Nest Destruction Research Articles

Local ecological knowledge and community perceptions of a nascent arribada beach in Costa Rica

Arribadas present many research challenges, such as establishing historical baselines and the elucidation of their formation and evolution. For local communities arribadas mean addressing shifts in areas such as tourism, sea turtle egg extraction and animal predation dynamics, representing a potential catalyst for changing attitudes towards sea turtle conservation. This study aims to provide insights about the onset and evolution of Corozalito, a nascent Costa Rican arribada beach, by compiling local ecological knowledge (LEK), and by identifying the local perceptions towards the mass nesting event and its socio-economic and conservation impacts. From October to December 2018, we conducted two types of semi-structured interviews: 10 to key informants (KIs) gathering LEK of Corozalito arribada and 15 to local respondents assessing perceptions about this phenomenon. According to KIs, Corozalito arribadas started in the late 1990s, early 2000s, exhibiting a growing trend in magnitude and frequency, which is consistent with published monitoring data. There was a general basic understanding among community members about the importance of sea turtle conservation. Regarding threats to sea turtles during arribadas, animal nest predation was the most frequently mentioned; nonetheless, most respondents attributed it to a natural process. In contrast, sea turtle egg extraction presented the most divided opinions, being reported as a source of conflict in the past for the community. Most respondents expressed concerns about egg removal for commercial purposes. Clutch density, nest destruction, and legal egg extraction in similar arribada sites, were occasionally mentioned as arguments favoring sea turtle egg extraction. Additionally, there was a general feeling that tourism should be promoted with regulations for economic revenue in the short-term. Overall, this study provides useful information about the establishment and evolution of Corozalito arribadas along with its impacts on the local community, which can inform future management and conservation strategies.

Assessment of Stingless Bee Production Potentials, Distribution, and Constraints in West Hararghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was proposed to assess the stingless bee production potentials, distribution, and constraints in West Hararghe Zone Oromia Regional State Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was used. A structured and semi-structured questionnaire was prepared and data were collected by using the purposive sampling method. A total of 80 respondents were interviewed and practical field investigations were conducted. According to the study results, about 59.26%, 100%, 77.78%, and 21.05% of respondents in Sire Gudo, Sire Qallo, Sire Qallo Gato, and Sire Qallo Haro Xaxe respectively get stingless bees suddenly without searching. As per the study's findings about 74.07%, 0%, 44.44% and 68.42% of respondents in Sire Gudo, Sire Qallo, Sire Qallo Gato and Sire Qallo Haro Xaxe kebeles reported that no management was given for stingless bee. According to the present findings about 51.85%, 0%, 22.22%, and 21.05% of respondents in Sire Gudo, Sire Qallo, Sire Qallo Gato and Sire Qallo Haro Xaxe kebeles reported that honey harvesting is the challenge of stingless bee production. In Gemechis district there was indigenous knowledge regarding stingless bee production, the searching method of stingless bees, honey harvesting from stingless bees, the use of stingless bees, and constraints/challenges of stingless bee production. The main challenge of stingless bee production in the study district was nest destruction during honey harvesting. In general, the overall stingless bee production in the study area was hopeful and to establish a sustainable stingless bee production, proper management and adaptation of stingless bees in artificial hive is essential. Once more, further study is required to study the production potential, of this bee in the rest part of the West Hararghe Zone.

Impact of pine processionary caterpillar toxins in canine: Clinical implications and treatment of a severe case

This case report details the clinical consequences of a dog's contact with the pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), emphasizing the relevance of this issue in endemic areas. The study describes a seven-month-old German Shepherd that presented with lingual edema, necrosis, and systemic signs of sepsis following contact with the caterpillar. Therapeutic interventions included the removal of urticating hairs, the use of corticosteroids, antibiotics, nutritional support, and induced coma to control pain and inflammation. The animal's recovery was successful after intensive treatment. This case highlights the need for rigorous preventive measures, such as the destruction of nests and the use of insecticides, in addition to raising awareness among pet owners about the risks. The conclusion underscores the lack of specific treatments for the toxins of the pine processionary caterpillar and the need for further research to improve the clinical management of these intoxications.

