BREEDING SITE-TENACITY AND NATAL PHILOPATRY IN THE BLACK-TAILED GODWIT LIMOSA L LIMOSA

Breeding site tenacity and natal philopatry have been studied in a marked population of Black-tailed Godwits. Distances between successive nesting locations in the investigated area have been measured for at least two years. These figures show a strong attachment of Godwits to previous nest sites. Breeding success, mate fidelity and quality of habitat are factors influencing and determining the level of breeding site tenacity. Breeding site tenacity and natal philopatry are male biased. These results are in agreement with the monogamous mating system of the Black-tailed Godwit. Management practice may contribute to breeding site tenacity by reducing agricultural activities on plots during the breeding season. This results in an increase of breeding success, one of the main factors inhibiting disappearance from former breeding sites.