Ringing Scheme Research Articles

‘Tarsus’ program: towards a uniform criterion to determine recommended ring sizes for birds in the Aranzadi Ringing Scheme

ABSTRACT Above all, bird ringing must be safe for birds, for ethical reasons but also to ensure that data collection is not biased by marking effects. Bird ringing schemes are responsible for determining the size of the rings used to mark birds individually. This paper critically reviews the recommended ring sizes in the Aranzadi Ringing Scheme and proposes an objective criterion for ringers. A morphological analysis of tarsus width (MTW) and the width of the tibia–tarsus articulation (MAW), over a sample of more than 4000 individuals of 74 species of both passerines and non-passerines captured in Spain, revealed that the mean difference between the internal diameter of the recommended ring (IDR) and MTW was 32% in relation to MTW (sd 15.8%, 95% confidence interval 28–35%). Experience demonstrates that this clearance is adequate, but recommendations for rings with clearances either too narrow (<6%) or too wide (>50–60%) should be reviewed and changed, if possible, to bring them closer to a 32% standard.

Reconstructing migratory network nodes to improve environmental management and conservation decisions: A case study of the common quail Coturnix coturnix as a biosensor

Public health risks are related to environmental management practices, and are essential to the understanding of ecosystem dynamics. The expansion of urbanized areas affects migratory bird networks and can impact the population sizes of migratory species and, in parallel, increase the risk of diseases carried by migratory species spreading into urban areas. Taking the European population of the common quail as a case study, we reconstructed its migratory network between Europe and the Maghreb using quail recoveries from the Italian Bird Ringing Scheme. We showed that soils at the central European migratory node have been degraded through urbanization and reforestation, decreasing the number of successful migrations over this area. Conceptual models incorporating the One Health approach, natural and social capital, landscape infrastructure, and ecosystem services could explain the relationships between climate warming and extensively developed, intensively developed, and urbanized ecosystems. Failed migratory flights of quail over central Europe highlight not only the problems of infrastructure design and their impact on ecosystems services, but also on One Health parameters. The damage to migratory network nodes presents a global threat to biodiversity and can increase the spread of diseases. To address this challenge we propose: i) improvements in land quality; ii) transboundary migration monitoring programmes; and iii) management plans for migratory birds – the overall aim being to optimize infrastructures to improve the quality of human life. Lessons drawn from a better understanding of the migratory networks of quail in relation to different ecosystems provide useful tools to improve infrastructure management and political decision making processes.

Blowin' in the wind: Dispersal of Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus in the West Mediterranean basin.

The movement of organisms is a central process in ecology and evolution, and understanding the selective forces shaping the spatial structure of populations is essential to conservation. Known as a trans-Saharan migrant capable of long-distance flights, the Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus' dispersal remains poorly known. We started a ringing scheme in 2008, the first of its kind in North Africa, and ringed 1121 fledglings over 10 years, of which 265 (23.6%) were resighted. Circular statistics and finite mixture models of natal dispersal indicated: (1) a strong West/Northwest-East/Southeast flight orientation; (2) Glossy Ibis colonies from North Africa and Southern Europe (particularly on the Iberian Peninsula) are closely linked through partial exchanges of juvenile and immature birds; (3) unlike birds from Eastern Europe, North African Glossy Ibis disperse to but do not seem to undergo regular round-trip migration to the Sahel; (4) young adults (>2-years-old) have a higher probability of dispersing further than individuals in their first calendar year (<1-year-old); and (5) dispersal distance is not influenced by sex or morphometric traits. Together, these results enhance our knowledge of the dispersal and metapopulation dynamics of Glossy Ibis, revealing large-scale connectivity between the Iberian Peninsula and Algeria, likely driven by the spatial heterogeneity of the landscape in these two regions and the prevailing winds in the Western Mediterranean.

