The establishment of a breeding population of Smew Mergellus albellus in an atypical habitat on the Atlantic coast of Norway

Authors

  • Jan E Østnes Nord-Trøndelag University College, Faculty of Business, Social and Environmental Sciences
  • Rolf T Kroglund Nord-Trøndelag University College, Faculty of Business, Social and Environmental Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34080/os.v25.22544

Keywords:

range expansion, survey, adaptation, monitoring

Abstract

In recent years, the Smew Mergellus albellus has established a breeding population of minimum 15 pairs on the coastal islands in Vikna municipality (65°N, 11°E) in Central Norway. As a result, the current breeding distribution of Smew extends throughout northern Eurasia, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. The habitat in Vikna is quite different from that of the coniferous taiga zone, and the population is probably ground-nesting. We suggest that the westward range expansion, and the ability to adapt to another habitat than the coniferous taiga zone, can make the Smew better able to cope with future impacts of global climatic change than predicted by present models.

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Published

2015-01-01

How to Cite

Østnes, J. E., & Kroglund, R. T. (2015). The establishment of a breeding population of Smew Mergellus albellus in an atypical habitat on the Atlantic coast of Norway. Ornis Svecica, 25(1–2), 59–64. https://doi.org/10.34080/os.v25.22544

Issue

Section

Research Papers