Conspecific nest destruction by black vulture (Coragyps atratus)

Conspecific nest destruction by black vulture (Coragyps atratus)

Beach erosion aggravates the drastic decline in marine turtle populations in French Guiana

Yalimapo beach, near the Maroni River estuary in French Guiana, is an important turtle nesting site. The interaction of massive mud banks migrating alongshore from the distant Amazon River with discharge from the Maroni River generates strong beach morpho-sedimentary changes. The eventual degradation of the marine turtle nesting habitats resulting from these changes represents a threat to the offspring, and consequently, to the turtle population. Field operator counts of green and leatherback turtle nests were combined with high-resolution topographic measurements of the beach over four field surveys in 2012 and 2014 to map the topographic modifications susceptible to affect nesting on Yalimapo beach. We assumed that the survival of nests was at stake when the depth of sand between the egg chamber and the topographic surface (i.e. the top) of the beach was < 50 cm, and that beach surface lowering > 10 cm represented unfavourable conditions for nest safety with unequal nest survival across the beach. Erosion of the beach surface exceeding a depth of 50 cm therefore results in nest destruction. Digital elevation models were produced to quantify the topographic modification of nesting on Yalimapo beach and highlight the endangered nesting areas. As the modification of the beach is not linear, some sectors are more eroded than others, resulting in unequal nest survival across the beach. Overall, up to 40% of the nests were presumed destroyed over the 2 years of survey, but true losses would depend on the species and the preferential locations of their nesting habitats. The relatively unfavourable conditions that prevailed during the 2 years of the survey are consistent with persistent erosion of Yalimpao beach since 2011. This ongoing erosion could explain in part the drastic decline of the leatherback turtle population in western French Guiana over the period 2001–2018. The substrate quality and dynamics of the nesting beach in relation to the preferred nesting habitat of each species are therefore critical issues that should be considered in the conservation strategies of marine turtles. The beach nesting conditions of marine turtles in French Guiana, as elsewhere, could be further aggravated in the future by climate change effects, including sea-level rise.

Real-time impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cutaneous leishmaniasis case finding and strategic planning, preventive interventions, control and epidemiology in a region with a high burden of cutaneous leishmaniasis and COVID-19: A cross-sectional descriptive study based on registry data in Ilam-Iran.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a severe parasitic disease affecting people, mostly in underdeveloped nations. As a zoonotic infection yearly incidence of CL depends on several parameters such as demographic, epidemiological, and environmental factors as well as prevention and control measures. The sudden outbreak of pandemics such as SARS-Corona-Virus-2 pandemic, can probably affect the incidence or reporting of other diseases, especially infectious diseases, in various ways such as pressure on health systems, providing sanitary services and its components, lockdowns and changes in people's living habits. This study aimed to evaluate the COVID-19 impact on the incidence and other epidemiological aspects as well as control measures of CL in Ilam Province-Iran. Required data was extracted from the CL registration system in Ilam from 2014 to 2021 to demonstrate the trend of CL incidence before and after COVID-19 pandemic. Based on our results, a declining pattern of CL incidence was observed, accompanied by the advent and intensification of the viral pandemic in Iran and Ilam province. Although, this decreasing pattern was not integral in all areas, and even increase in CL detection was emphasized in some regions. It may be inferred that the COVID-19 pandemic may disrupt treatment programs of CL cases, rodent nest destruction, and fighting vector insects.

Reproduction of the Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus at the El Maleh Dam reservoir in north-western Morocco

The reproduction of the Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus in submerged and dried up thickets of French tamarisk Tamarix gallica at El Maleh Dam reservoir, Benslimane Province, Morocco, was studied through monitoring nests in three successive years (2017–2019). Systematic field investigation showed that the nests were concentrated exclusively in a narrow and shallow area upstream of the dam. The abundance of tamarisk is a determining factor in the breeding success of the Western Marsh Harrier at this site, by supporting the nests and giving them some protection from predation while the birds are close to agricultural fields, a favourable hunting ground. A study of individual broods revealed a relatively small clutch size (3.5 eggs per nest) and that incubation took 32 days on average. Compared with previous reports for this species elsewhere, the chicks fledged relatively early (33 or 35 days), but with a low fledgling success rate not exceeding 33.9%. The low fledgling success is partly attributable to the structure of the habitat, as the dense dry vegetation above the water level limits the movement of chicks out of nests yet favours the drowning of those that fall from the nest. Breeding success is influenced by a reduction in hunting territory caused by drops in the water level during periods of drought, poor climate conditions, and disturbance caused by human activities in the reservoir lake and riparian farmland. In addition to these environmental factors, nest failure due to nest destruction is related to the experience of the pairs in choosing the nesting site and their ability to weave the nest-building materials. Further study is needed on the characteristics of this highly specific habitat and its state of conservation, the reproduction of coexisting bird populations, and human activities around the breeding site.

