Impact of Climate Change on Sparrowhawk Predation Risk for Migratory Birds
Author Information
Author(s): Aleksi Lehikoinen
Primary Institution: Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Hypothesis
Has the phenology of 41 passerine species changed during the last 30 years and has the autumn migration predation risk on sparrowhawk prey species changed due to the advanced departure of the predator?
Conclusion
The study found that early migrating long-distance migrants face increased predation risk due to the earlier migration of sparrowhawks, while short-distance migrants may benefit from reduced overlap with sparrowhawk migration.
Supporting Evidence
- Eurasian sparrowhawk has advanced its autumn phenology by about ten days in 30 years due to climate change.
- Early migrating passerines tend to advance their departure, while late migrating species delay their departure.
- The overlap of migration season between sparrowhawks and long-distance migrants has increased.
Takeaway
Birds that migrate long distances are getting eaten more by sparrowhawks because the hawks are leaving earlier, while birds that don't travel as far are having an easier time.
Methodology
The study analyzed migration data of 41 passerine species over 30 years using standardized migration counts and trapping data.
Limitations
The sample size may not have sufficient power to detect differences in phenological changes between long-distance and short-distance migrants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.044
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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