Michele Mendi

Graceful, white wading bird with peculiar spoon-shaped beak, used to probe along bottom, feeling for fish, amphibians, and other aquatic invertebrates. Colonial breeder with disjunct breeding range in Europe, with largest populations in the Netherlands, Hungary and Spain. More widespread from north of the Caucasus east to China. European population 10,200-15,200 breeding pairs, with most W. European populations increasing, some E. European populations decreasing. Migratory, but may only travel short distances, some southern populations resident, nomadic or partially migratory.

Season of assessment

B

Population trendIncreasing
Population size
(min-max, best estimate)		23800-36300,29000
Red List categoryLC
Franks, S., Fiedler, W., Arizaga, J., Jiguet, F., Nikolov, B., van der Jeugd, Ambrosini, R, Aizpurua, O., Bairlein, F., Clark, J., Fattorini, N, Hammond, M., Higgins, D, Levering, H., Skellorn, W., Spina, F, Thorup, K. Walker, J., Woodward, I. and Baillie, S.R. (1) (2022) Online Atlas of the movements of European bird populations. https://migrationatlas.org EURING/CMS (1) Principal investigator
Map

Overall Connectivity for Eurasian Spoonbill

Very strong connectivity visible, with three main flyways from populations were regular ringing takes place: Birds from SW, W and N Europe move SW and connect to Iberia and (N)W Africa south to Senegal. C and SE European populations also move SW and connect to Tunisia and to lesser extent further south into Africa to Mali and Niger. Some move S or SE to Lybia, Egypt and Sudan. Birds from Stavropol Krai and the Republic of Kalmykia in SW Russia move ESE to Iran, Pakistan and India. Some links between the three flyways exist, with for example part of the west Turkish birds wintering in Pakistan, and few Hungarian birds wintering Mauritania.

Recoveries by Condition for Eurasian Spoonbill

Staggering 98% of re-encounters are of birds identified by other means, mostly colour-ring readings that primarily occur in Hungary, The Netherlands, Spain and Mauritania. Ring recoveries make up just 0.5% and occur in or around a few colonies in The Netherlands, Denmark and Spain. Dead birds make up remainder, among which 0.23% are shot, mainly in southern Europe and Africa, and from before 1960. After 1990, reports of shot spoonbills are extremely rare.

Annual Movements for Eurasian Spoonbill

Variation in time and space is less well visible in the maps than in reality, because at many locations, always some individuals remain year-round. In Nov- Jan Most birds in W. Africa, Iberia, France, SW Netherlands, Tunisia and Italy. Increase in Netherlands already mid Feb, Denmark begin Mar, C and SE Europe mid Mar. Highest densities in Netherlands, Hungary and Serbia in Jun – Aug, then decrease. Few encounters Africa safe Mauritania and Tunisia in Jun-Jul. Scatter of encounters at inland sites throughout Europe end Sep and Oct. Increase in NW and W Africa from end Sep. Most encounters Canary Islands end Oct and Nov.

Connectivity by Month by Region for Eurasian Spoonbill

Birds during breeding in W, SW and N Europe in May-Jun connect to Mauritania and Senegal in Oct-Feb. Increasing number of birds short-stop in Iberia recently in Sep-Feb, a strategy associated with higher survival (Lok et al. 2011). Few also winter France. Immatures can stay in wintering areas during first and second summer, but little mixing with resident subspecies balsaci in Mauretania (Piersma et al. 2012). Birds in C. Europe in May-Jun connect mainly to Tunisia in Oct-Feb, immatures also to other colonies in the region in Apr-Aug. SE European breeders May-Jun connect to Tunisia (from Serbia) in Nov-Jan, or to Egypt, Israel, Iraq and Pakistan (from Turkey) in Nov-Apr. Easternmost breeders in May-Jun connect to Pakistan, India in Oct-Mar. Dispersal in and between all populations of birds ringed May-Jun in post-breeding period Jul-Sep.

Henk van der Jeugd

References

Statistics Map
N records N individuals N recoveries
Mapped data*
Total available data
*Mapped data include only distant (>= 50 km) recoveries
References Map
Lok, T,, Overdijk, O., Tinbergen, J.M., Piersma, T.2011 . The paradox of spoonbill migration: most birds travel to where survival rates are lowest. Animal Behaviour 82: 837–844
Piersma, T., Van der Velde, M., El-Hacen, H.M., Lok, T., Overdijk, O.2012 . Molecular verification of the subspecies status of the Mauritanian spoonbill Platalea leucorodia balsaci. Ardea 100: 131–136

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Sergey Dereliev

Breeds from W Europe (reaching Iberia), exceptionally Senegambia, to E Fennoscandia (Olsen & Larsson 2004). Strategies vary from resident to long-distance migrants; winter quarters from Europe to W and E Africa, Middle East and along the coast of W North America as well (Olsen & Larsson 2004). Migratory distance can vary even among individual birds from a same colony (Shamoun-Baranes et al. 2017).

