Species no. 25: Goosander Mergus merganser...Goosander Mergus merganser Distribution: Holarctic,...

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 172 *

Species no. 25: Goosander Mergus merganser Distribution: Holarctic, with a wide breeding range across Eurasia and North America in forested tundra between 50°N and the Arctic Circle. The wintering range of the Palearctic birds extends south to southern Europe, China and Japan. In western Eurasia breeds in Iceland and from Britain, Norway, Denmark and Central Europe eastwards, and winters south to western France, the Adriatic, Turkey and the south Caspian region. There is a small, isolated breeding population in the southern Balkans. Movements: Migratory and partially migratory; the northernmost breeding birds migrate south to winter at temperate latitudes, but southern breeding birds are mainly sedentary, moving only short distances to suitable wintering habitat, usually at lower elevations. British breeding birds are almost entirely resident, but males move to Norway to moult before returning to the UK. Birds breeding in Fennoscandia and North-west Russia winter mainly in the Baltic Sea and countries bordering the North Sea. Many of the birds wintering in southern England originate from the continent. In mild winters, about 60 % of the North-west European population winter in the Baltic Sea. In hard winters, birds in the Baltic move southwest. Population size and trends: The European breeding population consists of 47,000-74,000 breeding pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A) of which 37,000-59,000 pairs breed in EU Member States (BirdLife Int. 2004B). Overall the European population declined slightly during 1990-2000 (BirdLife Int. 2004A). Within Europe several wintering populations can be distinguished (Delany & Scott 2006): • The wintering population in North-west Europe: estimated at 266,000 individuals

(trend unknown), • The resident population in Iceland, estimated at 900 individuals (trend unknown), • Breeding and wintering in Central Europe, estimated at 3,000-4,200 individuals

and increasing, • Breeding in the Balkans and wintering close to the breeding areas, 50-100

individuals (trend unknown), • Breeding in North-east Europe and wintering in the Black Sea, estimated at 10,000

individuals (trend unknown). Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size is usually 8-11 eggs (4-22); incubation period 30-32 days; fledging period 60-70 days; brood one.



Movements

Goosander Mergus merganser

MIGRANT Member State RESIDENT Breeding Passage Wintering

FI SE EE LT LV PL SK CZ Few DK Few UK IE Few DE NL BE LU HU AT SI Few FR ES PT IT Few MT GR Few Few Few CY RO Few BG Few Few HR



Definition of period of reproduction


Member

State Period of reproduction

begins with Comments References

FI Occupation breeding sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 SE Occupation breeding sites 1, 2, 17 EE Occupation breeding sites 4 LV 2 LT Occupation breeding sites 7 PL Occupation breeding sites 2, 3 SK CZ Occupation breeding sites DK Occupation breeding sites 1, 2, 3, 4 UK Occupation breeding sites 2 IE Construction of the nest 1, 2, 3 DE Occupation breeding sites Nuptial parade before

occupation breeding sites 3, 4, 5

NL BE LU HU AT Occupation of breeding

sites 13

SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR Occupation breeding sites Small breeding

population 9, 23



Period of reproduction


J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E CFI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

Comments and conclusions 1) In the EU, it breeds mostly in the UK and Baltic countries; there are smaller

breeding populations in the Alps and North of GR. 2) The period of reproduction begins with the occupation of the breeding sites. Pair-

formation in winter and during spring migration. 3) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 1st decade of July (IE) to the

3rd decade of August (FR, DE, SE, FI, EE, LV, SI). Full flight of young birds marks the end of the reproduction period.



Prenuptial migration


Difficulty in identifying the beginning of the period of return to the rearing

grounds?

