Ornis Hungarica Feed

Reproductive stages effects on nest morphology and reproductive success of Yellow-legged Gull on Oued Charef Dam Island, Northeast Algeria

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Understanding how reproductive stages influence avian reproduction is essential for predicting species’ responses to environmental variability. While much research has focused on temperate ecosystems, studies in semi-arid and Mediterranean environments remain scarce. In these regions, reproductive stages defined by key environmental conditions such as rainfall patterns and food availability are often less predictable and more strongly influenced by resource availability than by temperature. This study presents the first in-depth investigation of how reproductive stages affect nest morphology and reproductive success in a Yellow-legged Gull population inhabiting the small island of Oued Charef Dam, northeastern Algeria. Reproductive activity was monitored across four distinct stages: early breeding, mid-breeding I, mid-breeding II, and late breeding. Key nest morphological traits (external and internal diameters, nest depth) and reproductive parameters (egg size, volume, and weight; clutch size; hatching and breeding success) were measured throughout these stages. My findings reveal significant variation in nearly all traits across reproductive stages, with the lowest values observed during early breeding and the highest reproductive investment occurring in late breeding. Clutch size was the only trait that did not vary significantly. Multivariate analyses, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Redundancy Analysis (RDA), showed that reproductive stages explain a substantial proportion of the variation in both nest structure and reproductive traits, highlighting a gradient of increasing reproductive investment from early to late stages. These results underscore the importance of breeding stage timing in shaping reproductive strategies in unpredictable environments and provide valuable baseline data for an under-studied region. In the context of climate change and increasing environmental uncertainty, understanding how birds adjust their breeding investment across reproductive stages is critical for informing future conservation strategies.

Potential winter distribution and stopovers of a long-distance migratory falcon: projected climate-induced changes

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The non-breeding ecology of the Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) remains poorly understood despite its relevance for the conservation of this long-distance migratory species, which is undergoing population declines across its range. In this study, a georeferenced database of 535 non-breeding records from Africa and Madagascar was compiled to model climatic suitability across three phases of the annual cycle: post-breeding, wintering, and post-wintering. Current models indicate that post-breeding movements occur mainly through montane and sub-humid tropical regions of East Africa, whereas wintering areas are concentrated in Madagascar and, to a lesser extent, in the Mozambican and Malawian highlands. During the post-wintering (pre-breeding) phase, suitable habitats are largely confined to semi-humid zones in central Tanzania and eastern Zambia. Projections for 2050 and 2070 under warming scenarios suggest a progressive reduction and fragmentation of suitable areas, with climatic refugia persisting primarily in high-altitude and coastal environments. These findings highlight increasing climatic constraints on the species’ migratory network. Conservation measures should prioritise the protection of humid montane and coastal ecosystems in Madagascar and East Africa, as well as key stopover areas that support migration. A coordinated flyway-level approach integrating climate adaptation and habitat management is recommended to ensure the long-term persistence of non-breeding populations.

Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) in the northern Saudi Arabian Red Sea: population assessment and conservation

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study investigates the phenology, abundance, distribution, and breeding success of the Sooty Falcon in the northern Saudi Arabian Red Sea, focusing on the Al Wajh Bank and An Numan Island. Over four years (2021–2024), surveys identified an average of 58 pairs breeding in critical nesting habitats and population trends, revealing that these areas host 3–4% of the global population and 11.6% of the Arabian Peninsula population. Sooty Falcons predominantly nested in rocky outcrops, with Quman Island accounting for nearly half of the breeding pairs in the Al Wajh Bank. Breeding success varied across years and locations, with overall productivity ranging from 1.34 to 1.80 fledglings per nest. Human disturbance, invasive predators, and climate change were identified as potential threats, with localized declines linked to predator presence. Despite stable trends in some islands, overall population numbers dropped by up to 25% in 2024. Conservation recommendations include habitat protection, biosecurity measures, and invasive species eradication. This baseline assessment contributes to global conservation efforts, highlighting the urgent need for additional monitoring and mitigation to protect this vulnerable species in a rapidly changing environment.

