Habitat preferences of granivorous passerine birds wintering on farmland in eastern Poland

Abstract

Capsule Fallow land, manure heaps and stubble were the most important habitats for birds wintering in low-intensity farmland in eastern Poland. Aims To describe habitat types and to determine the preferences of granivorous passerines in open farmland in eastern Poland. Methods Small passerines were counted along ten 1-km-long transects in three seasons from 2003 to 2006 in open, strongly fragmented farmland in eastern Poland. Results Birds were recorded in eight habitat types of different significance for particular species. More than 50% of individuals and the highest number of species were recorded on stubble and fallow land. The glm model showed the influence of fallow areas and the presence of the other habitats on bird species numbers. The preference index was significantly higher for manure heaps than for other habitats. Conclusion The open agricultural landscape in eastern Poland provides attractive habitats for wintering granivorous birds, such as stubble and fallow land. These birds also use the manure heaps that are a feature of traditional, low-intensity farmland.