Dispersal and age at first breeding in Norwegian Northern Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus)

Dispersal and age at first breeding were studied in Northern Lapwings from south Norway. In total, 40 adult birds (two males) and 114 chicks were colour-ringed. There were no sex differences in returning rates of birds ringed as chicks (n = 10 males and 14 females). Nor were there sex differences in natal and breeding dispersal distances. When sexes were pooled, natal dispersal was longer than breeding dispersal (median distances 160 m and 62 m, respectively). Also, colour-ringed females were more likely than males to breed in their second calendar year. Analyses of a separate data set of regular ring recoveries largely confirmed the relatively low degree of natal dispersal in Norwegian Northern Lapwings. In total, 72% of birds reported during the breeding season (total n = 104) were found within 10 km from their natal site. Dispersal distances observed in Norway are similar to those reported from a comprehensive British study, and from Europe in general.