Primary moult of continental Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa limosa in the Doñana wetlands, Spain
Marquez-Ferrando, R.; Remisiewicz, M.; Masero, J.A.; Kentie, R.; Senner, N.; Verhoeven, M.A.; Hooijmeijer, C.E.W.; Pardal, S.; Sarasa, M.; Piersma, T.; Figuerola, J. (2018). Primary moult of continental Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa limosa in the Doñana wetlands, Spain. Bird Study 56(1): 132-139. https://doi.org/10.1080/00063657.2018.1443055 In: Bird Study. British Trust for Ornithology: Oxford. ISSN 0006-3657; e-ISSN 1944-6705, more |  |
| Authors | | Top | - Marquez-Ferrando, R.
- Remisiewicz, M.
- Masero, J.A.
- Kentie, R., more
| - Senner, N.
- Verhoeven, M.A.
- Hooijmeijer, C.E.W.
- Pardal, S.
| - Sarasa, M.
- Piersma, T., more
- Figuerola, J.
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| Abstract | Capsule: Most Continental Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa limosa using the Doñana wetlandsduring post-breeding migration appear to begin moult before they arrive and suspend moultbefore they migrate onwards to West Africa.Aims: We aim to describe the primary moult strategies and patterns in the Continental Black-tailedGodwits using the Doñana wetlands, a major passage and wintering area for waterbirds in southernSpain.Methods: Individual godwits were captured, marked and their primary moult was scored in Doñanaduring the non-breeding season (June–March) in 2011 and 2012. Data from resightings of colourmarkedgodwits and birds equipped with satellite transmitters were used to estimate stopoverduration during post-breeding migration (June–September) to determine if godwits move toWest Africa before completing their primary moult.Results: Average primary moult duration was estimated to be 84 days ± 9 se, during 29 June–21September and did not differ between sexes. Only 2% of individuals were observed withsuspended moult. We estimated stopover duration in Doñana to be 13 days ± 2 se beforemigrating to West Africa.Conclusions: Most godwits stage for about two weeks in the Doñana wetlands during southwardmigration, moult their primaries and appear to suspend moult before crossing the Sahara. Othersmay complete their primary moult in Doñana, or elsewhere in Europe and overwinter in Doñanawhere increasing numbers of godwits have been detected in recent years. A few individu |
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