Yellow Wagtail Motacilla Flava Research Articles

Hybridization as a result of spatial and reproductive interactions between species within the group of ‘yellow’ wagtails (Aves, Motacillidae) in areas of sympatry

The area of overlapping ranges, contact and relationships of two closely related species—the western yellow wagtail Motacilla flava Linnaeus, 1758 and the yellow-headed wagtail Motacilla lutea (Gmelin, 1774)—in the Volga region are the subject of the present study. At present, under conditions of wide sympatry, there is spatial and reproductive interaction between these closely related species—the western yellow and yellow-headed wagtails. Crossbreeding of species of ‘yellow’ wagtails gives a light-headed form of hybrids, which is a marker of the hybrid zone in the Volga region. As a result of the study of the interaction between M. flava and M. lutea in their contact zone in overlapping areas of species ranges, the following was revealed. The concept of a system of traits of the light-headed hybrid form (M. f. beema × M. lutea), marking the hybridization zone of the model species M. flava and M. lutea, is postulated. The population characteristics of this system have been determined and the possibility of their use in population and evolutionary studies of a group of species of ‘yellow’ wagtails has been shown. As a result of the spatial and reproductive interaction of species in populations, the light-headed hybrid form (M. f. beema × M. lutea) is formed, which integrates the characters of the two original species and has its own, peculiar traits, which can mark the boundaries between the western (left-bank) and eastern (right-bank) groups of populations and the boundaries of their distribution. On the basis of this, differences are formed and divergence of these groups of populations occurs, which may reflect the processes of sympatric speciation. The revealed tendencies in the variability of groups of characters in the space of the ranges of model species have a clinal character and may indicate the directions of microevolution of species. The identified hybrid zones within the boundaries of species ranges have a central position. The results of spatio-temporal divergence are M. flava, M. lutea, and their hybrid light-headed form M. f. beema × M. lutea, which may later become an independent species. In the contact zone of M. flava and M. lutea, there is an unlimited hybridization of these species.

Does the expansion of the species' breeding range also involve the establishment of new migratory routes and new wintering ranges? The case of the citrine wagtail <em>Motacilla citreola</em> (Pallas, 1776)

From the second half of the 20th century, some Asian or Eastern European species expanded their breeding range westward. These include red-flanked bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus, black-headed bunting Emberiza melanocephala, common rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus, and citrine wagtail Motacilla citreola. All of these species are long-range migratory species that historically have their own wintering ranges concentrated in Southern Asia. Although migratory behavior is mainly controlled by genetic factors, there is evidence of a high degree of flexibility and adaptability. Therefore, in the event of specific environmental changes, the genetic basis for a rapid and diverse micro-evolutionary development that affects the future migration patterns of birds is already in place. Possible adaptations also include changes to migratory directions and the choice of new and closer winter quarters. It is therefore prudent to ask whether the long-range migratory species that have expanded their breeding range westward in Europe have also established new migration routes and wintering ranges. This research shows that over the last few decades, the wintering area of Motacilla citreola has expanded westwards, including significantly the Middle East and, to a lesser extent, Africa and Europe. Especially in the activation of the most western routes, a fundamental role was played by the phenomenon of post-fledging dispersal, manifested by young who, as also observed in other Asian passerines (e.g., Pallas's warbler Phylloscopus proregulus, yellow-browed warbler Phylloscopus inornatus, pine bunting Emberiza leucocephalos), in autumn moved in different directions than the typical migratory route of their species. The Middle East and the neighboring Horn of Africa are progressively increasing in relevance as an additional area for the wintering of the species as a whole. Similarly, if in Europe the expansion of the breeding range towards the west continues in the future, West Africa, reached through Gibraltar, could become important as additional wintering ranges. In analogy with what is being observed for the western yellow wagtail Motacilla flava, Europe itself is also becoming part of the wintering range of the species. In fact, there is an increase in cases of wintering not only in the south of the continent, but there is also a progression towards the north.