Member State

YES NO References

FI Partial migrant in the southern and southwestern coastal & archipelago areas

X 1, 2, 3, 4

SE X 1, 11 EE X LV 2 LT Mixing of wintering and migrating

birds 5,7

PL X 2,3 SK 3, 8 CZ X DK X 1, 2, 3, 4 UK In Northern parts, residents and

migrants can occur together 1

IE No information DE X 3, 4 NL Distinction between local

movements of large winter population and returning migrants is difficult to made

7

BE Presence of wintering birds LU HU Mixing of wintering and migrating

birds

AT 13 SI X FR Little data on migration ES PT IT Very rare winter visitor; no data

available

MT 5 GR CY RO 3 BG Small numbers of wintering and

passage birds 6, 15

HR X 17, 23



Period of prenuptial migration


J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E CFI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ? ? ? ? ? ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

Comments and conclusions

1) Arrival of first migrants in SE and FI, or departure from wintering grounds in other countries, corresponds to the beginning of the prenuptial migration.

2) Beginning of prenuptial migration ranges from 3rd decade of January (DE) to the 1st decade of April (SI, MT).



Species no. 26: Hazel Grouse Bonasa bonasia Distribution: This grouse has a wide distribution in deciduous, coniferous and mixed forests of Eurasia, from eastern France to China, Manchuria and northern Japan. Europe is accounting for less than half of its global range. The nominate subspecies, bonasia, inhabits northern Europe; the rupestris race from south-east Belgium and eastern France east to Poland, Bulgaria and Greece has a highly fragmented distribution. Movements: The hazel grouse is a sedentary species. Population size and trends: The European breeding population amounts to 600,000-900,000 breeding pairs, excluding the large Russia population of 1,9-2,2 million pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The population in EU 27 is estimated at 480,000-775,000 breeding pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A, 2004B). About 95% of the EU population breeds in Finland and Sweden. Overall, there was a small increase in the European population of this species during 1990-2000, with only the population in Finland showing a decline (BirdLife Int. 2004A). Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size is 7-11 eggs (5-14); incubation: 25 days (23-27); fledging period: capable of precocious flight at 15-20 days; independence of young birds at 30-40 days; broods: 1.



Movements

Hazel grouse Bonasia bonasia

Member State RESIDENT

FI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR




Hazel Grouse Bonasia bonasia

Member State

Period of reproduction begins with

Comments References

FI Courtship display 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 SE Courtship display 1, 11, 17 EE Courtship display LV 3 LT Courtship display 7 PL Courtship display on lek

sites 2

SK Courtship display 1, 2 CZ Courtship display DK UK IE DE NL BE Courtship display 5 LU Courtship display HU Courtship display 1 AT Courtship display

/copulation display starts in Autumn; pairing often already in Autumn

1, 2, 10

SI FR Courtship display 1, 3 ES PT IT Courtship display 26, 27 MT GR CY RO 6 BG Courtship display 9 HR Courtship display 22




Hazel Grouse Bonasia bonasia


Comments and conclusions 1) The period of reproduction starts with the courtship display in the breeding

territories (i.e. 4 decades before egg laying) and ends with the independence of young birds (c. 3-4 decades after hatching).

2) The beginning of the reproduction period ranges from the 3rd decade of February (IT) to the 3rd decade of April (LT, LV)

3) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 1st decade of July (BE, LU) to the 3rd decade of August (FI, SK, AT, FR).



Species no. 27: Willow Grouse Lagopus lagopus lagopus Distribution: The Willow Grouse has a wide distribution in arctic and boreal regions of North America and Eurasia. About 15 subspecies are described. The nominate lagopus race inhabits Scandinavia, Finland the Baltic States, Belarus and northern Russia. Movements: Sedentary in Europe, only local movements occur. Population size and trends: The European breeding population of Lagopus l. lagopus amounts to 2.0 – 3.2 million pairs including the large Russian population of 1.3 – 1.6 million pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The population in the European Union is estimated at 150,000-520,000 with the majority in Sweden (BirdLife Int. 2004A). During 1990-2000 there were declines in Finland, but in the same period populations in Norway, Sweden and Russia were stable or fluctuating, and the species remained broadly stable overall in Europe (BirdLife Int. 2004A). Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size is 6-9 eggs (2-17); incubation: 19-25 days; fledging period: capable of precocious flight at 12-13 days, full-grown at ca. 30-35 days; independence of young ca. 6 decades after hatching; broods: 1.



