
Rough-legged buzzards exhibit a novel "foxtrot migration" pattern characterized by alternating quick and slow phases of movement during the non-breeding season, driven by environmental factors like snow cover dynamics. This results in a "dynamic non-breeding range" that changes throughout the season.


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Advancements in tracking technologies have revolutionized our understanding of bird migrations, revealing a diverse array of migratory behaviors. We propose a new pattern of migratory behavior termed ‘foxtrot migration,’ characterized by alternating quick and slow phases during the non-breeding period. This behavior involves directional and continuous movements, distinct from traditional seasonal itinerancy or forage-on-fly migration. Using the Rough-legged buzzard as a model species, we confirmed the presence of foxtrot migration and ‘dynamic non-breeding ranges’, driven by environmental factors such as snow cover dynamics. We advocate for accurate representation of dynamic ranges on maps and emphasize the need to consider range dynamics when assessing species conservation status. Our findings underscore the importance of understanding complex migratory behaviors in the face of environmental change, facilitated by advancements in tracking technologies. This knowledge is crucial for effective conservation strategies amid ongoing global environmental challenges.

### Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Quick-quick-slow: the foxtrot migration and dynamic non-breeding range

tracking-migratory-patterns-of-rough-legged-buzzards-reveals-a-novel-foxtrot-migration-behavior-and-dynamic-non-breeding-ranges


Tracking Migratory Patterns of Rough-legged Buzzards Reveals a Novel "Foxtrot Migration" Behavior and Dynamic Non-breeding Ranges