Taxonomic status of grey-headed Yellow Wagtails breeding in western China

BackgroundField studies from 2011 onwards have demonstrated the presence of a breeding population of Yellow Wagtails (Motacilla flava) in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China that is phenotypically distinct from known subspecies occurring in Asia. Here we describe the plumages and vocalisations of this population and discuss its taxonomic status.MethodsThe analysis of plumage is based on field studies and photos available online. Recordings of vocalisations are compared with recordings from other Yellow Wagtail populations, and differences are analysed based on sonograms. Mitochondrial DNA from one individual is compared to other Yellow Wagtail taxa.ResultsUnlike M. flava subspecies breeding in or near Xinjiang, males in the studied population show a blue-grey head without prominent white supercilium, being most similar to the widely disjunct M. f. cinereocapilla. They differ from the similarly widely allopatric M. f. thunbergi, which might occur as a migrant or vagrant in Xinjiang, by on average cleaner yellow breast and more extensive white on the throat, and from the widely disjunct M. f. plexa and M. f. macronyx, which might also occur on migration in that area, by softer contact calls and slower pace of song. Females are similar to female M. f. feldegg in plumage. The mitochondrial ND2 tree shows the single sample from Xinjiang to be nested in the clade of western Yellow Wagtail taxa.ConclusionWe discuss whether the Xinjiang breeding population could represent an intergrade between subspecies breeding nearby, or whether it is better regarded as a separate as yet unrecognized subspecies. We argue that the localization of its apparent range in relation to other subspecies along with fairly consistent male and female plumages suggest that it is more likely to represent an undescribed taxon, but conclude that more research is needed to firmly establish its status.

Ecological and genetic characteristics of «yellow» wagtail hybrids

The paper examines ecological and genetic characteristics of hybrids of yellow wagtails: yellow white-eared wagtail Motacilla flava beema and yellow-fronted wagtail Motacilla lutea. At present, in the zone of contact between closely related forms of yellow wagtails, a system of their spatial and reproductive interaction with each other has been formed under conditions of wide sympatry. This interaction is manifested in the existence and maintenance in the population samples of three components of their genetic system: the genotypes M. flava, M. lutea, and the light-headed hybrid form M. f. beema M. lutea. The new data obtained significantly supplement the understanding of the intraspecific interaction of three forms: M. flava, M. lutea, and the light-headed hybrid form M. f. beema M. lutea. Light-headed hybrids M. f. beema M. lutea have their own specific stable characters at different levels: morphological, behavioral, and molecular genetic as confirmation of the genetic interaction existing in natural populations between the two species, which is an interspecies mechanism for maintaining their structure. In the zone of contact between M. flava and M. lutea, unlimited hybridization of these species occurs and mixed pairs are formed. In this case, the isolation of light-headed hybrid forms with a characteristic manifestation of various groups of characters: morphological the color of the plumage of the head; genetic distinguishing light-headed hybrids from the original species (M. flava and M. lutea). This phenomenon can act as a mechanism for maintaining the integrity of the species of yellow wagtails both the yellow wagtail M. flava and the yellow-fronted wagtail M. lutea due to the constantly occurring interspecific hybridization in areas of wide sympatry within a single polytypic complex.

The White-headed yellow wagtail <em>Motacilla flava leucocephala</em> (Przewalski, 1887): migration, movements, and breeding and wintering ranges

The subspecies leucocephala of the western yellow wagtail Motacilla flava is endemic to the Altai-Sayan Ecoregion (Central Asia). The occurrence of leucocephala is associated with saline water bodies and solonchak habitats. Its distribution, especially outside the breeding season, is still uncertain. The aim of this work is to better define the breeding range, migratory movements, and the wintering range of this subspecies and provide guidance to distinguish whiteheaded intraspecific hybrids from the true leucocephala subspecies. The reproductive range of leucocephala is concentrated near lakes and wetlands in the Great Lakes Depression (north-west Mongolia) and in the flat southern part of the Tuva Republic (Russian Federation). The small population uses two separate areas for wintering: the eastern equatorial Africa reached through the Great Rift Valley Flyway and the Indian subcontinent reached along a route that bypasses the great belt of mountains and plateaus of central Asia to the west.

