Showing papers in "Bird Study in 2011"
TL;DR: Nest construction is potentially affected by a variety of environmental factors, which may impact upon how nests function, and a better understanding of how nest variability affects its function may allow better assessment of how climate change may impact on the reproductive performance of birds.
Abstract: Capsule For nest construction by Blue Tits, but not Great Tits, first‐egg date (FED) and air temperature significantly affected the mass of the nest as a whole and some of its component parts. Aims To test the hypothesis that use of nest materials is influenced by prevailing climatic conditions during nest construction. Methods Nests used in the study were built by Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus and Great Tits Parus major in nestboxes at a site in Lincolnshire, England during the 2008 and 2009 breeding seasons. Nests were dissected into their component parts and then weighed. Results Stepwise discriminant analysis showed that the masses of grasses, feathers and bark were significantly affected by species (all higher in Blue Tits) and year significantly affected the mass of wool and dust in the nests. anova showed that total mass of the nest was not significantly affected by year of construction or species. By contrast, species, but not year, did significantly influence the masses of animal‐ and plant‐deriv...
108 citations
TL;DR: An open-source freeware program that automatically extracts and counts the number of birds in aerial images of dense aggregations using a stochastic approach based on object processes that should be useful for ornithologists and wildlife managers.
Abstract: Capsule Counts with precision comparable to those of an expert observer can be achieved automatically. Aims To develop an open-source freeware program that automatically extracts and counts the number of birds in aerial images of dense aggregations. Methods Software was developed and validated using aerial photographs of Greater Flamingo colonies from France, Turkey and Mauritania. We used a stochastic approach based on object processes. The objects representing flamingos were defined as ellipses, and the software detected these and produced a count. Details of the procedure are provided in electronic supplementary material. The energy is extracted by a birth-and-death algorithm, leading to the total number of birds. Results This procedure gave counts with precision comparable to manual counts of the aerial photographs by an expert (<5% difference). The procedure does not need any supervision of the extraction by an operator, thus reducing the processing time required to get the estimate of bird numbers i...
58 citations
TL;DR: Although highly frequented by people, fruit orchards seem to be suitable breeding habitats for Turtle Doves in this region.
Abstract: Capsule Although subject to human disturbance Turtle Doves do nest successfully in these olive and orange orchards. Aim To investigate the breeding ecology of Turtle Doves in a man‐made agricultural habitat in central Morocco. Methods Turtle Dove nests were monitored in orange and olive orchards over three years (2006, 2007 and 2008). Nest abundance, nest location, egg‐laying chronology, clutch size, nest survival rates and breeding success were determined and compared between orchard types. Results The Moroccan population of Turtle Doves start breeding earlier than European populations. Clutch size, nest survival rates and breeding success were similar in orange and olive orchards. Nest location differed between orange and olive trees. Nest densities were 16 nests/ha in olive orchards and 45 nests/ha in orange orchards. Nest success rate averaged 48%. Daily nest survival rates did not vary according to orchard types, year and date. In the two orchards, no nest position variables were significant predicto...
47 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the first arrival dates of common Icelandic migrants between 1988 and 2009 were analyzed in the light of climate conditions in the breeding and wintering areas, showing that most of the 17 species studied showed a tendency to arrive earlier.
Abstract: Capsule Icelandic migrants have responded to rapidly increasing spring temperatures on the breeding grounds in recent years. Aims To determine how migrants respond to highly variable spring conditions in their northern breeding areas when they have to cross a barrier on migration. Methods First arrival dates of common Icelandic migrants between 1988 and 2009 were analysed in the light of climate conditions in the breeding and wintering areas. Results Most of the 17 species studied showed a tendency to arrive earlier. Six of the 17 species arrived significantly earlier after milder winters and nine arrived significantly earlier in warmer Icelandic springs. Species wintering further south than northern France showed no timing response to spring conditions in Iceland. Conclusions Migratory birds can respond to high inter‐annual variation in spring conditions on the breeding grounds even though they have to face a long journey over a migration barrier. Species that are wintering closer to the breeding grounds...
