Characteristics of visible autumn migrations of the Dunnock prunella modularis (Linnaeus, 1758) in National Park “Prypiat-Stokhid” in 2012-2017

Abstract

The aim. The main purpose of the study was to find out the peculiarities of autumn migrations of birds, in particular such little-studied species as the Dunnock. This is necessary for the development and implementation of a management plan in the National Park for a whole complexes of migratory birds and separate species, first of all rare or small in number quantity.Materials and methods. Our research was conducted at the Prypiat River near Svalovychi village in Liubeshiv district, Volyn region of Ukraine in September and October 2012–2017. Observations were performed visually, starting in the morning half an hour before sunrise and ending in the evening half an hour after sunset (all hours of the light part of a day, without interruption). The light part of a day was divided into hour of observations, taking into the daily changes of sunrise and sunset. Flight altitude was determined visually, and flight directions – by 8 rhumbs.Results. There were 2124 individuals of the Dunnock counted during the study of visible autumn migration birds at one observation point in 2012–2017. The most bird migrated in flocks, but a significant part of them flew alone. The most numerous migrants this species were in small flocks – 2–5 individuals (89.9 % of all counted birds in flocks). There are from 2 to 38 individuals in one flock, on average – 3.2±0.15 individuals. The main passage lasted from the 2nd decade of September to the middle of the 2nd decade of October. The majority of them flew in the morning, in the first 3 hours of observations (75.5–83.5 % of all counted birds in different years, in average 79.6 %). The majority birds of this species were observed in flight within altitudes between 30 and 40 m (59.4 %) and the predominant direction of flight was W (52.4 %) and some less – SW (45.4 %).Conclusions. According to the results of 6-years research, the peculiarities of visible autumn migrations of the Dunnock have been clarified (the main passage – the 2nd decade of September – middle of the 2nd decade of October, majority of birds flew in the first 3 hours of observations, used altitudes between 30 and 40 m and the W and SW directions of passage). The results of our research are the basis for the further study of this species, planning and implementation of conservation measures for birds in the National Park “Prypiat-Stokhid”. The obtained data are also a supplement to the state of study of this species in Ukraine