Turnover in the population of ruddy-headed geese ( Chloephaga rubidiceps) at Goose Green, Falkland Islands.

The ruddy-headed goose population at Goose Green settlement was largest in autumn after the flightless moult, smaller in winter and at its lowest level in spring and summer when breeding and moulting occurred. A small peak occurred in December prior to the moult. Average turnover of c18% per month was estimated for the period after the completion of moult in January, through until August in 1979 and October in 1980. Thereafter, until the end of the year, marked geese started returning to Goose Green, indicating fidelity to this site. Estimates of the size of the 'pool' of birds were mostly around 500 birds. Birds travelled up to 30 km from the settlement, though most re-sightings were within 5 km. The high rates of turnover at feeding sites tend to nullify the effects of culls by sheep-farmers who try to reduce numbers of geese feeding on valuable crops or pastures. -from Authors