Wintering range of western yellow wagtail <em>Motacilla flava</em> in Africa and Europe in a historical perspective

Over the past few centuries, some subspecies of the western yellow wagtail Motacilla flava have shown changes in their reproductive ranges. The aim of this research is to verify if changes have occurred also in the wintering range of the species in Africa and Europe from 1848 to 2017. The data, collected through the consultation of over 840 bibliographic sources, 184 travel reports, 38 databases (including 25 relating to museum collections) and some website, shows an expansion of the wintering range to the north. The analysis is also extended to the single subspecies (flava, iberiae, cinereocapilla, flavissima, thunbergi, pygmaea, feldegg, beema, lutea, leucocephala). The factors that can affect the conservation of the species during wintering are examined and the oversummering range of Motacilla flava in sub-Saharan Africa is also discussed.

Declining peatland bird numbers are not consistent with the increasing Common Crane population

The Common Crane (Grus grus) population has experienced an unprecedented increase across Europe during the last decades. Although cranes feed mostly on invertebrates, amphibians and berries during the breeding season, they can also eat eggs and young of other birds. Therefore, conservationists have raised concerns about the potential predatory effect of cranes on wetland avifauna, but the effects of crane predation on bird numbers have so far not been investigated. We here test the relationship between the crane and peatland bird population’ abundances in Finland for five common wader and passerine species, and a set of seven less common waders, using line-transect data spanning from 1987 to 2014. We found that the population densities of two small passerines (Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis and Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava) and one wader species (Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola) were positively associated with crane numbers, probably related to a protective effect against nest predators. For the two other common species and the set of less common waders, we did not find any significant relationships with crane abundance. None of the species was influenced by the (lagged) effect of crane presence (i.e. years since crane was first observed). Peatland drainage was responsible for most species’ negative densities, indicating the need to protect and restore peatlands to mitigate the loss of peatland bird diversity in Finland. In addition, openness, wetness and area size were important peatland characteristics positively influencing most of the studied bird populations. The development in crane and other mire bird numbers in Europe should be monitored regularly to reveal any possible future predatory effects contributing to the shaping of the peatland bird community.

Low first-year apparent survival of passerines in abandoned fields in northwestern Russia

Abstract First-year survival probability of migratory passerines during the period between fledging and first reproduction is a highly variable parameter that has a major effect on population dynamics. We used a long-term mark–recapture dataset (2002–2018) to examine first-year survival of 3 passerine species breeding in abandoned agricultural fields of northwestern Russia: Booted Warbler (Iduna caligata), Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra), and Western Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava). We banded 3,457 nestlings, including 1,363 Booted Warblers, 1,699 Whinchats, and 395 Western Yellow Wagtails, and resighted 12 Booted Warblers, 29 Whinchats, and 13 Western Yellow Wagtails in the year after fledging. We evaluated first-year apparent survival rates using Cormack-Jolly-Seber models in MARK program within the multispecies approach. We tested effect of fledge date on the first-year apparent survival. In all focal species, first-year apparent survival rates were low and reached the lower limits known for migratory passerines. We found no differences in first-year survival rates among the 3 species: the estimated average first-year apparent survival rate of all species was 0.05 ± 0.01. The fledge date had a considerable impact on first-year survival rate: later fledge dates negatively affected first-year survival. We suggest that first-year apparent survival rates in our study were low due to low natal philopatry and high mortality in the post-fledging period. Low apparent first-year survival may be a specific feature of open-nesting birds breeding in abandoned fields that are low-quality habitats because of high predation pressure.

Directional preferences of Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava) (Linnaeus, 1758) subspecies migrating through Kızılırmak Delta in spring

