Dispersal and age at first breeding in Norwegian Northern Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus)

• Main Authors: Lislevand, T, Byrkjedal, I., Grønstøl, G. B.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BirdLife Finland 2009
• Subjects: Norway; Vanellus vanellus
• Online Access: https://ornisfennica.journal.fi/article/view/133716

Dispersal and age at first breeding were studied in Northern Lapwings from south Norway. In total, 40 adult birds (twomales) and 114 chicks were colour-ringed. Therewere no sex differences in returning rates of birds ringed as chicks (n = 10males and 14 females). Norwere there sex differences in natal and breeding dispersal distances.When sexes were pooled, natal dispersal was longer than breeding dispersal (median distances 160 m and 62 m, respectively). Also, colour-ringed females were more likely than males to breed in their second calendar year. Analyses of a separate data set of regular ring recoveries largely confirmed the relatively low degree of natal dispersal in Norwegian Northern Lapwings. In total, 72% of birds reported during the breeding season (total n = 104) were found within 10 kmfrom their natal site.Dispersal distances observed inNorway are similar to those reported from a comprehensive British study, and from Europe in general.