Опыт использования гнездовых платформ для степного орла на юге Костанайской области, Казахстан

Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) population currently continues to decline in Kazakhstan, the south of the Kostanay region is no exception. The reasons for the decline are of different nature, both abiotic and biotic, and include the following: destruction of nests by land predators (most often Steppe Eagle nests are located on the ground); steppe fires are of great threat, and the fact that some nests are located on trees and bushes does not help, but rather aggravates the situation; destruction of nests by livestock; developing new areas for farms, etc., as a result, Steppe Eagles are forced to leave favorable nesting territories; electrocution on power poles as Steppe Eagles use traverses to build nests. Artificial structures, such as nesting platforms, are widely used to attract raptors. During the implementation of the project “Steppe Eagle Conservation in Kazakhstan” within the international campaign “Flyway Champions”, 35 platforms were installed in favorable Steppe Eagle nesting biotopes in “Saga” and “Altybay” hunting grounds (managed by ACBK – Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan) in the South of the Kostanay region in the summer of 2021. The design is made entirely of metal, consists of a support with a cross section of 100×100 mm and a height of 3 m, where 1 m is buried in the ground, and a “basket” with dimensions of 1×1 m installed at the top. Various shrub and tree branches are placed and attached to the “basket”, designed to imitate an active nest. This design is protected from terrestrial predators, and most importantly, from steppe fires. In the breeding season of 2022, Steppe Eagles occupied three platforms, in 2023 – two. It is noteworthy that a pair of eagles used the same nest in both seasons. As an experiment, in 2021 an old nest of Long-Legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) was moved to one of the platforms, and in 2023 it was occupied. In 2022, one of three pairs left the nest for unknown reasons after completing it; in the remaining two, a clutch of two eggs was observed; later we observed down feathers, but only one nestling remained in the nest by the time of the departure. In 2023, clutches on two platforms consisted of two eggs each, but later two and one nestling were observed there, having left the nest in the same number. Nesting platforms also serve as a “perch” for a number of birds, and after the use by Steppe Eagles, Indian Sparrow (Passer indicus) occupies them; the number of such a colony reached 13–16 nests. It is also worth noting that sometimes the distance between occupied nesting platform and occupied natural nest is less than 2 km, which suggests that there is a need for this biotechnical activity.

Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatching success at Raine and Heron Islands

Raine Island, the world’s largest green turtle nesting location, has low nest hatching success. The main causes of this low hatching success are thought to be nest destruction by subsequent nesting females, and inundation of nests during high tides and storm surges. But even nests that are protected from nest destruction and inundation appear to have relatively low hatching success, with most of the embryo mortality occurring early in incubation. Here, I compare hatching success and developmental phase of embryo death of protected ‘dry’ nests from Raine Island (RI) with similar nests from Heron Island (HI), a nesting location previously reported as having high hatching success. Nests at both sites were sampled close to the peak time of nesting (December). Twenty-eight nests were sampled at RI and 14 nests at HI. Nest temperatures were cooler during the first week of incubation at HI (median 26.9°C) than at RI (median 30.1°C), but three-days-in-a-row maximum nest temperatures were higher at HI (median 36.0°C) than at RI (median 33.5°C). I found the hatching success of sampled nests at both locations was similar, ~70%, but most embryo death occurred early in incubation at RI (median 16.5%) compared to HI (median 3.8%), but late in incubation at HI (median 4.9%) compared to RI (median 0.2%).