Season of assessment

B

Population trendIncreasing
Population size
(min-max, best estimate)		738000-828000,781000
Red List categoryLC
Franks, S., Fiedler, W., Arizaga, J., Jiguet, F., Nikolov, B., van der Jeugd, Ambrosini, R, Aizpurua, O., Bairlein, F., Clark, J., Fattorini, N, Hammond, M., Higgins, D, Levering, H., Skellorn, W., Spina, F, Thorup, K. Walker, J., Woodward, I. and Baillie, S.R. (1) (2022) Online Atlas of the movements of European bird populations. https://migrationatlas.org EURING/CMS (1) Principal investigator
Map

Overall Connectivity for Lesser Black-backed Gull

Several populations from a migratory perspective: the Atlantic one (assigned to graellsii/intermedius subspecies), which moves along a NE-SW axis, reaching W Africa; the N/E Baltic one (assigned to fuscus subspecies), which uses a NW-SE axis, reaching the Middle East and E Africa (Olsen & Larsson 2004), and the S/W Baltic one, including Germany, Denmark and S Sweden), assigned to intermedius subspecies, which also moves along a main NE-SW axis. The migratory behavior decreases from N to S. Scandinavian birds breeding along the Atlantic winter from C Europe to W Africa, some also remain in S Scandinavia. British birds majorly perform short-range, local movements, though some migrate up to W Africa. In winter, UK hosts birds from N latitudes, from Iceland to Scandinavia. The Finish and Baltic population migrates up to E Africa; some recoveries in winter in Israel. Some N European birds cross the C Mediterranean to reach the Guinea Gulf.

Recoveries by Condition for Lesser Black-backed Gull

Overall, most (90%) recoveries due to birds found alive, identified by other means, such as Darvic leg ring(s). Before 1960, most recoveries were due to shot (35%) or birds found dead, sick or wounded (ca. 50%). Currently, most (95%) recoveries are due to birds encountered alive, mostly identified from leg ring(s). Historically, most encounters have been obtained from 2000 onwards, with a peak around 2010, following a peak in the use of Darvic rings in many projects across much of Europe.

Annual Movements for Lesser Black-backed Gull

Post-breeding movements/migration start as early as late Jun, though the bulk of birds start to move in Jul/Aug. Winter grounds reached from Aug, up to Mar. Migration across Europe majorly coastal; in Africa, both in Apr and Aug/Sep, gulls can cross the W Sahara, ca. 500 km east of the coast and ca. 3,500 m above sea level, assisted by tailwinds, in a non-stop flight from the Mediterranean area to the sub-Saharan winter quarters (Schmaljohann et al. 2008). Return to breeding sites start well before the end of the winter, from Feb onwards. Females reported to stop over for longer and arrive later to their wintering sites (Baert et al. 2018).

Connectivity by Month by Region for Lesser Black-backed Gull

Rather similar between populations; Fennoscandian birds, however, start to move later than their S counterparts (leaving their breeding sites from Jul to Sep). Return to breeding quarters also delayed in Fennoscandian birds as compared to those breeding along the Atlantic; some birds still in Africa in Apr.

Juan Arizaga

References

Statistics Map
N records N individuals N recoveries
Mapped data*
Total available data
*Mapped data include only distant (>= 50 km) recoveries
References Map
Baert, J. M., Stienen, E. W. M., Heylen, B. C., Kavelaars, M. M., Buijs, R. J., Shamoun-Baranes, J., Lens, L., Muller, W.2018 . High-resolution GPS tracking reveals sex differences in migratory behaviour and stopover habitat use in the Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus. Scientific Reports 8
Olsen, K. M., Larsson, H.2004 . Gulls of Europe, Asia and North America. Helm Identification Guides, London
Schmaljohann, H., Liechti, F., Bruderer, B.2008 . First records of lesser black-backed gulls Larus fuscus crossing the Sahara non-stop. J. Avian Biol. 39: 233–237
Shamoun-Baranes, J., Burant, J. B., van Loon, E. E., Bouten, W., Camphuysen, C. J.2017 . Short distance migrants travel as far as long distance migrants in lesser black-backed gulls Larus fuscus. J. Avian Biol. 48: 49–57

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Aron Tanti

Garden Warbler is a long-distance migratory passerine, which breeds in temperate latitudes from W Europe to C Asia; wintering around equatorial Africa (BirdLife International 2021). Insectivorous, though highly frugivorous during the non-breeding period.

