The migration of the robin erithacus rubecula in the central pre-alps of Italy

During the Springs of 1984 and 1985 and the Autumns of 1983–1984–1985, 640 Robins were caught and ringed at the S.I.R.O. Bird Observatory of Albonico. In addition, 71 individual birds were recovered locally for a total of 95 times in the course of the same season. The average stop-over time in Spring was lower than that in Autumn. During these periods, the birds almost invariably stored fat and gained weight but the gain was more marked in the Autumn. These data show that Robins migrating through Albonico make very successful use of the well known strategy of staying at stop-over sites to refuel before continuing migration.