Rallus Aquaticus Research Articles

A quantitative ring recovery analysis of migration in European Water Rails Rallus aquaticus

The Water Rail Rallus aquaticus is generally regarded as a facultative migrant in which migration patterns vary geographically. However, quantitative analyses of migration directions and how migration distances vary across Europe are hitherto lacking. We analysed recoveries of Water Rails ringed in Europe and tested for a general migration direction in this material. From previous literature descriptions we predicted birds to migrate farther the longer north and east they breed. More than half of the birds included in the data set were ringed in Germany (48%) and Hungary (12%) and most winter recoveries came from SW coastal Europe. We found that the migratory direction in autumn was strongly oriented towards SW with no effect of latitude or longitude of the breeding site. There were no differences in migration direction between old (2Y+) and young (1Y) birds, or between males and females, although sample sizes were admittedly small in the latter comparison. As predicted, migration distances were positively correlated with both latitude and longitude of breeding sites. We encourage more trapping and ringing of Water Rails breeding and wintering across Europe in order to improve the ring recovery data. The use of modern tracking devices like light-level geolocators also has a high potential of improving our understanding of migratory ecology in this secretive species.

Clutch size and egg repeatability in three elusive bird species: Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), Little Crake (Zapornia parva) and Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus) from north-west Romanian populations

Clutch size and egg repeatability in three elusive bird species: Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), Little Crake (Zapornia parva) and Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus) from north-west Romanian populations

Long-term effects of rotational wetland mowing on breeding birds: evidence from a 30-year experiment

Wetlands are amongst the richest, yet most threatened types of habitats on Earth. One major threat is the modification of water regime for human activities, which disrupts normal ecosystem equilibrium. In lacustrine wetlands, reduced flooding allows shrubs to take over, ultimately leading to a shift towards woody communities. To counter this, wetland managers have initiated a variety of measures, including mowing, burning, and pasturing. Because of the short time frames of previous studies on the subject, little is known on their potential negative side effects on the ecosystem. Here, we evaluate the long-term effect of mowing on breeding populations of the five most abundant species in our central European study area (the reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus, the common reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus, Savi’s warbler Locustella luscinioides, the water rail Rallus aquaticus, and the bearded reedling Panurus biarmicus). This study, of an unprecedented time scale (30 years), shows that rotational mowing has no long-term detrimental effects on birds. However, optimal mowing regime for the birds might often be less frequent than what is usually applied. We recommend that mowing be spaced every 3 years at least, and ideally every 6 years or more. We discuss additional measures that could be implemented to complement mowing. Because of the widespread distribution of the target habitat and species, our study provides readily applicable information for wetland managers in Europe and worldwide.

The Response of Water Rails (Rallus aquaticus) To the Playback of Conspecific and Heterospecific Calls

ABSTRACT We studied the response of Water Rails (Rallus aquaticus) to conspecific and heterospecific playback to reveal any variation in reaction to playbacks of rail and crake and if and how these reactions change in intensity. Ten observation points, 100 m from each other within a reedbed, were selected. We made our observations three times a day over three days in three sessions (Apr, Jun, and Sept). We quantified the response of Water Rails to the playback of conspecifics and the heterospecifics: Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), Corn Crake (Crex crex), Little Crake (Porzana parva), Spotted Crake (P. porzana), and Baillon's Crake (P. pusilla), in terms of phenological periods. We found that there is a difference in aggressive reaction between conspecific and heterospecific playbacks across all sessions and also within each session. The aggressive reaction decreases significantly in the direction (Water Rail = Common Moorhen) > (Corn Crake = Little Crake = Spotted Crake) > (Baillon's Crake), during...

Avian remains from new Upper Pleistocene and Holocene sites in the Spanish Pyrenees

Despite the interest of birds in reconstructing ancient environments, there are but few works concerning Quaternary avian remains. We have the opportunity to show in the present paper, the fossil avian remains of one of the more interesting natural, high-mountanous regions in southern Europe: the Spanish Pyrenees. In the central part of the Pyrenees, in the province of Huesca, Spain, five new paleontological sites with bird remains have been described: La Brecha del Rincón B-9 cave, the B-8 cave (Secús Range), Los Batanes C-4 (Tendeñera Range), and C-15 and D-2 (Lecherines System). Their ages range from the Upper Pleistocene up to the Holocene. At least twenty three taxa are recorded: Galliformes indet., Lagopus muta, Coturnix coturnix, Bonasa bonasia, Rallus aquaticus, Columba oenas, Columba palumbus, Columba sp., Passeriformes indet., Ficedula hypoleuca, Ficedula sp., Lanius sp., Coccothraustes coccothraustes, Phoenicurus ochruros, Oenanthe oenanthe, Corvidae indet., cf. Perisoreus infaustus, Corvus frugilegus, Corvus monedula, Pyrrhocorax sp., Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, Pyrrhocorax graculus, and Aves indet. In this work we present the highest-altitude paleontological record for Coturnix coturnix, Bonasa bonasia, Columba palumbus, and Corvus frugilegus, and the southernmost record of cf. Perisoreus infaustus. The new data go some way towards filling the gap in our information on avian assemblages in the Aragonese Pyrenees (especially by comparison with the vast knowledge that exist on the avian assemblages of the French Pyrenees sites) as well as the gap in what is known about avian assemblages in high-mountain systems, for La Brecha del Rincón B-9 and B-8 are the highest-altitude avian paleontological assemblages described in the Pyrenees Range.

The adaptive value of habitat preferences from a multi-scale spatial perspective: insights from marsh-nesting avian species.

