Analysis of Ring Recoveries of European Turtle DovesStreptopelia turtur— Flyways, Migration Timing and Origin Areas of Hunted Birds

Abstract

Abstract. Knowledge about flyways, breeding and overwintering sites is important for conservation efforts, but little is known about migration patterns and population connectivity of declining European Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur. EURING ring-recovery data were used to estimate directions and proportional usage of flyways. The timing of migration was compared along these routes and breeding origins of shot individuals were determined. Ring recoveries of Czech, Hungarian, British, German and French birds suggested three main flyways with westerly, central and easterly directions. The proportional usage was estimated by multinomial mark-recovery models. Major parts of French (62%), German (92%) and British (94%) Turtle Doves followed a western flyway. Czech birds used the central route (56%) and 55% of Hungarian birds followed the eastern flyway. Thus, a migratory divide between the Czech Republic and Germany could be suggested. The timing of migration showed a similar latitudinal pattern of migration ...