This dataset consists of raw carbon and nitrogen stable isotope values of mangrove bird blood and claw tissues (ConsumerData.csv) and their resource base (SourceData.csv) collected at two locations (Cocoa Creek and Healy Creek) in northeast Australia during the year 2015 in the summer/wet season (March - April 2015) and in the winter/dry season (July - August 2015). Data was collected to determine the relative contribution of coastal ecosystem resources (sources) to bird diet (consumers). Birds were grouped into foraging groups based on known diets from the literature as: NI = Nectarivore-Insectivore, OPP = Opportunist/Omnivore, CAR = Carnivore, and I = Insectivore.
Blood was sampled (20 -100 μl) from the antebrachial vein of each bird using a needle (23-27 gauge, depending on bird body size) and a heparinized capillary tube. Blood samples were transferred from the heparinized capillary tube to a glass slide, allowed to dry, and sealed with another glass slide for preservation until preparation for stable isotope analysis. Stainless steel scissors were used to cut 1-2 mm from the tips of four claws of each bird. Claw samples were placed in plastic Eppendorf tubes for preservation until preparation for stable isotope analysis. Birds were released following blood and claw tissue sampling and were not re-sampled if caught again during the same two to four day sampling trip.
Potential resource and prey items (basal food sources) for birds were collected during bird sampling periods at each mist-netting site. Plant, arthropod, and vertebrate food sources were collected in the mangrove forests where birds were sampled, and in adjacent woodlands (Eucalyptus and Melaleuca spp.) and saltmarshes.
This study was carried out under approval from the Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee at James Cook University (Protocol Number: A2147). All animals were handled with extreme care and as efficiently as possible to reduce stress and minimize suffering.