О гнездовании степного орла в Дагестане

О гнездовании степного орла в Дагестане

Мониторинг солнечного орла в национальном парке «Хвалынский» (Саратовская область, Россия)

Мониторинг солнечного орла в национальном парке «Хвалынский» (Саратовская область, Россия)

Первые шаги в сохранении степного орла в центральной части Костанайской области с использованием искусственных гнездовий (Республика Казахстан)

The Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) nests across a great swath of Kostanay Oblast. The greatest number and density of nesting pairs is concentrated in to the south. Northernmost nesting points are located in Kamysty, Auliekol and Naurzum districts, located centrally in the oblast. In July 2023 Naurzum Community Environmental Organization initiated a project jointly with Naurzum State Nature Reserve and with the financial support of the Global Greengrants Fund to install nesting platforms for Steppe Eagles. The project area covers the districts of Nauru and southern Auliekol. Naurzum State Nature Reserve is also located here and has great importance for biodiversity conservation in the region. There are 10–12 Steppe Eagle nesting sites located directly within the reserve and its buffer zone, and another 8–10 sites on adjacent territories. Among the threats facing Steppe Eagles, fire is the biggest issue, often burning large areas. Another challenge is periodic decline in food supply, generally resulting from mainly epizootic disease in the Little Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus pygmaeus). To a lesser extent, the Destruction of nests by predators and domestic animals, as well as bird-hazardous power lines also have negative impacts, albeit to lesser extents. 34 nesting platforms will be installed in the reserve’s buffer zone and adjacent areas as part of the project. Installation sites include both active nesting sites for birds and prospective areas to attract new pairs.

High density and successful breeding of Turtle doves Streptopelia turtur in Moroccan olive groves.

The turtle dove is a migratory species that has suffered a rapid decline principally across its Northern ranges, despite pronounced conservation measures. Consequently, it has been categorized as 'Near Threatened' in Europe. Degradation of breeding habitats and a decrease in food resources are listed as principal causes of this decline. Despite its importance, the productivity of the North African population is widely unknown. Here we present the first estimation of the density of the breeding population and the superior reproductively of Streptopelia turtur arenicola in Morocco and entire North Africa. This study was carried out for two seasons 2018-2019 in the Saïss plain, central Morocco. Based on previous data, doves were monitored weekly, from early March to late August, in aquatic ecosystems (two dams and one river) and farmlands (cereals and orchards). The breeding population was censused using the "point-count" method, following a walked transect of 5 km in orchards, 7 km in cereal fields, and 3 km along the river. Equally, nests were searched in natural habitats counting riparian trees, forests, and ornamental trees, and in orchards based on the Common Birds Census (CBC) methodology, in which the singing doves, mating pairs, nesting, and/or feeding behavior were the most monitored signs to discover nests. In orchards, nests were searched line-by-line based on the rows of fruit trees. For each recorded nest, we note the breeding chronology, clutch size and incubation period, success and failure factors, dimensions, and vertical placement on trees. To evaluate the predictors of doves' occurrence, we noted at each site the presence of cereals, water, human disturbance, presence of nesting trees, and predators. In total, 3,580 turtle doves (22.37 birds/ha), including 240 breeding pairs, were documented. Nesting occurred mainly in olive groves, cereals were used for forage, and aquatic ecosystems for water sources. The nesting period lasted from late April to July (last fledglings). All nests were located on olive trees at a height of 225.30 ± 48.87 cm. The clutch size was 1.98 ± 0.13 (laid eggs/built nests), the incubation period lasted 14.16 ± 1.32 days, and the rearing period lasted 16.54 ± 1.76 days. The breeding success among the 240 monitored nests accounted for 73.84% during the nesting phase and 87.42% during the incubation phase; 71.5%% of nestlings have fledged, which is the highest success rate for turtle doves in Europe and Northwest Africa. Clutches were aborted mostly due to predation from snakes (7.5% of nests, 16.12% of eggs, and 5.63% of chicks), nest desertion (9.16% of nests and 5.37% of eggs), and marginally by the destruction of nests through farming activities. These findings are important for conservation plans, to restore turtle doves' habitats in Europe, where the species is widely declining.