Combining host and vector data informs emergence and potential impact of an Usutu virus outbreak in UK wild birds

Following the first detection in the United Kingdom of Usutu virus (USUV) in wild birds in 2020, we undertook a multidisciplinary investigation that combined screening host and vector populations with interrogation of national citizen science monitoring datasets to assess the potential for population impacts on avian hosts. Pathological findings from six USUV-positive wild passerines were non-specific, highlighting the need for molecular and immunohistochemical examinations to confirm infection. Mosquito surveillance at the index site identified USUV RNA in Culex pipiens s.l. following the outbreak. Although the Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) is most frequently impacted by USUV in Europe, national syndromic surveillance failed to detect any increase in occurrence of clinical signs consistent with USUV infection in this species. Furthermore, there was no increase in recoveries of dead blackbirds marked by the national ringing scheme. However, there was regional clustering of blackbird disease incident reports centred near the index site in 2020 and a contemporaneous marked reduction in the frequency with which blackbirds were recorded in gardens in this area, consistent with a hypothesis of disease-mediated population decline. Combining results from multidisciplinary schemes, as we have done, in real-time offers a model for the detection and impact assessment of future disease emergence events.

Modelling population dynamics and trends in migratory birds from non-standardized multi-species ringing data: the potential of multi-model selection

ABSTRACT Capsule Long-term and non-standardized migratory bird ringing data can be used in models controlling variation in bird ringing methodology for reliable population trend estimations. Aims Bird ringing data usually cover long periods and might reflect long-term population changes. However, they are mainly derived during non-standardized multi-species catching at numerous sites during the autumn migration period. We searched for the best modelling approach to determine reliable species population dynamics and trend estimation models based on annual multi-species bird ringing data. Methods We used ringing data from the Slovenian Bird Ringing Scheme and selected data in three steps according to temporal, quantitative, and qualitative data selection. Annual indices were constructed based on two types of denominators, ringing days, and ringing totals, vs. a robust model without a denominator. We ran 20 candidate-generalized additive models describing migrating population dynamics for 15 bird species by combining different data selection approaches and denominators. Results We found that the models were species-specific, although the universal model could also be applied to most species. We propose a general model construction approach for population trend assessments from non-standardized bird ringing data. The estimates obtained by this approach were comparable to the overall European population trends derived from breeding survey data. Conclusions Bird ringing data from the autumn migration period are a valuable resource for assessing continental scale population trends taking into account the whole population (non-breeders and juveniles included) and even some rare and endangered species, but should be conducted according to standard protocols to ensure reliable statistical inference of population trends.

Katters predation på fåglar – ett alternativt sätt att beräkna antalet dödade fåglar

&#x0D; Many studies have tried to estimate the number of birds killed by cats, most of them based on the number of birds killed by a smaller number of cats in a local area and then scaled to larger areas, or a whole country. Such estimates can be confounded by several factors, and the results of one study may not always be applicable in another setting where climate, habitats, and societal structure differ. Here I used an alternative approach to estimate cat predation on birds using ring recoveries of birds reported to the Swedish national ringing scheme as killed by cats. With the assumption that ringed birds are taken by cats in an equal proportion as unringed birds, I estimate that about 0.03% of all passerine birds are killed by cats in Sweden annually. This amounts to about 100,000 birds per year, which is much lower than previous estimates. &#x0D;

Body mass and condition of a fynbos bird community: investigating impacts of time, weather and raptor abundance from long-term citizen- science datasets

Variation in body size, especially mass, is a function of local environmental conditions for any given species. Recent recorded decreases in body size of endotherms have been attributed to climate change in some cases. This prediction is based on the trend of smaller body size of endotherms in warmer climates (Bergmann’s rule) and it implies genetic responses rather than phenotypic flexibility. Alternatively, selection for smaller body size or lower mass could be explained by the starvation-predation hypothesis, where lighter individuals have a higher probability of escaping pursuing predators, such as raptors. Evidence that climate warming is driving patterns of size selection in birds in recent times has been mixed. We inspected data on 40 bird species contributed by bird ringers to the South African Ringing Scheme (SAFRING) for changes in body mass and condition as a function of time (year), minimum temperature of the day of capture, maximum temperature of the previous day, and rainfall data in the south-western Cape Floristic Region (fynbos) around Cape Town, South Africa, for the period 1988–2015. The region shows a warming trend over the study period (0.035 °C yr−1). Interannual body mass and condition change were poorly explained by year or temperature. High daily minimum temperature explained loss of body condition for four species, whereas evidence from recaptured birds indicated negative effects of increasing maximum daily temperature, as well as rain. For the alternative hypothesis, because raptor abundance is stable or only weakly declining, there is little evidence to suggest these as a driver influencing mass trends. Any decrease in body mass over the study period that we observed for birds appear more likely to be plastic responses to stress associated with temperature or rainfall at this time, rather than systematic selection for smaller body size, as predicted by Bergmann’s Rule.

