The migration of common quail Coturnix coturnix in Ancona Province (Central-Eastern Italy) between 2001 and 2007

Abstract

The aim of this study concerns analysis of the information collected on common quail Coturnix coturnix in Ancona Province (Central-Eastern Italy) between 2001 and 2007. Data collection was carried out in two different ringing stations near the Adriatic Sea since the beginning of April. One of the two stations was active until November, between 2003 and 2007. Differential migration from age and sex classes was confirmed, even if with different patterns for each of the seven years considered. Biometric data concerning different age and sex classes were also analyzed. Ringed quails weight was compared in different periods before and after the autumn migration period. Periods quails spent in their capture sites were analyzed referred to self-recovery data. On the basis of recovery data, some hypotheses on migration routes of individuals overflying the Adriatic Sea coastline are presented.