<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Intraspecific nest parasitism has only recently received more attention from ornithologists. In 2001, Yom-Tov published a list of 234 species that had exhibited this behaviour. I have since found literature data on four additional species in which intraspecific nest parasitism has been observed. No such record has so far been published from Hungary. This study presents records on 25 species from Hungary and on one species from Croatia, out of which I have not found any reference for intraspecific nest parasitism in the literature for Cattle Egret <italic>(Bubulcus ibis)</italic>, Eurasian Thick-knee <italic>(Burhinus oedicnemus)</italic>, Black-winged Stilt <italic>(Himantopus himantopus)</italic>, Collared Pratincole <italic>(Glareola pratincola)</italic>, Mediterranean Gull <italic>(Larus melanocephalus)</italic>, Little Tern <italic>(Sternula albifrons)</italic>, Whiskered Tern <italic>(Chlidonias hybrida)</italic>, Eurasian Roller <italic>(Coracias garrulus)</italic> and Eurasian Jackdaw <italic>(Corvus monedula)</italic>. In addition to records from Hungary, for Black-headed Gull <italic>(Larus ridibundus)</italic> and Mediterranean Gull I also present observations from Slovakia, and for Common Shelduck <italic>(Tadorna tadorna)</italic> from Germany.</abstract>

New species on the list of species with intraspecific nest parasitism

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The number of available publications on the post-fledging parental care of wading birds (herons, ibises, spoonbills, and storks) and many other bird species is limited. In this study, I summarised the available knowledge collated from the observations of the Eurasian Spoonbills <italic>(Platalea leucorodia)</italic> in Hungary. A part of the available data is based on observations of colour-ringed individuals. The latest feeding event of a young by its parent was observed at Lake Csaj on 5 October 2020. The youngsters were being fed by their parents for 43 days (observed maximum) during the post-fledging dispersal. However, I estimated that this behaviour could even last for as long as 53 days. The parents lead (care for) their yearlings for 51 days (observed maximum), again I estimated that it could potentially last for a longer period of 63 days. The estimated length of parental care and feeding period could be longer or a little bit shorter during the post-fledging dispersal because it was not possible to follow the life of the families exactly. During parental care (feeding and leading of chicks), the majority of the colour-ringed Spoonbills were observed 2–26 km to the natal colonies of yearlings and the breeding colonies of the adults. However, on some occasions, they were 111–145 km far from those colonies. During the post-fledging dispersal, Spoonbills care for their chicks for a longer time than the European breeding heron species. A possible reason could be that the bills of young Spoonbills are not appropriate for fishing effectively at the beginning of fledging because of their shorter length and their less efficient hydrodynamic effect during lateral sweeping. Another reason could be that Spoonbills are tactile foragers and need more time to learn fishing. Based on data of a juvenile followed by a GPS device, learning the migration route and stop-over sites from parents or experienced adults could be important for Spoonbills, otherwise, young migrating alone with no accomplished individuals may not find the optimal routes and the proper stop-over areas. In the case of Spoonbills, we still do not know exactly the features of parental care during the post-fledging dispersal and have even less data on it during the migration. Thus, I request potential observers along the Adriatic Flyway to record the observations of parent-offspring interactions (feeding by parents, begging) particularly the Hungarian colour-ringed adults and/or young individuals and send data to the author’s e-mail address.
</abstract>

Observations on parental care of the Eurasian Spoonbill <italic>(Platalea leucorodia)</italic> during the post-fledging dispersal

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The subject of this study focuses on the cranial morphology of 24 native European passerine bird families. In addition to the discussion of taxonomical questions regarding to the examination of beak, orbit, cranium and mandible, the author aims to provide guidance to the determination of raptors’ prey remains. Most of the studied bird families are well-distinguishable using the knowledge on the mentioned osteological traits except some less-specialised families.</abstract>