Bird ringing and nest recording in Britain and Ireland in 2018

ABSTRACT This is the 82nd annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology’s Ringing Scheme, incorporating the report of the Nest Record Scheme and covering work carried out and data processed in 2018. We reviewed the literature on tracking devices to assess the impact of their use on individual birds. More than 3400 studies were identified, the first dating back to the early 1960s. The ecological questions being studied varied, with migration being the most common study subject. The frequency of effects was significantly related to attachment type and the likelihood of adverse effects was related to device weight. The proportion of studies reporting adverse effects has declined over time and the research highlighted the need for systematic documentation of potential effects. NRS and CES data were used in a collaborative study which investigated mismatches between the timing of breeding for 21 British songbirds and the availability of food for their chicks. Results indicate that birds did breed later in warmer springs relative to the timing of spring; however, this did not have a significant impact on long-term breeding success. In 2018, 135 CE sites submitted data. Long-term (1984–2017) declines in abundance were observed in six migrant, one partial migrant and three resident species while long-term increases in abundance continue to be recorded in two short-distance migrants and four resident species. Seven species are exhibiting significant long-term declines in productivity; only two species, Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus and Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, are exhibiting a significant long-term increase in productivity. Long-term trends in survival indicate increases for 12 species and declines for eight. Compared to the five-year mean (2013–17), the abundance of 14 species decreased significantly in 2018 with five species being recorded in lower numbers than in any previous year since CES monitoring began. No significant increases in abundance were recorded. Productivity increased significantly for six migrant and four resident species in 2018 and decreased for only two species (both residents). Significant declines in survival rates were observed in 10 species in 2018 compared to the five-year mean. The number of Retrapping Adults for Survival submissions fell slightly in 2018 to 190; eight projects ran for the first time. In total, 58 species were monitored, with Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (23 projects), House Sparrow Passer domesticus (18), Starling Sturnus vulgaris (17), Sand Martin Riparia riparia (13) and Reed Warbler (10) the most-studied species. A total of 982 858 birds were ringed during the year, comprising 170 619 nestlings, 465 610 first-year birds, 319 955 adults (birds in their second calendar year or older) and 26 674 birds whose age could not be determined. In addition, there were 236 314 recaptures of ringed birds at or near the ringing site. In total, 54 324 recoveries (birds found dead, recaptured or resighted at least 5 km from the place of ringing) of BTO-ringed birds were reported in 2018. The Appendix highlights a selection of recoveries that have extended our knowledge of movements, as well as longevity records established during the year. A total of 38 269 NRS submissions were received in 2018, the lowest total since 2009. Mean laying dates for four species were significantly earlier than the five-year mean (2013–17) with eight of the 52 species analysed laying significantly later. Eight species displayed a significant increase in breeding success (fledglings per breeding attempt) in 2018 compared to the five-year mean, with one decreasing significantly. Permits or licences to disturb breeding birds on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), were prepared and issued to 502 ringers and nest recorders in 2018. During 2018, the use of special methods was authorised for 557 marking projects, 66 trapping projects and 52 sampling projects.

