Migration patterns of breeding Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus in Spain

Abstract

Capsule: Tracked Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus breeding in Spain winter either in the southern parts of the Iberian Peninsula or in Morocco, although migration timing and distances did not differ between birds using different wintering regions. Aims: To study, for the first time, the migratory patterns of Hen Harriers breeding in Spain. Methods: Eight breeding adult Hen Harriers were tagged in Spain with GPS/GSM transmitters between 2019 and 2022 to study autumn and spring migration between breeding areas in central or northern Spain, and wintering quarters in southern Spain and Morocco. Results: Males and females did not differ significantly in their patterns of migration (dates for start and end of migration, duration, daily distance, and total distance) in either migratory period. Individuals started the autumn migration between July and January, with the peak migration in mid-October. Spring migration took place from February to April and peaked in mid-March. Mean (± sd) distances travelled were: daily distance 168.99 ± 80.10 km/day and total distance 995.07 ± 402.90 km in autumn, and 141.74 ± 41.41 km/day and 1035.26 ± 593.51 km in spring. Two types of migration patterns were found: intra-peninsular migration and migration to Morocco. Migration dates and distances did not differ significantly between individuals with intra-peninsular migration strategies and those migrating to Morocco. Conclusion: These results are the first to describe the migratory behaviour of Spanish breeding Hen Harriers using satellite telemetry. Knowledge of migratory routes and behaviour are important for planning the conservation of species