Cranial morphology of European passerine bird families (Aves, Passeriformes)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> During a twenty five days trip in Uganda a brief faunistic survey of birds, mammals and reptiles was performed. Altogether 380 bird species were observed in six National Parks and some other protected areas in the summer of 2012. From these 64 bird species are discussed here selected according the following criteria: rarity, occurrence in a new habitat or geographic area, and emergence of novel breeding phenological data of certain species. Our new records of House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) along the Kazinga Channel (between Lake Edward and Lake George) are outside the current distribution range of the species. The House sparrow expanded its area about 800 km toward west from their first record in Nairobi in 1992. Our new records on White-tailed Ant-thrush (Neocossyphus poensis), Red-tailed Ant-thrush (Neocossyphus rufus), Papyrus Yellow Warbler (Chloropeta gracilirostris), Shelley’s Rufous Sparrow (Passer shelley) and Streaky Seedeater (Serinus striolatus) also require the correction of distribution maps of this species in Uganda. In addition we give some remarks on the breeding phenology of Mountain Wagtail (Motacilla clara), Cassin’s Grey Flycatcher (Muscicapa cassini) and Northern Red Bishop (Euplectes franciscanus). Our recent observational data of African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris) may have importance for the Bonn Convention. These observations might be important from conservation and ecotouristic point of views</abstract>

Bird Collection, Hungarian Natural History Museum, 1088 Budapest, Baross utca 13., Hungary

Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/c, Hungary

2230 Gyömrő, Köztársaság utca 27., Hungary

Department of Anatomy, Cell- and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/c, Hungary

Distribution and phenological data of some bird species of Uganda

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>In Dobrogea, a core area for wind energy exploitation in Romania, existing knowledge regarding the intensity and pattern of bird migration is limited. In the absence of enumerated data, wind farms may be constructed in areas where large aggregations of migrants pass. In this study we recorded the intensity of the autumn migration of soaring birds in three locations within the Măcin Mountains, where wind farms are planned to be built. The locations chosen were at Văcăreni, Greci and Cerna villages. Furthermore we categorized all migrating individuals as threatened or non-threatened by the planned wind farms, based on their migration routes and height at local scale. At Văcăreni 4.716 individuals were counted, 3.394 raptors and 1.322 non-raptors, at Greci 2.387 individuals, 2.064 raptors and 323 non-raptors, and finally at Cerna, 5.268 individuals, 4.529 raptors and 739 non-raptors. At all three sites a significant proportion of birds, both raptors and non-raptors, were found to be threatened by the proposed wind farms. At Văcăreni 68.33% of raptors and 84.95% of non-raptors were at threat, at Greci 44.48% and 54.18% respectively, and at Cerna 59.37% and 94.86%. As such we conclude that intensive migration occurs in North Dobrogea and wind farms would have a considerable negative impact on migrants in the studied areas</abstract>

Milvus Group – Bird and Nature Protection Association, Crinului street 22, 540620 Târgu Mureş, Romania

MTA-DE “Lendület” Behavioural Ecology Research Group, Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology,University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., Hungary

Autumn migration of soaring birds in North Dobrogea, Romania: a study with implications for wind farm development

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>As the whole Palearctic steppe system, its iconic bird, the Great Bustard has also suffered from the expansion of intensive agriculture. The species now typically has stable or growing populations only in protected areas, but negative processes are still prevalent even there. In this study, we present a recent change in a part of the N<sc>atura</sc> 2000 site designated for the isolated West Pannonian population. In recent years, a total of 2.3 km Center-pivot and laterally moving linear irrigation systems have been built and 4.7 km of underground pipelines have been laid, with which more than 52% of the 1245,5 ha study area was irrigated by 2020. In comparison to 2009, when the study period has started, the sown area of autumn cereals, one of the main breeding habitats, was roughly halved and the proportion of crops unsuitable for breeding was increased. New crops requiring irrigation have emerged with a rate of 30.6% in the last year. Despite the available support, the area of alfalfa, which is the most significant breeding habitat, and is grown almost exclusively in the agri-environmental scheme, has decreased. As a result of habitat degradation, the number of Great Bustard females observed in the area in spring decreased to a small fraction of the beginning. Irrigation farming is expected to increase, as a response to the climate change, but in order to save agro-steppe habitats and their species, the adverse effects of agricultural intensification need to be urgently addressed at both local and European levels.</abstract>

Impact of agriculture irrigation on the habitat structure and use by Great Bustards <italic>(Otis tarda)</italic> in a Natura 2000 site