Migratory movements of British and Irish Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna: a review of ringing data and a pilot tracking study to inform potential interactions with offshore wind farms in the North Sea

ABSTRACT Offshore wind farms are a key part of the UK government strategy to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate-change impacts; however, it is important to understand their potential impacts on wildlife. The majority of British and Irish Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna undergo a moult migration to the Wadden Sea, passing wind farms in the southern North Sea en route. We conducted a review of ring-recovery data from the British and Irish Ringing Scheme and a pilot tracking study to inform understanding of migration routes. Analysis of recovery data confirmed that British and Irish Shelduck occurred in the Wadden Sea predominantly between August and November, and use moulting sites in the Dutch Wadden Sea and Helgoland Bight. Four Shelduck were successfully tracked from East Anglia to the Wadden Sea. Four separate routes across the North Sea were identified, with previously unreported stopovers noted in the Dutch Wadden Sea, before birds continued on to moult sites in the Helgoland Bight. Flight speeds of 30.3 ± 9.2 knots (n = 299, range 8.7–55.0 knots) were recorded, and altitudes of up to 354 m. An expansion to the tracking study is planned, to increase sample sizes and geographical representation.

Finnish Citizen Science Based Bird Monitoring Schemes and User Interfaces in FinBIF

Monitoring of bird populations is based primarily on volunteer birdwatcher activity in Finland. Hence, development of online user interfaces and data availability have become a priority in order to encourage bird watchers to participate in monitoring schemes. Most Finnish bird monitoring is managed by the Finnish Museum of Natural History LUOMUS, which oversees a wide spectrum of long-running programs including: a bird ringing (banding) scheme running since 1913, a winter bird census established in 1956, a breeding bird census initiated in 1975, a raptor monitoring program started in 1982, and, a nest recording scheme ongoing since the 1940s. In 2018, more than 1,500 volunteer birdwatchers participated in LUOMUS bird monitoring schemes. Data gathered from these programs constitute our basis of knowledge on national bird populations and demographic trends and are actively incorporated in conservation, scientific, land-use planning, and administrative purposes in Finland. In principle, all data are open and freely accessible via the Finnish Biodiversity Information Facility (FinBIF), however, the law prohibits authorities from distributing species occurrence data if this causes an increased threat to certain endangered species. Accordingly, sensitive data details are not available. Reporting valuable fieldwork data can sometimes be demanding. As such, developing user-friendly interfaces for data portals is critical to facilitating volunteer activity. Essential tools for volunteers include a simple login, smooth and augmented data input, automated validation of data, and, perhaps most importantly, ease of access to up-to-date data. Crucial to administrators are system reliability, operability, and easy data management. Comprehensive data validation and visualization tools and extensive search functions aid in revealing errors and thereby increase data quality. Finally, simple query tools and easy access to data are of paramount importance for smooth abd flexible use of the data. Keeping in mind these demands, we have developed the main FinBIF platform and project-specific user interfaces in order to facilitate participation in bird monitoring programs. We will introduce these user interfaces and our achievements and challenges in the development process.

How far and how old: Longevity and displacement records from the South African Bird Ringing Scheme for Ardeidae, Threskiornithidae and Ciconiidae

Background: Understanding the movement and displacement of individuals within avian species is important for conservation. Herons, Storks and Egrets are especially important as they are migratory species and are potential indicator species. It is therefore valuable to set life history baselines to understand survival.Objectives: To establish baseline longevity and displacement values for the avian families Ardeidae, Threskiornithidae and Ciconiidae using the South African Bird Ringing Scheme (SAFRING) data for Africa and to highlight gaps in the SAFRING database for these families.Method: We used data archives of ringed and subsequently reported individuals to determine maximum displacement and longevities from the past seven decades for each species within these three families. Displacement was estimated by the straight-line distance between subsequent records for the same individual. Longevity is the measure of time elapsed in records for the same individual.Results: Displacement and longevity data were available for 17 of the 24 species in the focus families. Individuals of most of the species were ringed as nestlings so displacement records may represent dispersal. Displacement ranged from a maximum of 10 114 km for a White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) to 2.5 km for a Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus). Several species are poorly sampled, resulting in longevity records of just a few days. Despite that, longevity values were 5 years for 16 species, and the highest value was 25.3 years for a White Stork.Conclusion: It was possible to determine longevity values for most of the species within the three families investigated. Based on the displacement profiles for species with sufficient records, there are large differences in movement between species. Certain common species such as Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) have very few ringing records, which indicate a need for further species-specific research as the longevity values are not representative. This could greatly benefit studies aiming to use these species as ecosystem health indicators as well as identify which species are at risk.

