Variation and Secondary Intergradation in SW-Norwegian Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria Populations

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Abstract
The golden plover population on Jaeren, Norway, generally referred to as the only recent population of P. a. apricaria (L.) in Norway, was examined by the character index method, together with 5 adjacent coastal and inland populations. The populations on Jaeren and Karmoy contained P. a. apricaria together with a P. a. altifrons (Brehm) element. Remaining populations were characterized as P. a. altifrons. On Jaeren P. a. altifrons populations pass by on spring migration when the local population has commenced breeding. Colonization by P. a. altifrons on abbreviated migration is therefore confined to suboptimal areas. In spite of the time barrier and a possible reduced breeding success of P. a. altifrons in suboptimal areas, an intergradation process seems evident. The P. a. apricaria phenotype probably has a selective advantage over P. a. altifrons in a more cryptic color on heathland nest substrate, and is therefore maintained in the population.

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