Remains of small domestic and game birds from medieval sites in Hungary

Abstract

This paper presents the occurrence of small domestic and wild bird species in medieval assemblages from Hungary. They were present at all types of sites and both in hand retrieved and sieved assemblages, respectively. Nevertheless, the diversity of small birds is twice as large at the high-status settlements as compared to urban and rural sites. Furthermore, small species are represented in a greater number and their remains are more likely to be found in bone assemblages recovered through sieving in addition to recovery by hand. Due to recent excavations first evidence of the blackbird (Turdus merula), the redwing (T. iliacus) and the song thrush (T. philomelos) as well as the largest amount of domestic pigeon (Columba domestica) from medieval Hungarian sites were found. The abundance and spread of the latter species is discussed and illustrated for the first time in this study.