Nesting of Sooty Falcon Falco concolor (Temminck, 1825) in Libya 2020–2024

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The geographical location of Libya makes it an important stopover area for many bird species during migration. In addition to its vast deserts, the country is characterised by diverse environments – including mountains, plains, desert oases, and unique rock formations – which attract many species adapted to these conditions. Among the most notable are birds of prey. One falcon species that commonly nests in Libya is the globally threatened Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor), whose breeding range extends from eastern Libya and Egypt to the Arabian Peninsula. It winters primarily in southeast Africa and Madagascar. Data collection was carried out through field visits conducted between 2020 and 2024 by professional hunters cooperating with the Al-Hayat Organization for the Protection of Wildlife and Marine Organisms, as well as by members of the organisation. The number of observed nests ranged between 70 and 180, with the highest number recorded in 2024 and the lowest in 2023. Most of the data – whether collected by hunters or by the organisation’s team – indicate that brood size typically ranges from two to three chicks. A comprehensive study investigating population trends, nesting success, and the factors influencing breeding performance of the Sooty Falcon is essential to support effective conservation efforts.

A preliminary estimate of the breeding distribution of Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) in Jordan

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This report presents the available data and the results of the first rapid assessment of the Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) population in Jordan, including a preliminary distribution model. The species was recorded at 18 sites, some of which were recently discovered, mainly in the Hizma basin close to the Saudi border, and along the southern and Dead Sea Rift Margins. The model, along with knowledge gained during recent fieldwork, will aid in planning a systematic breeding population survey, which will serve as the baseline for a monitoring program and conservation actions for this threatened species in Jordan. As the breeding population in southern Jordan appears to be continuous with the recently surveyed inland populations of north-western Saudi Arabia, the authors suggest cross-border cooperation, which could improve future actions to protect this species from further decline.

Diversity dynamics of waterbirds along the bird migration flyways: Insights from lotic and lentic wetlands in eastern India

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Wetlands in Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, India, represent vital habitats for migratory and resident waterbirds along the East Asian–Australasian and Central Asian Flyways. This study assessed waterbird diversity across 11 lotic and lentic wetlands from 2020 to 2025, analysing species richness, abundance, and diversity indices. Using modified total count methods, 78 species were recorded, with Durgapur Barrage and Burnpur Riverside showing the highest abundance and richness, respectively. Alpha-diversity indices revealed significant site-level variations, while beta-diversity analyses highlighted distinct species compositions, particularly at species-poor sites like Nachan Dam. Cluster analysis grouped sites based on species abundance, revealing both ecological similarity and distinctiveness. The widespread dominance of Lesser Whistling-Duck and localized records of rare species such as Falcated Duck and Common Merganser underscore the conservation significance of both high- and low-diversity wetlands. The findings stress the importance of a landscape-scale conservation strategy integrating habitat heterogeneity, anthropogenic impacts, and flyway connectivity. Long-term monitoring and habitat-specific management are essential to ensure the ecological integrity of these transitional wetlands during rapid urban and industrial expansion.

Avian assemblages in two contrasting oxbow lakes of the lower Gangetic delta, West Bengal, India: A comparative approach

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

A comparative study was conducted to assess the species composition, diversity and abundance of avifauna in and around two contrasting oxbow lakes from lower Gangetic delta of West Bengal, India: Purbasthali lake (PL) and Hansadanga lake (HL). Comprehensive avian surveys were carried out for one year (January 2024 to December 2024) using fixed-radius point count method, followed by some analytical approaches. PL supported a markedly richer avian assemblage, with 82 species across 23 families, compared with 45 species across 19 families in HL. Family-level dominance also differed, as Anatidae dominated PL, while Ardeidae prevailed in HL, as reflected in Relative Diversity (RDi) values. Both lakes were dominated by carnivores, with transitional-zone species most frequent, especially in PL. Species richness and diversity were highest during post-monsoon months in both the lakes due to influx of migratory waterbirds. Winter migrants were more abundant in PL (51.2% of species) compared to HL (28.9%). Diversity indices and multivariate community analyses further demonstrated that PL, owing to its semi-lotic hydro-environmental condition, supports richer and more functionally diverse bird communities with greater migrant abundance than the closed-lentic HL. The current findings emphasize the ecological significance of semi-lotic oxbow lakes like PL as vital refuges for migratory and threatened waterbirds in the lower Gangetic delta, warranting strengthened conservation and management. In contrast, the degraded condition of closed-lentic oxbow lakes such as HL highlights the urgent need for ecological restoration and sustainable interventions to enhance their capacity to support diverse bird assemblages.

