Migration strategy of the Tree Pipit

Description

Within the framework of my PhD I am investigating the migratory pathways and wintering areas of the Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis. In light of declining breeding populations, the focus is on the question whether migratory pathways and wintering grounds differ between different European populations and which effects this might have on the fitness of the birds. Additionally, the potential of identifying birds from different wintering areas by morphological characteristics is investigated.

Different methods are being used to answer these questions including the analysis of capture-recapture data (EURING) allowing the observation of individual fitness during ringing and studying birds of European zoological museums with regard to size and morphological variation. Additionally, samples of migrating Tree Pipits were taken at ringing stations in Italy, Russia and Germany. The analysis of stable isotopes in the feathers of these individuals is expected to offer valuable clues regarding their sub-Saharan wintering areas.

Location