AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Distribution, site occupancy and breeding success of the Merlin Falco columbarius on Barden Moor and Fell, North Yorkshire

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1997
Authors:Wright, PM
Journal:Bird Study
Volume:44
Issue:2
Date Published:1997
ISBN Number:0006-3657
Keywords:Aesalon, Aesalon columbarius, Falco, Falco columbarius, Falconidae
Abstract:This study examines the distribution, site occupancy and breeding success of Merlins on Barden Moor and Barden Fell, thus repeating a study undertaken by Rowan over a number of seasons around 1918. Since the start of this study in 1983, the number of breeding pairs found on the Moor has increased from four to five. This compares with a maximum of four pairs recorded in Rowan's day. The number of pairs on the Fell has fluctuated between two and three. The mean density of nesting pairs was equivalent to 12 pairs per 100 km2. A study of 51 breeding occurrences on the Moor and 31 on the Fell over 12 years yielded a mean clutch size of 4.24, a mean laying date of 10 May, 85% of nests with at least one fledged chick and mean productivity figures of 2.9 young per pair and 3.4 young per successful pair.This study examines the distribution, site occupancy and breeding success of Merlins on Barden Moor and Barden Fell, thus repeating a study undertaken by Rowan over a number of seasons around 1918. Since the start of this study in 1983, the number of breeding pairs found on the Moor has increased from four to five. This compares with a maximum of four pairs recorded in Rowan's day. The number of pairs on the Fell has fluctuated between two and three. The mean density of nesting pairs was equivalent to 12 pairs per 100 km2. A study of 51 breeding occurrences on the Moor and 31 on the Fell over 12 years yielded a mean clutch size of 4.24, a mean laying date of 10 May, 85% of nests with at least one fledged chick and mean productivity figures of 2.9 young per pair and 3.4 young per successful pair.
URL:http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00063659709461054
Short Title:Bird Study
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