Motacilla flava (Sari kuyruksallayan) taksonlarinin yonelim davranislarini belirlemek amaciyla Kizilirmak Deltasi’nda 2004 - 2006 yillari arasinda ilkbahar gocu sirasinda oriyantasyon kafesi deneyleri yapildi. Kizilirmak Deltasi’nda, Sari kuyruksallayanlarin ilkbahar gocu mart ayi sonunda baslar, nisan ayi ortasinda en yuksek seviyesine ulasir ve mayis ayi ortalarina dogru gorece azalir. 2004 – 2006 yillari arasinda bes alttur (M. f. beema, M. f. feldegg, M. f. flava, M. f. melanogrisea, M. f. thunbergi) ve iki hibride (M. f. superciliaris and M. f. dombrowskii) Busse kafesleri ile 369 oriyantasyon deneyi yapildi. Oriyantasyon deneyleri ve halkalama calismalari sonuclarina gore M. flava taksonuna ait bireyler, ilkbahar gocu sirasinda buyuk bir goc bariyeri olan Karadeniz’i asmadan once Kizilirmak Deltasi’nda karisik suruler halinde konaklamakta ve alani dinlenme ve beslenme icin kullanmaktadir. Oriyantasyon deneylerinden elde edilen sonuclara gore M. flava’ya ait altturler, kuzeye yonelmislerdir. M. flava’nin agirlikli goc yonu, kuzeybati (KB) ve kuzeydogu (KD) olarak tespit edilmistir. M. flava taksonlari, Karadeniz’i asmadan once degil de, Karadeniz’i gectikten sonra ureme alanlarina dogru yonelmektedirler.

Натальная и гнездовая дисперсия желтой трясогузки Motacilla flava в национальном парке «Русский Север» (Вологодская область)

Натальная и гнездовая дисперсия желтой трясогузки Motacilla flava в национальном парке «Русский Север» (Вологодская область)

David Pearson (1941–2017)

David Pearson (1941–2017)

On habitat characteristics driving meadow passerine densities in lowland hay-meadow systems in France

For meadow bird conservation in Europe, promoting specific farming models in their remaining strongholds could be a necessary complement to the ongoing agri-environmental policy. This study aims at understanding the main drivers of meadow passerine density in the objective of guiding conservation policies. The data were collected in 56 lowland hay-meadow regions important for grassland bird breeding in France. The objective was to explain, using GLMMs, the variation in meadow passerine density, measured annually in 490 12-ha plots during the period 2006–2010 by the count point method. Explanatory variables enabled us to describe farming management, sward structure and habitat size. Passerine density (all species except the skylark Alauda arvensis) depended on the extent of habitat available and on the percentage of meadow already mown on June 20. More specifically, the skylark was attracted to low, floristically rich and early mown swards, the whinchat Saxicola rubetra and the yellow wagtail Motacilla flava to large areas of favourable habitat, and the corn bunting Emberiza calandra to floristically rich meadows mown later than June 20. Extensive farming models based on late mowing in the largest habitat units should therefore be a target for meadow passerine conservation. The skylark was an exception. Because of its apparent tendency to use early mown grasslands, we recommend to rather invest on alternative habitats for sustaining the demography of this species.

The Proportion of Cropland Influences Negatively the Occurrence of Breeding Birds in an Alkali Grassland Habitat in NW Serbia

Abstract Grasslands host a high diversity of plant and animal species. In Serbia, most alkali grasslands are located in the province of Vojvodina. The majority are not subject to conservation. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the proportion of croplands and (1) the number of breeding species and (2) the number of breeding pairs in the alkali grasslands of the upper Mostonga River catchment basin (NW Serbia). The size of the study area was 400 ha. Birds were surveyed along seven parallel transects eight times per breeding season. Lengths of the cross sections of both grasslands and croplands were measured. The proportion of croplands per transect was calculated by dividing the total length of cross sections of croplands by the total length of transect. The relationship between the proportion of croplands and the number of breeding pairs and the number of breeding species, respectively, was studied using simple linear regression. We recorded a total of 171 nesting pairs belonging to 23 species in the alkali grassland investigated, with breeding densities between 2.2 and 10.3 pairs per 10 ha. The number of species per transect ranged between 6 and 11. The most abundant species were Skylark Alauda arvensis, Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava and Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra. The numbers of breeding pairs (F6 = 21.761, P < 0.0001) and of breeding species (F6 = 13.758, P = 0.001) were both influenced negatively by the proportion of croplands. These findings highlight the need for coordinated conservation measures on the alkali grasslands of Vojvodina.

