POPULATION STATUS AND CHANGES OF CORNCRAKE (CREX CREX) AND COMMON QUAIL (COTURNIX COTURNIX) IN SUVALKIJA REGION

Abstract

The Corncrake and the Common quail – these species are classified as birds that, due to their lifestyle and habitat specificity, are sensitive to agricultural changes, habitat loss, and climate change. Meanwhile, the Suvalkija region, known for its intensive farming and agricultural activity, may have a negative impact on the populations of these birds. The aim of this study is to assess the population status and changes of Corncrakes (Crex crex) and Common quails (Coturnix coturnix) in Suvalkija region over the past 25 years (in selected locations). The study was conducted from May to July 2024. Observations were carried out twice at the same locations using nocturnal bird surveys. A total of six observation areas and 113 observation points were examined. The corncrake population consisted of 26 breeding pairs, with a bird density of 1.4 pairs per 10 km². The quail population consisted of 19 breeding pairs, with a bird density of 1.0 pairs per 10 km². Over 25 years, the corncrake population declined by 11.8%, while the population density of pairs decreased by 10.5%. In contrast, the quail population increased by 14.3%, and the population density of pairs increased by 28.6%.  Throughout the entire study area, both corncrakes and quails preferred perennial meadows and pastures as their habitats. Corncrakes avoided winter cereals the most, quails – fields with industrial crops. When analyzing only the locations where birds were detected, both species primarily selected mixed-plant meadows and oat fields. Corncrakes avoided barley the most, quails – triticale fields.