Birds of the forest complex

There is no corner on Earth where you cannot meet birds. In total, there are about 8,500 species of birds on the globe, belonging to 40 orders. The fauna of the Stavropol Territory includes 19 orders and 324 species of birds.

The fauna of the region is rich and diverse, which is explained by many factors. The main one is the intermediate geographical position of the region on the border of Europe and Asia and the long period of formation of groups of animals, during which living conditions changed - climate, relief, degree of human influence, etc.

One of the features of the fauna of the region is high endemicity in all groups of animals.

The life of every animal, including birds, depends, first of all, on complex physical and geographical conditions. Over the vast territory of the region, these conditions appear in various combinations, so each zone of the region is characterized by its own avifauna.

Ornithofauna of semi-deserts

Typical birds are the gray lark, the dance-wheatear, the green foot-and-mouth disease, and rooks. Blackbirds, steppe eagle,

The decrease in their numbers is associated with the plowing of the steppes, overgrazing of pastures, and for the steppe eagle - with a decrease in the number of gophers.

Avifauna of the steppes

There are many birds in the steppes - lark, bee-eater, hoopoe, marsh harrier and meadow kestrel. Crested lark, little bustard, osprey, harrier - field, steppe, meadow, marsh harrier winter in the Stavropol steppes.

Avifauna of forest-steppes

The species composition of forest birds is extremely rich, many of them nest on the soil surface and live in the undergrowth: nightingale, wren, chiffchaff and others. Blackbirds, songbirds, black-headed and gray warblers nest in the undergrowth at the bottom of tree trunks. Along the edge of the forest there is a shrike, which is found in the bushes. The upper forest layer is occupied by other representatives of the passerine order: greenfinch, chaffinch, grosbeak, woodpeckers, goldfinches and others. In a number of areas of the region, nesting sites of rare pigeons have been noted: the turtle dove, the wood pigeon.

Since 1973, the ringed dove appeared in the North Caucasus from southern Asia; currently there are about 25 thousand of these birds in the Stavropol region. There are few birds of prey in the forests, but the nesting sites of the buzzard, falcon, and sparrow hawk are noted.

A special place in the avifauna of forests and shelterbelts is occupied by corvids, among which the first place in numbers belongs to rooks. They nest in colonies in forest belts, in groves, on the edges of forests and are pests of garden, field and melon crops.

Avifauna of reservoirs

The creation of reservoirs and canal systems was a favorable factor for the reproduction and increase in the number of aquatic and semi-aquatic birds: great egret, gray heron, spoonbill, etc. The Chogray Reservoir is home to common flamingos, pink and Dalmatian pelicans. Great and little cormorants, great and little bitterns, red-breasted goose, gray goose, etc. nest on the lakes of the Kumo-Manych depression.

City avifauna

The construction of multi-storey, large-block panel houses is common in cities. Birds of the so-called rock complex receive shelter in these buildings. Of these, rock pigeons, jackdaws, swifts, city swallows, little owls, and hoopoes most often nest in multi-story buildings. Jackdaws, sizari, and owls nest in the attics of houses, under the eaves, in ventilation holes (Babenko, 2001). Jackdaws, crows, and rock pigeons feed on food waste in garbage containers or landfills (Panov, 2001). Artificial nesting boxes are hung in squares and parks, ornamental shrubs and trees are planted, and birds are fed in winter. All this contributes to the creation in cities of a rich complex of forest and synanthropic species (Rakhmanov, 1989).

Forest birds are represented in the study area by 34 species. Over the past years, a steady increase in both the species and numerical composition of forest fauna in the study area has been noted, mainly in urban biotopes themselves. The number of corvid birds (hooded crow, rook, magpie, jay) has especially increased. This is primarily due to the increase in the total amount of green space both in the city center and in its surroundings.

The Hoodie Crow (Corvux cornix L.) is the most common bird of the city, nesting and wintering bird of Stavropol. It can be easily recognized by its color: it has a gray body, black head, wings and tail. It builds nests in trees. Birds are omnivores, the composition of food varies with the seasons.

