This paper shows how our knowledge of the evolution, ecology and conservation of birds can be improved through the analysis of external morphological traits. After giving a short history of morphological studies of birds, we discuss the pros and cons of such data in exploring within-species variation and describe the main patterns and hypotheses related to the factors affecting bird size and shape. We describe the usefulness of external measurements (including body mass and feather morphology) of live birds for inferring population differentiation or intraspecific variation in body condition. Bird morphology monitoring is conceptually similar to other programs aimed at recording the distribution of species and their habitats. However, it has one additional advantage: the same data used to describe variation can be used to infer the processes underlying observed changes by testing geographical or ecomorphological predictions. Morphological approaches may be implemented in the context of national ringing schemes, in which thousands of birds are measured each year. They may be particularly illustrative in bird species with populations distributed between regions of contrasting ecology, or wherever man-made environmental stressors affect bird populations.

Coastal shorebird species overlap at many wintering sites or migratory stopovers. However, each species is morphologically and physiologically specialised for reducing competition for space, time or habitat. A species can encompass several populations, sometimes designated as subspecies. Differences between populations, ages and sexes within the same species can also lead to segregation between individuals in a foraging area. In this study, we explored the non-breeding spatial and temporal overlap between two subspecies of the black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa on the central Atlantic coast of France (the Pertuis Charentais). The proportions of individuals of each sex and each age within the populations were assessed to explore differences in the wintering distribution. The subspecies L.l. islandica winters in the area from July to March whereas the subspecies L.l. limosa may stopover in the area during south- and northward migration. The two subspecies occasionally overlap at some sites just after the breeding period, and frequently in February and March. We also highlight two previously unknown features of the L.l. islandica population in this part of its distribution area. Firstly, we found a high proportion of juveniles among the individuals caught by mist-net throughout the winter period. An unexpectedly high proportion of the 10,000 individuals wintering in the Pertuis Charentais were juveniles. Secondly, there was a significant predominance of males in both age classes, but particularly among juveniles throughout the wintering period. That 59% of the godwits caught during the winter were male and that 56% of these were juveniles, suggest (1) strong age- and sex-related population structuring, and (2) a possible redistribution of these juveniles from the first winter to the next, or unequal survival of juveniles across the wintering grounds.

The bluethroat Luscinia svecica is a particularly interesting species for the study of the mechanisms that control migration because it comprises several recently diverged subspecies that differ in migratory distance and direction. Here we use ringing data to describe the migration strategy and winter distribution of L. s. cyanecula and L. s. namnetum along the eastern Atlantic coast of Iberia and West Africa. No differences were found in autumn migration phenology between subspecies, ages and sexes. However, in contrast to L. s. namnetum, the mean wing length of L. s. cyanecula decreased and its body mass increased during this migratory period. The subspecies also differed in migration speed and stopover behaviour, with L. s. cyanecula travelling faster and refuelling during stopovers. The potential non-stop flight range was greater in L. s. cyanecula and increased with decreasing latitude, which is probably related to the need to overcome geographical barriers to reach the wintering grounds. During winter, the birds captured in sub-Saharan Africa were almost exclusively L. s. cyanecula, whereas L. s. namnetum wintered mainly in Iberia, and the probability of capturing adults increased with decreasing latitude. L. s. cyanecula captured in Africa had longer wings than those migrating through and wintering in Iberia, indicating a leapfrog migration pattern also within L. s. cyanecula populations.

The study of biometric variables and the colour patterns of different plumage parts allow sex discrimination of Bonelli's eagles, both in the hand and at a distance. Between 1999 and 2012, 175 Bonelli's eagles were captured in Spain, Portugal and France and sexed on the basis of genetic analysis or by verification of reproductive behaviour. Biometric variables were measured and coloration patterns were assigned to four plumage parts (tail feathers, undertail coverts, leg feathers and throat). Females were larger than males, all variables analysed, with the exception of wing length, showing significant differences. The greatest differences were in body length, tarsus width, body mass and hindclaw length. The study of coloration revealed differences in plumage patterns between males and females. Males had paler underparts than females. Bonelli's eagles may be sexed reliably through biometric measurements and by assessing and identifying colour patterns. This is the first study quantifying sexual dimorphism of the endangered Bonelli's eagle, for which several research and conservation programmes are now being implemented.

