Movements of Twite Carduelis flavirostris in northern Scotland

Abstract

The Twite Carduelis flavirostris is a red-listed bird of conservation concern. Given the importance of northern Scotland as both a breeding and a wintering area, an understanding of the movements between their wintering and breeding areas is important for conservation. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the movements of Twite by catching them at winter feeding sites. This study has shown that, whilst some Twite are resident, many move between breeding sites on the west coast and wintering areas on the east coast, and breeding birds from Shetland winter in Orkney. Thus, there is a degree of segregation between breeding and wintering areas. Movements within winter are probably in response to changes in food supply. © 2011 Copyright British Trust for Ornithology.