Flight efficiency explains differences in natal dispersal distances in birds.

Abstract

The factors responsible for variation in dispersal distances across species remain poorly understood. Previous comparative studies found differing results and equivocal support for theoretical predictions. Here I re‐examine factors that influence natal dispersal distances in British birds while taking into account the cost of transport as estimated from proxies of long‐distance flight efficiency. First, I show that flight efficiency, as estimated by the hand‐wing index, the aspect ratio, or the lift‐to‐drag ratio, is a strong predictor of dispersal distances among resident species. Most migratory species showed a similar pattern, but a group of species with relatively low aerodynamic efficiency showed longer‐than‐expected dispersal distances, making the overall trend independent of flight efficiency. Ecological, behavioral, and life history factors had a small or nil influence on dispersal distances, with most of their influence likely mediated by adaptations for the use of space reflected in flight efficiency. This suggests that dispersal distances in birds are not determined by adaptive strategies for dispersal per se, but are predominantly influenced by the energetic cost of movement.