46 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore whether changes in the abundance of five upland waders correlate with the three key hypotheses proposed for their declines, including habitat cover, forest edge exposure, grouse moor management intensity and crow abundance.
Abstract: Capsule Declines of upland waders were associated with habitat cover, forest edge exposure, grouse moor management intensity and crow abundance. Aims To explore whether changes in the abundance of five wader species in the uplands correlate with the three key hypotheses proposed for their declines. Methods Using data from repeat upland bird surveys, we examined at two spatial scales (region and plot) if population changes correlate with vegetation cover, forest edge exposure, grouse moor management intensity or crow abundance. Results For Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus and Eurasian Curlews Numenius arquata, there was an association between declines and broad‐scale vegetation cover; declines being greatest on heather‐dominated plots. Exposure to forest edge was associated with declines of European Golden Plovers Pluvialis apricaria and Common Snipe Galinago galinago at the plot scale, and of Northern Lapwings at the regional scale. More intensive grouse moor management was associated with lower declin...
42 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed the available evidence on farmland bird populations and their changes over the past century in Hungary, and compared this with similar data for the UK, and found that the population density of common farmland birds is higher and trends are more positive in Hungary compared to the UK.
Abstract: Capsule Populations of birds on farmland are larger and more stable in Hungary than in the UK and may provide baseline targets when planning population restoration programmes in more intensively farmed regions of Europe. Aims To review the available evidence on farmland bird populations and their changes over the past century in Hungary, and to compare this with similar data for the UK. Methods Published papers and grey literature were searched to determine long-term bird population trends for birds on farmland in Hungary, and for research evidence on the relationship between farmland management and bird diversity in Hungary. Results Population density of common farmland birds is higher and trends are more positive in Hungary compared to the UK. These findings correlate with the recent change to generally less intensive agriculture in Hungary. However, while the birdlife associated with farmland in Hungary can be considered to have high diversity and density, it is still lower than it was in the first hal...
42 citations
TL;DR: The date of peak frass fall was later and the duration of the peak longer in the north and west of Britain compared with the southeast which will have considerable implications for nesting woodland birds such as Pied Flycatchers.
Abstract: Capsule Frass fall was later and of longer duration in woods to the north and west of Britain compared with those in the southeast. Aims Defoliating caterpillars are a major food resource for woodland breeding birds and our aims were to quantify large-scale patterns in the timing and duration of the spring peak in abundance of these caterpillars in oak woodlands in Britain. Methods We deployed traps to collect caterpillar frass at regular intervals through spring in 19 oak woods distributed through England, Wales and Scotland. Models of the temporal patterns of the rate of frass fall were used to explore relationships with geographic variables and average local temperature. Results The date of peak frass fall in 2010 ranged from 20 May to 18 June and was significantly related to altitude, latitude and local April–May temperature. The duration of the peak ranged from 20 to 53 days and was correlated with the date of the peak and April–May temperature. Limited data from 2008 and 2009 indicated considerable ...
39 citations
TL;DR: Capsule Immature Short-toed Snake Eagles hatched in Spain leave their Sahelian wintering grounds to spend the summer in northern Africa as discussed by the authors, where they feed on leaves and grasses.
Abstract: Capsule Immature Short-toed Snake Eagles hatched in Spain leave their Sahelian wintering grounds to spend the summer in northern Africa.
33 citations
TL;DR: Upland wind farms may not necessarily result in declines in bird populations in the operational phase, but similar studies across a range of sites should be conducted and published to examine the factors that determine the response of birds to particular developments.
Abstract: Capsule No evidence for sustained declines in abundance or re‐distribution of two key upland bird species on a wind farm site in the first three years of operation. Aims To describe changes in the abundance and distribution of birds on an upland wind farm during the first three years of operation. Methods Surveys to map the distribution of breeding birds were conducted at the wind farm and a nearby control site in 2006 and 2009. Results Only Willow Ptarmigan (Red Grouse) Lagopus lagopus scotica and European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria were sufficiently numerous for analysis. There was no significant difference in the change in abundance of either species between the wind farm and control site, and no evidence that changes in the species' distribution were related to wind farm infrastructure. Conclusions Upland wind farms may not necessarily result in declines in bird populations in the operational phase. Similar studies across a range of sites should be conducted and published to examine the factors...
32 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used International Waterbird Census data from between 48 and 639 wetland sites which had been counted annually in the Czech Republic from 1966 to 2008 to assess long-term trends in the numbers and distribution of the 26 most abundant wintering waterbird species.
Abstract: Capsule Of 26 species of wintering waterbirds, 18 showed an increase in numbers, five showed a decrease and two showed no change. Aim To assess long-term trends in the numbers and distribution of the 26 most abundant wintering waterbird species in the Czech Republic. Methods We used International Waterbird Census data from between 48 and 639 wetland sites which had been counted annually in the Czech Republic from 1966 to 2008. From these data long-term changes in numbers and distributions were determined. Log-linear Poisson regression analysis was used to estimate missing data using trim software. The distribution of each species was described as the ratio of the number of sites occupied by that species to the total number of sites investigated. Results Increasing trends were found for 18 species, five species were found to be declining, one species was stable and two species were found with uncertain trends. Wintering distributions (the ratio of sites occupied by a given species to the total number of si...
29 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors test whether numbers of five breeding wader species have shown a more positive response between 1992 and 2005, at sites with appropriate agri-environment management, than at sites that have remained outside such schemes.
Abstract: Capsule Population response of breeding waders to agri-environment management varied between management options and species; implementation has been on too small a scale to reverse national population declines. Aims To test whether numbers of five breeding wader species have shown a more positive response between 1992 and 2005, at sites with appropriate agri-environment management, than at sites that have remained outside such schemes. Methods Using data from 60 pairs of farmland study areas in Scotland first surveyed in 1992/93, before agri-environment scheme (AES) implementation, and again in 2005, after scheme implementation, we tested at both site and field scales whether changes in the abundance of five breeding wader species were associated with AES management options designed to benefit these species. Results Changes in breeding wader abundance were more positive on sites in AES, especially for Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus and Common Redshanks Tringa totanus, even though management had not b...
TL;DR: Nest failure is unlikely to be a significant factor in the decline of British Marsh Tits but failure to reach the nesting stage may be an additional pressure.
Abstract: Capsule Choice of nest-site appeared flexible and the rate of breeding failure was low, but some birds did not reach the nesting stage. Aims To analyse nest-site selection and its effect on nest predation and establish the rate of breeding failure. Methods We used vegetation sample plots to assess the nest-site resource and established the fate of birds in 153 territories and 134 nests over seven years. The fate of 30 nests from neighbouring woods was also determined. Results Most nests were situated 0–4 m high in knotholes in live, medium-sized Common Ash trees. Overall, birds in 12.4% of occupied spring territories did not reach the nesting stage, primarily because of an absence of females, and 16.4% of nests in the same population were not successful. The nest failure rate was 18.4% across a wider population, which included neighbouring woods, primarily because of nest predation. Conclusion Marsh Tits were flexible in their choice of nest-site with low rates of nest competition and predation. Nest fail...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the impact of fragments of olive groves and riparian vegetation on the birds of the matrix of Cork Oak woodlands and find that the diversity of the bird assemblages of the Cork Oak matrix was somewhat greater near fragments.
Abstract: Capsule Fragments of olive groves and riparian galleries have a positive influence on bird assemblages in Cork Oak woodlands. Aims Assess the impact of fragments of olive groves and riparian vegetation on the birds of the matrix of Cork Oak woodland. Methods Bird point counts at increasing distances (0, 50, 150, 250 and 350 m) from 15 olive groves and 13 sectors of riparian vegetation embedded in a matrix of Cork Oak woodland to determine species assemblages and species abundance. Results A total of 72 bird species were recorded during the spring, and 61 in winter. The diversity of the bird assemblages of the Cork Oak matrix was somewhat greater near fragments. The density of six out of the 17 most abundant bird species varied due to the presence of olive groves or riparian vegetation. Of those, five were more abundant near the fragments and only one was less abundant. These effects could be mostly predicted from the species' density in the fragments of olive groves and riparian vegetation and depended on...