The counting was carried out in the summer: in the park near the Beryozka cinema on June 15, 2006, in the morning hours from 700 to 1000 (the square area is 1.5 hectares), 12 birds were registered, 5-8 birds flew from one tree to another , at a distance of approximately 10-30 m from each other or 100 m, out of sight. 2-4 birds periodically flew to the ground and fed from the ground. The census was carried out in the autumn on September 18, 2006 in the morning hours from 800 to 1200, along the streets of Kalinin (area 1.3 hectares), Oktyabrskaya (2.9 hectares), Lermontov (2.3 hectares). It was noticed that the number of birds in the city increased and amounted to 10-22 birds, actively flying near garbage cans and private households. On October 5, 2006, a census was carried out in the southern part of the city from 800 to 1000 in the morning on an agricultural field and in a forest belt (the average area was 4 hectares; about 30 -40 birds actively pecked the remaining wheat grains after harvesting. The noise of agricultural machinery and vehicles did not affect the activity birds.

Raven (Corvux corax L.) is a resident bird of Stavropol, rare, lives alone, in pairs and less often in small groups, a large blue-black bird with a wedge-shaped tail, larger than a crow and rook, omnivorous. The census was carried out in the summer and autumn periods. The birds were recorded on July 12, 2006, 900 am on the street. Kalinina (route 3-4 km): 1 bird was noted sitting on the top of a spruce at a height of 20-25 m, 2 birds at a distance of 10 m on electrical wires. September 20 from 1300 to 1800 in the area of the old cemetery (area 0.8 hectares) 4-6 birds sitting on electrical wires along with rooks and two birds sitting on the fence of the graves.

Rook (Corvux flugilegus) is a nesting and wintering bird of Stavropol. The color is blue-black; in adult birds, the skin around the beak is white (Fig. 18). Colonial nesting is a significant difference between rooks and solitary nesting crows and ravens. A huge colony of rooks was recorded on the street. Oktyabrskaya (2.9 hectares). Of the 400 poplars located over 2.5 km in several rows, there were 276 nests on 85 trees.

A mass of rooks flocks to the fields in the fall. On October 14, 2006, at 800-1000 in the morning, 500-1000 birds were registered in a field of 4 hectares. Since mid-October, there has been a massive accumulation of rooks in the city of Georgievsk.

The jackdaw (Corvux modenula) is a nesting, wintering bird of the Stavropol Territory, black, with a gray top of the head and a gray neck. It is much smaller than a crow. Has a ringing voice. It feeds on insects and crop grains. In Georgievsk, a jackdaw was observed along the street. Lermontov and st. Oktyabrskaya on the roofs of houses and in city parks both in the morning and in the evening.

Recorded in summer and autumn along with rooks. On July 15, 2006, from 700 to 1100 in the southern part of the city, 5-7 birds were found along a route of 3-4 km. October 14, 2006 on the same route - 8 - 10 birds that were feeding.

Magpie (Pica pica L.) is a resident bird of Stavropol. A black and white long-tailed bird with a loud, harsh voice. This is a numerous species. It builds nests in trees and on supports of high-voltage power lines. Magpie nests are noticeable by their spherical shape. In them you can distinguish between a “roof” and a side passage. The nest is built from twigs, fastened with strong thin blades of grass; it is, as it were, “coated” with clay. We noted nests of magpies on the outskirts of the city's forest park, in dacha and garden plots, as well as in the forest zone of the Podkumok River floodplain. In urban areas, birds flock in flocks of 20 to 40 individuals and sit on trees and electrical wires.

The bird count was carried out on the street. Oktyabrskaya (2.9 hectares), Kalinin (1.3 hectares), in the park of the Aurora cinema (1.1 hectares) in the summer. On July 19, 2006, from 700 to 1030, 5 birds were recorded, single birds flew from place to place.

In the autumn, September 29, 2006, on the street. Kalinina (1.3 ha), Bykova (route length 2.5 - 3 km) two birds were sitting on a lantern near the Flamingo store, two birds were sitting in front of the store on electrical wires at a distance of 50 m from each other, 1 bird was flying from the roof houses across the road. The birds were spotted not far from the garbage cans: three birds were jumping near a pile of garbage near the “THREE I” store on the street. Salogubova. On the street In Druzhba, a magpie nest was found on a poplar tree 15–20 m high among the branches.

