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        <title>Ornis Hungarica Feed</title>
        <link>https://sciendo.com/journal/ORHU</link>
        <description>Sciendo RSS Feed for Ornis Hungarica</description>
        <lastBuildDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 14:15:07 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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            <title>Ornis Hungarica Feed</title>
            <url>https://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/647267c4215d2f6c89dc6dda/cover-image.jpg</url>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/journal/ORHU</link>
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        <copyright>All rights reserved 2026, MME/BirdLife Hungary</copyright>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Diet composition of Barn Owl (Tyto alba) and Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) in an agricultural landscape of Central Assam, India]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0034</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0034</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This study examined the food habits of coexisting Barn Owls (Tyto alba) and Spotted Owlets (Athene brama) from January 2021 to January 2022 in two agricultural landscapes in Nagaon district, Assam, India. Pellet analysis at two sites, Nonoi and Puranigudam, revealed that Barn Owls primarily preyed on small mammals, such as Asian House Shrew (Suncus murinus) (42.05%) and Black Rat (Rattus rattus) (9.88%), with some avian species like Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) and Oriental Magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis). In contrast, Spotted Owlets predominantly consumed insects (Coleoptera, 50.47%) and small mammals (House Mouse Mus musculus, 16.19%). The dietary niche breadth was wider for Barn Owls (4.9) compared to Spotted Owlets (3.3). Both species contribute significantly to pest management in agricultural ecosystems, emphasizing their role as natural biocontrol agents.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Distribution, habitat shift, and conservation needs of Jerdon’s Babbler (Chrysomma altirostre): A study of a vulnerable grassland specialist]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0030</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0030</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Grassland ecosystems are vital for global biodiversity but are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, agricultural expansion, urbanization, and climate change. Jerdon’s Babbler (Chrysomma altirostre), a vulnerable grassland specialist, serves as a model species to assess the impacts of habitat degradation and fragmentation. This study analysed historical and current distributions, revealing a significant contraction from 326,263 km2 to 173,071 km2, representing a 47% reduction in the species’ historical range. The overlap between historical and current ranges was limited to 71,623 km2, while 101,448 km2 of new areas were identified as potential habitat gain, indicating possible range shifts. The centroids of the distributions of the three subspecies shifted significantly: Indian and Saharo-Sindian subspecies moved northeast by 361 km and 444 km, respectively, while the Burmese subspecies shifted 490 km south. Populations in the Indo-Bangladesh region remain uncertain due to a lack of recent records. These findings underscore extensive habitat loss, reduced connectivity, and the persistence of fragmented populations primarily within protected areas. Conservation priorities include grassland restoration, habitat connectivity enhancement, and mitigating disturbances such as unauthorized playback and seasonal fires. While Jerdon’s Babbler exhibits adaptability to degraded habitats, its long-term viability remains uncertain without targeted interventions. This study highlights the necessity of expanded conservation efforts to safeguard populations beyond protected zones and to preserve this species as an indicator of grassland ecosystem health.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Seasonal variation in wetlands influence the dynamics of waterbird communities in Dungarpur district, Rajasthan, India]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0019</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0019</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Human activities have rendered freshwater ecosystems among the most endangered in the globe, yet these ecosystems provide critical habitats for a variety of waterbird species. Semi-arid landscapes, characterized by variable climatic conditions and water availability, present unique challenges to these ecosystems. In our study, we investigated how wetland size and seasonal variations in a semi-arid climate influence waterbird populations, distribution, and habitat preferences. Using an a-priori field design, we surveyed areas with varying wetland extents across different seasons in the Dungarpur district, Rajasthan, western India. Between March 2021 and January 2022, we recorded 69 waterbird species belonging to 9 orders, including 10 species of global conservation concern. We found that both bird species diversity and richness were significantly higher in areas with high wetland extent. Interestingly, seasonal changes did not significantly affect waterbird diversity and richness. However, encounter rates were higher in winter than summer and monsoon seasons. The encounter rates of different feeding guilds varied across wetland classes, except for omnivores, which showed significant seasonal variation. Overall, our findings indicate that wetland extent is a major driver of waterbird population and distribution. Therefore, we strongly recommend the protection of extensive wetland areas to enhance waterbird conservation in the study area.