The primary moult of curlew sandpiper in the ebro delta, North-East Spain

Abstract

The primary moult of Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea was studied at a staging area in the south of Europe. The duration of primary moult was estimated as 73 days (9 August to 21 October), a shorter period than those reported in the wintering areas. Birds in moult showed a lower speed of fat accumulation than non moulters. An increase in the proportion of moulting birds was detected at the end of the migratory period, probably as a result of a longer staging time of moulting birds in the study area. The number and sex-ratio of birds in wing moult showed a great annual variation. The brooding system of this species, in which only females give parental care, and the great annual variation in breeding success could be two of the factors that explain the great yearly variation in the moult schedule of Curlew Sandpiper. © 1995 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.