The research was carried out in the northern part of the city near the railway station, the length of the route was 4–5 km. The forest belt consists of five rows of trees. The main species is acacia. We registered 15 nests. In the forest belt, magpies build nests low above the ground, about 3-6 m. Magpies built nests on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th rows at a distance of 10-15 m from each other. The nests are protected by the first and fifth rows of trees, so they are poorly visible among the foliage. At the time of counting the nests, the first rows of trees were completely cut down, the nests were open.

The jay (Garrulus glandarius) is a resident bird of the Stavropol Territory, the size of a jackdaw, has a reddish-brown body color, black-brown wings and tail, dark brown streaks on the head, white undertail, bright blue feathers on the shoulders. In Georgievsk it is very widespread: on the outskirts of the city, in parks, suburban forest parks, squares along Pushkin and Kalinin streets, boulevards along Oktyabrskaya and Lermontov streets. On the street Kalinin (route 2-3 km) On August 9, 2006, at 730 we noticed 4 sitting individuals at the same time.

On September 29, 2006, from 1300 to 1800, the floodplain area of the Podkumok River was surveyed, the length of the route was 7 km. 5 birds were recorded simultaneously: two birds flew in pairs from tree to tree, two more birds flew from the first two at a distance of 10 m, and one bird flew to the other side of the river towards the forest. September 30, 2006 on the street. Kalinin (route 3 km) a bird sitting on the ground is marked.

Most of the city's fauna consists of representatives of the order Pigeonidae. The rock pigeon, ringed dove, and wood pigeon are widespread within the city.

The rock pigeon (Columba livia L.) is a widespread species in urban landscapes (Fig. 23). It nests widely in small colonies on the eaves of buildings and in attics. Large concentrations of pigeons are found throughout the city, especially on the roofs of multi-storey buildings, outdoor cafe areas, next to garbage cans, etc. Nests are built in attics and balconies. Among the rock pigeons living in the city, there are individuals that have dark gray, ash-red, white, and variegated colors. The bird count was carried out in summer-autumn on the main streets of the city: June 28, 2006 from 700 to 1100 on the boulevard st. Lermontov (2.3 hectares), st. Pushkina (route 3 km), st. Kalinina (2.5-3 km) 76 individuals were recorded actively flying in the sky, periodically descending onto the roofs of multi-storey buildings, on July 7, 2006 from 700 to 1100 - 68 flying and sitting birds, on August 20, 2006 from 730 to 1130 - 104 birds. On October 15, 2006, from 700 to 1100 in the area of Municipal Educational Institution Secondary School No. 29, 250 - 300 birds were noted, because here are multi-storey buildings, buildings of Municipal Educational Institution Secondary School No. 29, Preschool Educational Institution No. 17, which create an excellent shelter for birds, and the presence of garbage cans makes it easier for them to find food. At the school stadium from 730 to 900 a flock of 100-150 pigeons was registered along with rooks, crows, sparrows, and white wagtails are less common.

Ring-necked dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is a nesting and wintering bird of Stavropol. This bird appeared in the North Caucasus from 1973-1978 (Khokhlov, 1985). Currently, it is a common, locally abundant bird of urban areas. It builds nests in trees. Within the city limits, the ringed dove is found quite often. The census was carried out on the main streets in the summer and autumn: July 7, 2006 from 700 to 1200 square street. Pushkin (0.5 ha), boulevard st. Lermontov (2.3 ha) 5 birds were recorded: two sitting on the ground at a distance of 5-8 m from each other, 1 bird sitting on a tree, 2 birds flying from tree to tree and periodically disappearing from view. July 28, 2006 from 800 to 1100 in the park st. Pushkin (0.5 hectares), and the square of Municipal Educational Institution Secondary School No. 7 (2.3 hectares) 6 birds were registered, two birds sitting on electrical wires 1-1.5 m from each other, 4 birds pecked sunflower seeds scattered in the stadium. On August 16, 2006, from 730 to 1130 in the park of Pushkin Street (0.5 hectares), and the square of Municipal Educational Institution Secondary School No. 7 (2.3 hectares), 6 birds actively pecked sunflower seeds in the stadium next to the bench at a distance of 2-6 m each from friend. On September 25, 2006, from 730 to 1030 on Pushkin Street (route 2-2.5 km), two birds pecked pieces of bread, without reacting to passersby, the birds were next to each other. October 8, 2006 in the park on the street. Pushkin (0.5 hectares), on Victory Square (0.5 hectares) from 800 to 1200 6 birds were registered, 3 were actively flying from tree to tree, periodically flying onto the asphalt, two birds were sitting on electrical wires next to each other, 1 was actively pecked food together with the sparrows.

The wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) is a nesting, migratory and wintering bird of the Stavropol Territory. This is a large massive pigeon. We recorded 5-6 birds on August 17, 2006 from 730 to 1130 in the field in search of food in the Iskra area (research route 4 km).

Hoopoe (Upupa epops) is a nesting, migratory and migratory bird of the Stavropol Territory. The earliest appearance in the city of Georgievsk was recorded by us on March 23, March 26, 2006 on Kalinin Street from 700 to 930 (route 3 km). In the second half of August, a gradual decrease in the number of hoopoe is observed. Hoopoes disappear by the beginning of the third ten days of September.

The long-eared owl (Asio otus) is a common nesting, wintering species of the Stavropol region. The photo was taken by ornithologist from Moscow A. Sharikov on June 17, 2006 in the southern part of the city in the Iskra area (route length 5 km). Long-eared owls are attracted to wintering near humans by good protection in populated areas, more favorable climatic conditions and an abundance of food in the form of synanthropic rodents and sparrows.

The Little Owl (Athene noctua) is a common nesting and wintering species in the Stavropol region. More often he can be seen sitting on the ground, on piles of stones or on buildings. We recorded a little owl on July 24, 2006 along Batakskaya Street (route 3 km) at 1530, on August 1, 2006 in the park on Kalinin Street (route 4 km) at 630, and on August 14 and August 27, 2006 in the evening (2000 – 2100) determined the presence of birds by voice.

The common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) is a nesting, migratory bird of Stavropol. On August 7, 2006, at the city cemetery (area 8 hectares) at 7:10 am, one individual of the common cuckoo was counted. The presence of the bird was determined by its voice.

The green woodpecker (Picus viridis) is a nesting, wintering species of the Stavropol Territory. He was spotted on April 17, 2006 at 1325 in the area of Turgenev Street sitting on an apricot trunk and on July 10, 2006 at 1545 in the northwestern part of the city on the border with the village of Podgornaya sitting on a poplar.

The spotted woodpecker (Dendrocorpus major L.) is a common nesting and wintering species in the Stavropol region. We observed 2 birds on June 14, 2006 from 600 to 1000 in a city park (6.0 hectares).

The black swift (Apus apus L.) is a common, nesting, migratory bird of the Stavropol Territory. Arrives in the city in the third ten days of April. First bird count on April 21, 2006. The most numerous species in Georgievsk. Nests in colonies under the roofs of houses. The departure of birds begins in early August. The census was carried out in summer and autumn: July 7, 2006 from 700 to 1100 on the street. Kalinina (route 3 km), boulevard on the street. Lermontov (2.3 hectares) and the square of Municipal Educational Institution Secondary School No. 7, 110 - 130 birds were registered. August 10, 2006 from 700 to 1100 on the street. Kalinina (route 3 km), boulevard on the street. Lermontov (2.3 hectares) and the square of Municipal Educational Institution Secondary School No. 7, 30-40 individuals were registered. September 5, 2006 on the street. Kalinina (route 3 km), boulevard on the street. Lermontov (2.3 hectares) and the square of Municipal Educational Institution Secondary School No. 7 - periodically 10-15 birds appeared in the field of view.

The Common Oriole (Oriolus oriolus) is a common, locally abundant breeding and migratory bird. Arrives in early May. The first bird count took place on May 12, 2006 in the city park; at 1430, two individuals were found sitting on a fence. And also on August 10 at 820 in the GIPT park - one bird sitting on a chestnut tree.

The common nuthatch (Sitta europaea L.) is a nomadic, wintering bird of the Stavropol region, a very numerous species. The census was carried out on Salogubova Street, Kalinina - on the territory of kindergartens No. 22, 24 in the morning hours from 630 to 930 and evening hours from 1600 to 1800 on July 5, 2006, two birds were registered sitting on chestnut trees.

