Dispersal affects many important evolutionary and ecological process and is a crucial determinant of the distribution and viability of wild populations. Still, potential effects of climate change on the dispersal process remain poorly understood. We used data from a long term study of a house sparrow Passer domesticus metapopulation, subject to an increase in spring temperature, to investigate trends in the onset of breeding and its effect on natal dispersal.

Results/Conclusions

We found that laying dates have advanced. However, the change in timing of breeding varied between populations within the study area. Furthermore, the probability of dispersal was larger for offspring hatching early in the season. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the dispersal process in a changing environment, and may have important implications for population dynamics.