Season of assessment

B

Population trendDecreasing
Population size
(min-max, best estimate)		23200000-38900000,30200000
Red List categoryLC
Franks, S., Fiedler, W., Arizaga, J., Jiguet, F., Nikolov, B., van der Jeugd, Ambrosini, R, Aizpurua, O., Bairlein, F., Clark, J., Fattorini, N, Hammond, M., Higgins, D, Levering, H., Skellorn, W., Spina, F, Thorup, K. Walker, J., Woodward, I. and Baillie, S.R. (1) (2022) Online Atlas of the movements of European bird populations. https://migrationatlas.org EURING/CMS (1) Principal investigator
Map

Overall Connectivity for Garden Warbler

The many encounters in Africa show parallel migration patterns, which give rise to relatively strong connectivity. W European Garden Warblers winter in W Sahel, while those breeding in N and E European winter in C Africa. Migration occurs in a broad front, with birds migrating over open sea and deserts.

Recoveries by Condition for Garden Warbler

Overall, most (>95%) of recoveries are of birds captured alive, usually in ringing campaigns. However, most recoveries before 1961 were of birds found dead (shot ~25%; other dead, sick or wounded 32%). This pattern clearly changed during 1961-1990, and since 1991 very few birds are reported dead (<2%).

Annual Movements for Garden Warbler

Autumn migration starts in Aug and is widespread across Europe in Aug-Sep. There are encounters in the sub-Saharan belt by Sep. Spring passage in Europe starts in Mar and is obvious in Apr, with the Scandinavian breeding quarters being reached in May.

Connectivity by Month by Region for Garden Warbler

In autumn, fuelling before crossing the Sahara takes place in S Europe, increasing progressively as birds approach the N border of this desert (Biebach 1990). Mediterranean peninsulas/islands are important fuelling areas in autumn (e.g. Fransson et al. 2008). Return from Africa starts in Feb-Mar, with obvious passage in Apr across the entire Mediterranean region, including NW Africa (there are no encounters in NE Africa and the Middle East in Mar-Apr). Migration in spring is very fast, thanks to fuelling in equatorial Africa (Pilastro & Spina 1997).  Birds start to arive on the breeding grounds in C and W Europe in Apr.

Juan Arizaga

References

Statistics Map
N records N individuals N recoveries
Mapped data*
Total available data
*Mapped data include only distant (>= 50 km) recoveries
References Map
Biebach, H.1990 . Strategies of trans-Saharan migrants. In: E. Gwinner (Eds.), Bird migration. Springer Heidelberg, Berlin: 352–367
BirdLife International 2021 . Species factsheet: Sylvia borin.
Fransson, T., Barboutis, C., Mellroth, R., Akriotis, T.2008 . When and where to refuel before crossing the Sahara desert - extended stopover and migratory fuelling in first-year garden warblers Sylvia borin. Journal of Avian Biology 39: 133–138
Pilastro, A., Spina, F.1997 . Ecological and morphological correlates of residual fat reserves in passerine migrants at their spring arrival in Southern Europe. Journal of Avian Biology 28: 309–318

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Michele Mendi

Breeding distribution restricted extending across the whole of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, restricted in the North to southern Scandinavia and Finland, and absent from taigas. Nordic and Russian populations fully migratory, species present along the year elsewhere. Various subspecies reported in Europe, with subtle biometric and plumage variations. The species is moderately declining across Europe, but declining rapidly in North Africa because of illegal trapping (Khelifa et al. 2017).

Season of assessment

B

Population trendIncreasing
Population size
(min-max, best estimate)		56100000-88700000,68900000
Red List categoryLC
Franks, S., Fiedler, W., Arizaga, J., Jiguet, F., Nikolov, B., van der Jeugd, Ambrosini, R, Aizpurua, O., Bairlein, F., Clark, J., Fattorini, N, Hammond, M., Higgins, D, Levering, H., Skellorn, W., Spina, F, Thorup, K. Walker, J., Woodward, I. and Baillie, S.R. (1) (2022) Online Atlas of the movements of European bird populations. https://migrationatlas.org EURING/CMS (1) Principal investigator
Map

Overall Connectivity for European Goldfinch

Ringing recoveries identify three main connexions between breeding populations and wintering regions. Birds from the British Isles move to the continent in a S or SE direction, with most winter records from the Netherlands to Spain (a few in Morocco). Birds from West, Central and East Europe move to the SW, though population from northern Italy, the Balkans up to Poland and the Baltic states move either to South West or to South East Europe. Birds recovered in North Africa (mainly Morocco) originates from South West but also West Europe.

Recoveries by Condition for European Goldfinch

A vast majority of birds intentionally taken by ringers (90%), which is largely driven by a huge ringing effort in the Netherlands and British Isles. About a quarter to a third of the less numerous recoveries are of dead birds before 1990. There is an unusual large proportion of dead (shot) recoveries in North Italy. Large-scale poaching in North Africa might impact those populations wintering there, especially from West and South-West Europe.