Вплив куниці лісової (Martes martes) на гніздування птахів у штучних гніздівлях північного сходу України

Passerines are the most threatened by predators during the nesting period. According to the results of visual observa-tions conducted during 2019−2021 in forests of north-eastern Ukraine, a high proportion of bird nests destructed by the pine marten (Martes martes) in artificial nest boxes was revealed. The impact of the predator was assessed ac-cording to the following signs: the front wall of the nest box fell off, the bird’s nest was destroyed and torn, traces of claws on the front wall of the nest box, fragments of feathers and bones of the bird found nearby. In the pine forest of the Hetmansky National Nature Park near Kamenka village, the share of destroyed by the pine marten nests increased during 2019−2021 from 15.6% to 36.0% and 45.2%, respectively. In a forest of the Homilshansky Lisy National Nature Park near Zadonetske village, the largest share of nests ruined by the forest marten was 51.1% in 2020 and 33.3% in 2021. Cases of predation predominated in net boxes with nests of Parus major in the third dec-ade of May (21.05−31.05)—15.9% (n = 47) in the Homilshansky Lisy National Nature Park; F. albicollis in the first decade of June (01.06−10.06)—19.1% (n = 43) in the Hetmansky National Nature Park near Kamenka village. In general, the results indicate an increase in the destruction of nests in nest boxes by the pine marten in the first dec-ade of June (01.06−10.06) and in the first or second decade of July (01.07−20.07) for most bird species, including Parus major, Ficedula albicollis, Phoenicurus phoenicurus, Ficedula hypoleuca, and Erithacus rubecula. At the end of the third decade of February and during March, an inspection of nest boxes showed that a large number of adults of Parus major spend the night in the nest boxes. At the same time, in 2021, their share was 15% (n = 100), of which 10% became victims to the forest marten in the Homilshansky Lisy National Nature Park near Zadonetske village. In the territory of Hetmansky National Nature Park near Kamenka village, in 2020, Parus major was also the main victim of the pine marten, with a share of 5.0% (n = 120). Among the adult birds in the nest boxes that did not form breeding pairs or of which, eventually, the male or female died, the inspection of nest boxes also revealed cases of predation by the pine marten.

House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) do not make good neighbours: Interspecific clutch destruction of Common Swifts (Apus apus)

Abstract Following extensive renovation of urban areas of central Israel, and in the framework of a research project of supplying nest-boxes for urban breeding birds, especially Common Swifts Apus apus, we documented interspecific nest destruction by House Sparrows Passer domesticus. In two separate incidents the House Sparrows entered the nest chamber of the swifts and removed the eggs by puncturing them. In one, the incident occurred early enough in the breeding season and allowed the Common Swift pair to renest and successfully fledge two young.

Урбанизированная популяция тихоокеанской чайки на Южных Курилах

Comparison of 2015's data on the abundance and distribution of Slaty-backed Gull nests in the settlement of Yuzhno-Kurilsk (Kunashir Island) with counts of nests and chicks conducted in 2020, permits to assess the changes that have occurred in the developing urbanized population within a shor-time period. The total number of gulls breeding on the building roofs has more than quadrupled: 80 nests in 2015 compared to 328, in 2020. All basic nesting patterns of nesting in the settlement correspond to those usual for large gulls in urbanized conditions: concentration of the nest mass in denser colonies on a few industrial and administrative buildings, nest locations near obstacles (pipes, superstructures, walls, etc.). Breeding success is high, especially in colonies (1.4 chicks per pair). Periodic struggle of people against gulls (nest destruction) leads to repeated clutches, which extends the nesting period. No other options available for safe placement of nests can cause this population nesting in the settlement.

Reproductive success of threatened northern Lesser Black Backed Gulls (Larus fuscus fuscus) in relation to nest predation by Ravens (Corvus corax)

Many seabird populations suffer heavily from the destruction of nests by generalist predators. In this study, we analyzed 16 years of data (2005–2020) on the reproductive output of the northern Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus fuscus) at Horsvær, the largest assemblage of this subspecies in Norway (up to ca. 400 pairs), in relation to the occurrence of breeding Ravens (Corvus corax). A pair of Ravens were firstly discovered at Horsvær in 2010, and between 2011 and 2016 they were observed with broods (2–5 fledglings) in most years. Between 2017 and 2020, human intervention prevented the Ravens from breeding in the colony. However, in 2020 a pair of Ravens brought their fledglings over from a neighboring island in the middle of the incubation period for the gulls. On average, the nest predation rate was 43% when Ravens had fledglings within the study area. In contrast, only 10% of nests were depredated in years when Ravens did not reproduce successfully or were absent. Moreover, only 0.07 fledglings were on average produced per nest in years when Ravens bred successfully, compared to 0.71 fledglings per nest in years with no Raven reproduction. A high level of nest predation led to a decline in the number of nesting gulls, which was not observed in a neighboring Raven-free colony. Finally, in years with high Raven predation at Horsvær, production of fledglings was still high in yet another nearby Lesser Black-backed Gull colony. The Ravens were established at Horsvær in the absence of people in the spring, and the only option to save these threatened gulls may be to prevent the Ravens from nesting successfully in or near their colonies.