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Plumage aberration in Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles exustus) from Rajasthan, India]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0043</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0043</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Individuals with color aberrations are distinguished in species with cryptic colouration, which may also affect their social interactions. Color aberrations in birds have been extensively studied in the scientific community, however, aberrations in many species are unknown or poorly understood. In this study, we present the first record of plumage aberration in Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles exustus). A female with brown aberration was recorded in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avian faunal diversity in adjoining forest habitats along the Sharda River system near the Indo-Nepal border, India]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0022</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0022</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

An extensive survey was conducted along the Sharda River system at the Indo-Nepal border using the line-transect and direct observation methods from August 2017 to July 2019. A total of 203 bird species belonging to 63 families and 16 orders were observed throughout the study period. The highest number of individuals recorded from Sharda Sagar Dam (17,799, 32%), followed by Surai Reserved Forest (13,208, 24%), Pancheshwar (9,363, 17%), Jauljibi (8,977, 16%), and Tawaghat (6,062, 11%), whereas the number of species was higher in Surai Reserved Forest (109) followed by Sharda Sagar Dam (82), Pancheshwar (80), Jauljibi (76) and Tawaghat (66). Different diversity indices were used to analyze the avian diversity and show variation across different study sites. One-way ANOVA and post hoc tests were performed to understand the significant difference of avian species diversity in different study areas. The results showed a strong indication of avian diversity.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Diet of a breeding population of South Polar Skuas (Stercorarius maccormicki) of the Schirmacher Oasis, Central Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0032</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0032</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The first detailed study on the diet of a breeding population of South Polar Skuas (Stercorarius maccormicki) at Schirmacher Oasis is based on the collection and analysis of prey remains and pellets from the 2024/2025 breeding season and food samples from previous seasons near active skua nests (n=8) and old breeding territories (n=2). The diet composition of the skua population and its changes in the context of human activity were determined. The diet included five bird species, fish, squid, and food scraps and garbage from Antarctic stations and bases. The diet was dominated by Snow Petrels (Pagodroma nivea), with subdominants being Antarctic Petrels (Thalassoica antarctica) and Adélie Penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae). Native marine fish and squid were likely incidental dietary components, introduced into pellets along with the skuas’ prey. Human activities have influenced the diet of skuas on a population-wide scale by introducing imported food and garbage into their diet. Food waste was found in seven of eight surveyed breeding territories and in one of two old breeding territories. Diet composition and behaviour of skuas in areas of human activity in Antarctica can be used as an indicator of the quality of local human waste management, as well as an indicator of the health of the ecosystem.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avifaunal diversity and status of Chhilchhila Wildlife Sanctuary, India]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0023</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0023</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Chhilchhila Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Haryana, India, represents a vital habitat for diverse avifaunal species. This study systematically documents the avifaunal diversity of the sanctuary, emphasizing its ecological significance and conservation status. Field surveys, conducted fortnightly using line transect and point count methods from October 2022 to September 2024, recorded a total of 162 species belonging to 18 orders, 56 families and 118 genera. The order Passeriformes exhibited the highest species richness (66 species), followed by Charadriiformes (18 species) and Anseriformes (13 species). Anatidae was the most diverse family with 13 species (RDi = 8.02), followed by Muscicapidae with 11 species (RDi = 6.80) and Scolopacidae with 10 species (RDi = 6.17). Of the recorded species, 88 species (54.32%) were resident, 12 (7.4%) were summer migrant and 62 (38.28%) were winter migrant, highlighting the sanctuary’s importance as a critical migratory stopover. Local abundance assessments classified 27.16% of the species as abundant, 19.75% as common, 16.67% as fairly common and 36.42% as rare. Conservation status analysis revealed that Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) and River Tern (Sterna aurantia) classified under Vulnerable and Asian Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus) and Alexandrine Parakeet (Psittacula eupatria) under Near Threatened categories by the IUCN Red List, with 46 species (28.40%) showing declining population trends globally. These findings underscore the sanctuary’s role as a biodiversity hotspot, necessitating continued monitoring and conservation efforts.