Many mammalian species use photoperiod as a predictive cue to time seasonal reproduction. In addition, metabolic effects on the reproductive axis may also influence seasonal timing, especially in female small, short‐lived mammals. To get a better understanding of how annual cycling environmental cues impact reproductive function and plasticity in small, short‐lived herbivores with different geographic origins, we investigated...

Optimality theories of ageing predict that the balance between reproductive effort and somatic maintenance determines the rate of ageing. Laboratory studies find that increased reproductive effort shortens lifespan, but through increased short‐term mortality rather than ageing. In contrast, high fecundity in early life is associated with accelerated senescence in free‐living vertebrates, but these studies are non‐experimental....

Autumn migration routes of two Dutch female Montagu’s Harriers ( Circus pygargus ) were documented for the first time using satellite telemetry. Both migrated to their African wintering area—one via the Straits of Gibraltar through the Mediterranean and the other via Italy/Tunisia. The rate of travel was comparable to values reported for larger raptor species.