THE WINTERING OF TERRITORIAL STONECHAT PAIRS SAXICOLA-TORQUATA IN ISRAEL

Migratory Stonechats which winter in Israel were observed in territories. Unlike most other migratory species, male and female Stonechats formed pairs in their winter territories. Pair partners, which were observed in Israel jointly reacted to intruding other Stonechats. During all times paired territorial birds and non-paired individuals occurred in the same area. Arrival and departure, body mass of birds, the proportion of unpaired birds, and duration of pair bond are described. The paired birds changed partners regularly and pairs mostly split before leaving the area in spring. Pair formation by Stonechats wintering in Israel can be regarded as a temporary association with profit for the winter.