Abstract

This thesis set out to quantify habitat selection by breeding Curlew on Heather Calluna vulgaris moorland. The main study sites were managed primarily for Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus, which produced a mosaic of different habitat types. Habitat selection during the three life-stages (egg, chick and adult) were investigated.

Curlew demonstrated a strong preference for nesting in recently burnt patches of Heather, where no re-growth of vegetation had occurred. Nest survival rates were not found to differ between habitats. The main cause of egg reproductive failure was predation by Stoats Mustela erminea. Nest predation rates varied significantly between years with the number of nests predated rising from 18% in 1994 to 65% in 1996.

Chick habitat selection was investigated using radio-telemetry. Chicks that had Soft Rush Juncus effusus flushes within their home range selected that habitat. Those chicks that were not in the vicinity of Soft Rush flushes utilised other habitats within their home range, showing no significant preferences. Chick predation, largely by Stoats, was high with an average of 0.17 fledglings per pair being produced.

Adult foraging behaviour was investigated using radio-telemetry. The vast majority of foraging activity took place in enclosed fields adjacent to moorland. The fields that were selected by foraging Curlew were characterised as being large (probably as an anti-predator response) and close to the breeding moor (energetically the most efficient since flight distance was minimised). Foraging Curlew used pastures, hay meadows and rough grazing fields.

These results were used to produce an integrated management plan for application by upland land-managers, designed to benefit breeding Curlew.