TL;DR: Conservation measures should concentrate on preserving semi‐open agricultural landscape matrices with loose ground vegetation cover to provide suitable foraging conditions, even in intensively managed farmland, as illustrated in this study.
Abstract: Capsule Large‐scale intensification of agricultural management during the past 50 years has resulted in a reduction of invertebrate abundance and higher and denser ground vegetation. Food availability for insectivorous birds foraging on the ground has been negatively affected, but the interactions between birds and their food availability are complex and often species‐specific. Populations of Wrynecks Jynx torquilla are declining all over Europe, possibly because of reduced accessibility to their main prey, ground‐dwelling ants, due to higher and denser ground vegetation. However, it is not clear which ground vegetation structures are tolerated by foraging Wrynecks and which habitats are preferred. Aims To identify the optimal ground vegetation structure and the main habitat types in which Wrynecks search for food. Method We radiotracked seven Wrynecks in high‐intensity farmland in Switzerland to study foraging habitat use during the reproduction season. Several habitat variables were mapped at each forag...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors determined Woodlark habitat selection using territory mapping in an area that had undergone widespread land abandonment during the past 50 years and used remote sensing data to study landscape changes within the study area between 1978 and 2003.
Abstract: Capsule Fine‐grained landscape heterogeneity may be a major factor in the recent expansion of Woodlark populations. Aim To determine the factors which may have led to the increase in Woodlark populations in the Mediterranean region. Methods Woodlark habitat selection was determined using territory mapping in an area that had undergone widespread land abandonment during the past 50 years. Remote sensing data were used to study landscape changes within the study area between 1978 and 2003. Results Most Woodlark territories included a combination of farmland and shrubland patches. These fulfilled the birds’ requirements for territorial display and for foraging. Land abandonment has increased the availability of open shrubland, the dominant land‐cover type selected by Woodlarks. Conclusions Increased fine‐grained landscape heterogeneity following farm abandonment has created opportunities for habitat use by Woodlarks and may be a major factor in the Woodlark population expansion observed between 1978 and 2003.
TL;DR: Differences in diet between long and short foraging trips may be because adults have to forage for both themselves and their chicks, which contrasts with the Atlantic populations which feed mainly on krill.
Abstract: Capsule Unlike Atlantic populations, which feed on krill, Mediterranean populations feed mainly on pelagic fish Gymnammodites cicerellus. Aims To determine the diet and dive depth of the Mediterranean subspecies of European Storm Petrels Hydrobates pelagicus melitensis. Methods Analysis of regurgitates of adults arriving at the colony for chick feeding and by determination of dives depth using the capillary tube method. Results The main prey is Gymnammodites cicerellus, a pelagic fish. Storm Petrels dive for their prey and can reach up to 5 m in depth. They also make short foraging trips just outside the colony where they capture Opossum Shrimps Misydacea. Conclusions European Storm Petrels in the Mediterranean exploit pelagic fish which are taken by diving. This contrasts with the Atlantic populations which feed mainly on krill. Mediterranean birds also feed on Opossum Shrimps Mysidacea during short foraging trips made at night just outside the colony. Differences in diet between long and short foraging ...
TL;DR: The growth rate of chicks was different in particular years of the study and was affected by air temperature and precipitation and there was no effect of sibling competition, hatching asynchrony and time of breeding on chick development.
Abstract: Capsule Chick growth rate was affected by air temperature and precipitation independent of the time of breeding. Aim To investigate how the time of breeding, sibling competition and weather conditions influence White Stork nestlings’ growth rate. Methods Chick development was determined by data on the length of bill, tarsus, wing, primary flight-feathers and body mass. Data were gained from 446 inspections of 50 nests during five breeding seasons at a site in Western Poland. Results The growth rate of chicks was different in particular years of the study and was affected by air temperature and precipitation. There was no effect of sibling competition, hatching asynchrony and time of breeding on chick development. Conclusions Birds that start breeding later have fewer offspring. However, chicks from early and later nests grow at the same rate. This similarity of growth rate is important because storks leave for wintering grounds in flocks which means that the development of chicks in the population has to ...