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Orthopteran prey sources of Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) on grasslands near their nesting sites in Serbia]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0033</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0033</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Red-footed Falcons (Falco vespertinus) in the breeding period feed mainly on orthopteran insects. Theoretically, the availability of this food source may affect the size of the colonies of nesting birds and breeding success. We hypothesized that in the grassland habitats around larger colonies, sources of the orthopteran prey are richer in quality and quantity than around smaller colonies or solitary nests. Furthermore, we predicted that during the growth of the nestlings, the individuals of orthopteran species that are potential prey also grow over time. Orthopteran assemblages living in grasslands near 19 Red-footed Falcon nesting sites were sampled with sweep-nets in the northern province of Serbia, Voivodina, in June and July 2003. A total of 1,454 individuals of 25 Orthoptera species were identified in the study area, 21 species from the samples in Bachka (region between the Danube and Tisa River), while 24 species were collected in the Banat (areas east of the Tisa River). Individuals of larger orthopteran species were found only sporadically. At the same time with growths of Red-footed Falcon nestlings, from June to July, neither the potentially available orthopteran species nor the number of their individuals changed significantly. The body length of the most common orthopteran species Common Straw Grasshopper (Euchorthippus declivus) was significantly larger in July than in June. We could not detect relationship between the size of the Red-footed Falcon colonies and the number of species and individuals of the orthopterans. The proper management and conservation of these overgrazed and degraded grasslands should be a priority task, since these are hunting areas for Red-footed Falcons and at the same time, the habitats of several rare and in Serbia protected Orthoptera species e.g. Steppe Spiny Bush-cricket (Gampsocleis glabra), Veysel’s Slender Bush-cricket (Tessellana veyseli) and Cone-headed Grasshopper (Acrida ungarica).
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[An avifaunal inventory of the Kazinag National Park and adjoining areas: Conservation implications]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0036</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0036</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The present study was undertaken in Kazinag National Park – an important protected area in the Northwestern Himalayan region of India – from March 2023 to February 2024, to compile a comprehensive avifaunal inventory of the park. Field surveys were systematically carried out during early morning and late afternoon hours, coinciding with peak bird activity. Birds were identified following standard field guides, expert consultations, and online sources. A total of 127 bird species, distributed across 10 orders and 35 families were documented, many of which are of conservation concern. The family Muscicapidae exhibited the highest representation of 19 species, followed by Corvidae with 11 species. The high avian diversity observed in the park can be attributed to its diverse habitat types, ranging from mixed forests, coniferous forests to riverine areas and alpine meadows. Of the 127 species recorded, four are listed as ‘Threatened’ by the IUCN (Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus, Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii, Mountain Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus nipalensis and Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus). Increasing urbanisation and human encroachment into the park pose significant threats to the survival of key avian species. Illegal hunting, particularly of pheasants, warrants urgent conservation attention.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Seasonal variations in wetland bird assemblages: A case study from Dighal wetlands in Haryana, India]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0020</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0020</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The Dighal wetlands, designated an important bird area (IBA) in Haryana, India, serve as vital ecosystems, and offer suitable habitats and sustenance for a diverse array of resident and migratory wetland birds. Avian surveys were conducted by adopting direct observations and point count methods between April 2021 and March 2023, aimed to document the assembly of wetland birds within this IBA site. A total of 90 species of wetland birds distributed across 12 orders, 23 families and 62 genera were identified. The Charadriiformes order exhibited the highest species richness (24) followed by Anseriformes (19). Anatidae with 19 species emerged as the most diverse family, constituting 21% of the total species identified. The study revealed the seasonal dynamics, with 33.3% resident, 62.2% winter migrants, and 4.5% summer migrants. Notably, winter season recorded the highest species richness and population abundance. The study underscores significant differences in species richness, abundance, diversity, and evenness in both seasons of the first and second year. Moreover, the study unveiled non-significant distinctions in richness, abundance, diversity and evenness of wetland birds across these years (2021–2022 and 2022–2023). Among the recorded avifauna, three species are listed as Vulnerable and four species as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List (2024). Additionally, two species are listed in CITES Appendix I, while six species were included in CITES Appendix II. Furthermore, ten species were listed in Schedule I of WPA (2022). Dighal wetlands played a crucial role in supporting 30 species of wetland birds experiencing a decreasing global population trend. The prevalence of a significant number of wetland bird migrants and wetland bird species of global conservation importance underlines the urgent need for robust conservation efforts to protect both the wetland birds and their habitats.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Ecological and life history aspects of the Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) (Latham, 1790): An in-depth review]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0026</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0026</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) is a widely distributed galliform and an important indicator species of the Himalayan ecosystems. It demonstrates remarkable ecological adaptability, occupying diverse habitats ranging from subtropical forests to temperate mountain regions across the Himalayas and Southeast Asia. This review synthesizes current knowledge on its distribution, population status, morphology, habitat preferences, feeding habits, social structure, breeding behaviour, and conservation challenges, while highlighting critical research gaps. Although classified as Least Concern globally, the species remains poorly studied across its distributional range with emerging evidence of localized declines due to anthropogenic pressures. It exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males showing conspicuous plumage and females relying on cryptic coloration. Kalij Pheasant typically inhabit mid-elevation zones (up to 2,500 m), preferring dense understory vegetation and proximity to water sources, but may also be found at lower and higher elevations depending on resource availability and human disturbances. The omnivorous diet of Kalij Pheasant includes seeds, fruits, leaves, insects and small invertebrates, reflecting its role in forest ecosystem dynamics. Although territorial and vocal behaviours are well documented, their mating system remains unclear, with studies implicating both monogamous and facultatively polygynous tendencies. Hybridization between subspecies is reported across its range, however, the genetic consequences of this phenomenon remain unexplored. Despite its ecological flexibility, the species faces increasing threats from habitat degradation, hunting, and human encroachment. Conservation efforts should incorporate advanced technologies such as GPS tracking, remote sensing, and molecular techniques to gain deeper insights into the species’ behaviour, movement patterns, habitat use, and genetic diversity. Addressing these gaps will enhance our understanding of the Kalij Pheasant’s ecology and help inform conservation strategies for this important bird species.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Breeding biology of Rufous-bellied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos hyperythrus) in Rudraprayag District (Western Himalayas), Uttarakhand, India]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0031</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0031</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Cavity nesting species such as woodpeckers comprise a major component of many forest communities and play an important role in forest ecosystems. To conserve the population of these species, proper field observations on their breeding ecology are required. On the Indian subcontinent, there has been almost no scientific study about the breeding ecology of Rufous-bellied Woodpecker (RBW) (Dendrocopos hyperythrus). We studied the breeding ecology of RBW from February 2018 to July 2020 in Rudraprayag (Western Himalayas), Uttarakhand, India. Results indicated that the breeding season of RBW extends from March to July. RBW is a primary cavity excavator in which the pair excavates the nest cavity in various tree species, such as rhododendron (Rhododendron arboreum), Nepalese alder (Alnus nepalensis), brown oak (Quercus semecarpifolia), walnut (Juglans regia), and moru oak (Quercus floribunda). The most often selected tree for nest cavities in the study species was rhododendron (n=8). The average depth of the nest chamber was 29.5±6.67 cm (22–45 cm) and the diameter of the cavity entrance was 7.09±0.067 cm (7.0–7.2 cm). Nests were located at heights between 2–14 m above ground level with an average of 6.7±4.7 m. All the nesting sites found were between range 1800–2589 m a.s.l. Nests were orientated in all directions except for the North and Northeast. Twelve active nests were located on tree trunks (n=7) and branches (n=5). One nest was found abandoned before completion by the pair due to conflict with Himalayan Woodpecker (Dendrocopos himalayensis) which excavated a nesting cavity on the same tree. Clutch size ranged from 2–3 with an average of 2.90±0.30 (n=32). The incubation period ranged between 16–18 days (16.72±0.78 days). A total of 28 eggs hatched successfully with a success rate of 87.5%. The average fledgling period was 25.81±1.40 days (range 24–28 days). Nesting success was estimated at 81.25%.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Сolonisation and nest site selection in the urban landscape of Poltava, Ukraine by Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius): A case report study]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0042</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0042</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

