Identifying the mechanisms determining the demography of migrants and residents in partially migratory populations

The migratory patterns of animals are changing in response to global environmental change. Over the last couple of decades birds anticipated their breeding season and migratory species arrive earlier to their breeding grounds. It has also been found that the distance from breeding to wintering grounds has been reduced for many bird species, and this has been linked to climate change (Gordo and Sanz, 2006). Some sub-Saharan migratory bird species have established non-migratory populations in Southern Europe (e.g. white-stork, hoopoes); for some species resident populations have increased significantly in the last couple of decades (Tortosa et al. 2002; Archaux et al. 2004) and their wintering range has also expanded in Europe. Understanding the demographic and population mechanisms by which environmental change can influence population size, trends and the migratory status of populations will improve our ability to predict how species will respond to global environmental change and will be essential for designing effective conservation strategies for protected species.

In this project we will use stable isotope analyses to determine the wintering site selection of migratory and non-migratory birds. We will then compare the breeding success parameters, arrival time and fitness of migratory and resident individuals and model the overall fitness consequences of migration and residency in partial migratory populations. The Hoopoe (Upupa epops) is an ideal model species for this study because it has increasing resident populations in Southern Europe; the wintering areas of migratory individuals have different isotopic signatures when compared to the resident birds; the moult pattern is know and feather samples grown in both wintering and breeding areas can be collected from the same individual; it breeds in cavities in trees, old houses and in nest boxes thus enabling the monitoring of the breeding parameters.

The main objectives of this project are:
- To determine the mechanisms influencing the demography of migrants and residents;
- Model the overall fitness consequences of migration and residency in partial migratory populations.

The field work for this project will be based in Portugal.

Skills needed for this project:
- Excellent field work skills
- Driving licence and ability to drive in unpaved roads in Portugal
- Ringing permit would be ideal
- Ability to work alone and in remote locations
- Good statistical knowledge
- Ideally some population modelling experience

Entry requirements: the standard minimum entry requirement is 2:1 in Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Ecology