TL;DR: It is found that Kestrels select habitats non-randomly, with cut grass being the most used relative to availability, and the importance of areas of long and short grass in close juxtaposition to provide conditions suitable for prey and access to them, respectively.
Abstract: Capsule Breeding Common Kestrels prefer to forage over recently cut grass than all other habitat types on farmland. Aims To identify foraging habitat and prey of Common Kestrels during the breeding season. Methods We observed seven pairs of Common Kestrels during the breeding season over three years, using fixed vantage point observations. We recorded foraging attempts, and habitat and prey data for where the birds chose to forage. Compositional Analysis was used to establish use of each habitat category relative to that habitat’s availability within the Kestrels’ observed foraging ranges. Results We found that Kestrels select habitats non-randomly, with cut grass (le;5cm, all cut less than two weeks previously) being the most used relative to availability. Prey taken varied with grass height: the ratio of mammals to invertebrates was greater on cut grass (4.36 mammals: 1 invertebrate) than on longer, uncut grass swards (1.73 mammals: 1 invertebrate). Conclusion Our results highlight the importance of are...
TL;DR: Diet composition suggests that Grey Herons in 2008–09 exploited more diverse foraging areas (dry habitats, woods, garden ponds) than in 2000–02, and adapted to the lower availability of Round Gobies by prey switching to other available fish.
Abstract: Capsule Herons responded to the lower abundance of a preferred fish by switching prey. Aims To investigate how Grey Herons respond to the decline in abundance of a preferred fish, the Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus. Methods Grey Herons Ardea cinerea breeding in the Gulf of Gdansk area (Baltic Sea) were the study population. Regurgitated food and pellets were analysed. Biomass and abundance of fish was compared between 2000–02 (when the population of Round Goby was increasing) and 2008–09 (when the Round Goby population stabilized). Results The abundance and biomass of Round Goby preyed upon by herons decreased from between 95 and 99% in 2000–02 to between 38 and 56% in 2008–09. Energy-rich salmonids, not recorded in 2000–02, were an important diet component in 2008–09 (42% of biomass). Small-sized fish abundance was higher in 2008–09 (37%) than in 2000–02 (9%). Conclusions Grey Herons in 2008–09 adapted to the lower availability of Round Gobies by prey switching to other available fish – abundant but s...
TL;DR: It is proposed that these nest characteristics are related to nesting predation, and how this information can be used to guide conservation measures for this and perhaps other populations of Rock Ptarmigan.
Abstract: Capsule The population of Rock Ptarmigan in Japan have the southernmost distribution of Rock Ptarmigan in the world; they nest in moderately open sites which facilitate the detection of predators. Aims To assess nest site selection of this population of Rock Ptarmigan and to compare the data with those for other populations of this species. Methods Nest site characteristics were recorded and compared with random sites. Nest success, clutch size, and hatching rate were determined. Results All nests (n = 24) were found in Pinus pumila shrubs. Vegetation height at nests was significantly lower than at random sites. While the nests were well concealed, one direction of lateral cover was moderately open and its cover was significantly less than at random sites. Such nest placements may provide a good view from the nests, facilitating the detection of predators. Nesting success was 75.3% in 2006 and 61.1% in 2007, which is higher than reported in other populations of this species. Conclusion Rock Ptarmigan sele...
TL;DR: The Afro‐Siberian Bar‐tailed Godwit population has recently decreased in size or has been substantially overestimated during the counts, and population estimates based on the mark–resighting method can be a useful alternative for, or addition to, population‐wide counts.
Abstract: Capsule Population estimates based on the mark–resighting method can be a useful alternative to population‐wide counts. Aims To investigate whether the mark–resighting method can be used as an alternative to counts to estimate the size of wader populations. Methods Individual colour‐marking and subsequent resightings allowed accurate estimates of annual survival for three populations of waders, on which basis we could estimate the actual number of marked birds alive. Densities of marked birds were determined on sites away (2000–4300 km) from the ringing locations expecting marked birds to be randomly distributed among non‐marked conspecifics. Population sizes are estimated by combining these densities with the number of marked birds alive. Results We found indications that the distribution of marked birds was indeed random in the locations away from the site of marking. The estimated population size of Red Knot Calidris canutus canutus was in accordance with the most recent estimates based on counts. Our ...
