Numbers and distribution of DotterelCharadrius morinellusbreeding in Great Britain

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The Dotterel, one of Britain's rarer breeding birds, nests on montane plateaux. Numbers and distribution of breeding Dotterel in Britain were determined by an extensive survey in 1987 and 1988 combined with a detailed on-going study. One hundred and twenty-eight montane tops were surveyed (56% of all potential breeding habitat). Three hundred and thirty-three breeding 'pairs' (males are virtually solely responsible for incubation and chick rearing) were found, with an overall mean density of 1.7 pairs/km2 . The counts were corrected, conservatively, giving a revised population estimate of > 840 breeding pairs. Most pairs (65%) are in the eastern Scottish Highlands, the stronghold of the species in the European Community (EC). Larger numbers than previously estimated were found. The species is more abundant and widespread throughout the central, western and northern Scottish Highlands than hitherto estimated. The apparent population increase is partly attributed to a more intensive survey effort, and partly to a genuine increase (more birds passing through Britain may stop off to breed, and climatic change in Norway may influence more settlements in Britain). Dotterel merit protection under the EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds, and this survey, based mainly on the efforts of volunteers, has provided information used to identify proposed montane Special Protection Areas.