In recent decades, the Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius) has been actively colonising urban areas; however, its adaptation to living near humans has been understudied. This study examines the nesting density, habitat preferences and the impact of urban landscape elements on nest site selection of Eurasian Jays in Poltava, Ukraine. The study covered over a 16.46 km2 area in Poltava, comparing the coverage around Eurasian Jay nests to that of randomly selected points. Statistical analyses, including the Kruskal–Wallis-test and Bayesian logistic regression, suggested that tree cover slightly influences nest site selection, though no strong correlations with other urban variables were detected. Additionally, the distance of nests to roads and buildings did not significantly differ from random points, suggesting a tolerance of urban infrastructure. However, the overall low density of Eurasian Jays compared to other сorvids in the city highlights their relatively limited adaptation to urban environments.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[First data on bird species composition of Djebel Aïssa National Park, Southwestern Algeria]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0025</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0025</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Algeria has a diverse bird fauna, yet data from arid and semi-arid regions are scarce. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a study on the composition and conservation status of bird species of Djebel Aïssa National Park in the Naama province of Southwestern Algeria between September 2021 and September 2023. We collected data by using progressive frequency sampling (PFS) and line transects, which allowed us to systematically assess bird species across different habitats within the park. We recorded 94 species of birds belonging to 11 orders and 27 families. Passeriformes was the most abundant order, comprising 16 families and 67 species. The bird species detected were predominantly sedentary (50%) or wintering (39%), and some were visiting (8%) or migratory (3%). Most species were insectivores (45%), followed by granivores/insectivores (24%), carnivores (13%), omnivores (7%), granivores (6%), and carnivores/insectivores (5%). Most bird species were classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List, two species were “Near Threatened”, and one was “Vulnerable”. In addition, 29 species are protected under Executive Fiat 12–235 of 24 May 2012. Our study provides a baseline for future monitoring efforts and a basis for the development and implementation of conservation strategies in Djebel Aïssa National Park and the surrounding regions.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Winged stewards of the rivers: A systematic review of avian ecosystem services in the Ganga River basin]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0027</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0027</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Birds are one of the prominent classes of vertebrates, occurring worldwide in nearly all habitat types, and providing a wide range of ecological functions, which in turn, generate a wide array of ecosystem services. While ornithological research on ecosystem services has become more prevalent, studies specifically focusing on the contributions of waterbirds in aquatic ecosystems have been largely overlooked.
We undertook a review of the ecosystem services provided by the waterbirds inhabiting the Ganga River, which is home to a wide variety of waterbirds that compete with the human-induced developments for habitat, and therefore, their survival is dependent on human understanding of their critical role within the ecosystem. The review highlighted that the waterbirds are efficacious bioindicators of different ecological conditions, control pests, maintain the diversity of other organisms, act as predators, herbivores, vectors of aquatic plants, invertebrates, and nutrients, and also play the role of ecosystem engineers. Furthermore, they provide cultural services to human society. Understanding the functional role of waterbirds, through natural history research, can inform conservation-oriented decision making by policymakers as well as public. The findings of this study would increase public support for the conservation of biodiversity in a holistic manner.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Impact of road improvements on the distribution and demography of rupicolous birds on the corniche of Jijel in Algeria]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0029</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0029</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Our study aims to identify the impact of road improvement works on rupicolous birds on the corniche of Jijel in Algeria between two periods: before the works began and after they were completed. The results show a large decline in nesting pairs of rupicolous birds between the two periods (2007: 307 pairs vs. 2017: 135 pairs). Thus, more than half of the breeding pairs disappeared between the start and the end of the work. The decline in the number of nesting pairs mainly concerned the most adapted and demanding species nesting on coastal cliffs: Pallid Swift (Apus pallidus), Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus brookei), Eurasian Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris) and Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius). The main factor in reducing the number of nesting pairs of species on cliffs and rocks is the degradation or loss of nesting sites due to developmental work. System restoration measures are proposed to encourage the return of nesting birds.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The diet of the European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) in Višnjička Kosa, Belgrade, Serbia]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0035</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0035</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