The status and conservation of Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) in Armenia

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The national conservation status of the globally threatened Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) in Armenia was last updated in 2009, and there is an obvious need to revise it. The data collected in 2022–2024 show that there are 39–43 breeding pairs of Egyptian Vulture in Armenia, while its population trend declined by 25% in the years between 2003–2024 (p<0.01), which equals a decrease of 48% in 40 years (three generations of the species). The Area of Occupancy is 976 km2, and the Extent of Occurrence is 19,024 km2. The species’ national conservation status is marginal between the categories of Vulnerable and Endangered; however, the existing conservation measures remain insufficient for either category. To improve the status of the species, it is necessary to mitigate hazardous waste management policy, to secure proper Environmental Impact Assessments of construction and other developments in the buffer zones of known nests, and to restrict outdoor activities, including drone filming or photography in the same buffer zones in the breeding season, to review the policy on burial of dead cattle, and to study the influence of electric infrastructure on Egyptian Vultures. The implementation of conservation measures should be accompanied by continuous monitoring with minimum disturbance.

Time-activity budget and seasonal behavioural patterns of Ibisbill (Ibidorhyncha struthersii) in the Kashmir Himalaya, India

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The Ibisbill (Ibidorhyncha struthersii) is a distinctive wader of high-altitude river systems associated with shingle beds and braided glacial rivers of the Himalayan landscape. Understanding its activity time budget is crucial for elucidating behavioural strategies that facilitate survival in its challenging environment. This study investigates the diurnal activity patterns of Ibisbill across a seasonal gradient, emphasizing foraging, maintenance, vigilance, and locomotion behaviours. Ibisbill was found to spend the majority of time on foraging activity (50%), followed by resting (27%), locomotion (10%), others (7%), and alertness (6%). Annual activity time budget sowed no significant difference, however, seasonal data revealed that the bird spent most of its time on foraging during winter season (60.55±1.15) and minimum in spring (41.78±1.42) season. The locomotion time also varied among the seasons with maximum locomotion (14.36±0.17) in summer and minimum in spring season (6.16±0.6%). Diurnal rhythm of foraging activity showed a maximum peak in the morning hours (08:00 to 10:00) whereas in winter, the maximum peak was observed in the afternoon (12:00 to 15:00) associating with ice melting along river edges. This study enhances understanding of the behavioural ecology of Ibisbill, providing critical insights into habitat use and activity patterns that are essential for developing effective long-term conservation and management strategies in high-altitude riverine ecosystems.

Nest selection and usage of nest boxes by the Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) in the Al Wajh Bank (Saudi Arabia)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Artificial nesting sites, commonly called “nest boxes” for their shape, are used to increase animal nesting site availability in highly modified or degraded habitats, such as urban or agricultural areas, or at natural sites where nesting habitat is scarce. They are beneficial for many bird species as they provide suitable breeding sites. The objective of this study was to assess the nesting habitat preferences of the Sooty Falcon breeding in the Al Wajh Bank and to create and test different types of artificial nesting sites for this species on the field. The prototype selected was replicated and deployed in low numbers across seven islands to test the response of the species to this new nesting site. Since the prototype was successfully occupied by Sooty Falcons, the pilot study was considered successful and upscaled to 15 islands the following year. During the pilot and subsequentially on the first year of the upscale, two nest boxes were successfully occupied by breeding Sooty Falcons, making the first time in literature that this species utilizes an artificial nesting site as breeding site. This is a milestone in the Sooty Falcon conservation worldwide and will help expanding nesting habitat in degraded or nesting habitat lacking islands. This study demonstrates the potential for artificial nesting sites to enhance breeding habitats for the vulnerable Sooty Falcon. While initial occupancy rates are low, the successful fledging of nestlings in 2023 and 2024 suggests long-term promise. Continued monitoring and research are essential to refine deployment strategies and support conservation efforts for this iconic species.