Movements

Willow Grouse Lagopus lagopus lagopus


FI SE EE

(Only L. l. rossicus is resident)

LV Very few LT Possible present,

but no direct evidence of

presence recent years

PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR





Member State Period of reproduction begins with

Comments References

FI Pair formation and occupation of territories

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

SE Construction of the nest 10 EE Courtship display LV LT Courtship display PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR






Comments and conclusions 1) The period of reproduction starts when the breeding territory is continuously

occupied and ends with the independence of young birds (c. 6 decades after hatching).

2) The start of the period of reproduction ranges from the 3rd decade of April (SE, EE) to the 2nd decade of May (FI).

3) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 2nd decade of July (EE) to the 1st decade of September (SE).



Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus, L. l. hibernicus Distribution: The Red Grouse populations are subspecies of the Willow Ptarmigan. The EU endemic subspecies scoticus inhabits Britain, while the race hibernicus, often included in scoticus, inhabits Ireland. Movements: The Red Grouse is resident. Population size and trends: The total population of the Red Grouse amounts to 155,000 pairs in Britain and to less than 1,000 - 5,000 pairs in Ireland (BirdLife Int. 2004A). Characteristic of the species is a cyclic fluctuation in numbers – 6 years in Britain. Red Grouse population depends on hunting interests which plays a significant role in maintaining the quality of habitat needed for most of the remaining populations in the UK. Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size 6-9 eggs (2-17); incubation: 19-25 days; fledging period: capable of precocious flight at 12-13 days, full-grown at c. 30-35 days, independence of young c. 6 decades after hatching; broods: one.

Movements

Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus, L. l. hibernicus







Member State


Comments References

FI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK Courtship display 2 IE Courtship display young capable of

precocious flight; remain with female for 70-80 days

1, 2, 3, 6

DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR






Comments and conclusions 1) The period of reproduction starts when breeding territory is continuously occupied

and ends with the independence of young birds (c. 6 decades after hatching). 2) The reproduction period starts during the 2nd decade of April. 3) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 1st decade (UK) to the 3rd

decade of August (IE).



Species no. 28: Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus Distribution: The Ptarmigan has a discontinuous distribution in arctic, boreal and alpine regions of North America and Eurasia. It lives at greater altitude or latitude than the Red/Willow Grouse (Lagopus lagopus) mainly above the tree line. The numerous subspecies of Ptarmigan are often divided into two mains groups: the rupestris group from the Urals through Siberia, Japan, North America, Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard and the mutus group of western Europe. In the mutus group two races are highly isolated helveticus inhabits the Alps and pyrenaicus the Pyrenees. Movements: This is mainly a sedentary species. However, low numbers of vagrants have recently been observed in Bulgaria (Miltschew & Georgiewa 1998). Population size and trends: The European breeding population amounts to 430,000 – 1,400,000 pairs (BirdLife int. 2004A). The total population of the European Union can be estimated at 70,000-130,000 breeding pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004B). The European population was stable during 1970-1990. Although there were declines in some countries, populations over most of the European range were stable or fluctuating during 1990-2000 (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The race helveticus of the Alps and the race pyrenaicus of the Pyrenees are adversely affected by degradation of their habitat and by disturbance from tourism development. Both the Alpine and the Pyrenean subspecies are included in Annex I of the Birds Directive. Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size is 5-8 eggs (3-12); incubation: 21-23 days (20-26); fledging period: capable of precocious flight at 15-20 days, exceptionally or in strong wind at 7-10 days, become independent at c. 6 decades after hatching; broods: 1.



