Linking migratory performance to breeding phenology and productivity in an Afro-Palearctic long-distance migrant.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the relationship between migratory performance and fitness is crucial for predicting population dynamics of migratory species. In this study, we used geolocators to explore migration performance (speed and duration of migratory movements, migratory timings) and its association with breeding phenology and productivity in an Afro-Palearctic insectivore, the European bee-eater (Merops apiaster), breeding in Iberian Peninsula. Bee-eaters migrated at higher travel speeds and had shorter travel duration in spring compared to autumn. Individuals that departed earlier or spent fewer days in-flight arrived earlier to the breeding areas. Our results show overall positive, but year-specific, linkages between arrival and laying dates. In one year, laying was earlier and productivity was

SUBMITTER: Costa JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8636482 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature