engleski

Response of the Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla L.) to temperature change

Many authors have demonstrated use of plants and animals as sensitive biomonitors for climate change. This research was conducted in the Mokrice area (mixed agricurtiral landscape and small decidouos woods) in northwestern Croatia and studies cover the period from 1979 to 2007. This paper assesses evidence that year and local air temperature change influence first arrival dates of the migratory passerine Blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla. The mean first arrival date of the Blackap was 2 April (1979-2007). Correlation berween timing of arrivals and year was significant. Blackcap arrival dates have become 9.3 days earlier during the research period (slope of linear regression = -0.32 +/- 0.01). The relationship between spring temperatures (March-April) and year, and spring temperatures and timing of arrival was also significant. This result suggests that Blackcap respond to spring temperatures by earlier arrival at breeding grounds.

Blackcap. Sylvia atricapilla; arrival date; spring temperature; northwestern Croatia

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