Annual Movements for European Goldfinch

Most recoveries are at short distances, but up to > 2000 kilometres, and obtained in the 2000s. These data illustrate the short-distance migration strategy of the goldfinch, but with some regular seasonal movements at distance for some individuals / populations. Movements are mainly noted in April and October, with possible winter shifts in case of severe climate conditions. In autumn, adults migrate later than juveniles at Pyrenees passes (Arizaga et al. 2009).

Connectivity by Month by Region for European Goldfinch

Birds from Central Europe are recovered in Western Europe mainly in October, then in South-West Europe from November to January. Birds from the British Isles spread along continental Atlantic and North Sea coasts from October to April, though most stay on their side of the Chanel. Birds from Central Europe are spread from their breeding range to SW Europe from October to March, with a few late recoveries in Spain even in May. Birds of the South West and South Central and South East are mostly sedentary, though some of South-West move north to summer in West Europe.

Frédéric Jiguet

References

Statistics Map
N records N individuals N recoveries
Mapped data*
Total available data
*Mapped data include only distant (>= 50 km) recoveries
References Map
Arizaga J, Cuadrado JF, Romero L2009 . Seasonal individual and population-associated patterns of migration of goldfinches Carduelis carduelis through the Western edge of Pyrenees. Ardeola 56: 57–69
Khelifa, R.; Zebsa, R.; Amari, H.; Mellal, M. K.; Bensouilah, S.; Laouar, A.; Mahdjoub, H.2017 . Unravelling the drastic range retraction of an emblematic songbird of North Africa: potential threats to Arfo-Palearctic migratory birds. Scientific Reports 7 article no.: 1092

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Sergey Dereliev

Widespread Palaearctic small gull. Breeding in colonies in reedbeds, marshy areas and ponds near coasts. Migratory behaviour ranges from resident to partial migrant or migratory. Migratory strategy increases with increasing latitude/longitude (BirdLife international 2021). 

Season of assessment

B

Population trendDecreasing
Population size
(min-max, best estimate)		2810000-4120000,3380000
Red List categoryLC
Franks, S., Fiedler, W., Arizaga, J., Jiguet, F., Nikolov, B., van der Jeugd, Ambrosini, R, Aizpurua, O., Bairlein, F., Clark, J., Fattorini, N, Hammond, M., Higgins, D, Levering, H., Skellorn, W., Spina, F, Thorup, K. Walker, J., Woodward, I. and Baillie, S.R. (1) (2022) Online Atlas of the movements of European bird populations. https://migrationatlas.org EURING/CMS (1) Principal investigator
Map

Overall Connectivity for Black-headed Gull

N and W European populations move across a NE-SW axis of migration. Fennoscandian population migrates mostly to British Islands the English Channel and the Wadden sea area. Few recoveries in N Africa and Iberia. W population partial migrant; those migrating reach Iberia. British population mostly resident or dispersive, with some recoveries in Iberia and one in Morocco. Birds from Iceland migratory (Olsen & Larsson 2004); recovery data from only two birds, found in Britain. C European birds show short-distance migration with SW direction; also many dispersive movements reported. E birds also move SW; those from the Baltic sea area move to W Europe; those breeding further inland (up to Russia) overwinter in SE Europe, E Mediterranean, up to Egypt (with an exceptional recovery in Congo).

Recoveries by Condition for Black-headed Gull

Overall, most recoveries are due to birds seen alive (ca. 83%). 32% of recoveries identified with metal ring, 26% with leg ring(s) and 14% identified by other means. The proportion of dead recoveries due to sickness or wound was found to be relatively high for the period before 1960 (48%) or 1961-1990 (44%), then decreasing up to <5% from 1990 to present. Proportion of dead recoveries by shot was 26% before 1960, 10% between 1961-1990; virtually zero from 1990 to present.

Annual Movements for Black-headed Gull

Post-fledging migration starts in Jun, peaks in mid-Aug/Sep. Spring migration starts in Feb. Arrival to breeding quarters is later with increasing latitude: the Baltic and Fennoscandian birds reach their breeding sites in late Mar/Apr. 

Connectivity by Month by Region for Black-headed Gull

A similar temporal pattern for all populations; see ‘Annual movements’.

Olatz Aizpurua & Juan Arizaga

References

Statistics Map
N records N individuals N recoveries
Mapped data*
Total available data
*Mapped data include only distant (>= 50 km) recoveries
References Map
BirdLife International 2021 . Species factsheet: Chroicocephalus ridibundus.
Olsen, K. M., Larsson, H.2004 . Gulls of Europe, Asia and North America. Helm Identification Guides, London

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Sergey Dereliev

American species introduced into Europe at start of 20th century, established breeding populations in Fennoscandia, W. Europe and UK. European population mainly recently split greater Canada goose, B. canadensis, locally also cackling goose B. Hutchinsii common. For historic reasons here treated simultaneously. Northern populations migratory, others dispersive. Breeds in wide diversity of habitats, frequently found in agricultural or urban areas, almost always near water. Diet stems, leaves, tubers and seeds of plants. Size of European population not known, likely exceeds 75.000 breeding pairs.

