Remisiewicz M. (2002) The spatio-temporal pattern to Robin Erithacus rubecula migration: Evidence from ringing recoveries. ARDEA 90 (3): 489-502

The pattern of the present migration routes and winter distribution of a species is the consequence of historical factors (re-colonisation from Ice-Age refugia), and of more recent evolutionary mechanisms superimposed upon this base. The present study discusses the balance between these factors as exemplified in the Robin Erithacus rubecula. The two hypotheses on the course of the species' autumn migration through the Baltic coastal area which were tested considered: (1) sequential passage of different populations, with early migrants migrating SW and later ones heading gradually more to the SE; (2) alternate passage of populations heading to the SW, SSW and SE during the season. Analysis of 1082 recoveries of Robins ringed in the autumn on the Baltic coast allowed to distinguish four main routes of passage across Europe, as used by allohiemic populations differing in timing of migration, and partly separated by migratory divides. The temporal sequence in which the routes are used by populations crossing the Baltic coastal area is in agreement with the second hypothesis. The revealed spatio-temporal segregation of Robins over the non-breeding range can provide a basis for further studies on the origin of this pattern within the species, and the mechanisms by which it is maintained