Changes in the breeding bird communities on mires and in surrounding forests in southeastern Norway during a 40-year period (1976–2015)

The breeding bird communities of 18 mires and surrounding forests in southeastern Norway were censused in 1976–77 and in 2015. We found that 53% of the mire species with sufficient data for analyses showed significant changes. Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata, Common Crane Grus grus, Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola and Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis increased, whereas Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus, Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis and Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava decreased. There were also near significant decreases of Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata and Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis. Population changes did not differ between short- and long-distance migrants. Species with marginal populations on mires declined more than mire specialist species, suggesting an indirect negative influence of problems in other habitats. Overall, there was a significant 19% decline in number of mire species, but a non-significant 7% increase in number of individuals. The bird community in the forests surrounding the mires showed significant population changes for 42% of the species with sufficient data for analyses, with increases in many resident forest species, but less so for migrants. Overall, there was a near significant 12% increase in number of forest species, and a significant 28% increase in number of individuals. Mire- and forest-associated species did not differ in population trends. Among short-distance migrants (mire and forest species combined), species wintering in agricultural habitats had more negative population changes than species wintering in other habitats. Thus, the breeding bird community on and around mires in this part of Norway has undergone large changes during the last 40 years. We discuss our results in relation to general trends of bird communities in northern Europe.

How to sustain meadow passerine populations in Europe through alternative mowing management

Two decades of agri-environmental policy did not prevent a long term decline of grassland birds in Europe. Additional measures are therefore needed to sustain the populations. This study explored alternative mowing management regimes likely to secure demographic sources in the early mown grassland systems of western Europe, and to limit habitat loss after farming abandonment in countries of the former Eastern Bloc. Postponing grass cutting until after mid-July from 2009 to 2014 in half of the area of 4 study sites (29–55ha each) in the Saône Valley (France), led to increased territory density and improved hatching success. Bird response however was species-specific: Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra territory density benefited the most from the alternative management, Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava territory distribution tended to match the late mown areas, whereas the Whinchat Saxicola rubetra did not change its initial distribution. Temporary interruption of mowing in 8 meadow units (11.7–15.1ha) of the Moskva Valley (Central Russia) was similarly correlated with higher territory density. Whinchat territory density decreased after one single year of mowing. After two consecutive years of mowing, Whinchat hatching success was lower and the Lesser Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola werae virtually disappeared. The tested alternative mowing regimes may therefore locally increase population density without negative density dependent effects on hatching rates. Implementing rotational mowing could reduce habitat loss caused by farming abandonment in Russia. Postponing mowing until after mid-July in patches of hay fields may sustain meadow bird demography in the remaining strongholds of western Europe.

GENETIC BASE FOR SYMPATRY OF YELLOW WAGTAIL <i>MOTACILLA FLAVA</i> LINNAEUS, 1758 AND YELLOW-HEADED WAGTAIL <i>MOTACILLA CITREOLA</i> PALLAS , 1776 (MOTACILLIDAE, PASSERIFORMES) IN THE MIDDLE VOLGA REGION

We investigated the genetic basis between sympatric breeding population yellow wagtail Motacilla flava and yellow-headed wagtail Motacilla citreola in the Middle Volga region. We lead the phylogeographic analysis of the nucleotide sequences in the mitochondrial gene of oxidase I cytochromes in yellow wagtail Motacilla flava and yellow headed wagtail M. citreola populations of Middle Volga. As part of the traditionally recognized species M. flava and M. citreola revealed the existence of separate lines, common in the European part of Russia and neighboring countries and associated with the presence of Middle Volga populations of subspecies of M. f. flava, M. f. thunbergi and M. c. citreola, M. c. werae respectively. The forms of M. c. citreola and M. c. werae due to significant genetic distances deserve assigning them the status of the species. These results suggest that, despite the broad sympatry in nesting places, there is a selective mating between males and females of each species studied, which prevents from the free crossing and supports the insulating mechanisms in populations

Mowing management and density dependence in meadow passerine hatching success

Capsule Improving habitat quality through late or intermittent mowing may increase passerine population density without reducing reproductive success.Aim To describe the relationship between passerine territory density (TD) and Whinchat Saxicola rubetra and Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava hatching success, under different management regimes.Methods TD was defined by the Territory Mapping method in nine sites selected in five French flood plains, in four intermittently mown meadows in Russia and in four additional French sites where mowing was partially postponed. Hatching success was assessed by the observation of prey carrying. Generalized Linear Mixed Models were used to analyse the influence on hatching rates of mowing management, early mowing and TD. Linear Mixed Models were used to study the effect of mowing management on TD.Results In French early mown meadows, TD affected reproductive success. Higher hatching rates and TD were observed in Russia. Similar results in French study sites with postponed mowing confirmed the influence of mowing management on carrying capacity.Conclusion In west-European grassland systems, late or intermittently mown patches within or at the edge of meadow areas, with potentially improved invertebrate-prey availability, should help to sustain bird demography and improve the efficiency of current conservation programmes.

