Migration of the Northern Lapwing a century ago in the Carpathian Basin of Central Europe

The timing of bird migration is changing due to climate change, but the impact may vary by geographical region and migration strategy. I investigated the migration of a short-distance migratory shorebird species, the Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, between 1897–1916 in the Carpathian Basin. I analyzed data comprising 2,298 dates of first arrivals between 1 February and 15 April. I investigated interannual variation in relation to altitude, geographic location, and temperature. Lapwings returned earlier when temperatures were higher. They also arrived earlier in lower-elevation and more westerly or southerly areas. Median date of arrival was 3 March, which is 11 days later than at present. The species also had a wider range in the past, in keeping with its declining population.