Interlocality variation in speed of moult in the Citril Finch Serinus citrinella |
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Authors: | A Borras T Cabrera J Cabrera & J C Senar |
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Institution: | Museu de Ciències Naturals (Zoologia), P°Picasso s/n, Parc Ciutadella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain |
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Abstract: | The speed of avian moult has been related to body condition, and this to habitat quality. These facts suggest a relationship between habitat quality and moult speed. We looked for evidence of such a relationship in the Citril Finch Serinus citrinella in the Pyrenees, where, because of a Mediterranean influence, there is an important bioclimatic contrast between north- and south-facing slopes of the same mountain. This contrast strongly affects the general body condition of birds there (higher body mass, fat score and survival on north-facing slopes). Citril Finches in the higher quality area moulted more rapidly (measured as residual wing raggedness) than those in the lower quality area, the two sampling localities being only 5 km apart. As the birds initiated moult at the same time in the two locations, this difference in speed cannot have resulted from a differential effect of photoperiod. This stresses the importance of habitat selection, even at very small scales, for the completion of moult. |
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