THE ABUNDANCE AND HABITAT SELECTION OF THE RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (FICEDULA PARVA) IN WESTERN LITHUANIA

Abstract

Based on scientific research it is believed that the population of red-breasted flycatcher in Lithuania is declining. Important Bird Areas (SPAs) should be established for this bird species, but there is still a lack of data on the populations and habitats of the red-breasted flycatcher in different regions of Lithuania. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the ecological factors that determine the choice of nesting sites for the red-breasted flycatcher in the Šilutė and Tauragė districts. A total of 38 areas were selected in these districts for counting. Fieldwork was carried out in the spring, during the bird breeding season. The counts were performed using a single visit method, walking through the study area every 150–200 m. The red-breasted flycatcher was identified by its song and information about its location was recorded in a special table, where the habitat was assessed according to various indicators. A total of 40 red-breasted flycatchers were recorded, 6 of which were found outside the research locations. Analysis of the collected data showed that the average abundance of red-breasted flycatcher in Šilutė District is 0,88 pairs per plot, while in Tauragė District it is 0,93 pairs per plot. A trend was also observed that the habitats of red-breasted flycatchers were dominated by maturing and mature, taller and larger diameter stands, dominated by Norway spruce, silver birch, and aspen. Despite the observed trends, no statistically significant influence of habitat parameters on species abundance was found.