Breeding Area Fidelity of Great Tits (Parus major)

Abstract

Movement between successive breeding sites (breeding dispersal) for individual great tits in Wytham Wood, Oxford [England, UK], was examined from data collected between 1964-1975. The majority of birds reoccupy their previous territory. For different categories of bird the median distances moved are between 50 m and 143 m. There are no differences between years in breeding dispersal. Both males and females are likely to return to their former nesting locality after producing a successful brood, irrespective of the survival of their mate. Following a divorce, females move further than males. The factors that might cause divorce after a successful breeding attempt could not be identified. Females whose brood is preyed upon move further to breed the following year than successful individuals, and are less likely to occupy their former nest box if they stay within the same territory. Both males and females that succeed on a 2nd attempt within a year, after an unsuccessful 1st brood, disperse further to breed the following year than those successful at the 1st attempt. Movement of females between nesting sites within a year is less than that between years.