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
During the early 21st century, the Carpathian Basin was recognised as one of the world’s most important migratory area for the Common Crane, but it is not completely clear, what was its status during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Between 1897 and 1916, a total of 1487 field observation data were published in the journal Aquila from the Carpathian Basin. Our work analysed the timing of the spring migration, how it differed between years and geographical regions, and how the temperature and geographical variables reported above influenced the timing of the migration. The results show that the migration routes of the species have changed significantly over the last century. During the study period, the migration concentrated in the eastern part of the Carpathian Basin, and was particularly rare in the Great Hungarian Plain. There was on average a two-week difference in the timing of migration between the western and eastern parts and between different years. The start and peak of migration were weeks later than today, and this change is mainly due to the effects of climate change. Geographical factors did not influence the migration of the species, whereas higher air temperatures advanced the timing of the migration.
</abstract>

The spring migration and distribution of Common Crane <italic>(Grus grus)</italic> in the Carpathian Basin during the late 19th and early 20th centuries

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
In landscape ecology, it has become increasingly essential to understand the consequences of past, current, and future human land use patterns for biodiversity and ecosystem function. The most significant factor affecting biodiversity loss is land-use and land-cover change (LULCC). We examine here the impact of long-term changes in LULCC from 2000–2020 on the biodiversity of Marghazar valley in Swat District. Information was also gathered on the perceptions of the surrounding communities based on the flow of ecosystem services (ES), historical changes, and the causes of those changes. Satellite imagery data were used to map LULCC, identify possible causes, and assess the impact of LULCC on the population of partridges. In the last 20 years, forest area has reduced by 23 km2 (33%) and the seasonal water body has declined by 1.015 km2 (2.15%). There was a 38.5 km2 decrease in agricultural land. In contrast, the built-up area increased by 384%, resulting in a total growth of 26.3 km2 and an expansion of 41.1 km2 grassland. Deforestation, agricultural expansions, urbanization, economic considerations and changes in land tenure policy were identified to be the main drivers of LULCC. The primary impact of LULCC on partridges in the studied area are land degradation, population declines, habitat disruption, displacement of partridges by livestock and increasing human-wildlife conflicts. Despite ongoing human pressure, the Marghazar valley still provides extensive habitat for wildlife. Interventions may be needed to maintain biodiversity and ensure long-term ecological services in the area.
</abstract>

The impacts of land use change on partridge’s population in the Marghazar valley of Swat District, Pakistan

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the digestion of food provided by parents to their hatchlings. Non-pathogenic bacteria in the digestive tract can be significantly beneficial to the host species, while pathogenic bacteria can reduce hatchling survival and lead to a decline in the number of new generation. Microbiological analysis of cloacal microflora of hatchlings revealed a highly diverse microbial load present from hatching until fledging (at 15 days) in Barn Swallow <italic>(Hirundo rustica)</italic>. The intestinal microflora of 15-day-olds was the most diverse, and two groups are dependent on age: CPG and Lactobacilli are mostly present in hatchlings of the second and third ages (10 and 15 days). Our research was conducted to identify certain bacterial species, such as <italic>E. coli</italic>, <italic>Salmonella</italic>, <italic>Pseudomonas</italic>, <italic>Lactobacillus</italic>, <italic>Streptococcus</italic>, and <italic>Staphylococcus</italic>. The presence of most species was related to age, while the presence of <italic>Salmonella</italic> was accidental.
</abstract>

Gut microbiota of Barn Swallow <italic>(Hirundo rustica)</italic> nestlings in Northeast Algeria

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Habitat suitability models are powerful tools in predicting species distributions and assessing the potential impacts of environmental changes. In this article, a habitat suitability model was developed for <italic>Paradoxornis flavirostris</italic>, a threatened (Vulnerable) bird species found in the northeastern part of India, using remote sensing data and machine learning techniques. The occurrence records for <italic>P. flavirostris</italic> were considered from primary as well as multiple secondary sources like GBIF &amp; eBird, and bioclimatic variables such as temperature, precipitation, and humidity were collected from <ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="http://www.worldclim.org">www.worldclim.org</ext-link>. Then, MaxEnt algorithm was used to model the habitat suitability of <italic>P. flavirostris</italic> based on the collected data. Additionally, the model was also run to project the future range of <italic>P. flavirostris</italic> under different climate change scenarios. The model also predicts potentially suitable habitats for <italic>P. flavirostris</italic> outside of its current range, suggesting areas where the species may expand or contract its distribution in the future. This research provides valuable insights into the habitat suitability and potential range dynamics of <italic>P. flavirostris</italic>, and can inform conservation planning and management efforts for this threatened bird species.
</abstract>