The Common Greenfinch (Chloris chloris) is a common breeding and wintering bird. The first birds appeared in the city on nesting sites in mid-March. Autumn migration begins in mid-September. Along Kalinin Street (GTMSH area) - route 3 km, July 27, 2006. At 1100, 6-8 individuals were found sitting on a maple tree together with tree sparrows.

The great tit (Parus major L.) is a nesting and wintering bird of Stavropol. The first songs were recorded in early February in the morning hours. The census was carried out in summer and autumn. June 28, 2006 from 700 to 1100 on the street. Lermontov (route 3-3.5 km) - five birds actively flew along with the sparrows. On July 7, from 700 to 1200 in a city park (6.0 hectares), 4 birds, together with sparrows, flew from tree to tree and flew onto asphalt paths, one bird was actively pecking. On September 25, 2006, in 830 square of Victory Square (0.5 hectares), two birds were sitting on poplar branches, one of them was singing.

Blackbird (Turnus merula) is a nesting, migratory and wintering bird of the Stavropol Territory. Found in forests and parks of Georgievsk. The color of the male is solid black, the beak is yellow. Females and young birds are dark brown. The blackbird is very wary and very difficult to see. It was recorded at close range on the edge of the forest on August 10, 2006 at 900. Its song can often be heard. The thrush's nest was found on April 20, 2006 in a forest in the Iskra region at a height of 1.4 m. The nest is bowl-shaped.

Finch (Fringilla coelebs) is a nesting, migratory, and wintering bird of the Stavropol Territory. Recorded in the summer on July 15, 2006 at 800 in a city park (6.0 ha) on a maple branch.

Garden bunting (Emberiza hortulana) is a nesting, migratory bird of Stavropol. Arrives in the first half of April. Inhabits open landscapes - the valley of the Podkumok River, young forest belts around the city of Georgievsk. The bird was recorded in the southern part of the city on June 15, 2006 at 730, sitting on a chestnut branch.

The Crested Lark (Galerida cristata) is a common nesting and wintering bird in the Stavropol region (Fig. 30). Keeps in pairs since autumn. Spotted on August 10, 2006 at 800 on the edge of the forest in the Iskra area. A nest of a Crested Lark was found near the road on the outskirts of the city. On October 8, in the northwestern part of the city, on an agricultural field with an area of 8.0 hectares near a stack of straw, 6–8 birds were recorded, which were actively flying from the stack to the ground, from the ground to the air, making peculiar sounds. Two birds stayed in pairs; they pecked at the scattered grains of wheat, without reacting to those around them.

Steppe lark (Melanocoripha calandra) is a nesting, migratory and wintering bird of Stavropol. Recorded on cereal crops on July 7, July 14, August 17, September 7, 2006.

Birds of floodplain complexes

Floodplain landscapes are vast expanses of the Podkumok River and its tributaries. The length of Podkumka is 148 km. The left bank is steep and high, the right bank is flatter and relatively low. Tributaries and channels, completely cutting up the terrace, formed numerous islands with many large and small, deep and shallow lakes. A huge area in the floodplain is occupied by meadows with an admixture of sedges, forbs and trees. There are many aquatic and semi-aquatic birds that make the most of the features of the floodplain landscape - a variety of habitats, protective conditions with many secluded corners, an abundance of animal and plant food.

White wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a nesting, migratory and migratory bird of the Stavropol Territory. Usually arrives in mid-March. Migration occurs in the second half of March - April. The bird is hidden in landscapes, but stays near bodies of water and various buildings. In the floodplains it forms the core of the bird population. In the summer, when counting birds in the area of the cannery, city hospital, "Iskra" (route length 7 km), on June 28, 2006, at 700 - 1000 hours, 8 - 10 flying birds were recorded, 4 - 6 moved along the ground in quick dashes at a distance of 3 - 10 m from each other, less often - in pairs. On June 28, 2006, from 1600 to 1800 hours, in the area of the Podkumok River, 4–6 birds were noticed moving along the river bank, one bird was “bathing” in the water. September 25, 2006 on the street. Kalinin (route length 3 - 3.5 km) from 730 to 1130 6 - 12 birds flying in a flock were recorded. On September 30, 2006, at the stadium of Municipal Educational Institution Secondary School No. 29 (0.5 hectares) in 830, 14 - 16 birds were noticed at a distance of 0.5 - 1.5 m from each other, quickly moving along the unpaved part of the stadium, from time to time flitting 2 -3 m.