Method for Nest Detection of the Yellow-Legged Hornet in High Density Areas.

The Asian hornet Vespa velutina is a social predator that has invaded several countries of Europe and Asia, impacting pollinators, apiculture and human health. One of the few effective control methods developed so far is the early destruction of nests. However, they are often built within dense vegetation, being difficult to detect. The aim of the method described here is to detect nests with a simple procedure, utilizing readily available materials, for widespread use in infested areas. The method has two phases, the first phase involves capturing and marking hornets, lured to a protein bait, and recording the flight directions of individuals to the nest and the time needed to complete a bait-nest-bait round trip, to estimate the distance. Collecting this information from two (or more) bait stations allows to delineate the approximate location of the nest. The second phase aims to determine the precise location of the nest, using sugary baits in the vicinity of the nest and conspicuous marks attached to the released hornets, to visually follow them up to their nest. This method is an alternative to other methods that are either ineffective in areas with high nest density or require expensive equipment and specialized training.

The Breeding Ecology of Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula on Farmland in the Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Research on the breeding ecology of birds is key to understanding not only their ecological, evolutionary and behavioral traits but also for developing effective conservation strategies. We studied the breeding ecology of Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula on farmland in the Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan from April to July 2018. Nests were searched systematically in all potential farmland sites. A total of 39 nests was found, of which 25 were active. Nests were cup shaped or somewhat oblong mainly concealed within 15–25-cm tall grasses. Nests were constructed of local grasses and dry leaves of trees and local crops. The average nest mass was 17.20±0.9 g. Average nest measurements were: outer diameter 9.17±0.8 cm, inner diameter 7.65±0.6 cm and inner cup depth 6.45±0.5 cm. Eggs were oval in shape and dusty-grey in colour with dark grayish spots more concentrated on the broader end. The average egg mass was 3.0±0.13 g. Average egg measurements were: width 2.30±0.4 cm, egg length 3.25±0.17 cm2 and egg volume 3.68±0.07 cm3. The average incubation lasted 12.08±0.7 days and the nestling period was 12.59±0.5 days. The average clutch size was 3.16±0.9 eggs, and brood size averaged 2.76±0.7 nestlings. Fledgings were found from early May to late July. The average number of young fledged was 2.18±0.7 and overall breeding success was 60.75%. Results suggest that farmland represents a good yet risky breeding habitat for the skylarks. Factors such as nest destruction, grazing, predation, agricultural disturbance and human intervention are affecting the breeding success of Oriental Skylark in Pakistan.

Breeding Biology, Chronology, and Reproductive Success of the European Serin (Serinus serinus) at Moulouya High Plain (Morocco)

The European serin (Serinus serinus) is one of the best examples of a species in the western Palaearctic that has expanded its distribution ranges in current periods. However, the breeding features of serin are not well known and were restricted for some localities, as well as there have not been any deep and comparable studies on its mortality and menacing factors. This study investigates breeding biology, including breeding chronology, nesting strategies, and reproductive success of the European serin in farmland and woodland habitats at Moulouya high plain (Morocco), during 2016. Results showed that, at high-altitude breeding habitats, the European serin started breeding activity lately by 25 April (construction of the first nest) and continued until 19 July (last fledging date). Moreover, most nests (96.42%) were found in farmlands, mainly in apple orchards. Two broods were recorded between April-May and June-July, and the clutch size was an average of 3.04 ± 0.13 eggs/nest. For reproductive success, among the 65 examined nests, 73.84% were active during the nest construction phase and 87.42% of eggs have succeeded during the incubation phase. Reproductive success was higher (93.83%) during fledging. Clutches were failed due to predation (15.9%), nest desertion (14.35%), and destruction of nests (8.88%). Finally, our study highlights that the European serin breeds in high-altitude zones with late and shorter breeding seasons, which might allow this bird to avoid high lands’ vigorous climate conditions and their effect on breeding success.