MaxEnt modelling for predicting habitat suitability and future range of Black-breasted Parrotbill (<italic>Paradoxornis flavirostris</italic> Gould, 1836) in Northeast India

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The Eurasian Woodcock is a regular breeder in the wooded areas of the Carpathian Basin. In the past, several literature reviews on the distribution and breeding biology of the species in the Carpathian Basin have been published, but these have ignored the annual reports on spring returns collected between 1894 and 1926 under the coordination of the Hungarian Ornithological Centre. These included 379 nesting records from the present area of Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. The majority of the data came from the Carpathians, with a smaller number from forested areas in the lower mountains and hills. It was particularly rare in lowland areas, with most of the records coming from floodplain forests. The spatial distribution of the data is somewhat at odds with that described in recent summary works. From the Northern Carpathians and the Eastern Alps, however, these sources report fewer nestings, and most of the data come from Transylvania. The temporal distribution of the data is consistent with previously published results. In some cases nestings were found in late February and early March. The peak of nesting was in April, with only a small number of nestings reported in the second half of May. Breeding occurred significantly later in areas at higher altitudes. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that knowledge of the species’ nesting in the Carpathian Basin is still incomplete.
</abstract>

Additional data to the historical breeding of the Eurasian Woodcock in the Carpathian Basin

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The Eurasian Spoonbill <italic>(Platalea leucorodia)</italic> is a migratory waterbird. We used the confirmed observations of colour-ringed individuals (2,735 specimens) of the Hungarian population collected outside the Carpathian Basin between May 2003 and February 2023. 546 Spoonbills occurred in 28 countries. They used mainly the Central Mediterranean Flyway, however, some individuals were seen along the East Atlantic Flyway or the East Mediterranean Flyway. Three individuals were observed north of the Alps, too. A small proportion of Spoonbills crossed the Sahara and they occurred in the Sahel zone, between Sudan in the east and Senegal and Mauritania in the west. A few individuals were observed on Saharan wetlands in Algeria during winter. The most important destination for the Hungarian (Pannonian) population during the migration is Tunisia, where many of them spend the winter, primarily in the tidal area of the Gulf of Gabes. The first adults reached North Africa (Tunisia) on 28 July during their southward migration, while the last ones stayed there until 23 April. The first observation of juveniles in North Africa (Tunisia) happened on 31 August. Immature, 2- and 3-cyold birds spend the summer in unknown numbers in Tunisia. The majority of Pannonian Spoonbills migrate through the Balkans and Italy and some stay there to winter, mainly in Italy. Some of the immatures spent the summer in Italy. In southern Europe, the peak of the spring migration was in March, and the peak of the autumn migration was in September. There was also a difference in the migration of different age groups: in Southern Europe, the migration peak of adult birds falls between March and April, while most of the immatures were observed in May and June during northward migration. The peak of the southward migration in all age groups was observed in September. In the southern part of Europe, there may still be adults migrating north on 13 May, while other adults may already migrate southward on 15 May. The earliest juvenile migrating south was documented on 30 June in Italy.
</abstract>

Spatiotemporal distribution of Eurasian Spoonbills <italic>(Platalea leucorodia)</italic> outside the Carpathian Basin – the results of the Hungarian colour-ringing project based on twenty years (2003–2023)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Based on the Hungarian common bird monitoring scheme (MMM), which is the longest running country-wide monitoring using formal sampling design with representative data for the main habitats in Central-Eastern Europe, we investigated the population trends of common breeding and wintering species. Habitat preference and occupancy of the common breeders, migration strategies and relationships among these characteristics could act behind the population trends. We pointed out that long distance migrant bird species had strong decreasing trends in Hungary and very probably in the entire Pannonian biogeographical region, whereas the partial and short migrant species has increasing trends. Farmland birds had declining trend, which trend became more obvious since the joining of Hungary to the EU. The negative changes in the farmland habitat could influence bird species nesting/foraging mainly in this habitat independently from their migration strategies. Our investigations let us to develop indicators on the basis of migration strategy and habitat usage of common birds to provide regular information about condition of groups of species and their habitats in Hungary and the Pannonian region. The MMM database provide unique opportunity for further investigations of several species, habitats and area specific in a part of Europe where this kind of information is rare yet.</abstract>

