The post-natal and breeding dispersal of Welsh Dippers Cinclus cinclus

Between 1978 and 1986, 2500 nestlings and 700 fledged Dippers were ringed on rivers in mid and south Wales. Adults showed strong fidelity to breeding sites, only 3.6% (of 138) moving more than 2.5 km between breeding attempts. By contrast, 30% (of 166) of birds ringed as nestlings moved more than 5 km and up to 32 km from natal sites; post-natal dispersal involved significantly greater distances in females than males, with females significantly more likely to cross watersheds. Dispersal distance showed no correlation with time of fledging in either sex. Actual distances of post-natal dispersal in both sexes were greater than those expected from juveniles replacing likely adult mortality. We discuss our findings in relation to general hypotheses on breeding systems and dispersal patterns.

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