Extreme number of second clutches in Common Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) in Hungary

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Between 1995 and 2024, during a long term population monitoring of partially migratory Common Kestrels in Hungary, we identified potential second brooding pairs on several occasions. In 2020, we were able to conclusively prove the occurrence of second broods within the same breeding season. Following these findings, in 2023, during an exceptionally strong vole outbreak year, we identified the commencement of second broods in several waves. In 2023, a total of 379 Common Kestrel breeding attempts were observed, of which 42 involved second broods. While replacement broods were exclusively identified in closed kestrel-specific nesting boxes, second broods occurred both in artificial colonies and solitary sites, with breeding taking place in kestrel-designed nest boxes, as well as three cases in natural nests. In our study, we found that after a mild winter and a food-rich year, the earliest breeders were those that later attempted a second brood. Second-breeder Common Kestrels did not search for alternative nesting sites, and without exception, they reused the same nest used for their first brood. It is noteworthy that most second-brooding pairs started laying eggs for their second clutch before the young from the first clutch had actually fledged, meaning there was overlap between the two breeding attempts. On average, the initiation of the second clutch occurred two days earlier than the fledging of the last chick from the first clutch. Our observations suggest that Common Kestrels engage in second broods as an active strategy to enhance their reproductive success, rather than as a compensatory response to a low-success first clutch. We provide recommendations for adjustments in the monitoring of rodent-hunting raptor species that may exhibit similar adaptive responses.

Comparative study of bird communities in urban academic campuses and riparian habitats of Patna, Bihar, India

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Urban and riparian habitats play distinct roles in supporting avian biodiversity amidst urbanization. This study compares bird assemblages in urban academic campuses and riparian zones along the Ganges River in Patna, Bihar, India, from February to April 2025. Using point count surveys, 62 bird species were recorded. Urban academic campuses (e.g. Patna Science College) were found to have higher species richness than the riparian zones. Probable reason could be greater anthropogenic disturbances in riparian areas (ghats). Cotton tree (Bombax ceiba) served as a keystone species in both the habitats, supporting diverse avian assemblages. Heron species showed nesting preferences for sacred fig (Ficus religiosa) and cluster fig (Ficus racemosa) in urban campuses and mango tree (Mangifera indica) and royal poinciana (Delonix regia) in riparian zones. These findings underscore the need for urban planning to mitigate anthropogenic impacts in riparian zones and preserve green spaces on academic campuses for avian conservation.

Foraging strategies and bioindicator potential of Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) in an urban river ecosystem of Patna, Bihar, India

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Urban wetlands and modified riverine systems are vital yet vulnerable habitats for waterbirds. This study explores the feeding ecology of Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), a key bioindicator species, in a modified riverine wetland in Patna, India. A detailed observation on Black-winged Stilt (BWS) foraging behaviour was conducted across five sites during January–March 2025. We also assessed the microhabitat characteristics, water quality, and prey availability. The spatial and temporal variation in BWS abundance and feeding activity, prey selection, and their correlations with environmental parameters (nutrient concentration and water depth) and the impact of human disturbance was investigated. BWS showed a strong preference for shallow (5–10 cm), highly eutrophic sites (nitrate = 3.25±0.14 mg/L, phosphate = 2.63±0.16 mg/L), which correlated with high densities of Chironomus larvae, Tubifex and Moina. Pecking was the dominant foraging technique (72%), with activity peaking in the early morning. These findings highlight the BWS’s adaptability and bioindicator potential in urban environments. Conservation efforts should prioritize maintaining critical microhabitats, regulating disturbances, and promoting community engagement for sustainable avifaunal conservation.

Mixed-species bird flocking in the Himalaya region of India

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Studying mixed-species bird flocks is crucial as they offer unique insights into interspecific interactions, community structure, and foraging behaviours in complex ecosystems. This study investigates the composition, structure, and behavioural dynamics of mixed-species flocks in the habitats of Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh. Observations were conducted from 2023 to 2024, with a focus on the non-breeding season, a period marked by heightened flocking activity. A total of 26 bird species forming mixed-species flocks were recorded using point count and line transect methods. Flocks were found to vary in structure, size, and species composition, with all participating birds belonging to the order Passeriformes. Insectivorous species predominated, with omnivorous and nectarivorous types playing supportive roles. Five distinct flocks were identified and analysed for foraging behaviour, vertical stratification, and nucleus species roles. Overall, the study shows that mixed-species flocks in the sanctuary are structured ecological units organized around key nucleus species that coordinate flock behaviour and resource use. These findings are important because they advance our understanding of species interactions in Himalayan ecosystems and provide valuable insights for biodiversity conservation.