Institute of Environmental Sciences, College of Nyíregyháza, 4400 Nyíregyháza, Sóstói út 31/b, Hungary

MME/BirdLife Hungary, 1121 Budapest, Költő utca 21., Hungary

Population trends of common breeding and wintering birds in Hungary, decline of longdistance migrant and farmland birds during 1999–2012

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Migration plays a fundamental part in the life of most temperate bird species. The regular, large-scale seasonal movements that characterize temperate migration systems appear to have originated in parallel with the postglacial northern expansion of tropical species. Migratoriness is also influenced by a number of ecological factors, such as the ability to survive harsh winters. Hence, understanding the origins and evolution of migration requires integration of the biogeographic history and ecology of birds in a phylogenetic context. We used molecular dating and ancestral state reconstruction to infer the origins and evolutionary changes in migratory behavior and ancestral area reconstruction to investigate historical patterns of range evolution in accipitrid birds of prey (Accipitriformes). Migration evolved multiple times in birds of prey, the earliest of which occurred in true hawks (Accipitrinae), during the middle Miocene period, according to our analyses. In most cases, a tropical ancestral distribution was inferred for the non-migratory ancestors of migratory lineages. Results from directional evolutionary tests indicate that migration evolved in the tropics and then increased the rate of colonization of temperate habitats, suggesting that temperate species might be descendants of tropical ones that dispersed into these seasonal habitats. Finally, we found that diet generalization predicts migratoriness in this group.</abstract>

MTA-ELTE-MTM Ecology Research Group, 1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Hungary

MTA-DE “Lendület” Behavioural Ecology Research Group, Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., Hungary

Phylogeny, Historical Biogeography and the Evolution of Migration in Accipitrid Birds of Prey (Aves: Accipitriformes)

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Great Bustards are still vulnerable to agricultural intensification, power line collision, and other human-induced landscape changes. Their world population is estimated to be between44,000 and 57,000 individuals, showing a stable demographic trend at present in the Iberian peninsula, its mainstronghold, but uncertain trends in Russia and China, and alarming declines in Iran and Morocco, where it willgo extinct if urgent protection measures are not taken immediately. Our knowledge of the behaviour and ecologyof this species has increased considerably over the last three decades, allowing us to control the major threatsand secure its conservation in an appropriately managed cereal farmland. This species became '<bold>The Bird of the Year</bold>' in Hungary in 2014.
</abstract>

The Great Bustard: Past, Present and Future of a Globally Threatened Species

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The Red-footed Falcon is a facultatively colonial species that exploits rookeries, artificial nest-box colonies and solitary corvid nests for breeding. Moreover, the remain gregarious in the post breeding period using communal roost sites prior to migration. We developed and implemented a survey protocol to allow to precisely estimate the number of breeding pairs in all three breeding types and to assess large scale spatio-temporal changes in roost site usage. Our results show that the lowest number of breeding pairs (558) was in 2006. However, in 2014 the number of pairs showed a two fold increase, mainly due to a large scale nest-box programme implemented in the past decade. We identified a total of 105 roost sites throughout the country. The number of birds peaked in the second week of September in the past 10 years. We formulate a recommendation to maintain population monitoring efficiency by reducing the frequency of full surveys to 5 years and using designated study areas to control for temporal trends in between.</abstract>

MME/BirdLife Hungary, Red-footed Falcon Conservation Working Group, 1121 Budapest, Költő utca 21., Hungary

Department of Zoology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, 1088 Budapest, Baross utca 13., Hungary

Breeding population trends and pre-migration roost site survey of the Red-footed Falcon in Hungary

