Concurrent shifts in wintering distribution and phenology in migratory swans: Individual and generational effects.

ABSTRACT: Range shifts and phenological change are two processes by which organisms respond to environmental warming. Understanding the mechanisms that drive these changes is key for optimal conservation and management. Here we study both processes in the migratory Bewick's swan (Cygnus columbianus bewickii) using different methods, analysing nearly 50 years of resighting data (1970-2017). In this period the wintering area of the Bewick's swans shifted eastwards ('short-stopping') at a rate of ~13 km/year, thereby shortening individual migration distance on an average by 353 km. Concurrently, the time spent at the wintering grounds has reduced ('short-staying') by ~38 days since 1989. We show that individuals are consistent in their migratory timing in winter, indicating that the frequency of indivi

SUBMITTER: Nuijten RJM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7384179 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature