. Curlews also migrate long distances each year.
In general, Whimbrels (like the one in this photo) are brown and grey in appearance in contrast to the brown and cinnamon tones of curlews. In addition, these two species can always be distinguished by their vocalizations.
In general, Whimbrels (like the one in this photo) are brown and grey in appearance in contrast to the brown and cinnamon tones of curlews. In addition, these two species can always be distinguished by their vocalizations.
A distinctive feature of the Bristle-thighed Curlew is its cinnamon-colored rump and tail. This feature helps distinguish curlews from similar species like the Whimbrel (N. phaeopus), particularly in places where the two species overlap in Alaska and Oceania. These curlews migrate long distances each year.
A distinctive feature of the Bristle-thighed Curlew is its cinnamon-colored rump and tail. This feature helps distinguish curlews from similar species like the Whimbrel (N. phaeopus), particularly in places where the two species overlap in Alaska and Oceania. These curlews migrate long distances each year.
Technical comment on “Global pattern of nest predation is disrupted by climate change in shorebirds”
Alaska Shorebird Conservation Plan, Version III
Flexible timing of annual movements across consistently used sites by Marbled Godwits breeding in Alaska
Survival of Bristle-thighed Curlews equipped with externally mounted transmitters
Unusual foraging observations associated with seabird die-offs in Alaska
Montane-breeding bird distribution and abundance across national parks of southwestern Alaska
Energetic solutions of Rock Sandpipers to harsh winter conditions rely on prey quality
Normalized difference vegetation index as an estimator for abundance and quality of avian herbivore forage in arctic Alaska
A global threats overview for Numeniini populations: synthesising expert knowledge for a group of declining migratory birds.
Ways to be different: Foraging adaptations that facilitate higher intake rates in a northerly wintering shorebird compared with a low-latitude conspecific
Avian influenza virus antibodies in Pacific Coast Red Knots (Calidris canutus rufa)
Coping with the cold: An ecological context for the abundance and distribution of rock sandpipers during winter in upper Cook Inlet, Alaska
Science and Products
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Biomass, and Nitrogen Content of Goose Forage, Northern Alaska, 2011-2018
Information from Bird Nests Monitored on the Colville River Delta, Alaska, 2011-2018
Measurements Used to Determine the Sex of Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis)
Tracking Data for Marbled Godwits (Limosa fedoa)
Bristle-Thighed Curlew (Numenius tahitiensis) Mark-Resight Encounter History from the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge and Surrounding Area, Oahu, Hawaii, 2012-2017
Allometrics of Baltic Tellin (Macoma balthica) bivalves from Cook Inlet, AK, and Baie de Somme, France, 2010-2011
Migratory Timing and Site Use of Marbled Godwits Breeding in Alaska, 2008-2015
Data for Montane-breeding Bird Distribution and Abundance across National Parks of Southwestern Alaska, 2004-2008
Bar-tailed Godwits - photo taken on mudflats near Cape Avinof, Alaska, while doing avian influenza sampling.
Bar-tailed Godwits - photo taken on mudflats near Cape Avinof, Alaska, while doing avian influenza sampling.
![A flock of shorebirds flying over the mudflats in western Alaska](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/BARG_flock_Cape_Avinof_9-3-2008_Dan_Ruthrauff.jpg?itok=60kFUKFs)
Bar-tailed Godwit flock flying over the mudflats on Cape Avinof, western Alaska.
Bar-tailed Godwit flock flying over the mudflats on Cape Avinof, western Alaska.
![Bar-tailed Godwits flying over mudflats near Cape Avinof, Alaska](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/Ruthrauff_godwitsCapeAvinof_2008a.jpg?itok=vzv46yDY)
Bar-tailed Godwits - photo taken on mudflats near Cape Avinof, Alaska. USGS and USFWS recently found that almost the entire population of Alaska-breeding bar-tailed godwits feed along sand bars near the mouth of the Kuskokwim River in autumn. These godwits spend the nonbreeding season primarily in eastern Australia an
Bar-tailed Godwits - photo taken on mudflats near Cape Avinof, Alaska. USGS and USFWS recently found that almost the entire population of Alaska-breeding bar-tailed godwits feed along sand bars near the mouth of the Kuskokwim River in autumn. These godwits spend the nonbreeding season primarily in eastern Australia an
Bob Gill spreading the wing of a Marbled godwit on the Alaska Peninsula near Ugashik.
Bob Gill spreading the wing of a Marbled godwit on the Alaska Peninsula near Ugashik.
Marbled Godwit near Ugashik, Alaska.
Marbled Godwit near Ugashik, Alaska.
Lee Tibbitts pointing to a Marbled godwit nest on the Alaska Peninsula near Ugashik.
Lee Tibbitts pointing to a Marbled godwit nest on the Alaska Peninsula near Ugashik.
![Image: Rock Sandpipers Roosting Along Shore of Cook Inlet](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/ROSA_2.jpg?itok=vx4ZrXnR)
A small flock of Rock Sandpipers roosts near the splash zone along the shore of upper Cook Inlet. Numerous individuals exhibit ice encasing their lower legs and adhering to their feathers.
A small flock of Rock Sandpipers roosts near the splash zone along the shore of upper Cook Inlet. Numerous individuals exhibit ice encasing their lower legs and adhering to their feathers.
![Shorebirds huddled together on the icy mud](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/ROSA_ice_Kasilof_12-19-2007_Dan_Ruthrauff.jpg?itok=TSViZxnC)
Rock Sandpipers huddle together on the icy mudflats near Kasilof, AK.
Rock Sandpipers huddle together on the icy mudflats near Kasilof, AK.
![Shorebirds standing on the ice](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/ROSA_Kasilof_12-18-2007_Dan_Ruthrauff.jpg?itok=vU3v7a-o)
Rock Sandpipers huddle together on the ice near Kasilof, Alaska.
Rock Sandpipers huddle together on the ice near Kasilof, Alaska.
![A flock of shorebirds along Cook Inlet in the winter](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/ROSA_flock_Kasilof_12-18-2007_Dan_Ruthrauff.jpg?itok=_zt-VLap)
Rock Sandpiper flock on the mudlfats near Kasilof, AK in the winter.
Rock Sandpiper flock on the mudlfats near Kasilof, AK in the winter.
Image of a Rock Sandpiper with its lower left leg encased in ice.
Image of a Rock Sandpiper with its lower left leg encased in ice.
Bar-tailed Godwit tagged Z0 near Naknek, Alaska
Bar-tailed Godwit tagged Z0 near Naknek, Alaska
![A Bar-tailed Godwit with a Z0 tag on it's leg and a satellite transmitter antenna emerging from rear feathers](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/BARG_Z0_Alaska_ruthrauff.jpg?itok=pAXmjgZ9)
Bar-tailed godwit "Z0" instrumented with an implanted Argos satellite transmitter (note dorsally exposed antenna) to facilitate aerodynamics during the species non-stop flights across the Pacific Ocean.
Bar-tailed godwit "Z0" instrumented with an implanted Argos satellite transmitter (note dorsally exposed antenna) to facilitate aerodynamics during the species non-stop flights across the Pacific Ocean.
Marbled Godwit on a nest near Ugashik, Alaska.
Marbled Godwit on a nest near Ugashik, Alaska.
Dunlin flock near Egegik, Alaska.
Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis) are large shorebirds that breed in Alaska and spend the nonbreeding season on atolls and small islands throughout Oceania. This life history pattern requires curlews to migrate long distances each year.
Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis) are large shorebirds that breed in Alaska and spend the nonbreeding season on atolls and small islands throughout Oceania. This life history pattern requires curlews to migrate long distances each year.
Curlews migrate long distances each year. Captured birds are quickly removed from mist nets and transported to the care of a veterinarian, who performs the implant surgeries to outfit the bird with a tracking device. In June 2007, USGS scientists tagged 13 curlews with satellite transmitters at their southern breeding area in Alaska.
Curlews migrate long distances each year. Captured birds are quickly removed from mist nets and transported to the care of a veterinarian, who performs the implant surgeries to outfit the bird with a tracking device. In June 2007, USGS scientists tagged 13 curlews with satellite transmitters at their southern breeding area in Alaska.
Curlew Chicks hatch in late June and are almost immediately ready to leave the nest. The coloring and pattern of the downy chicks provides camouflage to protect them from avian and mammalian predators. Chicks follow their parents on long hikes to feeding areas. Curlews also migrate long distances each year.
Curlew Chicks hatch in late June and are almost immediately ready to leave the nest. The coloring and pattern of the downy chicks provides camouflage to protect them from avian and mammalian predators. Chicks follow their parents on long hikes to feeding areas. Curlews also migrate long distances each year.
In general, Whimbrels (like the one in this photo) are brown and grey in appearance in contrast to the brown and cinnamon tones of curlews. In addition, these two species can always be distinguished by their vocalizations.
In general, Whimbrels (like the one in this photo) are brown and grey in appearance in contrast to the brown and cinnamon tones of curlews. In addition, these two species can always be distinguished by their vocalizations.
A distinctive feature of the Bristle-thighed Curlew is its cinnamon-colored rump and tail. This feature helps distinguish curlews from similar species like the Whimbrel (N. phaeopus), particularly in places where the two species overlap in Alaska and Oceania. These curlews migrate long distances each year.
A distinctive feature of the Bristle-thighed Curlew is its cinnamon-colored rump and tail. This feature helps distinguish curlews from similar species like the Whimbrel (N. phaeopus), particularly in places where the two species overlap in Alaska and Oceania. These curlews migrate long distances each year.
Technical comment on “Global pattern of nest predation is disrupted by climate change in shorebirds”
Alaska Shorebird Conservation Plan, Version III
Flexible timing of annual movements across consistently used sites by Marbled Godwits breeding in Alaska
Survival of Bristle-thighed Curlews equipped with externally mounted transmitters
Unusual foraging observations associated with seabird die-offs in Alaska
Montane-breeding bird distribution and abundance across national parks of southwestern Alaska
Energetic solutions of Rock Sandpipers to harsh winter conditions rely on prey quality
Normalized difference vegetation index as an estimator for abundance and quality of avian herbivore forage in arctic Alaska
A global threats overview for Numeniini populations: synthesising expert knowledge for a group of declining migratory birds.
Ways to be different: Foraging adaptations that facilitate higher intake rates in a northerly wintering shorebird compared with a low-latitude conspecific
Avian influenza virus antibodies in Pacific Coast Red Knots (Calidris canutus rufa)
Coping with the cold: An ecological context for the abundance and distribution of rock sandpipers during winter in upper Cook Inlet, Alaska
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government