Acta Univ Latv (2005) 691: 51–57

Main migratory direction of Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus: an analysis of recovery data of specimens ringed in Latvia from 1925 to 2004

Abstract

This paper describes the main migratory directions of the Latvian Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus population and provides an overview of recovery data. The study was based on analysis of recovery data of Marsh Harrier that were ringed in Latvia from 1925 to 2004 and subsequently recovered. In total, of the 744 Marsh Harriers that were ringed only 47 (6.30 %) were recovered. The majority of recoveries of Marsh Harrier were due to hunting 46.8 % (n = 22), 25.5 % (n = 12) were found dead and 27.7 % (n = 13) were captured in the area of ringing. Frequency analysis of direction and recovery distribution mapping showed that the Latvian population of Marsh Harrier more frequently had a SSW migration direction, suggesting a Mediterranean passage across Italy.