Decisions for a Lifetime: Establishment of Spatial Defence and Movement Patterns by Juvenile Grey Plovers (Pluvialis squatarola)

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Abstract
In this study how long-term behavior patterns of gray plovers in the non-breeding season are established in the 1st year of life is described. The behavior of color-marked individuals was observed at Teesmouth, an estuary in northeast England [UK]. The wing lengths of captured birds were measured, as an estimate of body size. Each individual was consistent from its 1st yr onwards in being territorial or feeding non-territorially, and in the timing of seasonal movements to and from the estuary. The lifetime territorial behavior and timing of seasonal movements of individuals were established during competition especially with adults. Longer-winged juveniles were more likely to acquire territories and more likely to stay at Teesmouth all winter. Two displaced juveniles have been recorded, in the same autumn, up to 900 km further south, in France.