Geographical variation in greater covert moult in first winter Coal TitsParus ater

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Abstract
The state of greater covert moult in 145 first winter Coal Tits Parus ater from 5 suburban English sites was examined. There was a statistically significant difference between sites in the number of greater coverts moulted, with a tendency for birds from more northerly and easterly sites to have more old, unmoulted greater coverts than birds from more southerly sites. The results could not be fully explained by variations between seasons in the number of greater coverts moulted or in the relative proportions of birds from second broods. The possible effects of habitat differences are discussed and it is suggested that birds from more northerly areas may moult fewer greater coverts as an energy conservation measure.

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