Nesting and non-nesting occurrence of the short-eared owl Asio flammeus in the Záhorie region (SW Slovakia)

Abstract

Abstract The short-eared owl is a regular migrant and hibernant in the Záhorie region (SW Slovakia), though this species mostly escapes attention. In 1998 the species was found nesting in this region, and in 2012 individuals showing territorial behaviour were regularly observed, with high probability of nesting. Nesting habitats were localities with a high representation of meadows, corresponding to the preferred nesting sites in Slovakia. The foraging range of wintering birds was comparable with those from neighbouring regions (W Slovakia, Hungary), but with a higher number of harvest mice Micromys minutus and long-tailed field mice Apodemus sylvaticus. In both years when the nesting of birds was recorded, snowfall was significantly lower. Food sources were not monitored at these localities.