Body dimensions and mass of breeding and hatched Black-tailed Godwits(Limosa 1. limosa): a comparison between a West Siberian and a Dutchpopulation

The breeding biology and habitat preference of the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa l. limosa)was studied in the West Siberian forest-steppe in May and June 1995. The godwits preferreed and sedge marsh and edges of ponds and depressions. They breed in small aggrega-tions together with other waders such as Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Marsh Sandpiper(Tringa stagnatilis), Redshank (Tringa totanus), Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)and Great Snipe (GalIinago media). A remarkable resemblance of breeding birds was no-ticed between the Siberian steppe and the ‘meadowbird’ community as found in The Neth-erlands in the 1950’s. Comparisons of biometrics between Siberian and West EuropeanBlack-tailed godwits showed significant differences. Black-tailed Godwits from Siberiaare in all aspects larger than their European conspecifics. Egg volumes and hatchlingweights decreased in the course of the season. Breeding success in 1995 was low owing tointense predation by Hooded Crow (Corvus corone cornix) and Magpie (Pica pica).

Niko M. Groen and Alexander K. Yurlov, J. Ornithol. 140, 73-79 (1999)