Season of assessment

B

Population trendIncreasing
Population size
(min-max, best estimate)		20000-100000,44700
Red List categoryLC
Franks, S., Fiedler, W., Arizaga, J., Jiguet, F., Nikolov, B., van der Jeugd, Ambrosini, R, Aizpurua, O., Bairlein, F., Clark, J., Fattorini, N, Hammond, M., Higgins, D, Levering, H., Skellorn, W., Spina, F, Thorup, K. Walker, J., Woodward, I. and Baillie, S.R. (1) (2022) Online Atlas of the movements of European bird populations. https://migrationatlas.org EURING/CMS (1) Principal investigator
Map

Overall Connectivity for Canada Goose

Northernmost populations in Scandinavia connect to S. Sweden, Denmark and N. Germany in winter, Scottish birds connect to England, other UK populations to close-by locations within UK, rarely crosses to mainland. Dutch and German birds show short-distance movements in all directions, predominantly after moulting. Rare movements further south to Spain, S. France and Italy. Three recoveries of birds ringed in Delaware, USA in Iceland, Scotland and Ireland.

Recoveries by Condition for Canada Goose

Almost one fifth of recoveries refer to dead birds, of which just over half (11% of total) refer to birds being shot or intentionally taken. Proportion of shot birds decreased over time, with just 6% after 1990. Shot birds equally found over complete range, birds dead from other causes mainly in UK, S. Sweden and Denmark. Ringing recoveries also make up one fifth, only in UK, Belgium, Norway and Sweden. Live resightings make up remaining 60%, equally distributed over range, and increasing over time to three quarters after 1990.

Annual Movements for Canada Goose

Little variation visible. Nov until end Mar only presence in England, W. and C. Europe and sparsely in S. Fennoscandia. From begin Apr density in Fennoscandia increases, from begin May birds appear in northernmost Scandinavia. From Jul density in Fennoscandia increases further and birds appear in Scotland, presumably due to catching operations during fledging and moult. Mid Aug- begin Oct eye-catching post-moult concentration around Stockholm, Sweden, from end Oct only sparse presence in Fennoscandia again.

Connectivity by Month by Region for Canada Goose

Birds ringed during fledging and moulting in Jul in N. Europe are nearly all re-encountered in S Sweden, Denmark and N. Germany in Nov-Feb. Re-encounters in other months are usually at close-by locations in all directions, probably representing moult migration. Birds in Scotland in Jul connect to scattered locations in England in Aug-Feb, one exceptionally to Yamalo-Nenets Russia. Southern UK populations connect to close-by sites towards SW-SE in the same period. Birds in UK in winter Nov-Feb all connect to breeding sites within the UK in Jul. Birds in W. and C. Europe in winter Nov-Feb connect to breeding sites close-by in the region in Jun-Jul, except birds in N. Netherlands and Germany that also connect to Sweden in Jul. Birds from the USA connect to Iceland, Scotland and Ireland in Oct-Jan.

Henk van der Jeugd

References

Statistics Map
N records N individuals N recoveries
Mapped data*
Total available data
*Mapped data include only distant (>= 50 km) recoveries

Michele Mendi

Well-know, widespread and common duck with very large range, including all of Europe except tundra’s in northeast. N and E populations migratory, others sedentary or dispersive. Occurs almost everywhere where surface water is near, including urban habitats. Domesticated forms occur and interbreed with wild type. Omnivorous, all kinds of plant material eaten by grazing or dabbling, also small invertebrates. Hunted in many countries. European population 2,850,000-4,610,000 breeding pairs, trend stable but some countries decreasing, others increasing. Most important host for avian influenza (Latorre-Margalef et al. 2014).

Season of assessment

W

Population trendDecreasing
Population size
(min-max, best estimate)		2830000-3770000,3200000
Red List categoryLC
Franks, S., Fiedler, W., Arizaga, J., Jiguet, F., Nikolov, B., van der Jeugd, Ambrosini, R, Aizpurua, O., Bairlein, F., Clark, J., Fattorini, N, Hammond, M., Higgins, D, Levering, H., Skellorn, W., Spina, F, Thorup, K. Walker, J., Woodward, I. and Baillie, S.R. (1) (2022) Online Atlas of the movements of European bird populations. https://migrationatlas.org EURING/CMS (1) Principal investigator
Map

Overall Connectivity for Mallard

General direction of movement is WSW in all European populations, with moderate connectivity between breeding and wintering locations. Birds in UK connect to sites within the country or to Denmark or further to Fennoscandia, Baltic and Russia. No connections with Iceland. Birds in W Europe connect to Fennoscandia and Russia in the NE and within the region to France, some to UK. Most birds in C. Europe originate from Finland and Russia and connect further to France. Birds from N Europe concentrated in S Sweden, connecting both to Finland and Russia and to UK, low countries and France. E. European birds move perpendicular in a SW direction from Karelia and Baltic to low countries and France, from SW Russia to Balkan, and from Russia to Wolga Delta and further to SE Europe or S to Iran. Wintering range has shifted due to gradual shortening of migration distance (Sauter et al. 2010).

