Ringing studies of the turtle dove Streptopelia turtur (Aves: Columbidae during passage through Antikythera Island, southwestern Greece

Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe the phenology of migration and biometrics of the turtle dove Streptopelia turtur in Greece, based on ringing studies on Antikythera Island. Spring passage takes place between early April and late May and autumn passage between early and late September. There is no significant difference in either wing length or tarsus length between adults and juveniles. Males have significantly greater wing length. There is no significant difference in tarsus length between the two sexes.

Keywords:

• turtle dove
• migration
• ringing
• biometrics
• Greece

Acknowledgements

This is contribution No. 15 from Antikythera Bird Observatory – Hellenic Ornithological Society. Antikythera Bird Observatory is funded from the A.G. and A.P Leventis Foundation. Rings were supplied free of charge by the Hellenic Bird Ringing Centre. Many thanks to Stephen Rumsey of the Wetland Trust who made these ringing trips possible, as well as to Dr Clairie Papazoglou, Christos Barboutis and all the volunteers. Special thanks to Roger Butts for checking the language.