AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

The primary moult of Curlew Sandpiper in the Ebro Delta, North‐East Spain

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1995
Authors:Figuerola, J, Bertolero, A
Journal:Ringing & Migration
Volume:16
Issue:3
Date Published:1995
ISBN Number:0307-8698
Keywords:Calidris, Calidris ferruginea, Ereunetes ferrugineus, Erolia testacea, Europe, Numenius, Numenius arquata, Numenius phaeopus, Scolopacidae, Spain, Xenus, Xenus cinereus
Abstract:The primary moult of Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea was studied at a staging area in the south of Europe. The duration of primary moult was estimated as 73 days (9 August to 21 October), a shorter period than those reported in the wintering areas. Birds in moult showed a lower speed of fat accumulation than non moulters. An increase in the proportion of moulting birds was detected at the end of the migratory period, probably as a result of a longer staging time of moulting birds in the study area. The number and sex?ratio of birds in wing moult showed a great annual variation. The brooding system of this species, in which only females give parental care, and the great annual variation in breeding success could be two of the factors that explain the great yearly variation in the moult schedule of Curlew Sandpiper.The primary moult of Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea was studied at a staging area in the south of Europe. The duration of primary moult was estimated as 73 days (9 August to 21 October), a shorter period than those reported in the wintering areas. Birds in moult showed a lower speed of fat accumulation than non moulters. An increase in the proportion of moulting birds was detected at the end of the migratory period, probably as a result of a longer staging time of moulting birds in the study area. The number and sex?ratio of birds in wing moult showed a great annual variation. The brooding system of this species, in which only females give parental care, and the great annual variation in breeding success could be two of the factors that explain the great yearly variation in the moult schedule of Curlew Sandpiper.
URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03078698.1995.9674108
Short Title:Ringing & Migration
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith