Seasonal variation in migration routes of Common Whitethroat Curruca communis

• DOI: 10.1007/s10336-024-02204-w
• Publication Date: 2024-08-16T15:02:18Z
• Authors: Martins Briedis; Joanna B. Wong; Peter Adamík; Terje Lislevand; Kaspars Funts; Miloslav Hromádka; Kamil Hromádka; Jiří Porkert; Steffen Hahn
• Keywords: Bird migration

Abstract Although geolocator tracking of small passerines has become commonplace in the last two decades, this tool is still underutilized for gathering natural history data migration many species. Common Whitethroat ( Curruca communis ) one most numerous Afro-Palearctic migrants. However, our knowledge species’ ecology remains limited. Here, we combine ring-recovery analyses with to describe routes and population-specific non-breeding areas long-distance migrant. Linkages between breeding, passage based on records revealed a strong correlation longitudes, indicating parallel system grounds whitethroats. Migration route simulation using EURING suggested possible migratory divide Central Europe autumn, while broad front across Mediterranean occurs spring. Geolocator-tracked whitethroats from Czechia (Central Europe) Latvia (North-eastern migrated sites Africa, where they first resided Sahel region before moving farther second site November/December. Major stopovers were associated crossing ecological barriers. A single Latvian bird repeat track showed similar patterns both years, possibly visiting same consecutive years. Both ringing clockwise loop breeding sites.