Occurrence of the Red Kite Milvus milvus in Slovenia

The Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos medius is a highly specialised woodpecker inhabiting mature deciduous forests. The presence of large mature oaks Quercus sp. is a very important factor determining the species' presence and distribution. In Slovenia it is more common in the eastern part, where it inhabits mainly lowland flood-plain oak forests. In other parts of the country it is more localised, as is the case in western Slovenia, where small isolated populations were recently discovered. In this paper we present the currently known observations of Middle Spotted Woodpecker in the Karst region (W Slovenia), the results of the first systematic survey and the first documented breeding of the species in this area. The survey was carried out on the 20 of March 2016 in the wooded hills between the villages of Senožeče and Veliko polje. Using playback method we recorded a total of 8 territorial woodpeckers, confirming our initial expectations about the species' abundance in that area. Breeding was also confirmed in the hills of Senožeče, an active nest-hole was found on 23 Apr 2017. On 18 May 2017 at least 3 juveniles successfully left the nest. Middle Spotted Woodpeckers have recently been observed also in other oak woodlands across the Karst and nearby areas, especially outside the breeding season. These areas include Lipica, Bazovica, the Brkini hills and the Gorica Karst. From summer 2016 onwards several observations of Middle Spotted Woodpeckers have been reported from Lipica, involving up to four different individuals. Repeated sightings in this area and the presence of suitable habitat suggest a probable breeding. The increased number of data in western Slovenia during the last decade might be a consequence of more frequent field visits by ornithologists. Moreover, the presence of the Middle Spotted Woodpecker in this part of the country might be linked to the gradual spreading of forests and the maturing of oak stands already present here. In the above-mentioned areas, further investigations and systematic censuses are therefore needed in the coming springs.

Section: Uvodunclassified

Review of Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos medius distribution in the Karst region (W Slovenia), results of the first systematic census and first recorded breeding of the species in the area

Cernich

Stanič²

2017

“…Due to the importance of habitat use for conservation purpose, it is more and more often part of bird studies in Slovenia, including studies of waterbirds such as of five riverbed species on the Drava river (Božič & Denac 2017), the Mediterranean Shag Gulosus aristotelis , Harriers Circus sp. (Vogrin 1997) and the Mallard Anas platyrhynchos (Bordjan 2020). Also, three studies have been published in Slovenia so far, showing distribution of different wetland species within a selected wetland (Bordjan 2012, Deberšek & Bordjan 2016, Koce 2018), indicating habitat partitioning in those species/groups.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Habitat use by waterbirds at Rački ribniki, NE Slovenia

Bordjan,

Martinc

2021

The difference in habitat use by the observed waterbird species at Rački ribniki (Rače Ponds, NE Slovenia) was studied between June and August 2011. It was assessed that different waterbird species, even closely related species like Aythya ducks, use wetlands differently, with Tufted Ducks A. fuligula observed more on Open water and Ferruginous Ducks A. nyroca more often amongst Floating vegetation. The latter was used more often probably due to the abundance of food in the habitat. Highest species richness was recorded on Floating vegetation as well. This was reflected in species richness of individual ponds, where ponds with more floating vegetation had higher species richness. Although Coots Fulica atra were expected to utilize Floating vegetation more often due to their feeding preferences, they were observed more often on Open water probably feeding on fish fodder available there. The difference in habitat use by the families and nonbreeding individuals of the same species was noted, too, mostly by observing families in habitats that provide more cover from predators (Reeds), or more invertebrate food (Floating vegetation) for the young that often feed on different food than adults. Furthermore, it was suggested that overall management of wetlands should consider providing more suitable wetlands with larger aquatic vegetation cover.

“…One deals with the bird's diet (Kozinc 1999), one with conservation (Luskovec 1990) and one with unusual influx (Hanžel 2015). Considering all our journals, papers on Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus (Mihelič & Genero 2005), White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla (Vrezec et al 2009), Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus (Šumrada & Hanžel 2012) and Red Kite Milvus milvus (Bordjan 2017) submit a more detailed review of the status of certain birds of prey in Slovenia. Moreover, in the past 50 years, out of 38 Raptor species (also including Birds of Prey) 71% were part of a monitoring scheme and only 18% of species were part of national monitoring, while others were included in more or less local studies (Vrezec 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Black Kite Milvus migrans in Slovenia – its distribution, phenology, breeding and habitat

Bordjan

2018

Self Cite

Between 1984 and 2017, 1,388 Black Kites were recorded, mostly in lowlands with 70% of observations made at Dravsko polje. They were observed from sea level to around 1,600 m a.s.l. with an average elevation of 271 m a.s.l. The species was present in Slovenia from mid-March to early December with indistinct spring and autumn migrations. The highest number of observations was recorded in May. The Black Kite was observed in 71 out of 238 10x10 km grid squares in Slovenia (29.8%), with more observations around known breeding sites and at sites with higher observer effort. Both the number of observations and the number of probable and confirmed breeding pairs increased. In 2011–2018, 10 breeding pairs were found at 7 sites (3–7 per year). Additionally, 11 probable breeding pairs at 9 sites (0–6 pairs per year) were found. The breeding population in 2011–2018 is estimated at 10–21 pairs with an average breeding density of 0.3–0.9 breeding pairs per 100 km2. The highest density was recorded at Dravsko polje with 0.6–2.2 breeding pairs per 100 km2. If possible breeding (breeding attempts) were also taken into consideration, the estimate would be up to five breeding pairs higher. The species was recorded at known breeding sites in most years after the breeding was confirmed. Black Kites were observed closer to larger water bodies and to rubbish tips than expected by chance. More Black Kites were recorded in areas with a lower percentage of forest and arable land and a higher percentage of meadows, settlements and wetlands.