Examining how species traits shape dispersal movements

Our objectives are to:

• Identify comparable dispersal movement metrics. What movement characteristics at different spatio-temporal scales can be used to investigate intra- and interspecific variation in individual dispersal behaviour.
• Link species traits to behavior: We aim to quantify how morphology, ecology, and life-history of bird species influence these metrics.

First, we will compile and standardize juvenile tracking datasets from c. 100 bird species. Second, we will extract standardized dispersal metrics at both the step level and the phase level. Finally, we will integrate these dispersal metrics with species traits (morphology, life history) and the species’ general environmental features (e.g. predictability).

This global, cross-species synthesis will unite juvenile tracking data from dozens of bird lineages to reveal general and clade-specific dispersal rules and patterns. By comparing dispersal movements across ecological, morphological, and life-history gradients, we will identify the species associated factors that consistently facilitate — or hinder — population connectivity. These insights will inform predictive models of range shifts, guide conservation planning for multiple species, and pinpoint critical corridors that sustain resilient avian communities.

We have already identified a series of published or known data sets on dispersal movements of young birds – and many data owners already agreed to contribute their data and collaborate. The progress of this compiling process can be followed at DispersalDataOverview.

• Maria del Mar Delgado
• Many data owners around the world