Migration and conservation of the aquatic warbler Acrocephalus Paludicola in Spain

Full article

Published:

Volume 48(2), December 2001. Pages 197-208.

Language:

Spanish

Original title:

Migración y conservación del Carricerín Cejudo Acrocephalus paludicola en España

Keywords:

Acrocephalus paludicola, Aquatic Warbler, conservation, migratory routes, phenology, Spain

Abstract:

We have studied the migration routes and phenology of the Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola throughout Spain by means of ringing and published observation data. The species' migration routes between breeding and winter quarters, both in spring and autumn, regularly take place through Spain. In the present study, two main coastal routes are described: the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. A third one, along the Ebro valley, seems to link the other two. Prenuptial passage, more easterly on average, takes place from early March to late April, though 87% of the records are from April. Postnuptial passage takes place from early August to late October, though 85% of the records are concentrated between 11 August and 29 September. In Spain, the species seems to use a low number of localities as stopover migration sites. We propose the adoption of effective protection measures for those areas that currently lack them. We also suggest the change of the species' conservation status in the National Endangered Species Catalogue.