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SOME IMPRESSIONS OF SPRING MIGRATION IN CYRENAICA MARCH‐MAY 1952.
Author(s) -
Stanford Lt.Col. J. K.
Publication year - 1953
Publication title -
ibis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.933
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1474-919X
pISSN - 0019-1019
DOI - 10.1111/j.1474-919x.1953.tb00691.x
Subject(s) - geography , flyway , marsh , bird migration , ecology , grus (genus) , warbler , waterfowl , plumage , biology , habitat , wetland
SUMMARY.1 Migration was proceeding throughout Cyrenaica from 21 biarch to 16 May, though some wintering species had already gone. 2 A inass of migration seems to mobe from south to north through the whole area, and a remarkable medley of species migrates or halts simultaneously. 3 These birds must get little or no water, arid after the desert‐crossing drop in wherever there is shade or vegetation. 4 The Subalpine Warbler appears to pass through on a front of at least 500–600 miles and Hoopoes and Orioles on a wide front. 5 There was little evidence of coasting movements except by Swallows, and the bulk of coasting seen on the north seaboard was to the west or northwest. 6 Daylight movement from south to north was slight, seen only in Lesser Kestrels, Curlews, Coursers, Bee‐eaters, Short‐toed Larks, Corn Buntings, Linnets and Turtle Doves, with individuals of other species. 7 “Invisible migration”, as evidenced by arrivals, was very heavy. 8 Warblers were scarce, except Nightingales, Wood and Icterine Warblers and Common Whitethroats. Willow‐warblers were very scarce. 9 Notes are given of the migration of Quail, Cuckoos, Flycatchers and Red‐footed Falcons. 10 A considerable array of waders and water‐birds passes north from the desert and stays till mid‐May on marshes near the sea or pools in the Gebel el Achdar. 11 A few instances are given of birds singing, or being in moult, on migration.