Seabirds depend on a variety of terrestrial habitats during the part of their life cycle that they spend on land. Understanding the temporal patterns of use of these habitats provides insights into their ecological requirements, and ultimately helps to direct efforts that ensure the birds' protection. We investigated Magellanic penguin Spheniscus magellanicus beach attendance at Punta Tombo, Argentina, during three breeding seasons to understand the use of beach habitat by juveniles and adults in the breeding season, during the day and in response to physical stressors. We found that beaches at the breeding colony are actively used during the breeding season. The number of penguins on the beach increased as the breeding season progressed for both juveniles and adults, but their patterns of beach use differed. Juveniles arrived later in the season and their numbers on the beach reflected their moulting cycle. In all three years, juveniles left the beach in late January, consistent with their pre-moult foraging trip. Adult penguins, on the other hand, attended the beach in larger numbers during hot days, suggesting that breeders used the beach to avoid high inland temperatures. More penguins, both juveniles and adults, were on the beach during the afternoons, which probably reflects their foraging pattern. However, juvenile counts were less variable between mornings and afternoons than adult counts, indicating a more even use of the beach by juveniles. Beaches provide an alternative habitat for several key functions throughout the life cycle of Magellanic penguins but the birds' temporal patterns of attendance probably depend on their age and breeding status and on the ambient temperature. Our study highlights the importance of the beaches surrounding Magellanic penguin colonies and provides guidance for the spatial layout of reserves where penguin colonies occur.

Disturbance and predation risks from terrestrial animals decline the higher up the nest sites selected by birds that nest in wall cavities are located. Terrestrial predators can also negate the protective quality of higher nesting sites by approaching from above in walls. It is unknown how terrestrial predation risks from below and above walls determine nest site selection in cavity-nesting species. In relation to this situation, we describe nest-site selection in common swifts Apus apus in the medieval city walls of Ávila, Spain. We recorded the entry size, hole depth and the horizontal and vertical positions of cavities. Most cavities were empty despite their size being suitable for nesting. Swifts nested in cavities at least 12 cm deep and with an entry between 3.5 cm and 13 cm wide. Nests were 3.5 m above the ground and 1.7 m below the top of the wall, although there were suitable cavities at the lower and higher extremes, respectively. Higher predation risks and disturbances could explain why suitable cavities were empty at lower and higher heights. The distances to the ground and to the top of the wall, as well as the distance to the nearest corner, accounted for about one-tenth of the probability that a cavity was used for nesting. Our data do not indicate a possible reason for nesting near corners, but weather is an obvious candidate.

Breeding season counts of nine species of colonial wading birds (Nycticorax nycticorax, Ardeola ralloides, Bubulcus ibis, Egretta garzetta, Ardea cinerea, Ardea purpurea, Ciconia ciconia, Plegadis falcinellus and Platalea leucorodia) nesting at Doñana during 1984–2010 were analysed. The aim of the study was to assess the size and trends of populations and to analyse their environmental and anthropogenic determinants. We used the TRIM programme to test for long-term trends, and Generalised Additive Models to assess the effect of local rainfall, the surface area of ricefields surrounding Doñana and rainfall in the Sahel on breeding population size. All species showed positive population trends, mainly from 1996 onwards. The number of active colonies increased over time, and up to 17,297 nests from the nine studied species were recorded in one year (2010). Low precipitation (< 500 mm) in the previous autumn and winter was associated with reductions in the numbers of breeders, since rainfall determines the flooding extent in the natural marshes of Doñana. The area of ricefields positively influenced the breeding numbers of five species. Only four of these species are considered to be increasing in Europe and increases in Doñana coincide with management changes that have improved nesting and feeding habitat and reduced human disturbance. In addition to large-scale man-made habitat changes, breeding population sizes for the studied species were strongly influenced by high annual variation in rainfall, typical of Mediterranean habitats, therefore making them likely to be affected by climate change.

