Post-breeding dispersal and adaptation of the Sardinian warbler Sylvia melanocephala in the Maltese Islands

Abstract

The population of the Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala in the Maltese Islands is stable and appears to be localised, although a number of individuals disperse in the post-breeding period. During the summer months and immediately after the breeding season a large number of individuals, mostly juveniles, congregate in habitats with an abundance of food. From the analysis of ringed individuals trapped in these habitats, it is evident that this species is engaged in an internal migration within the islands. In fact, some individuals ringed in summer were retrapped a year later at the same site, thus suggesting a yearly cycle. During the winter, these birds either return to their former nataVbreeding site or else will search for other suitable breeding habitats. These individuals, mainly second-year birds, will then probably integrate in communities only when places become vacant.