Movements

Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus






Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus Member



FI Pair formation and occupation of territories

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

SE Construction of the nest 10, 11 EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK Courtship display 1 IE DE Courtship display 4 NL BE LU HU AT Courtship display family bonds hold until

Autumn 1, 2

SI FR ES PT IT Continuous occupation

of breeding areas 26, 27

MT GR CY RO BG HR




Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus


Comments and conclusions 1) The period of reproduction starts when breeding territory is continuously occupied

and ends with the independence of young birds (c. 6 decades after hatching). 2) The beginning of the reproduction period ranges from the 1st decade of April (AT,

FR, IT, SI) to the 3rd decade of May (FI). 3) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 3rd decade of August (FI) to

the 3rd decade of September (DE, FR, IT, SI).



Species no. 29: Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix Distribution: This grouse inhabits boreal, sub-arctic and alpine forests of Eurasia, from the British Isles to Manchuria. In some regions, it penetrates the steppe region. In South Western Europe its distribution is strongly fragmented and largely relict. Movements: This is a sedentary species. Population size and trends: The European breeding population amounts to 650,000-1,050,000 breeding pairs, excluding the large Russian population of 1.9-2.2 million (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The total population of the European Union amounts to 550,000-820,000 breeding pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004B). The European population declined substantially during 1970-1990, and most populations (except the Russian stronghold) continued to decline during 1990-2000 (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The reasons for the general decline are complex: changes in human exploitation of habitats (afforestation of open land, intensive agricultural and forestry practices), huge increases in the application of chemicals, use of artificial fertilisers, atmospheric pollution, increased disturbance of breeding grounds, spread of human settlements, increased tourism, hunting, and a succession of cool and moist summers affecting chick survival rates. The long-term deterioration in the spatial and temporal distribution of habitat patches of the preferred succession stages is probably the main cause of decline, locally enhanced by predation pressure and reduced primary production. The continental subspecies (T. t. tetrix) is included in Annex I of the Birds Directive. Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size is 6-11 eggs (4-15, over 15 probably 2 females); incubation: 25-27 days; fledging period: capable of precocious flight at 10-14 days, become independent at c. 8 decades after hatching; broods: 1.



Movements

Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix


FI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK Extinct UK IE DE NL Few BE Few LU Extinct HU Extinct AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG Extinct HR Extinct




Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix Member



FI Courtship display 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 SE Courtship display 1, 10, 11 EE Courtship display LV LT Courtship display 7 PL Courtship display on lek

sites

SK Courtship display 4 CZ Courtship display DK UK Courtship display IE DE Courtship display 4 NL Courtship display copulation at lek; no pair

bond; females cares for eggs and young

24

BE Courtship display 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 LU HU AT Courtship display arrival of females on the

lek 1, 2, 10, 11

SI FR Courtship display 1, 3 ES PT IT Courtship display on lek

sites 26, 27

MT GR CY RO 6 BG HR




Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix


AT - Since the population from Waldviertel has strongly declined, there is not enough statistical evidence for a phenological separation from the Alps population. Comments and conclusions 1) The period of reproduction starts with courtship display on the lek sites (i.e. 4

decades before egg laying) and ends with the independence of young birds (c. 8 decades after hatching).

2) The beginning of the reproduction period ranges from the 1st decade of March (SE, FR) to the 2nd decade of April (LV, NL).

3) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 3rd decade of July (SK, EE) to the 3rd decade of September (NL, IT, SI).



