Abstract
In this paper, the author presents revision of the investigations of birds from the Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka, which summarizes data obtained for the past 50 years. According to the latest revision, the avifauna of this region includes 91 species (53 nesting species). There are no region-specific species. The discovery and status of the Grey crowned Rosy finch (Leucosticte tephrocotis) requires a reliable verification. The high species diversity of birds in a small area (31.5 km2) may be explained by the biotope diversity in the area, which is associated with the geothermal activity at the border of forest and subalpine vegetation. The weighted average bird population density is 211.8 pairs/km2. Its appearance is subalpine with a small proportion of forest species. Twelve (12) species are listed in the Red Data Books of Russia and (or) Kamchatka. The most significant findings are the regular wintering of the Solitary Snipe (Gallinago solitaria), the possible reproduction of the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), the background status of the Rustic Bunting (Ocyris rusticus). The mudflow that passed through the Geysernaya Valley on June 7, 2007 had a catastrophic impact on the natural appearance of the central part of the Valley of Geysers. Variants of its effects on birds are discussed. Geothermal activity determines the possibility of wintering of a number of species in subalpine harsh conditions, a shift in the timing of periodic events in the life of birds, including earlier reproduction, the possibility of nesting on extremely warm ground, behavioral characteristics during incubation and other features of bird ecology.
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