The origin of Lapwings Vanellus vanellus and Golden Plovers Pluvialis apricaria wintering in Portugal

Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) and Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) ring recoveries in Portugal were compared in order to search for trends in their origin, to analyse the relationship between cold weather and the wintering population, and to discuss the age pattern of the birds. Most Lapwings wintering in Portugal come from the British Isles, the Netherlands, Southern Scandinavian Peninsula and Denmark, and Germany. Golden Plovers come from all breeding range, a vast region extending from Iceland to Siberia. Colder temperatures in mid-Winter in Northwest Europe bring more birds of both species to Portugal. After the late 1960s and during 1970s, a systematic decrease occurred in the Recovery Index of Lapwing and Golden Plover coming from several countries in North-western Europe. In the 1980s this trend persisted for birds coming from Scandinavian countries and was inverted for more southern countries. Changes in winter weather could be the most important factor determining these patterns. When winters are mild the birds may be able to remain longer in northern and eastern areas that have previously been unsuitable. Around 50% of the Lapwings recovered in Portugal are first-winter birds. We estimate that only 32% of the first-winters return in their second winter. The age distribution of the ringed Lapwings recovered in Portugal might be related with several factors, such as lack of site fidelity, nomadic and migratory behaviours and hunting pressure.