Bird ringing report for Slovenia in 2017 and short overview of colour ringing in the period of 2012–2017

Abstract In 2017, the Slovenian bird ringing scheme concluded 90 years of continuous ringing in the country. In 2017, we collected data on 176 bird species. We ringed 79,886 birds of 164 species, recorded 177 recoveries of birds ringed in Slovenia and found abroad, 295 foreign recoveries in Slovenia and 2,209 local recoveries. The most ringed species were the Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla and Great Tit Parus major and, among pulli in the nest, the Great Tit, White Stork Ciconia ciconia and Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica. In 2017, 12 colour ringing schemes were active in Slovenia. In the 2012-2017 period, the number of recoveries of birds ringed in Slovenia and found abroad increased significantly due to colour ringing, especially regarding the waterbirds. With colour ringing, the likelihood of recoveries is considerably greater (75.20 ± 91.36 recoveries per 100 ringed birds) than with metal ringing only (0.11 ± 0.08 recoveries per 100 ringed birds). Among local recoveries, the most frequent were the Mute Swans Cygnus olor and Common Terns Sterna hirundo, and among foreign recoveries the Black-headed Gulls Chroicocephalus ridibundus predominated. In 2017, the first Broad-billed Sandpiper Calidris falcinellus was ringed in Slovenia (Sečovlje salinas), and additional three rare species were ringed as well: the Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus (Ljubljansko barje), Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola (Ljubljansko barje) and Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla (Šentrupert).

Estimating mortality rates among passerines caught for ringing with mist nets using data from previously ringed birds.

Mist netting is the most commonly used method for catching birds for scientific ringing, but despite decades of use, there have been few attempts to quantify the associated potential risks to the individuals caught. Any incidence of mortality through capture and handling, however low, is of potential ethical concern and may also introduce biases into the data. We estimate the mortality rate associated with capture of previously ringed (recaptured) passerines from the British and Irish Ringing Scheme (c. 1.5 million records) caught using mist nets. The importance of species, age, mass, month, time, previous captures, and an index of predator occurrence was tested using generalized linear mixed‐effects models. The average mortality rate was 0.0011, most of which was reported to occur before the individuals had been extracted from the nets (c. 70% of incidents). Juveniles appeared to be at higher risk and the incidence of predation from mist nets was seasonal, with increased risk during the winter. Species differed in their reported mortality rates with the apparent risk being greatest for Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita (0.0029) and Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula (0.0027). To improve our understanding (and hence minimize risk in future), we recommend collecting more complete data on incidences of mortality, and also injuries; exercising increased care when the species we have identified as being at greater risk are likely to be captured, and ensuring there are robust procedures for the checking of nets (as most reported incidents of mortality occur before handling). We also recommend that all Ringing Schemes should collate and make available data on capture‐related mortality. Overall rates of mortality associated with capture, although, were low and support the use of mist netting as a safe capture technique, without undue bias from mortality, when used by appropriately trained individuals.

Longevity summary from 69 years of Estrildidae ringing data in southern Africa

This study focuses on the longevity data accumulated for the family Estrildidae, specifically exploring longevity records for each species using ringing data. Longevity is the minimum age reached by an individual as determined by the time elapsed between initial ringing and last recapture or recovery date. In southern Africa bird ringing started in 1948 and is managed by the South African Bird Ringing Scheme. For estrildids, there are 151 831 ringing records. Approximately 7.0% of those ringed individuals have since been resighted, retrapped or recovered. This family is poorly studied and more research is necessary, particularly as certain estrildid species have been highlighted as data-deficient whilst others are potentially of conservation concern. The South African Bird Ringing scheme (SAFRING) has longevity records for 23 of the 27 southern Africa estrildid species. The maximum longevity record was 10.9 years (Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis). The overall average longevity for an individual is 3.7 years (SD = 2.5). The low longevity values make sense given the low mass (6.3–22.7 g) of estrildids. Coupled with large clutch sizes of four eggs on average, as well as potentially low surivival, estrildids may counter low longevity by breeding at an early age and double-brooding.

