Breeding success affects site fidelity in a Whinchat Saxicola rubetra population in abandoned fields

Abstract

Capsule Apparent survival rates of Whinchats breeding in abandoned fields differ in relation to prior breeding success, probably indicating that site fidelity depends on prior nesting success.Aims To examine apparent survival, and hence site fidelity, and its association with previous breeding success in Whinchats breeding in abandoned fields.Methods We ringed and measured apparent survival and age ratios of Whinchats in abandoned fields over nine years. We modelled the impact of age, nest stage, and time of season on daily nest survival rates.Results There were 3.77 fledglings per pair (n = 251). Annual variability and a nest age effect were the most important components of nest survival variation. Adult apparent survival after successful breeding was 0.32 ± 0.08 and after unsuccessful breeding this was 0.11 ± 0.08. Among 229 males with known age, 39% were second calendar year, and 61% were older than the second calendar year. From 744 ringed nestlings only 7 birds returned the following years.Conclusion Whinchats in abandoned fields of Eastern Europe show low rates of breeding success and apparent survival. Apparent survival after successful breeding is significantly higher than after unsuccessful breeding, because unsuccessful breeders probably move to new breeding sites the following year.