A higher incidence of moult-breeding overlap in great tits across time is linked to an increased frequency of second clutches: a possible effect of global warming ?

A higher incidence of moult-breeding overlap in great tits across time is linked to an increased frequency of second clutches: a possible effect of global warming? The rise of temperatures due to global warming is related to a lengthening of the breeding season in many bird species. This allows more pairs to attempt two clutches within the breeding season, thus finishing their breeding activity later in the season and therefore potentially overlapping these with post-breeding moult. We tested whether this occurred in two Spanish great tit Parus major populations. The proportion of pairs laying second clutches increased from 1 % to 32% over the study period in one of the populations (Sagunto, 1995-2019), while it did not change in the other (Quintos, 2006-2019; mean 5%). We did not find any temporal trend for moult start date of late-breeding birds in any population. The proportion of individuals of both sexes that overlapped moult and breeding increased in Sagunto. For this latter population, sex and age, but not clutch type, contributed to the variability in the probability of overlapping in late-breeding individuals, this being higher for first-year males and lower for older females.

Automated summary

Global warming may lead to a higher incidence of moult-breeding overlap in great tits in two Spanish populations, potentially due to increased second clutch frequency and a lengthening of the breeding season. The study found that the proportion of individuals overlapping moult and breeding increased in one population, with factors such as sex and age influencing the probability of overlap in late-breeding individuals.