Publication
Title
Effects of habitat fragmentation on the timing of crested tit parus-cristatus natal dispersal
Author
Abstract
Crested Tit Parus cristatus young from first broods dispersed 1 week later if they were born in small isolated pine plots ('habitat fragments') compared with individuals in a large pine forest ('continuous habitat'). This delay in dispersal was caused by an extended period between fledging and dispersal. In second broods, the delay was even longer due to the interbrood interval being 9 days longer in habitat fragments. As nestlings in habitat fragments had a lower body-mass, and age at dispersal was negatively correlated with nestling body-mass within each nest, the postponed dispersal from fragments might be explained partly by a lower body-mass. Alternatively, postponed dispersal from fragments could result from a barrier effect caused by reluctance to cross inhospitable habitat. Immigration by young from first broods into habitat fragments was delayed by approximately 3 weeks, and proportionally more second brood emigrants were recovered in this type of habitat. These results are in agreement with the hypothesis that fragments are second-choice habitat. Early immigrants into continuous habitat had a higher probability of settlement in winter flocks compared with late ones, independent of condition or age. Therefore, Crested Tits born in habitat fragments probably have a lower chance of settling in first-choice habitat.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Ibis / British Ornothologists' Union. - London
Publication
London : 1994
ISSN
0019-1019
DOI
10.1111/J.1474-919X.1994.TB01078.X
Volume/pages
136 :2 (1994) , p. 147-152
ISI
A1994NH60000003
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 29.02.2012
Last edited 04.03.2024
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