Movements and settling patterns of Sedge Warblers (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) in the Czech Republic and Slovakia - an analysis of ringing recoveries

In total, 1655 ringing recoveries of 1492 Sedge Warblers ringed or recovered in the Czech Republic and Slovakia were analysed in respect of breeding site fidelity, natal philopatry and movements. Out of 128 recoveries of adult birds from the breeding season, 96% came from the same locality showing a considerable breeding site fidelity. Out of 9 recoveries of birds ringed in nests and subsequently recovered during following breeding seasons, 8 settled at their birthplaces, only 1 male was found 26 km away from its native locality. After fledging, some juveniles dispersed in directions different from the migration routes. One young bird was recovered on its juvenile dispersal at the age of 35 days. On their migration to winterquarters, Sedge Warblers headed initially between south-west and south-east. The highest concentration of recoveries was situated in the Pannonian Lowland. Birds from the eastern Baltic region and Scandinavia often migrate through the territory of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The only winter record came from southern France.