Bird ringing and nest recording in Britain and Ireland in 2016

ABSTRACTThis is the 80th annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme, incorporating the report of the Nest Record Scheme and covering work carried out and data processed in 2016. BTO and JNCC have used seabird population data to investigate how demographic processes drive population changes, enabling improved population models to be produced. These population models were used to help quantify the risks associated with large-scale infrastructure projects (e.g. windfarms) and recommendations were made concerning approaches to be used in particular circumstances. Density dependence in seabirds, and its potential impact on population models, was also reviewed but little evidence of significant effects was found. Research on the demographic causes of declines in migratory species, undertaken in collaboration with the University of East Anglia, focused on population changes in Willow Warblers Phylloscopus trochilus. Data from the Nest Record Scheme (NRS), Constant Effort Sites scheme (CES) and the Breeding Bird Survey were combined; the results showed that reduced productivity levels in Willow Warblers in the south of Britain were driving the decline. In 2016, 134 CE sites submitted data. Five migrant and two resident species exhibited long-term (1984–2015) declines in abundance while four migrant and six resident species showed declines in productivity. Compared to the five-year mean (2011–15), the abundance of 10 species increased significantly in 2016 with Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti, Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita, Wren Troglodytes troglodytes and Robin Erithacus rubecula abundance at its highest since CES monitoring began. The abundance of three species fell significantly in 2016. Productivity increased for one species in 2016 and decreased significantly for 16 species. Survival rates increased significantly for three species and fell significantly for one. For the first time, the number of Retrapping Adults for Survival submissions passed 200. A total of 59 species were monitored and 24 projects ran for the first time. The most-studied species were Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (23 projects), House Sparrow Passer domesticus (17), Sand Martin Riparia riparia (15) and Starling Sturnus vulgaris (13). Over a million birds (1 051 629) were ringed during the year, comprising 157 653 nestlings, 490 796 first-year birds, 370 019 adults (birds in their second calendar year or older) and 33 161 birds where the age could not be determined. In addition, there were 255 898 recaptures of ringed birds at or near the ringing site. In total, 40 257 recoveries (birds found dead, or recaptured or resighted at least 5 km from the place of ringing) of BTO-ringed birds were reported in 2016. The Appendix highlights a selection of recoveries that have extended our knowledge of movements, as well as longevity records established during the year. NRS submissions in 2016 exceeded 45 000 for the third consecutive year, with a total of 46 514 records received. Mean laying dates for five species were significantly earlier than the five-year mean (2011–15) with 10 species laying significantly later. Three species displayed a significant increase in breeding success (fledglings per breeding attempt) in 2016 compared to the five-year mean, with four decreasing significantly. Permits/licences to disturb breeding birds on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), were prepared/issued to 587 ringers and nest recorders in 2016. During 2016, the use of special methods was authorised for 559 marking projects and 73 trapping projects, a 13% increase on 2015.

Gender-related morphometric differences in mature and nestling Crowned Eagles, with comments on ringing of eagle nestlings in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Although most raptor species are sexually dimorphic, many species are non-discrete in some metrics. A limited amount of existing data for southern Africa suggests that Crowned Eagles Stephanoaetus coronatus exhibit non-discrete sexual dimorphism. Consequently, we investigated gender-related morphometric data of Crowned Eagles with corresponding genetic avian sex tests. Immature (n = 13) and adult (n = 5) Crowned Eagles were trapped, measured and released in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa from 2012 to 2015. Our results show that tarsus width, body mass, and DI claw (hallux) measurements are suitable for discriminating between sexes of mature Crowned Eagles. We comment on the use of South African Ringing Scheme (SAFRING) and colour read-rings as a marking technique in Crowned Eagles. Furthermore, we suggest suitable parameters for accessing nests and marking nestlings. To aid in the age estimates of nestling eagles, a reference of growth of known-age nestlings is provided.