Recoveries by Condition for Mallard

Over two fifth of all reencounters refer to dead birds, including 35% shot birds, reflecting high hunting pressure on this species. Proportion shot birds greatly reduced after 1990 however (11%). Shot birds are equally distributed over entire range. Birds ‘intentionally taken’ predominantly in Netherlands, referring to capture in traditional duck decoys. These also yield most ring recoveries, together with few other sites in Europe (total 31%). Alive, identified by other means, presumably ring readings, only occur after 1990, when they make up exactly 50% of all re encounters.

Annual Movements for Mallard

From Dec to mid Feb distribution stable and concentrated in UK, W and C Europe and Denmark, also SW Spain and N Italy. From end Feb birds leave France and Italy, increase in Russia, from end mar also increase in Fennoscandia. From begin Apr to begin May, broad band of spring-hunt recoveries in Russia E to Ob River progressively moving NE, dissolving towards NE in May. Stable Jun-Jul with hotspots in UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, more sparsely in Russia E to Ural. Increase in density in Aug, especially Sweden and Finland, also E. Europe and Russia when autumn hunting starts. In Sep-Nov, gradual retraction towards WSW through Europe to winter hotspots in UK, W and C Europe and Denmark.

Connectivity by Month by Region for Mallard

Birds breeding in NW and W Europe Apr – Jun connect to close-by locations in all months, few go further in UK, France, occasionally Spain Oct – Mar (most Dec-Feb) and to Fennoscandia / Russia in May-Sep. Vast majority of encounters is in winter Nov-Feb, connecting to S Sweden, Finland and Russia in Apr – Oct, many Öland Sep-Oct, few to Spain in Nov-Feb. C and E European breeders Apr-Jun connect to Netherlands, France and Italy in Aug-Mar (most Jan), fewer to Poland, Belarus and Russia in Apr. Wintering birds Nov-Feb move on to UK, Netherlands and France in Oct-Feb, or return to Finland (May-Sep) and Russia (Apr-May). Winterers along Black and Caspian Sea connect to SW Russia in May-Oct. Breeders in SW, SC and SE Europe move little, winterers in those regions connect to Netherlands Sep-Nov, C and E Europe and Russia May-Oct, and Russia Jul-Sep, respectively.

Henk van der Jeugd

References

Statistics Map
N records N individuals N recoveries
Mapped data*
Total available data
*Mapped data include only distant (>= 50 km) recoveries
References Map
Latorre-Margalef, N., Tolf, C., Grosbois, V., Avril, A., Bengtsson, D., Wille, M., Osterhaus, A.D.M.E., Fouchier, R.A.M., Olsen, B., Waldenström, J.2014 . Long-term variation in influenza A virus prevalence and subtype diversity in migratory mallards in northern Europe. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 281 article no.: 20140098 Link to Article (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2014.0098)
Sauter, A., Korner-Nievergelt, F., Jenni, L.2010 . Evidence of climate change effects on within-winter movements of European Mallards Anas platyrhynchos. Ibis 152: 600–609

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Michele Mendi

Medium-sized finch. Short-distance migrant, partial migrant and resident, depending on the geographical population. Migratory movements restricted to within Europe and N Africa. Breeding distribution covers Europe (excluding Iceland and Arctic regions) N Africa and some areas in C Asia. Inhabits deciduous, mixed and coniferous woodlands, but also anthropogenic habitats such as forest edges, hedgerows, orchards, parks and gardens in lower-lying areas. Mixed diet of small invertebrates, seeds and buds. European breeding population 185,000,000-269,000,000. Increasing trend.

Season of assessment

B

Population trendStable
Population size
(min-max, best estimate)		308000000-462000000,371000000
Red List categoryLC
Franks, S., Fiedler, W., Arizaga, J., Jiguet, F., Nikolov, B., van der Jeugd, Ambrosini, R, Aizpurua, O., Bairlein, F., Clark, J., Fattorini, N, Hammond, M., Higgins, D, Levering, H., Skellorn, W., Spina, F, Thorup, K. Walker, J., Woodward, I. and Baillie, S.R. (1) (2022) Online Atlas of the movements of European bird populations. https://migrationatlas.org EURING/CMS (1) Principal investigator
Map

Overall Connectivity for Common Chaffinch

Birds from the British Isles are encountered within Britain and in neighbouring countries on the European mainland. Populations from the Low Countries connect to countries in almost every direction. Connections to Fennoscandia, the Baltics and the British Isles suggest wintering of those populations in the Low Countries and connections to France and Spain suggest migration of local breeding populations. C European populations connect to France, Spain, Italy and, to some extent, N Africa. Finnish birds differ from other Fennoscandian populations as these connect to the Baltics followed by the Low Countries, France and Spain, but typically further south. Birds from N Italy connect to low-lying areas in Italy, Spain and N Africa. Birds from Russia may migrate as far as Spain.

Recoveries by Condition for Common Chaffinch

The majority of recoveries (88%) refers to alive birds, of which most were recovered by certified ringers (84%). Only 11% of recoveries refer to dead birds and only 1% to birds being shot or otherwise taken intentionally. Shot birds are especially common in Mediterranean areas in Italy, Spain and France and mainly occurred in the decades before 1990.

Annual Movements for Common Chaffinch

Migratory movements are mainly due SSW – NNW. Chaffinches winter in a large area covering W, SW and S Europe. Fennoscandian (and potentially also large parts of N Russian) breeding grounds are almost completely departed during winter, with some birds wintering in southern Fennoscandia. Birds from the British Isles remain resident, migrate within Britain or towards the European mainland. Birds from Spain are mainly encountered within the country.

Connectivity by Month by Region for Common Chaffinch

Local movements in June-July. In September-October, encounters at stopovers in the Low Countries, the Baltics and C Europe and in wintering grounds in the British Isles, the Low Countries, France, Italy and Spain. Wintering areas connect to breeding areas from March onwards.

Henk van der Jeugd

References

Statistics Map
N records N individuals N recoveries
Mapped data*
Total available data
*Mapped data include only distant (>= 50 km) recoveries

Sergey Dereliev

Large wader breeding in variety of habitats along coasts of Europe from Portugal to N. Russia. Also breeds inland on agricultural land in low countries, UK, Sweden and Eastern Europe. Northern populations migratory, partial migrant in Western Europe but inland breeding areas vacated during non-breeding season, resident in South. Mass movements during prolonged cold spells in Western Europe. Population decreasing, trend approaching ‘Threatened’ threshold. Feeds on bivalves, gastropods, polychaetes and crustaceans in coastal habitats, earthworms and insect larvae inland. Hunted in France.

Season of assessment

B

Population trendDecreasing
Population size
(min-max, best estimate)		526000-692000,598000
Red List categoryVU
Franks, S., Fiedler, W., Arizaga, J., Jiguet, F., Nikolov, B., van der Jeugd, Ambrosini, R, Aizpurua, O., Bairlein, F., Clark, J., Fattorini, N, Hammond, M., Higgins, D, Levering, H., Skellorn, W., Spina, F, Thorup, K. Walker, J., Woodward, I. and Baillie, S.R. (1) (2022) Online Atlas of the movements of European bird populations. https://migrationatlas.org EURING/CMS (1) Principal investigator
Map

Overall Connectivity for Eurasian Oystercatcher

Populations from Iceland, occ. Greenland, Faroe, Orkney, Shetland and Norway winter primarily in UK estuaries. Birds breeding Denmark, Sweden, Finland and White Sea move to estuaries in Netherlands, Germany and France. Part of Western European breeders winter along French coasts. Frequent exchange among Estuaries in UK, Netherlands, Germany and France, partly weather induced. Few birds reach coast of Portugal, S. Spain, Morocco, occ. Banc d’Arguin in Mauritania. Bird ringed as nestling in NL recovered during first autumn in Senegal. Connections for Eastern breeders few; Birds from Poland, Belarus and Russia NNE of Moscow connect to UK, Dutch and French coast in winter, but one bird in August along Black Sea coast found E. of St. Petersburg, Russia during breeding.

Recoveries by Condition for Eurasian Oystercatcher

Few encounters before 1950, then steady increase with peak 1984-1987 due to massive ringing in Dutch SW Delta. Then stable around 1500 annually.  Most birds ringed in June when young reach ringing age. Almost two-thirds of encounters are ring recoveries or ring readings. Few birds are shot, vast majority of which in France. Ringing recoveries most numerous in UK, ring readings in the Netherlands.

Annual Movements for Eurasian Oystercatcher

In January, all birds concentrated along shores of UK, Netherlands, Belgium and France. Southernmost wintering sites already vacated by end February, first birds appear on Norwegian coast and in Iceland mid-March. Eastern European inland sites -passage, breeding or both?- reached end April, when also birds in Baltic return. By end May northern and easternmost breeding sites in N Norway, White Sea and other Russian sites are reached. High densities of encounters in June in all coastal and inland breeding sites when most young birds are ringed. Already in July, first birds re-appear on French coasts, increasing in August when also birds appear in Iberia. Few re-encounters along African coast all in Sept-Dec.