We examined the diet of the European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) within a suburban colony in Belgrade (Serbia). From 68 pellets, we identified 1236 prey individuals. The predominant prey was the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera), representing 59.0% of all extracted prey individuals, followed by ants (11.4%), bumble bees (Bombus spp.) (9.3%), other bees (8.6%), diverse other hymenopteran taxa (5.3%), coleopterans (3.4%), and dragonflies (1.5%). Honey bees and other bee taxa were present in the diet of bee-eaters significantly more in May than in June, while the opposite was true for other prey categories. This diet composition may be a result of local prey availability and the selective choice of prey categories during the chick provisioning period.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Temporal dynamics of shorebird assemblages in Valinokkam Lagoon, Southeast India: A new wintering site along the Central Asian Flyway]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0018</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0018</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Anthropogenic activities are global threats to natural coastal wetlands that are crucial for shorebirds. Man-made wetlands such as salt extraction ponds provide alternate sites for feeding and roosting. Valinokkam Lagoon, a salt extraction site on the southeast coast of India, has emerged as a critical wintering and over-summering site along the Central Asian Flyway. A five-year study (2019 to 2024) documented 32 shorebird species, which include eight Near Threatened, two Vulnerable, two Endangered, and a single regional endemic Hanuman Plover, unassessed (IUCN). 87.5% of the species were winter visitors and four were breeding residents. Eleven species of over-summering shorebirds were documented, highlighting consistent resources in the lagoon throughout the year. Temporal abundance patterns peaked in 2023–2024, with the highest total monthly abundance in January 2023. Little Stint, Siberian Sand Plover, Curlew Sandpiper, and Kentish Plover were the dominant species. The highest species richness and diversity were in 2021–2022, and lowest in 2023–2024. This is the first pivotal study from this unprotected lagoon, which acts as a substitute for natural wetlands. This study further contributes to the estimation of global population trends, and hence this site requires further conservation action plans both regionally and internationally, as 72% of the species recorded here show a declining global trend.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The occurrence of the Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) in Hungary, with special reference to the Csanádi-hát region]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0037</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0037</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) is a regular breeding and overwintering species in Hungary. The nesting population is concentrated in a small part of the country, but during winter, it occurs countrywise. Despite this fact, only occasional reports of migration and wintering of this species can be found in the literature. The aim of our work was to collect the sporadic occurrence data published or collected by the BirdLife Hungary Monitoring Centre, and to determine an accurate occurrence period of the species in Hungary. In addition, we processed 240 field observation data from the area of the Csanádi-hát (SE Hungary) between 1991 and 2025. It was not possible to determine the most important wintering sites of the species based on the national-level observaion data, but it was possible to examine the temporal distribution of the data. Based on data from the last 130 years, the first individuals of the species typically arrived in Hungary in the second half of September, while in spring the last individuals left the country by the end of March – beginning of April. Earlier records in autumn and later records in spring are very rare, with observations at extreme times probably referring to nesting birds. Most individuals were seen during the autumn migration period in October–November, after which they overwintered in varying numbers from year to year, but its number typically declined gradually until late spring. The standard data available from the Csanádi-hát indicate that in some years, records were high, while in others, far fewer individuals were seen. This is probably due to the annual fluctuation of food and the different weather conditions in the breeding and wintering grounds year to year.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Chewing lice (Phthiraptera) species infesting the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina) in Türkiye: First record of Craspedorrhynchus naevius (Giebel, 1861) (Ischnocera: Philopteridae)]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0040</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/orhu-2025-0040</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Ornitho-parasitological studies in Türkiye began in the early 2000s, focusing on chewing lice, and have continued to increase to the present day – new studies, records, and host-parasite associations – are published each year. Despite this progress, the chewing lice fauna of many wild bird species in Türkiye remains poorly known, especially among raptor species (Accipitriformes and Falconiformes). Faunistic records of birds of prey are still limited, and each novel record or novel host-parasite association provides valuable data for understanding host specificity and ectoparasite distribution. The material of this study consists of chewing lice specimens collected from the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina) and were mounted on slides using standard clearing and mounting techniques and examined under a light microscope for identification. As a result, the specimens were identified as Colpocephalum impressum Rudow, 1866, Craspedorrhynchus naevius (Giebel, 1861), Degeeriella fulva (Giebel, 1874), and Falcolipeurus suturalis (Rudow, 1869). Among these species, Craspedonhynchus naevius represents a new record for the chewing lice fauna of Türkiye. This study contributes to the understanding the ectoparasite biodiversity of birds of prey in Türkiye and emphasises the importance of continued parasitological studies of wild avian species.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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