Bird ringing and nest recording in Britain and Ireland in 2015

ABSTRACTThis is the 79th annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology’s Ringing Scheme, incorporating the report of the Nest Record Scheme and covering work carried out and data processed in 2015. Constant Effort Sites (CES) data from across Europe, relating to eight common warblers, were analysed to investigate large-scale variation in survival rates and showed that changes in survival outside the breeding season are not a key driver of long-term population trends. Retrapping Adults for Survival (RAS) seabird data sets were reviewed to understand their ability to supplement geographically limited, long-term studies carried out by professionals. Most RAS studies re-encountered sufficient numbers of seabirds to estimate average survival rates; however, only those with re-encounter rates of around 40% were able to detect changes in survival rates efficiently. Over 100,000 nest records, relating to four insectivorous woodland passerines, were used to investigate changes in laying dates in response to temperature. Laying dates advanced by 2.3–4.8 days per °C rise in temperature, suggesting that these species may be able to change their laying dates in response to climate changes, even if the rate of climate change is rapid. Over 10,000 phenological data sets, including laying dates for 37 bird species, were used to look at the mechanisms behind species’ responses to changes in climate. Primary producers and primary consumers advanced timing of breeding more quickly than secondary consumers, potentially leading to a greater mismatch between the timing of breeding in birds (secondary consumers) and their prey availability under future climate-change projections. Data were received for 134 CE sites in 2015. Long-term (1984–2014) population trends derived from the CES data identified five migrant species and four resident species that have decreased significantly in abundance over this period. Abundance of three species decreased significantly in 2015 compared to the five-year mean (2010–14) with Whitethroat Sylvia communis abundance at its lowest since CES monitoring began. There were significant increases in abundance for 12 species, with Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis at its highest since CES monitoring began. Productivity decreased significantly in ten species and increased significantly in three species compared to the five-year mean (2010–14); productivity for Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus was at its lowest since CES began. There were no significant changes in survival in 2015. The total number of active RAS projects increased again in 2015; 190 submissions were received, including data from 23 new projects. Projects were carried out on 57 species, with Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (23 projects), Sand Martin Riparia riparia (15) and House Sparrow Passer domesticus (20) still the most-studied species. The total number of birds ringed in 2015 was just under one million (987,253) and comprised 472,462 first-year birds, 319,230 adults (birds in their second calendar year or older), 27,993 unaged birds and 167,568 nestlings. In addition, there were 236,540 recaptures of ringed birds at or near the ringing site. In total, 32,253 recoveries (birds found dead, or recaptured or resighted at least 5 km from the place of ringing) of BTO-ringed birds were reported in 2015. A selection of recoveries that have extended our knowledge of movements is presented, as well as longevity records established during the year. In total, 48,957 nest records were received for 2015, the highest annual submission since the Scheme began in 1939. Mean laying dates for five species were significantly earlier than the five-year mean (2010–14) with nine species laying significantly later. Only one species showed a significant increase in breeding success (fledglings per breeding attempt) in 2015, with four decreasing significantly. A total of 612 permits/licences to disturb breeding birds on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), were prepared/issued in 2015, a small increase from 2014. During 2015, the use of special methods was authorised for 489 marking projects and 68 trapping projects, 25% more than in 2014.

Illegal bird hunting in the Maltese Islands: an international perspective

AbstractIllegal hunting is a widespread problem in the Maltese Islands. As well as having a significant impact on the islands' breeding birds, the illegal hunting of migratory birds has a wider, international dimension. To investigate the international impact of illegal hunting in Malta we considered the entire ring recovery database of the Valletta Bird Ringing Scheme, from the 1920s to the present. All records of birds that were ringed overseas and shot by hunters in Malta were analysed, comprising a total of 435 records of 84 species from 36 countries. The majority of these ring recoveries (91.7%) were from species listed as protected and non-huntable throughout the European Union, with a significant proportion listed as European Species of Conservation Concern. Birds of prey were particularly represented in the database, 78.6% of which were ringed as nestlings or juveniles, highlighting the impact of illegal hunting on this group of species in particular. Species targeted illegally by Maltese hunters originate from countries throughout Europe and Africa, particularly Finland, Sweden, Tunisia, Italy and Germany. For rare species or those with small breeding populations in affected countries, illegal hunting could therefore have a significant impact on the long-term persistence of European populations. Poaching of species such as the pallid harrierCircus macrourusand saker falconFalco cherrugcould have a global impact on their populations.