Helping beaks: An observation of interspecific allopreening between Indian Peafowl and Sri Lankan Junglefowl

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

We report the first observation of interspecific allopreening behavior between a female Indian Peafowl and a male Sri Lankan Junglefowl, documented at Kumana National Park, Sri Lanka. This is the first record of this behavior in the wild from the South Asian region and it highlights the value of opportunistic wildlife records in understanding avian interspecies interactions.

Distribution, abundance and habitat evaluation of Asian vultures along Kaligandaki Corridor, Nepal

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Scavengers perform crucial ecological role by consuming animal carrion and thereby controlling the spread of harmful diseases. In recent decades, vulture species populations have declined across Southeast Asia due to anthropogenic disturbances such as indirect poisoning, land-use change, electrocution and shortage of carrions. This study was conducted aiming to assess the distribution, abundance, and habitat evaluation of Asian vultures in Kaligandaki Corridor, Nepal. Field observations were conducted through the birding routes, visit of nesting and roosting sites and fixed-point surveys. A questionnaire survey was also done to identify people’s perception of the status and threats on Asian vultures. In total, 99 individuals representing five vulture species were recorded in total 21 observation points along the Kaligandaki River Corridor (57 individuals in 12 different points during the summer visit and 42 individuals in nine different points during the winter visit). Remarkably only two species, White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), were recorded at Khaireni Community Forest (KCF) with a total of 63 individuals (37 individuals in summer and 26 in winter). Vulture sightings and abundance were relatively higher during summer than in winter. The White-rumped Vulture was the most abundant species and Red-headed Vulture was found to be the least abundant species recorded in both seasons in the study area. Only the nest of White-rumped Vulture was observed at KCF. Simal (Bombax ceiba) was found to be the most used tree species for nesting by vultures. Vultures were found in highest densities in the forest habitat followed by agricultural land, riverbank, settlements and rocky areas. Distance to water, distance to forest and distance to agricultural land showed positive association with abundance of vulture in summer whereas distance to settlement land, distance to Vulture Safe Feeding Sites (VSFS) showed significant association to abundance of vulture species during winter. Food scarcity, habitat loss, lack of conservation awareness, use of chemicals and hunting were some of the threats for population decline of vultures in the area. For the long-term conservation of vulture species, community-based conservation programs, awareness campaigns and provision of economic incentives to local people should be conducted in all its range areas by government authority and concerned organizations.

Nest site and nesting substrate selection by House Sparrows along an urban gradient in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is an obligate synanthrope experiencing significant population declines across its global range, yet remains locally abundant in certain urban centers. Understanding the drivers of these robust populations is critical for urban avian conservation. We assessed the abundance and nest site selection of House Sparrows across an urban-to-exurban gradient in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Data was collected from 20 plots, each representing one of four habitat types. We employed a Negative Binomial Generalized Linear Model to account for overdispersion of data and used Pearson’s Chi-square tests to analyze the associations between nest substrate selection, habitat, and building architecture. A total of 185 active nests were recorded. Nest abundance did not vary significantly across habitat types (X2 = 3.49, p = 0.32) or along building cover (Z = 0.72, p = 0.47) and green cover (Z = -1.78, p = 0.08) gradients, indicating a ubiquitous distribution. However, nest substrate selection was highly non-random and was more strongly associated with building architecture (X2 = 178.3, p < 0.001) than with broad habitat categories (X2= 47.34, p < 0.001). Nest boxes were the primary substrate on residential houses (n=45), while commercial buildings and shops provided diverse opportunistic sites such as roofing sheets and wall crevices. The House Sparrow population in Nuwara Eliya is stable and resilient, likely sustained by a combination of traditional human provisioning (nest boxes) and the species’ plasticity in exploiting modern architectural features. Our findings suggest that for this species, immediate structural characteristics of the built environment are more significant drivers of occupancy than macro-habitat urbanization labels. This study provides a vital baseline for avian conservation in Sri Lanka and highlights the role of anthropogenic micro-habitats in maintaining urban biodiversity.