TL;DR: It is suggested that the movement of Shags within the Adriatic Sea is driven by dietary requirements, and that lack of dietary specialization is a facultative response to local prey abundance.
Abstract: Capsule Shags move between breeding and non-breeding areas and this is associated with a significant change in diet. Aims To determine whether the diet of Shags nesting on islets off the Croatian coast is the same as their diet after the post-breeding move to the Gulf of Trieste. Methods Diet was determined by the analysis of 611 regurgitated food pellets. Results A total of 23 988 prey items were identified in the sample of pellets. Post-breeding Shags in the Gulf of Trieste focused on demersal and relatively immobile Gobiidae (81.5% by number, 87.1% by biomass). The most frequent prey species was Gobius niger (70.8% by number). In the breeding season at Oruda island, Croatia, the diet was more varied. Breeding Shags fed on bentho-pelagic, mobile prey such as Atherina boyeri (28.4% in frequency), Serranus hepatus (16.1%) and Crenilabrus tinca (12.0%), while Gobiidae had a dietary frequency of only 18.1%. With respect to biomass the most important prey were Crenilabrus tinca (19.0%) and Serranus hepatus (...
TL;DR: Estimation of species richness did not vary between methods, even when controlling for ecological groups, whereas the abundance estimations did vary, and line transects are better than mist-netting for estimating species richness and abundance.
Abstract: Capsule Counting and mist-netting provided different estimates of abundance. Aims To compare the efficiency, constraint and bias of mist-netting versus line transects for the estimation of species richness and abundance of passerines. Methods Mist-nets (126 linear metres) placed crossing a 420 m-long hedgerow line, open for four hours starting at dawn, four days per month from June 2006 to May 2007. During this same period, we conducted a transect parallel to a 1.3-km hedgerow line, four times per month. Results Estimation of species richness did not vary between methods, even when controlling for ecological groups, whereas the abundance estimations did vary. Conclusions Overall, line transects are better than mist-netting for estimating species richness and abundance since they are less costly, less invasive, and less time-consuming. However, if fine ecological analyses are required, including species abundance, mist-netting is preferred for solitary passerines that feed on insects and forage in the foli...
TL;DR: By following the fate of both floated and non-floated eggs from individual clutches of four Arctic wader (shorebird) species, it is shown that the use of the flotation method for determining incubation stage of eggs does not negatively affect hatchability.
Abstract: Capsule By following the fate of both floated and non-floated eggs from individual clutches of four Arctic wader (shorebird) species, we show that the use of the flotation method for determining incubation stage of eggs (which involves both the submersion and handling of eggs) does not negatively affect hatchability.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated European Nightjars' habitat preferences in a 5000-ha forest landscape in northern Belgium and derived habitat descriptors from detailed habitat mapping based on aerial photographs and extensive field surveys.
Abstract: Capsule Nightjars prefer open places in younger forest areas, and open stands with wide forest tracks in older forest areas. Aims European Nightjars are a Species of European Conservation Concern (historical declines in both population and range). The reduction of heathland habitats means that forested areas are an increasingly important habitat for Nightjars. However, the ecology of Nightjars in forested areas is poorly understood. We set out to investigate Nightjar habitat preferences in a 5000‐ha forest landscape in northern Belgium. Methods Calling ‘churring’ males were counted in each year over ten years. Habitat descriptors were derived from detailed habitat mapping based on aerial photographs and extensive field surveys. The different habitat descriptors were compared between patches occupied by Nightjars and control patches (patches selected at random in the study area). Results As expected, Nightjars showed a preference for open places in younger forest areas (clear‐felled areas, young stands, wi...
TL;DR: Investigating how cutting affects a range of birds occurring on farmland, how long these effects last, and whether there is any effect of the timing of cutting operations finds mainly common, generalist species that make use of agricultural grassland.
