2025/12/01 by James M. E. Firkins, Deivis Dementavičius, Saulius Rumbutis +2 · 1 voice
Environmental Science · #Avian ecology and behavior #Ecology and biodiversity studies #Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
paper · doi:10.1080/00063657.2025.2585214
Capsule We describe the movements of colour-ringed White-tailed Eagles, observed in later stages of life, from their hatching sites.Aims To investigate the movement distance of individuals of various ages from their hatching sites in an increasing population, and to study the influence of natal habitat type and possible changes over time.Methods We analysed ring recovery data collected between 1988 and 2023 in Lithuania, from 315 local and 74 foreign-ringed White-tailed Eagles and tested the effects of individual age and natal habitat type (coastal and inland) on recovery distance. We also compared recovery distances between 1988–2012 (the early stages of population establishment) and 2013–2023.Results White-tailed Eagles in Lithuania were recovered, on average, 128 km ± 209 SD (n = 388) from their ringing locations, and we found no significant differences in recovery distance between immatures (mean 137 km from hatching sites) and adults (mean 111 km). However, outside of Lithuania, immatures showed a southward directional preference compared to adults. Eagles hatched in coastal areas were recovered at significantly shorter distances from their nest sites (mean 51 km) than those hatched inland (mean 215 km). Recovery distances decreased significantly over the last decade, particularly for birds originating from inland habitats.Conclusion For White-tailed Eagles in Lithuania, the distance between hatching location and recovery sites during the later stages of life was strongly dependent on natal habitat, but not the age of individuals. The almost three-fold decrease in recovery distance in recent years suggests that the growing population is shifting to more localized movements within the region. Our study highlights the role of natal habitat quality and/or population density in shaping movement behaviour and suggests potential future implications for population dynamics, habitat occupation and inter-species interactions within the region.