The goal of my Master thesis is to quantify different aspects of post-fledging movement behaviour of the European Hoopoe (Upupa epops), including natal range size, the timing of dispersal from the natal range, and the overall distance moved in relation to habitat characteristics. Movement behaviour is relevant to conservation for its connection to habitat use and spatial pattern of suitable habitat patches. Conservation management is often designed for the requirements of breeding adults or migrating birds. Despite its central importance for population dynamics, the post-fledging period remains understudied. Extending knowledge about fledglings specifically, I hope my findings can be taken into account to protect the Eurasian Hoopoe population, integrating all individuals at their different life stages.
Movement data using radiotelemetry was collected by many students, our supervisors and the CB field technician between 2022 and 2024. We also obtained additional data on the nestlings from the Vogelwarte.