Species no. 30: Western Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus Distribution: The Capercaillie inhabits old coniferous forests in temperate and boreal regions of Europe and western Asia. It is a widespread resident in northern Europe, but its distribution is highly fragmented in Southern and Western Europe. The race cantabricus occurs in the Cantabrian Mountains, aquitanicus in the Pyrenees, the nominate urogallus in the rest of Europe. Movements: European populations are sedentary. Population size and trends: The European breeding population amounts to 760,000-1,000,000 pairs, including the large Russian population of 400,000-450,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The population in EU 27 is estimated at 555,000-825,000 breeding pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A, 2004B). During 1990-2000 the species declined across much of its European range – notably in Finland and Sweden, while the key Russian population increased and the Norwegian population remained stable (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The most consistent explanation for the decline in most of its European range is habitat loss resulting from the effects of forestry practices (e.g. felling of old forests). Disturbance from forestry operations and recreation and (increased) predation of eggs and young may all have played a part in the decline. Climatic changes could also have some adverse effect. This species is included in Annex I of the Birds Directive. Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size is 7-11 eggs (5-16, occasionally more but then probably always 2 females); incubation: 24-26 days; fledging period: capable of precocious flight at 2-3 weeks, full-grown at 2-3 months, independence of young at c. 9 decades; broods: 1.



Movements

Western Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus


FI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU Extinct AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR




Western Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus Member State Period of reproduction


FI Courtship display 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 SE Courtship display 1, 11 EE Courtship display LV LT Courtship display 7 PL Courtship display on lek

sites

SK Courtship display CZ Courtship display DK UK Courtship display 2 IE DE Courtship display 4 NL BE LU HU AT Courtship display arrival of females on the

lek 1, 2, 10

SI FR Courtship display (6

decades before egg laying)

or lonely singing male 1, 3, 7

ES PT IT Courtship display on lek

sites 26, 27

MT GR CY RO 6 BG Courtship display 9 HR Courtship display on lek

sites 4, 22, 23




Western Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus

J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E CFI SE EE LV LT PL SK-B

CZ DK UK ? ? ? IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR 1) 2) ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

FR - 1) T. u. urogallus (east); 2) T. u. aquitanicus (Pyrenees) Comments and conclusions 1) The period of reproduction starts with courtship display on the lek sites (i.e. 6

decades before egg laying) and ends with the independence of young birds (c. 9 decades after hatching).

2) The beginning of the reproduction period ranges from the 2nd decade of February (SI) to the 3rd decade of April (LV).

3) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 1st decade of May (PL) to the 3rd decade of September (AT, FR - Pyrenees, IT and HR).



Species no. 31: Chukar Alectoris chukar Distribution: The natural range of the Chukar extends from the eastern Balkans (Bulgaria, Greek Thrace, Crete and most Aegean Islands) through central Asia and Himalayas to North Eastern China. It has been introduced in many countries including Great Britain, France and part of Greece (mainland, Corfu). Movements: This is a sedentary species. Population size and trends: The EU 27 population is estimated at 111,500 – 213,000 pairs with by far the largest population in Cyprus (Birdlife Int. 2004A). During 1990-2000 the population in the EU was stable (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The Greek population has locally declined due to intensive shooting and poaching, in particular on certain small islands and parts of Crete, whereas no obvious decline has been reported from elsewhere (e.g. Thrace) (Handrinos & Akriotis, 1997). Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size: 8-15 eggs (6-20); incubation: 22-24 days; fledging period: capable of precocious flight at 7-10 days, full-flight of young birds at c.50 days; broods: 1.



Movements

Chukar Alectoris chukar







Member State


Comments References

FI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY Occupation of breeding

sites

RO BG Courtship display 9 HR Courtship display 1





J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E CFI SE DK EE LV LT PL SK CZ UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

Comments and conclusions 1) The period of reproduction starts with the occupation of the breeding territory by

singing males (i.e. 4 decades before egg laying) and ends with the independence of young birds (c. 6 decades after hatching).

2) The reproduction period starts on the 2nd decade of January (CY) and ends on the 1st decade of August (GR, CY, BG and HR).

Species no. 25: Goosander Mergus merganser...Goosander Mergus merganser Distribution: Holarctic,...

Documents

Transcript of Species no. 25: Goosander Mergus merganser...Goosander Mergus merganser Distribution: Holarctic,...