Population Trends of Grassland Birds in Hokkaido, Focussing on the Drastic Decline of the Yellow-breasted Bunting

To examine the population trends of grassland and shrub birds in Hokkaido, we conducted line transect censuses in 2002 and 2003, in area where avifaunal studies had been performed in the 1970s and 1980s. To document the decline in the Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola, birdwatching data were also analysed. The Yellow-breasted Bunting population has decreased drastically both in density and in distribution over the intervening thirty years. The decline in occupied breeding sites and in the population is continuing. Densities of Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis and Lanceolated Grasshopper Warbler Locustella lanceolata have also declined, although their range contractions are not yet severe. The ranges of Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus and Chestnut-eared Bunting E. fucata appear to have contracted. In contrast, data analysis revealed that the breeding range of Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava has expanded in northern Hokkaido, but it is possible that the range had expanded in the past but had been overlooked. The present study suggests that the ranges of Bull-headed Shrike L. bucephalus and Gray's Grasshopper Warbler L. fasciolata had expanded, although some previous studies do not support this trend. In this study we were not able to clarify the reason why the population trends of these species have changed. Further research is necessary focussing on: breeding habitat analysis, breeding biology in relation to population trends, population trends in wintering and migration areas and clarification of migration routes. The population decline in the Yellow-breasted Bunting is both dramatic and very severe. This migratory species in particular requires immediate international conservation measures to avoid national and regional extinction.

The demography of Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava on abandoned fields in northern European Russia

Capsule Apparent survival rates of Yellow Wagtails breeding in abandoned fields in Russia are determined by previous breeding success.Aims To examine apparent survival and its link to previous breeding success in Yellow Wagtails breeding in abandoned fields in the Vologda region, northern European Russia.Methods We ringed and measured apparent survival of Yellow Wagtails at two abandoned agricultural sites over eight years (2005–2012). We modelled the impact of age, nest stage, and time of season on daily nest survival rates.Results Predation was the main cause of nest failure. Nest daily survival rate was highest at the beginning of the breeding season. Overall nest survival probability was 0.40 ± 0.02. Adult apparent survival after successful breeding was 0.42 ± 0.06 and after unsuccessful breeding this was 0.13 ± 0.06.Conclusion Reproductive success can be regarded as the crucial demographic parameter of the local Yellow Wagtail population in northern European Russia. Apparent survival after successful breeding is significantly higher than after unsuccessful breeding, because unsuccessful breeders probably move to new breeding sites the following year. High adult survival may be particularly important to Yellow Wagtail population dynamics in the study region, because second breeding attempts are apparently unusual.

How to improve agri-environment schemes to achieve meadow bird conservation in Europe? A case study in the Saône valley, France

Ongoing meadow bird demographic trends in Europe raise the question of the effectiveness of public policy aiming to halt biodiversity loss. In this study, we attempted to understand the success and failures in one of the first French Agri-Environment Schemes (AES), 20 years after its implementation. After annually postponing grass harvesting to 1 or 15 July in 25 % of a 3,000-ha lowland meadow system, we observed a clear demographic increase in the Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata, the Whinchat Saxicola rubetra and the Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava. No positive effects were recorded for the Skylark Alauda arvensis, the Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra and the Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus, possibly as a result of increased competition with Whinchats and Yellow Wagtails, and the Corncrake Crex crex declined sharply despite the implemented measures. The successful results were attributed, for the Curlew to the species’ early nesting and high adult survival, for the Whinchat to the probable support of immigration, and for the Yellow Wagtail to a possible capacity to avoid unfavourable nesting situations. Late breeding and low adult survival may contribute to explain the continuing Corncrake decline. In the study site, late mown AES areas were too small and fragmented to match efficiently the territory aggregations. We recommend to extend AES principles to all the European range of targeted species, even outside the EU, and to develop species-specific spatial strategies.