Sky lark (Alauda arvensis) is a nesting, migratory, migratory and wintering bird of the Stavropol Territory. Spring migration occurs in late February - March. Inhabits fields, meadows, steppes. Individual birds were seen in June and July on the shores of Podkumka. A skylark nest was discovered on August 10, 2006 in a suburban biotope, on the border of the city and the Iskra forest.

The shore swallow (Riparia riparia L.) is a widespread breeding, migratory and migratory species of the Stavropol Territory. It lives in flocks, nests in colonies, near water. Sand swallow nests were registered on July 10, 2006 on the steep clay bank of the Podkumok River, the length of the cliff is 300-400 m, the height from the water's edge is 8-10 m. We found 15 dug holes with a rounded-flattened entrance hole. The entrance to the hole is 5-10 cm high, 6-12 cm wide, followed by a long, up to 1 m, slightly inclined passage, which ends in a nesting chamber measuring 8-12 x 10-14 cm. The bottom of the nesting chamber is lined with a small number of blades of grass and large feathers (determined in the SSU laboratory). The nests are located at a distance of 20-30 cm to 1 m from each other. July 10, 2006 on the bank of the river. Podkumok (route length 5-6 km) from 700 to 1030 8-12 birds were recorded flying near holes, 6 birds flew in and out of them.

Grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a common, locally abundant breeding and wintering species. The heron differs from other water birds by its long legs, disproportionate to its body, and its gray color. The flight of two individuals of a heron along the bed of the Podkumok River was recorded on August 6, 2006 in 1945, August 15, 2006 in 2025.

Mute swan (Cygnus olor) is a common nesting, migratory, flying and wintering species of the Stavropol Territory. The largest of the swans. One bird was recorded on November 12, 2006 on a reservoir belonging to the Mezhraivodokanal pumping station, located in the south-eastern part of the city, in the floodplain of the Podkumok River. The bird swam calmly in the pond. According to workers, the swan appeared on the station territory at the end of September and has not left the reservoir since then.

Birds of populated areas

Human activity has a positive effect on the lives of some birds. By changing the natural environment, humans create favorable conditions for many species of birds and thereby contribute to their settlement, the formation of new ornithocenoses, and an increase in numbers. Buildings of various types and tree and shrub plantings serve birds both as protection and as breeding grounds. The most numerous are representatives of the Passerine family.

House sparrow (Passer domesticus L.) is a numerous, resident bird of the Stavropol Territory. It nests under roofs, in crevices of buildings, burrows, and in old nests of corvids. The number of birds began to increase. Its biology is similar to the tree sparrow (Fig. 34).

The tree sparrow (Passer montanus) is a numerous nesting and wintering species of the Stavropol region. It lives in the same place as the house sparrow. Breeds from April to July. In winter, tree sparrows are found in large flocks in fields, vegetable gardens, orchards and river valleys.

In Georgievsk, young tree sparrows are observed three times: from mid-May, early June and August. In June, for example, about 150 pairs of sparrows live in every square kilometer of the city.

The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica L.) is a numerous nesting, migratory and migratory species of the Stavropol Territory. Usually flies to Georgievsk at the end of March. Migration continues throughout April and the first ten days of May. Large accumulations form in places. Autumn migration begins in the second half of August and continues in September – October. When building a nest, the barn swallow shows extraordinary talent, because... She does not weave her house, but sculpts it from lumps of damp earth, for which she has to fly to the shores of the nearest bodies of water. The swallow uses straws, pet fur as “reinforcement” to strengthen the strength of the nest, and its own saliva is its astringent component.

The city swallow (Delichon urbica L.) is a nesting, migratory and migratory bird of the Stavropol Territory. The first city swallows appear in Georgievsk at the beginning of the third ten days of April. It nests in colonies in multi-story buildings. Breeding colonies leave at the end of August. Autumn migration takes place mainly in September. Some flocks linger until mid-October.