How Does Translocation Affect the Subsequent Distribution of Breeding Pairs in a Population of Pied Flycatchers (Ficedula Hypoleuca)?

Abstract

For many years nesting Pied Flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) have been individually investigated in nestbox study areas near Braunschweig and Lingen in the northern part of the FR Germany. During the years 1985 to 1988 we intervened in the process of settlement of Pied Flycatchers in some of these areas through translocations. The aims of this experimental study were: a) to examine the site fidelity of the translocated birds and analyse possible contributing factors resulting from their previous history, b) to investigate the dispersion dynamics of the Pied Flycatcher in relation to the territories made vacant by translocations, and c) to throw light on the question of non breeding adults in the Pied Flycatcher.