One of the most extensive grassland ecosystems in the Neotropics is located in the southeastern South America region. Here grasslands once dominated the Pampas but these are now mostly reduced to a mosaic of patches with different land-uses, largely croplands and pasturelands. Native Cortaderia selloana grasslands are widely distributed in the eastern Pampas region but relatively little is known of the bird assemblage inhabiting this habitat. We studied this bird assemblage addressing the overall richness and presence of species of conservation concern, seasonal variation in species composition, breeding phenology and the importance of C. selloana habitats for birds. Species richness was high: 54 species belonging to 22 families, including six species of conservation concern: three classified as vulnerable to extinction (dot-winged crake Porzana spiloptera, black-and-white monjita Xolmis dominicanus and pampas meadowlark Sturnella defilippii), and three near threatened (greater rhea Rhea americana, bay-capped wren-spinetail Spartonoica maluroides and Hudson's canastero Asthenes hudsoni). The highest species richness was observed in spring and summer, with peaks in spring and marked drops in autumn. The insectivore guild was the most numerous throughout the year. We identified 21 nesting species, four of which were of conservation concern, with a peak of reproductive activity during November. Owing to the high species richness and of the large number of threatened species, C. selloana grasslands should be considered of outstanding conservation priority in the Pampas region.

The middle spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos medius is a scarce species in northern Spain and is listed as endangered in Catalonia. We show a marked increase over a 24-year period in a population of the middle spotted woodpecker in the Aran Valley in the eastern Pyrenees in Catalonia. The population increased from two pairs in 1990 to 27 pairs in 2010, expanding south and east into two arms of the valley. The estimated breeding density in 2010 was 0.22 pairs/10 ha. Out of 26 surveyed forests, 54% were occupied by the woodpecker. There was no difference in occupancy rates between small, medium-sized or large forest areas. Breeding territories in mixed-deciduous forest were characterised by the presence of large-diameter pedunculate oaks Quercus robur. We conclude that the middle spotted woodpecker is expanding its range in the Pyrenees, probably due to an increasing presence of mature oak forests. The as-yet-small population size of the middle spotted woodpecker in northeastern Spain, combined with its relatively low density, suggests that forest protection measures should remain in place for this regionally vulnerable species.

The black stork Ciconia nigra is a threatened tree-nesting species in Europe. The relatively poorly studied and isolated Iberian population is unusual in Europe in that the majority of known pairs are cliff-nesting. This permits the analysis of productivity differences in relation to nesting substrate in different subpopulations, comparing not only the mean number of fledged chicks/nest between cliff-nesting and tree-nesting pairs but also considering whether the nests are located in restricted- or open-access areas. The results reveal that nesting substrate does not determine differences in productivity. Only those cliff-nesting pairs that breed in open-access areas have significantly lower productivity than pairs that breed elsewhere. Therefore, whether or not black storks nest on cliffs and on trees should not have a relevant effect per se on the productivity of the species but such an effect may arise in relation to the degree of human access to the cliff-nesting sites. Further in-depth research is needed about the exact causes of lower productivity in pairs that nest on cliffs located in open-access areas.

We examined the incubation pattern of yellow-legged gulls Lar us michahellis at a colony in the Balearic Archipelago. Incubating gulls were captured at the nest at different times of day. We found that, on average, males attend the nest less than females. Male or female attendance had a marked diurnal pattern: males seem to show a progressive increase in the probability of incubation until the central part of the day, which then declines during the evening hours (following a quadratic model). This pattern remained unaltered during the years that followed the closure of the local open-air landfill site, which represented the main food resource of this population. Our results suggest that the sex-related diurnal pattern of nest attendance during incubation is skewed towards females and is unrelated to food resources.

Survival estimation is fundamental to understanding population dynamics and has great value from a conservation standpoint. We calculated the apparent survival rate and its variation between age classes and years for a bluethroat Luscinia svecica azuricollis breeding population in Spain. Cormack-Jolly-Seber models were used on capture-recapture data obtained during the breeding season from 1998 to 2005. Bluethroats first captured as adults exhibited higher apparent annual survival (0.52) than those first captured as first-year birds (0.31). We discuss these results within a larger geographic context and compare them with other similar species.

