Origins, population structure and movements of Snow BuntingsPlectrophenax nivaliswintering in Highland Region, Scotland

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Abstract
Aspects of the biology of Snow Buntings wintering in Britain are reported, based on captures of live birds at three sites in the north of Scotland, sightings of colourringed birds, museum skins and national ringing recoveries. Overall females outnumbered males at all three sites and in all seasons; the percentage of females, however, varied appreciably (range 52–76 %). About 80% of birds caught were of the Icelandic race, P.n.insulae, and it is suggested that the majority of the Snow Buntings wintering in northern Scotland, and probably the whole of Britain, originate from here. Ringing recoveries, including three Icelandic-ringed nestlings or recently fledged juveniles caught in Caithness during the study, unequivocably establish the presence of Icelandic birds in Britain. The remaining 20% of birds were of the nominate race, P.n.nivalis, and evidence is presented that these originated from both Scandinavia and Greenland. Movements within Britain and between Britain and the Low Countries are also described.