Observations on the Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor): nesting behaviour and distribution in Egypt

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The main objective of this study was to improve understanding of the distribution and breeding areas of the Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) in Egypt, in support of the implementation of the International Action Plan for the species. Between August 2023 and November 2024, we conducted a census of Sooty Falcon breeding colonies in the Egyptian Red Sea Islands, the White Desert, South Sinai, and the Nile Valley. Breeding pairs were counted, and nests were recorded where possible. We documented 182 breeding pairs in the Eastern Desert and Red Sea Islands, 123 pairs in the Western Desert, 20 pairs in South Sinai, and five pairs in the Nile Valley. In 2024, a previously unknown breeding colony was discovered in the Dakhla Oasis, comprising approximately 15 breeding pairs. A very small proportion of the population appears to reside in Egypt year-round, although their exact numbers remain poorly known. At Red Sea colonies, we recorded field evidence of breeding activity, including pellets and plucked feathers. In addition, a transitional-phase individual was observed during the first week of April near the Hamata mangrove. Securing long-term funding is essential to ensure the continuation of annual surveys, the exploration of additional potential breeding areas, and the effective monitoring of Sooty Falcon populations in Egypt. Such efforts will contribute to more accurate population estimates and improved assessment of distributional trends and conservation status.

Precarious future in the long-term for the breeding population of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) monitored in Southeast Bulgaria

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Long-lived and late-maturing top predators, such as the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), require long-term studies to collect meaningful data on trends in breeding density and productivity and on the effectiveness of conservation actions under large changes in food supplies and human pressure. The study of a remote population of a maximum of 11 pairs in SE Bulgaria detected changes in breeding density and productivity over three periods between 1988 and 2024. Breeding density gradually decreased from 5.3 to 3.4 pairs/1000 km2 corresponding to a 36.4% drop in the number of breeding pairs. The population’s reproductive performances declined most between 1993 and 2005 and improved between 2012 and 2024 but without reaching levels seen in 1988–1992. These changes corresponded to the loss of previous food sources in the 1990s: a steep decline in livestock carrion during the winter months and a reduction in the main prey, tortoises, during the warmer half of the year leading a major dietary shift in prey sources. The analyzed characteristics of nesting mountain slopes and nest trees can inform management and conservation of the Golden Eagles. The declining population has an uncertain future due to the high mortality of adult eagles and their replacement by subadult mates in 57% of the pairs after 2020. The replacement of subadult mates with new subadults every 2.2 years on average was most likely caused by illegal shooting and poisoning.

Bird vocalizations during spring migration on a small Mediterranean island (Ventotene, Italy)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Ventotene Island, a small Mediterranean island off the Latium coast (Central Italy), is an important stopover site for several migratory bird species. The migration pathways of these species have been largely studied with classical approaches, such as bird ringing activities, bio-logging, isotope studies, and radar networks. The latest methodological approaches involve bioacoustics analyses (i.e. sonogram analyses), making advantage of the availability of new low-cost ARUs (Autonomous Recording Units) technology. However, although bird species are known to emit breeding and non-breeding vocalizations during migrations, scientific knowledge on these vocalizations is still scarce, particularly in insular stop-over areas. In this study, 54 field surveys were carried out on Ventotene Island during the early spring migration season (April 2024), following a recording protocol of 10-min per sample-point on different day-hours. Three surveys were carried out for each sample-point, resulting in a total of 540 minutes (9 hours) of audio-recording. The vocalizations of the bird species were identified through acoustic and visual sonogram analyses and categorized by their structural similarity. A total of 19 bird species were identified from the audio-recordings. Among them, Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), European Serin (Serinus serinus), Sardinian Warbler (Curruca melanocephala), Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) were the most frequently contacted. The majority of bird vocalizations consisted of alarm and social calls, while reproductive songs were recorded for nine species: Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula), Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos), Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus), Common Whitethroat (C. communis), Sardinian Warbler, European Serin, Western Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava). The results of this study highlight the potential of bioacoustics as a promising and non-invasive tool for detecting the presence of both migratory and sedentary bird species during spring migration. However, future research should aim to refine recording protocols and field survey techniques, as well as compare the effectiveness of bioacoustics monitoring with other established methods.