Connectivity by Month by Region for Eurasian Oystercatcher

UK winterers reach Iceland in April, N. Norway May. First N. Norway birds already return to UK in July, most have left Norway by September. Birds in winter on French coasts connect to breeding sites in N. Norway and White Sea in June/July, and to breeding sites closer by in low countries in April. Birds wintering in estuaries in SW Netherlands mainly connect to breeding sites elsewhere in the Netherlands, both inland and coastal, mainly in April/May. Birds ringed later during breeding in June/July more often connect to wintering sites in France. Birds in non-breeding season in Italy connect to Russia in April-June, and Baltic coast in August-Sept. Birds in Sept-March on coasts of Iberia mainly connect to breeding sites in Scotland, Netherlands, S. Norway and S. Sweden in June.

Henk van der Jeugd

References

Statistics Map
N records N individuals N recoveries
Mapped data*
Total available data
*Mapped data include only distant (>= 50 km) recoveries

Michele Mendi

Palaearctic finch with nine subspecies with Eurasian distribution (BirdLife International 2021). Migratory behavior ranges from resident to partial migrant or migrant. Movements within Europe, often promoted by food shortage as irruptions, variable among years, rather than true periodic migrations (Fox et al. 2009).

Season of assessment

B

Population trendIncreasing
Population size
(min-max, best estimate)		9790000-17300000,12900000
Red List categoryLC
Franks, S., Fiedler, W., Arizaga, J., Jiguet, F., Nikolov, B., van der Jeugd, Ambrosini, R, Aizpurua, O., Bairlein, F., Clark, J., Fattorini, N, Hammond, M., Higgins, D, Levering, H., Skellorn, W., Spina, F, Thorup, K. Walker, J., Woodward, I. and Baillie, S.R. (1) (2022) Online Atlas of the movements of European bird populations. https://migrationatlas.org EURING/CMS (1) Principal investigator
Map

Overall Connectivity for Eurasian Bullfinch

A remarkable fraction of recoveries show random displacements from ringing area, probably reflecting in these cases local/short-range dispersal, rather than true migrations. Over 50% of mapped data correspond to ring-recovery data from N Europe. N and E European bullfinches move S (from SW to SE) to overwinter S of their breeding range (Clement 2010). N Scandinavian birds show many recoveries in S Scandinavia and the circum-Baltic area. A recovery from N Kazakhstan in C Europe. Longer-distance recoveries from C European populations mostly across a NE-SW axis, exceptionally reaching SW Europe (Portugal). W/NW populations mostly show short-range movements.

Recoveries by Condition for Eurasian Bullfinch

Overall, most recoveries obtained through ringing (82%). Before 1960, a remarkable proportion of recovery data (43%) were due to recoveries of birds found dead, sick or wounded, with also a small (10%) proportion of dead recoveries by shot. The proportion of dead recoveries has decreased greatly with time, so that from 1991 to present these comprise less than 5%.

Annual Movements for Eurasian Bullfinch

Movements to S normally from Oct to Nov. Within-winter displacements also possible, normally caused by food shortage and bad weather such as heavy snow falls, which can give rise to scape movements (Meller et al. 2016). Return to breeding quarters in Mar-Apr. (Clement 2010).

Connectivity by Month by Region for Eurasian Bullfinch

Distances travelled tend to increase with increasing breeding latitude or longitude. Thus, bullfinches from S, W and NW Europe mostly resident, with most recoveries being short-range local dispersal. Birds from N and E Europe can reach wintering areas over a broad range from W/SW Europe to E/SE Europe, with these recoveries being obtained mostly from Oct to Mar.

Olatz Aizpurua & Juan Arizaga

References

Statistics Map
N records N individuals N recoveries
Mapped data*
Total available data
*Mapped data include only distant (>= 50 km) recoveries
References Map
BirdLife International 2021 . Species factsheet: Pyrrhula pyrrhula.
Fox, A.D., Kobro,S., Lehikoinen, A., Lyngs, P., Väisänen, R.A.2009 . Northern Bullfinch Pyrrhula p. pyrrhula irruptive behaviour linked to rowanberry Sorbus aucuparia abundance. Ornis Fennica 86: 51–60
Meller, K., Vähätalob, A.V., Hokkanenc, T., Rintalad, J., Pihaa, M.,& Lehikoinena, A.2016 . Inter-annual variation and long-term trends in proportions of resident individuals in partially migratory birds. Journal of Animal Ecology 85 Link to Article (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.12486) : 570–580
Peter Clement2010 . Finches and Sparrows. Helm Identification Guides. ISBN: 1408135302, 9781408135303A & C Black, London 512pp

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