The ecology and natural history of Todd's parakeet Pyrrhura picta caeruleiceps is scarcely known. We describe some aspects of its habitat use, diet and flight behaviour at two localities in north-eastern Colombia. Our observations indicate that, at least locally, these birds tolerate and frequently use transformed areas. However, their flight patterns (usually near forest canopy) support the idea that long-distance flights would be affected where forest fragmentation occurs at a landscape level, as happens in other congeners. Observations also suggest a second breeding peak for Todd's parakeet starting from July/August, as seems to occur in other Andean species of Pyrrhura.

The draft International Convention for the Protection of Birds Useful to Agriculture has been analysed. This text was drafted at an international conference organised by France in 1895, with the participation and agreement of politicians, technicians and prestigious ornithologists and naturalists. The exact content of the draft has been confirmed from different documentary sources, and it has been found that it differed, in part, from the convention to which a dozen European States definitively subscribed in 1902. Also, some of the changes made to the draft were very significant, since they harmed many species and significantly lowered the conservationist pretensions of the convention. The present account suggests that such changes might have been due to pressures exerted in the interests of certain countries, which demurred from the broad consensus reached at the 1895 conference. It is emphasized here that the draft agreed that year was fully consistent with the knowledge and views of much of the scientific community of the time, following the path indicated by some of the bird protection laws that were adopted during the 19th century by several European nations.

The importance of lists in the history of conservation is discussed with particular reference to some episodes in the international history of bird protection. Historiographical research has shown the hybrid nature of conservation that results from the blending of scientific expertise, political action and legal measures. In such a contested arena, lists have often provided a simple but powerful textual device for translating scientific information and conservation concerns into effective legal measures. Naturalists, trained in the natural history tradition of lists and catalogues, have played a key role in this respect. The usefulness of lists, derived from their simplicity and clarity, is not, however, without shortcomings.

This section includes the abstracts of some of the PhD-Dissertations submitted in Spain during the 2012–2013 academic year as well as some others not published in earlier volumes of Ardeola. They are in alphabetical order by University where they were presented and, then, by year and alphabetical order of the author's surname.

La Sección Bibliográfica de Ardeola publica reseñas breves de publicaciones recibidas en la biblioteca de SEO/BirdLife. Estas reseñas se realizan desinteresadamente por un conjunto de colaboradores. Las reseñas son normalmente solicitadas por los editores a los colaboradores, aunque otras adicionales pueden ser consideradas para su publicación.

Las reseñas expresan las opiniones de los revisores, de modo que no reflejan necesariamente la opinión de los editores o de SEO/BirdLife.

Report on rare birds in Spain 2011. Current report gives details about 452 new records on the presence of 100 rare bird taxa in the whole of Spain. Acceptance index was of 88,94% from a grand total of 579 examined records including pending, duplicated and regional rarities. Details on 12 new taxa for Spain are included for the first time in any rarities report: Asian white-winged scoter Melanitta deglandi, Fea's petrel Pterodroma feae, first and second records, black-bellied storm-petrel Fregetta tropica, eastern imperial eagle Aquila heliaca, sandhill crane Grus canadensis, south polar skua Stercorarius maccormicki, Thayer's Gull Larus thayeri, american hawk-owl Surnia ulula caparoch, buff-bellied pipit Anthus rubescens, eastern black redstart Phoenicurus ochruros phoenicuroides, semicollared flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata and Cretzchsmar's bunting Emberiza caesia. Deserta's petrel, Thayer's gull and hawk owl are new to the Spanish list which was updated in 2012 having considered the rest of the above accepted firsts. The report deals with record numbers of goosander Mergus merganser, buff-breasted sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis and pectoral sandpiper Calidris melanotos besides overwintering episodes of Baird's sandpiper Calidris bairdii and broad-billed sandpiper Limicola falcinellus. Other interesting records are third records for Spain of African white-backed vulture Gyps africanus, upland sandpiper Bartramia longicauda or Baltic gull Larus fuscus fuscus.

Este informe agrupa citas de 203 especies, siguiendo la secuencia taxonómica y los nombres de la última edición de la Lista de las Aves de España (Gutiérrez et al., 2012). El conjunto de observaciones recopiladas se reparten por toda la geografía nacional. Se recomienda su envío a la dirección noticiarioseo.org. La recopilación se hace muy complicada debido a los numerosos foros, blogs y otros medios digitales donde se recogen, por lo que se recomienda el envío de las observaciones de interés.