A study of migration fenologies of bird species in acrocephalus genus in Antalya/Boğazkent

Although Turkey is located on a crossroad of migration roads of many bird species, there have been relatively limited study upon the migration behaviors of these bird species. However, with the improvement in bird ringing in recent years both academic and amateur studies on passerines have become more common. This study covers the migratory movements in Boğazkent/Antalya in the fall of 2011 (from 15th of August till 8th of October) and spring 2012 (from 15th of March till 19th of April) for four species of the genus Acrocephalus. Individuals were caught by mist nets and ringed accordingly. Wing length and 3rd primer length were measured and individuals were weighed by digital scale (sensitivity of 0,1 gr). Individuals were released after their fat and muscle scores were recorded. In this study individuals belonging to Great reed-warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus), Marsh warbler (A. palustris), Sedge warbler (A. schoenobaenus), Eurasian reed-warbler (A. scirpaceus) were caught, measured and ringed. Migration periods were determined for autumn and spring seasons. Morphometrical measurements (wing length and length of 3rd primer) were taken to reveal if there are any morphological differences based on sex. Population migration periods were revealed; and weight, fat and muscle scores were measured. It is found that, Great reed-warblers and Eurasian reed-warblers start their autumn migration at the end of august. Great reed warblers terminate their migration period in the middle of september while Eurasian reed warblers at the end of september. On the other hand, Sedge warblers and Marsh warblers begin their autumn migration at the end of august and terminate it at the end of september. In this study, spring migrations were also observed. In spring, Great reed-warblers start their migrations at the beginning of april and Eurasian reed warblers at the end of march. Both species terminate their migrations in mid- april. Weight, muscle and fat scores were higher in autumn than in spring, all of which were statistically significant depending on the season. Throughout the study,627 individuals from 35 different species (including Acrocephalus spp.) were caught and ringed in the region.