Age demographics of a non-breeding Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola population in relation to environmental factors

CapsuleEnvironmental conditions in non-breeding areas cause differential winter distribution patterns between age classes in a Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola population wintering in northern Iberia.AimsTo determine the factors driving spatial distribution of first-winter and adult birds in the non-breeding period of a population of the Eurasian Woodcock, in order to make decisions for the management of the species.MethodsUsing a data set of 10 consecutive winters (2009/10-2018/19), we tested for the effect of year, geographical and habitat-related variables on age ratio and body condition of Eurasian Woodcocks wintering in two nearby zones with different hunting regimes in northern Iberia.ResultsOur results suggest that the age ratio depended mainly on year, month, and altitude. As winters progressed, we observed a higher proportion of first-winter birds occurring at sites with lower altitude. First-winter birds were in poorer body condition than adults, and body condition was higher in mid-winter and spring. The effect of hunting on body condition was unclear.DiscussionVariation in the population structure and body condition between age classes are discussed in the context of age-dependent wintering strategies, which to a large extent depend on survival thresholds that take into account foraging efficiency and the risk of predation. The lack of detectable effects of hunting on age structure and body condition precludes us from giving any management recommendations for northern Iberia.

Automated summary

This study investigates the spatial distribution of first-winter and adult birds in a Eurasian Woodcock population during the non-breeding period in northern Iberia. The results show that environmental conditions in the non-breeding areas can cause differential winter distribution patterns between different age classes. Factors such as year, month, and altitude affect the age ratio and body condition of the birds.