Age and Season Related Differences in Migration Dynamics and Body Conditions of Three Acrocephalus Species in Their East European Migration Route

Abstract

Although T & uuml;rkiye, located on the Eastern European migration route, is an important passage site for many bird species, passerine migration has been little studied. This study will extend our knowledge on the migration phenology of Acrocephalus species. The aim of the study is to investigate the spring and autumn migration dynamics and biometrics in relation to age and season of Acrocephalus scirpaceus, Acrocephalus arundinaceus, Acrocephalus palustris passing the K & imath;z & imath;l & imath;rmak Delta. 18 years of ringing data from Cernek Bird Ringing Station has been used for all three Acrocephalus species. Methodology is based on the capture and ringing of passerines. More birds were ringed in autumn than in spring for all three species. In spring adult mean arrival date is earlier than that of first-year birds, while there was no difference for autumn season. Long-term studies should be conducted in T & uuml;rkiye, to better understand the migration strategies of various species in terms of age, sex and season.