POST-FLEDGING MOVEMENTS, HOME RANGE, AND SURVIVAL OF JUVENILE EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES IN WESTERN FRANCE

Determining factors that affect post-fledging dispersal and survival is key toward a better understanding of the population dynamics of species with a propensity for range expansion, such as the Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto). By radio tracking, we assessed the survival, causes of mortality, movements, and emigration of 41 juvenile Eurasian Collared-Doves, monitored in two villages from a fragmented urban and agricultural landscape in western France, 2001-2002. Thirteen weeks after fledging the doves' survival was 61% (+/- 8% SE), and predation was the leading cause of mortality. Home ranges and distances traveled increased over time. Individuals in better body condition had larger home ranges and a higher propensity to emigrate. In addition, those originating from the smaller village had smaller home ranges and were more likely to emigrate. Our results suggest that range expansion of the Eurasian Collared-Doves should be faster in regions where urban areas are smaller but more closely spaced.