Site fidelity and determinants of wintering decisions in the Dalmatian pelican (<i>Pelecanus crispus</i>)

Wintering site selection is a major decision in bird’s annual life cycle since conditions experienced by individuals within wintering can influence individual fitness and ultimately population dynamics. If show strong fidelity to specific sites, environmental effects be reinforced. In this study we analyse winter resightings of ringed Dalmatian pelicans, collected during 35-year-long ringing survey, identify movement patterns assess the level both among consecutive events examine factors that may contribute an individual’s move towards period. Our results showed pelicans was mainly driven site’s size temperature conditions. Larger wetlands provide birds with higher resource abundance offer more opportunities exploit optimal roosting feeding habitats, whereas do not freeze are definite requirement. movements were likely occur at short distances from natal colony, it uncommon for born located Adriatic Ionian coast eastwards winter, suggesting spatial substructure. Furthermore, species exhibits very within-year among-year fidelity, moving less juvenile travel greater than rest age classes examined. conclusions could guide effective approach site-based conservation management key sites.