Ardea
Official journal of the Netherlands Ornithologists' Union

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Wymenga E., Engelmoer M., Smit C.J. & Van Spanje T.M. (1990) Geographical breeding origin and migration of waders wintering in west Africa. ARDEA 78 (1-2): 83-112
This paper discusses the geographical breeding origin and migration routes of 3.5 million waders using the Banc d'Arguin, Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau, based upon morphometrical data and supplementary ringing recoveries. For several species our analyses confirm earlier findings on breeding areas and migration routes. For at least part of the Ringed and Grey Plovers, Redshanks, and to a lesser extent also Bar-tailed Godwits, Whimbrels, Curlews and Turnstones, there are indications that birds wintering in Guinea-Bissau originate from breeding areas further north and east, as compared to birds wintering in Mauritania. The morphological characteristics and measurements do not allow the determination of the exact location of the breeding areas. This is due to clinal gradients in measurements, as a result of which there is much overlap in sizes. During spring migration most wader species wintering in W. African coastal wetlands travel via a route following the W. African and W. European coastline. Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper and Curlew are exceptions to this rule. There are indications that at least part of these birds migrate through NW. Africa, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea area.


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