Decoupling of emigration timing and skill acquisition in a saturated population of golden eagles

Using time-to-event models, we predicted excursion and emigration rates based on flight performance and patterns of daily movement. Contrary to our prediction, flight performance failed to predict either event, whereas daily movement predicted both. Daily movement may capture motivation and weather together with flight skills, and those factors likely drive emigration.

Juveniles may delay emigration not because they lack skill, but because the costs of independence outweigh its benefits. This decoupling of ability and choice may also obscure the link between skill acquisition and the end of parental care in other systems.