Abstract: CapsuleBeneficial effects of cutting grass are relatively short-lived for a range of bird species. AimsTo investigate how cutting affects a range of birds occurring on farmland, how long these effects last, and whether there is any effect of the timing of cutting operations. MethodsWe surveyed birds on 33 grass fields on three farms in northern England, both before and after agricultural cutting operations. The data were then modelled using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). Results Species relying on below-ground invertebrates (e.g. corvid species) prefer cut swards, while some species make greater use of longer grass swards (e.g. pheasant). Use of fields after cutting declined by 50 % by day 11 for corvids, by day 8 for aerial feeders (e.g. hirundines), by day 6 for gulls, and by day 4 for kestrels. ConclusionsWe recorded mainly common, generalist species that make use of agricultural grassland. The foraging behaviour of these species is similar to other, rarer or declining species, and so our fin...
TL;DR: In hedgerows near roads with fast and frequent traffic, the mortality of Great Tit Parus major broods was higher than in hedgerOWS with less traffic and hedgerow with no disturbance.
Abstract: Capsule In hedgerows near roads with fast and frequent traffic, the mortality of Great Tit Parus major broods was higher than in hedgerows with less traffic and hedgerows with no disturbance.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed and validated models of habitat factors which account for the distribution of breeding Barn Swallow colonies using data from the public Bovine Computerized Database of the Regione Lombardia (northern Italy).
Abstract: Capsule The information on the spatial distribution of cattle farming stored in public bovine computerized databases can predict the distribution and abundance of breeding Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica L. across Europe. Aims To develop and validate models of habitat factors which account for the distribution of breeding Barn Swallow colonies. Results The models were based on data on the distribution of cattle farming provided by the public Bovine Computerized Database of the Regione Lombardia (northern Italy). Cattle distribution was a strong predictor of presence and size of Barn Swallow colonies as well as of the number of swallow colonies in a municipality. The models were robust and passed a cross-validation procedure and were used to estimate the spatial distribution of about 116,000 breeding pairs in a wide area (8695 km2) of the low Po plain of northern Italy in 2001. Conclusions Bovine computerized databases are mandatory in all European Union (EU) countries according to the EU Regulation (CE) 1760...
TL;DR: The wintering area of the nominate subspecies of L. f. graellsii is from Ethiopia across Uganda and the Congo basin to the Atlantic, while the other two subspecies are found mainly in westernmost Africa with some ring recovery south and east of Senegal as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Capsule The wintering area of the nominate subspecies of Lesser Black‐backed Gull Larus fuscus fuscus is from Ethiopia across Uganda and the Congo basin to the Atlantic, while L. f. intermedius and L. f. graellsii winter in westernmost Africa. Aims To clarify the wintering distributions of the subspecies of Lesser Black‐backed Gulls. Methods We compiled, mapped, and analysed available data on ring recoveries (269) and verified museum specimens (22) from south of latitude 25°N. Results The wintering area of L. f. fuscus that is described in standard reference literature (East Africa) is incorrect; more rings have been recovered in the Congo basin and along the Atlantic coast than on the eastern seaboard. L. f. intermedius and L. f. graellsii winter mainly in westernmost Africa with some ring recoveries south and east of Senegal. There are no verifiable finds of the latter two subspecies south of the equator. Ring recoveries suggest leapfrog migration. Conclusions We have updated the distribution of L. f. f...
TL;DR: Female and yearling Alpine Accentors are more prone to migrate than adult males, probably results from the ecological selective pressures faced by the species, particularly their high‐altitude breeding grounds and their polygynandrous mating system.
Abstract: Capsule Differential migration by sex and age occurs in the Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris. Aims To characterize the wintering phenology of migrating Alpine Accentors, and to test for differences in sex and age ratios between wintering sites. Methods Alpine Accentors wintering at low elevation, in Mediterranean France, were monitored (census, ringing) over four winters. Individual arrival date, duration of stay and departure dates were analysed according to sex and age. Within‐day use of the site was characterized. Results were combined with previously published data to test for differential migration. Results Post‐breeding migration was recorded in November. Yearlings arrived 22 days later than adults at the wintering site. Females stayed longer (108 days) than males (77 days). The study site – a picnic place – was mainly used by the birds in the afternoon. Males departed earlier (22 February) than females (7 March). The inter‐annual return rate was 0.61 (without transients). Conclusion Combining thes...