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Shortage of breeding sites is an important limiting factor of bird populations. Artificial breeding platforms, nest-boxes or man-made twig nests often present solutions with remarkable results, however long-term sustainability of these populations remains to be resolved. Furthermore, the question whether the inference of results of studies conducted on birds breeding in artificial breeding sites can be generalized to other populations, still remains open. Here we present the history, and the results of a 20 year old (1995-2015) nest-box programme initiated to increase potential breeding possibilities of Red-footed Falcons in an area, where nest-site shortage was a severe limiting factor. We show how various other species (Jackdaws, Kestrels and Long-eared Owls) have utilized these resources, and present descriptive statistics on their reproductive performance. Analysing the data of a total of 1432 breeding attempts, we show that Red-footed Falcons have similar clutch sizes, and nesting success (i.e. ratio of nests with at least on fledgling), however fledging success (ratio of the number of eggs/fledged nestlings) was different in artificial nest-boxes. When we excluded closed box types from artificial nests, this difference was not apparent. In case of Kestrels (n=1626 breeding attempts) clutch size was significantly higher in artificial nests, while we found no difference in fledging or nesting success. When only comparing open boxes to natural nests, the difference in clutch size was no longer significant. We also analysed the effect of nest box design on reproductive parameters of the two species using regression trees. Inter annual effects were the most important in shaping clutch size and fledging rate of both falcon species, however we also found nest-box design effects, but only in Red-footed Falcons. In years when mean clutch size was high, these birds had lower clutch size in an older, darker nest-box type compared to an alternative design, and to open boxes. However, fledging rate in the same years was lower for both open boxes and older nest-boxes. We conclude that artificial colonies are an important and successful tool in Red-footed Falcon conservation, and that the breeding parameters measured in artificial colonies depend on nest-box design. We present correlative evidence that closed boxes have a significant positive species specific effect on reproduction, probably due to their protection against weather. We also show that birds may have a preference for a certain nest-box design, and that the breeding success in the less favoured box type may be similar to that in open nests. We recommend that future studies incorporate nest-type and nest-box design effects in all comparisons made on reproductive performance in case of Red-footed Falcons and Kestrels.</abstract>

Körös-Maros National Park Directorate, 5440 Szarvas, Anna liget 1., Hungary

Demography, breeding success and effects of nest type in artificial colonies of Red-footed Falcons and allies

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>We studied hunting success of 13 male Red-footed Falcons by radio-telemetry in the second phase of chick rearing. We coded 484 hunting events, and the success measured in captured prey biomass/minute was exceedingly high in corn fields. This is mainly caused by the fact that the effectiveness of hunting for vertebrate prey was high on the harvested stubble fields. Moreover the observed falcons hunted for insects in these stubble field and alfalfa fields most successfully. In the studied habitat the chick feeding period of Red-footed Falcons coincide with the harvest of cereal fields, and the suddenly created lower vegetation cover increases temporarily the accessibility of prey items.Till they were available and could be efficiently harvested, the falcons hunted on the fields within a 1 km radius from the nesting colony for the more profitable vertebrate prey. Thereafter they searched for vertebrate prey on the fields located at average 1–2.5 km distance from the colony. In the later zone falcons started to hunt insects, too, but approximately third of the captured insects (36.4%) was consumed immediately and was not delivered to the colony. Conversely larger prey was almost always (98.1%) carried directly to the nest site. Only one part of the Field Voles was observed to be eaten regularly: the brain. Finally later in the breeding season falcons were observed more and more often to hunt in the nearest fields again, this time for insects. Probably due to the depletion of the distant plots, the closer fields with lower investment became a competitive alternative for the birds.Our results highlight the fact that even for such characteristic short-grass specialist birds as Red-footed Falcons the prey sources offered by arable lands might be temporarily exploited with success. Hence it is very important to integrate the measures offered by agri-environment schemes into the management of this threatened species.</abstract>

Red-footed Falcon Conservation Working Group, MME/BirdLife Hungary, 1121 Budapest, Költő utca 21., Hungary,

Körös-Maros National Park Directorate, 5540 Szarvas, Anna liget 1., Hungary

Hunting efficiency of Red-footed Falcons in different habitats

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Ornis Hungarica

The Journal of MME/BirdLife Hungary

 Ornis Hungarica is one of the oldest professional, peer-reviewed ornithological journals in East and Central Europe and unique in the Carpathian Basin. It was first published in...

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 Ornis Hungarica is one of the oldest professional, peer-reviewed ornithological journals in East and Central Europe and unique in the...