The shift from migratoriness to sedentariness remains an outstanding question in evolutionary ecology. Density-dependent variation in the age of first breeding has been proposed as a feasible mechanism through which long-lived migratory birds with deferred sexual maturity should become sedentary to persist on islands. However, this pattern does not hold for the Eleonora’s falcon. New data reveal that Eleonora’s falcons do return to the natal colonies in their first year and young birds are able to breed. However the highly specialized strategy of this and other ecologically similar species, as well as the virtual lack of food during winter at breeding areas prevent them from becoming sedentary on islands. The evidence provided reveal the existence of important trade-offs associated with ecological specialization that may become particularly relevant in the present context of global change. informacion[at]ebd.csic.es: Gangoso et al. (2013) Ecological Specialization to Fluctuating Resources Prevents Long-Distance Migratory Raptors from Becoming Sedentary on Islands. PLoS ONE 8(4): e61615. Doi 10.1371/journal.pone.0061615

Annual and lifetime reproductive success of female pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) was studied in relation to the patterns of expression (absence/presence) of an ornament, the white forehead patch, displayed by all males and a fraction of females. Females expressing the ornament at early ages enjoyed survival advantages throughout lifetime. Although ornamented females had higher lifetime fecundity and fledging success, their yearly reproductive performance, in terms of fledging productivity, decreased as as they aged so that, late in life, ornamented females reared fewer offspring than non-expressing females of the same age. In addition, both strategies (expressing vs. not expressing the trait) returned similar fitness payoffs in terms of recruited offspring. These results support the hypothesis that fecundity and survival selection are involved in the displaying of this ‘male’ ornament by females. informacion[at]ebd.csic.es: Potti et al (2013) Lifetime fitness and age-related female ornament signalling: evidence for survival and fecundity selection in the pied flycatcher. J Evol Biol Doi 10.1111/jeb.12145

Ubiquitous linear developments, such as dirt tracks and firebreaks, termed ‘soft’ linear developments (SLD), represent weaker landscape modifications than paved roads and highways but still could strongly affect populations and communities. All seeds from fleshy-fruit shrubs within faeces were quantified and their abundance and diversity at SLD verges vs. adjacent scrubland was compared. The frequency of defecation along SLD varied greatly among dispersers, but ungulates avoided SLD for defecation, and carnivores and rabbits positively selected them. Given the extremely high density of SLD world-wide, SLD hold a significant overlooked role for management and plant conservation actions. Dispersers selecting SLD can promote roadside restoration, potentially saving financial resources. These feasible benefits must be weighed up against potential spread of alien or undesirable plant species, but the SLD represent a valuable management tool. informacion[at]ebd.csic.es: Suárez-Esteban et al (2013) Barriers or corridors? The overlooked role of unpaved roads in endozoochorous seed dispersal. J Appl Ecol DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12080