Abstract

Sexual selection theory suggests that the degree of protandry in spring migration should increase when earlier males benefit from better mating opportunities. Western European studies failed to show differences in sex-specific arrival dates for the Pied Flycatcher. However, different climatic conditions and other constraints may affect its phenology in continental Europe. Here, we present evidence that sex-related phenological changes have occurred over the past 25 years (between 1989 and 2013) in Central Europe (Ocsa Bird Ringing Station, Hungary). The spring arrival of male flycatchers shifted to earlier dates whereas female arrival showed no change, implying an increasing degree of protandry.

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