Open AccessSpatio‐temporal distribution of migrating raptors: a comparison of ringing and satellite tracking
Author(s) -
Strandberg Roine,
Klaassen Raymond H. G.,
Thorup Kasper
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of avian biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.022
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1600-048X
pISSN - 0908-8857
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-048x.2008.04571.x
Subject(s) - buzzard , satellite tracking , ringing , buteo , satellite , biology , distribution (mathematics) , ecology , predation , computer science , telecommunications , engineering , aerospace engineering , enhanced data rates for gsm evolution , mathematical analysis , mathematics
We describe the migration performance of three long‐distance migrating raptors, osprey Pandion haliaetus , honey buzzard Pernis apivorus and marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus , and one short‐distance migrating raptor, common buzzard Buteo buteo based on Swedish ringing recoveries and satellite telemetry, respectively. Tracking by satellite can provide detailed information about the exact timing of migration, migration speed, migration directions, stopover sites, and detours, thereby overcoming many of the potential biases found in ring recoveries. Comparison of the results from these two methods revealed agreement in the geographical distribution of the studied Swedish raptor populations during autumn migration and the winter period. Satellite tracking, nevertheless, provided much more detailed information in Africa and revealed significantly faster migration progress than indicated by ring recoveries. The implications of our findings for interpretation of migratory connectivity and the understanding of migration are discussed.