Breeding-season dispersal of male and female Penduline Tits (Remiz pendulinus) in south-western Poland

Abstract

Dispersal during the breeding season is common among multiple-brooding bird species. such as the Penduline Tit Remizpendulinus, in which both sexes are sequentially polygamous and one or both parents may abandon the clutch. Penduline Tits were studied at a large fishpond system in south-western Poland over six breeding seasons (2004-2008 and 2011). Breeding dispersal of 97 males and 44 females were recorded. Females dispersed longer distances than males, and dispersal distances of both males and females did notvary significantly between years. Mating success at the previous nest did not influence the dispersal distance of males. Females who found new mates after a successful breeding attempt settled closer than those who had abandoned their previous nest. The distances of females remating after nest failure were similar to those of abandoning females. These results corroborate the general pattern of dispersal in birds, in which females commonly disperse further than males. This bias can be explained by a sex-dependent difference in breeding-site availability. Male Penduline Tits attract females to their nests and can choose from all vacant sites to settle, whereas females are restricted by males' dispersion and may be forced to go further.