Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) Science Article 1 abstract The declining Western European population of the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) is hypothesised to be a part of the same metapopulation as the Dutch population, at the edge of the contracting western range. Due to habitat fragmentation the Dutch population is mainly situated in the Bargerveen reserve […]
Analysis of stable isotopes in feathers of Red-backed Shrikes ( Lanius collurio ): no evidence for different wintering habitats of males and females
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) Science Article 6 abstract We investigated the stable isotope signatures (d15N and d13C) of greater feather covers of male and female Red-backed Shrikes (Lanius collurio) of a southern German population. Male and female birds did not differ in their isotope signatures, thus revealing similar winter grounds for both sexes Hans Jakober, […]
Nest predators affect spatial dynamics of breeding red-backed shrikes (Lanius collurio)
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) Science Article 9 abstract Predation may be a strong selective factor affecting individual behaviour and life histories. However, few studies have investigated whether predators affect breeding habitat selection of prey species. We tested whether breeding habitat selection and reproduction of a tropical migrant, the red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio L.), was related […]
Comparison of methods for diet analysis and prey preference: a case study on the Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio.
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) Science Article 8 abstract I studied diet composition and prey preferences of the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) in an extensive agricultural landscape in the eastern part of Poland. The diet composition of the Red-backed Shrike was described based on the analysis of animal remains in pellets (n = 968 prey items), […]
Blood parasites, reproduction and sexual selection in the red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio)
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) Science Article 2 abstract We investigated the occurrence of blood parasites on the red-backed shrike Lanius collurio during a three-year study in southern Czech Republic. Selected traits of shrike body morphology, male plumage and reproduction were studied with respect to the presence and intensity of h matozoan infection in blood samples […]
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) nest performance in a declining British population: a comparison with a stable population in Poland
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) Science Article 7 abstract We compare the breeding ecology of Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio prior to its effective extinction (in 1990) as a breeding bird in the UK with that of a stable population in southwestern Poland. We use breeding performancedata derived from theUK and Polish Nest Record Schemes. Although theclutch […]
Eggshell patterning in the Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio: relation toegg size and potential function
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) Science Article 5 abstract Despite numerous studies on avian eggs, the function of eggshell patterning remains largely unknown. Using a museum collection of Red-backed Shrike clutches, we estimated the repeatability of characteristics describing the intensity and contrast of egg pigmentation, as well as egg size and shape. Digitalized photographs of eggs […]
Digestive bottleneck affects foraging decisions in red knots Calidris canutus. II. Patch choice and length of working day
Red Knot (Calidris canutus) Science Article 15 abstract When prey occur at high densities, energy assimilation rates are generally constrained by rates of digestion rather than by rates of collection (i.e. search and handle). As predators usually select patches containing high prey densities, rates of digestion will play an important role in the foraging ecology […]
Arrival and weight gain of Red Knot Calidris canutus, Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpresand Sanderling Calidris alba staging in Delaware Bay in spring
Red Knot (Calidris canutus) Science Article 16 abstract Delaware Bay is an important spring staging area for shorebirds migrating north along the easternAmerican coast, with birds relying heavily on Horseshoe Crab Limulus polyphemus eggs duringtheir stay. While many species use the Bay, three species are of particular interest: Red KnotCalidris canutus, Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres […]
Changing balance between survival and recruitment explains population trends in Red Knots Calidris canutus islandica wintering in Britain, 1969-1995
Red Knot (Calidris canutus) Science Article 9 abstract The demography of Red Knots Calidris canutus islandica wintering in Britain from 1969 to 1995 was examined using published data on winter numbers, unpublished ringing data, and information on the percentages first year birds in late autumn and winter (defined here as ‘recruitment’). The maximum time between […]