Migration phenology and breeding biology of Antalya/Boğazkent spur-wing lapwing (Vanellus spinosus L. 1758) popuation

In this thesis, the migration phenology and breeding biology of Antalya/Boğazkent Spur-wing lapwing population have been investigated. Accordingly, migration phenology of the species, individual numbers, nest numbers, laying egg numbers, hatchling and fledgling numbers were determined. The coordinates of the nests were specified and signed on the map. The morphometric data of eggs and hatchlings were taken. Adults were captured with spring nets and were ringed with aluminium and color rings. Factors affecting the breeding success of the Spur-wing lapwing in the study area were identified.As a result of this study, it was determined that the species arrived at Boğazkent in the first week of March and left from the study area in the middle October. Sixty individuals were observed in 2010 and 72 individuals in 2011, 13 adults were captured and ringed with aluminium and color rings in 2010 and 22 adults in 2011, totaling to 35 adults. In 2010 breeding season 27 nests were found and 38 nests in 201, in total 93 eggs were laid and 43 hatchlings were observed in 2010, as for 2011 130 eggs were laid and 54 hatchlings were observed. According to the hatchling size, the breeding success of the species was 58.1% in 2010 and 62.3% in 2011, according to the fledgling size, the breeding success was 79.6% in 2010 and 66.7% in 2011 and according to the post fledgling size, the breeding success was 44.2% in 2010 and 42.6% in 2011.Many factors affecting the breeding success of the species were determined in the region. Besides foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and hooded crows (Corvus corone) as being the natural predators of the species, the high density of stray dogs damages the nests and also the eggs and affects the breeding success of the species negatively. Furthermore, the invasion of the breeding areas by humans, constructions, plugging, irrigating the farms are the other negative effects on the breeding success.Studies about the Spur-wing lapwing are quite restricted. In Turkey, there is no thesis about this species. With this study, the gap in this area was filled. Also the lack of information about Turkey populations has been covered in the world literature.