Bird ringing and nest recording in Britain and Ireland in 2014

This is the 78th annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme, incorporating the report of the Nest Record Scheme and covering work carried out and data processed in 2014. Many species have shifted their range towards the Earth's poles in response to global temperature increases. Data from four European Constant Effort Sites (CES) ringing schemes were examined to determine the impact of large-scale temperature variations on productivity in a group of seven migratory bird species to determine the potential for future range changes. Increased productivity at northern sites was apparent only in Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus, although there was evidence of local adaptation in six species, suggesting that the rate of northward range shift may be constrained by adaptation to local climatic conditions. A study on the role of carry-over effects in Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus, Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata and Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix found that carry-over effects from passage regions impacted on the timing of breeding more strongly than climate on the breeding grounds and that warmer conditions in the breeding area were not associated with reduced productivity. Work on the impact of environmental variables on annual population changes found that, over 40 years, the strongest impact on migrants was rainfall in the Sahel. Over 25 years, positive population changes in response to wetter winters were found for 12 of 16 species studied. Data were submitted for 132 CE sites in 2014. Long-term (1984–2013) population trends derived from the CES data have changed little in the past year. The abundance of five migrant species and five resident species decreased significantly in 2014 compared to the five-year mean (2009–13). The abundance of five of these species (Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus, Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus, Blackbird Turdus merula, Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs and Greenfinch Chloris chloris) was at its lowest since CES monitoring began. There were significant increases in abundance for three species. Productivity decreased significantly in Willow Tit Poecile montana compared to the five-year mean (2009–13), but there were significant increases for eleven species (seven residents and four migrants),with productivity for Reed Warbler, Blackbird and Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula at its highest since CES began. There were only two significant changes in survival in 2014. A total of 176 Retrapping Adults for Survival (RAS) projects were active in 2014, the highest total ever, with 22 new projects starting, 17 of which involved RAS target species. Projects were carried out on Tawny Owl Strix aluco and Swift Apus apus for the first time. The total number of birds ringed in 2014 exceeded one million for the third time (1,047,026) and comprised 520,477 first-year birds, 303,086 adults (birds in their second calendar year or older), 29,799 unaged birds and 193,664 nestlings. In addition, there were 226,303 recaptures of ringed birds at or near the ringing site. In total, 28,187 recoveries of BTO-ringed birds were reported for 2014. A selection of recoveries that have extended our knowledge of movements is presented, as well as longevity records established during the year. The numbers of birds recovered between 2010 and 2013 have been revised as data submitted as retraps have been examined and some have been reclassified as recoveries. For the fifth year running, annual totals of nest records surpassed 40,000, reaching 46,382. Mean laying dates for 55 species were significantly earlier than the five-year mean (2009–13) with 19 species laying significantly later than the five-year mean. Breeding success (fledglings per breeding attempt) increased significantly for 14 species, with none showing a decrease. Nearly 600 permits/licences to disturb breeding birds on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), were prepared/issued in 2014, a small increase from 2013. The use of special methods was authorised for 398 marking projects and 47 trapping projects in 2014, 12% fewer than in 2013.

Aspects of the ecology and morphology of the protea seedeater, Crithagra leucopterus, a little-known Fynbos endemic

The protea seedeater, Crithagra leucopterus, is one of six passerine birds endemic to the Fynbos Biome, South Africa. It is the least known of these, and there is very little information on breeding and habitat use. Through nest observations and a bird ringing scheme in the eastern sections of the Fynbos, we provide updated information on habitat use, breeding and population biometrics. We document changes in capture rates for a suite of birds in relation to a fire event and use of burnt and unburnt sites within Blue Hill Nature Reserve, South Africa. Protea seedeaters were recorded nesting in mature Fynbos, but feeding in recently burnt Fynbos on freshly released protea seeds, suggesting the species benefits from smallscale burns that create a landscape of mixed veld ages. Protea seedeaters weighed less and had shorter wings compared to those of the western Fynbos. Further habitat-use and life-history information on protea seedeaters is needed to help guide conservation management plans, especially in the light of changing fire regimes in the Fynbos.