J. Valkama et al., Habitat selection by breeding curlews (Numenius arquata) on farmland: the importance of grassland, ANN ZOO FEN, 35(3), 1998, pp. 141-148
We examined habitat composition of territories, habitat use during foraging
, and nest-site selection in the curlew Numenius arquata in two arable farm
land areas in western Finland 1996-1997. Tall vegetation types, especially
grassland, occurred more frequently within territories than expected by the
ir availability. Habitat utilisation during foraging was significantly non-
random in one of the two study areas where tillage was preferred to taller
vegetation while in the other area curlews appeared to prefer tall vegetati
on. In both areas curlews showed a marked preference for taller vegetation
types and avoided short vegetation (tillage) when selecting their nest-site
s. Individuals also appeared to avoid nesting close to forest edges and dit
ches although this pattern was not significantly consistent between years.
Breeding dispersal (the extent of movements between years) was high in the
study area where curlew density was low and nest predation was frequent. In
this area, breeding dispersal was higher among pairs that had failed in th
eir previous breeding attempts than among successful pairs. Curlews preferr
ed habitats which are relatively uncommon in an intensive agricultural regi
me, and we suggest that lack of suitable habitats in intensively cultivated
farmland areas may be one reason for poor reproductive success and decline
of curlew populations in Finland.