BEKHUIS J, NIENHUIS J, WYMENGA E, BEEMSTER N & BEUSEKOM R VAN (1993) Increase of the Dutch Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus population in 1988 - 1992. LIMOSA 66 (3): 97-106.

The Netherlands were colonized by Penduline Tits from 1981 onwards. Until 1985 the number of breeding pairs did not increase although a shift in the distribution pattern was noticed. Colonization started in the northern provinces and soon the birds spread to Flevoland and some of the river forelands. These areas remained the main breeding grounds of the Penduline Tit during the first decade. The Dutch population was estimated at 225250 territories at least in 1992. Especially in 1987, 1989, 1990 and 1991 there was a relatively strong increase (figs. 1,2). The areas that are most regularly occupied and hold the highest densities are located in the provinces of Fries land, Groningen and Flevoland and in the eastern part of the river area (fig. 3). In Friesland and Groningen the population decreased in the first half ofthe 1980s, leading to a temporary extinction in 1986. After re-colonization in 1987 numbers rapidly increased (fig. 4). In 1992 the northern provinces held approximately 75-85 territories. Flevoland was colonized from 1982 onwards; in 1991-92 its population was estimated at about 20-25 territories. The Gelderse Poort between Arnhem-Nijmegen and the German border is the main breeding area along the rivers. Breeding was recorded first in 1984 and after a steady increase around 80 territories were recorded in 1992. Elsewhere along the rivers (especially along the rivers Waal and IJssel) some 25 territories occurred. In certain parts of the northern provinces birch is preferred as a nesting tree, while elsewhere willow (especially Salix alba) is favoured. Nesting success (percentage of nests producing fledglings) is variable and does not exceed 50%. It is suggested that the absence of the species in marsh areas in other parts of the country is partly due to lack of suitable trees, but in some areas factors like distance to the nearest core area is important as well. It is to be expected that the population will continue to grow in future years. In the last part ofthis paper, recommendations for breeding bird surveys are given. Eurasian Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus

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