POPULATION SIZES AND HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS OF UPLAND BREEDING BIRDS INTHE SOUTH PENNINES, ENGLAND

The unenclosed uplands of the south Pennines, approximately 725 km2, w ere surveyed for upland breeding birds between 12 April and 28 June 19 90. The breeding populations of curlew Numenius arquata, golden plover Pluvialis apricaria and merlin Falco columbarius comprised a higher p roportion of their national totals than would be expected simply due t o the size of the study area, indicating that the south Pennines are o f particular importance for these species. Altitude and slope were clo sely associated with bird distribution. Dunlin Caladris alpina and gol den plover were more abundant on high-altitude plateaux, curlew more a bundant on low-altitude flat areas, and lapwing Vanellus vanellus, sni pe Gallinago gallinago and twite Acanthis flavirostris were more numer ous in low-altitude areas with a range of slopes. Associations with ve getation type and structure also varied between species. Red grouse La gopus lagopus, merlin and short-eared owl Asio flammeus were associate d with heather moorland, but no waders or passerines showed any such r elationship. Dunlin and golden plover were most strongly associated wi th blanket bog. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra were closely associated with bracken Pteridium aquilinum cover, and merlin and curlew showed assoc iations with tall heather Calluna vulgaris. The results of the present study are discussed with reference to the importance of the south Pen nines breeding bird populations and to the potential effects of habita t change on their distribution and abundance.