BackgroundHabitat selection and its adaptive outcomes are crucial features for animal life-history strategies. Nevertheless, congruence between habitat preferences and breeding success has been rarely demonstrated, which may result from the single-scale evaluation of animal choices. As habitat selection is a complex multi-scale process in many groups of animal species, investigating adaptiveness of habitat selection in a multi-scale framework is crucial. In this study, we explore whether habitat preferences acting at different spatial scales enhance the fitness of bird species, and check the appropriateness of single vs. multi-scale models. We expected that variables found to be more important for habitat selection at individual scale(s), would coherently play a major role in affecting nest survival at the same scale(s).MethodsWe considered habitat preferences of two Rallidae species, little crake (Zapornia parva) and water rail (Rallus aquaticus), at three spatial scales (landscape, territory, and nest-site) and related them to nest survival. Single-scale versus multi-scale models (GLS and glmmPQL) were compared to check which model better described adaptiveness of habitat preferences. Consistency between the effect of variables on habitat selection and on nest survival was checked to investigate their adaptive value.ResultsIn both species, multi-scale models for nest survival were more supported than single-scale ones. In little crake, the multi-scale model indicated vegetation density and water depth at the territory scale, as well as vegetation height at nest-site scale, as the most important variables. The first two variables were among the most important for nest survival and habitat selection, and the coherent effects suggested the adaptive value of habitat preferences. In water rail, the multi-scale model of nest survival showed vegetation density at territory scale and extent of emergent vegetation within landscape scale as the most important ones, although we found a consistent effect with the habitat selection model (and hence evidence for adaptiveness) only for the former.DiscussionOur work suggests caution when interpreting adaptiveness of habitat preferences at a single spatial scale because such an approach may under- or over-estimate the importance of habitat factors. As an example, we found evidence only for a weak effect of water depth at territory scale on little crake nest survival; however, according to the multi-scale analysis, such effect turned out to be important and appeared highly adaptive. Therefore, multi-scale approaches to the study of adaptive explanations for habitat selection mechanisms should be promoted.

Сезонная динамика гидрофильного орнитокомплекса бухты Круглая (Севастополь, Чёрное море)

Актуальность изучения гидрофильных птиц в городских зонах черноморского побережья обусловлена их важной ролью в структуре прибрежных биоценозов и необходимостью сохранения биоразнообразия в условиях антропогенной трансформации береговой зоны Крыма. Исследована динамика видового состава и численности птиц бухты Круглая (Севастополь). Материал собран в 1995 и 2005–2016 гг. В бухте Круглая установлено пребывание 51 вида водных и околоводных птиц из 8 отрядов. Зимний орнитокомплекс наиболее разнообразен и многочислен (32 вида: 14 Anseriformes, 7 Charadriiformes, 5 Podicipediformes, 3 Gruiformes, 2 Pelecaniformes, 1 Gaviiformes). Регулярно зимуют и количественно доминируют 8 видов – Cygnus olor, Anas platyrhynchos, Aythya ferina, Aythya fuligula, Fulica atra, Larus ridibundus, Larus cachinnans и Larus canus. Определены численность всех видов птиц, возрастной состав Cygnus olor и половой состав Anas platyrhynchos, Aythya ferina и Aythya fuligula. Основу орнитокомплекса составляли бентофаги (не менее 13 видов), ихтиофаги (5) и эврифаги (4). Отмечено 30 пролётных и кочующих видов, преимущественно Charadriiformes (11), Anseriformes (7) и Ciconiiformes (5). Гнездовой орнитокомплекс отсутствовал, только в 2016 г. зарегистрировано гнездование Ixobrychus minutus. Весенний пролёт проходил с конца февраля до мая, осенний –– с августа до первой декады ноября. Для сохранения данной бухты как ценного природного и эколого-воспитательного объекта целесообразно придание ей статуса природного парка.

Habitat complexity and the structure of vocalizations: a test of the acoustic adaptation hypothesis in three rail species (Rallidae)

The acoustic adaptation hypothesis is based on the assumption that senders are directionally selected to maximize transmission and minimize degradation; however, the two aims are not necessarily convergent. In complex habitats, where more effects that might potentially cause attenuation and degradation co‐occur and longer transmission must incur a higher cost, signals should attenuate faster and have shorter transmission ranges. At the same time, such signals should be more resistant to degradation in order to preserve their communicatory function. Based on a sound transmission experiment, we tested the evidence for these predictions using territorial calls of three sympatric species of rails, inhabiting habitats with increasing complexity: Corncrake Crex crex, Spotted Crake Porzana porzana and Water Rail Rallus aquaticus. In the experiment, the calls were broadcasted with similar amplitudes through a heterogeneous habitat inhabited by all three species and rerecorded at different distances up to 320 m. Despite standardized amplitudes and habitats, calls of the species living in simpler habitats had longer transmission ranges but were more susceptible to degradation than calls of the species living in more complex habitats. Our results suggest that narrow frequency bandwidth is an adaptation of species inhabiting complex habitats that helps their calls to degrade less at the cost of stronger attenuation and shorter transmission range. By contrast, wide frequency bandwidth extends the range but increases degradation and thus it is used only by species inhabiting structurally simpler habitats. This study shows that, in more complex habitats, the clarity of the message is preserved at the cost of range.

Multi-scale habitat selection in highly territorial bird species: Exploring the contribution of nest, territory and landscape levels to site choice in breeding rallids (Aves: Rallidae)

Habitat selection often involves choices made at different spatial scales, but the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood, and studies that investigate the relative importance of individual scales are rare. We investigated the effect of three spatial scales (landscape, territory, nest-site) on the occurrence pattern of little crake Zapornia parva and water rail Rallus aquaticus at 74 ponds in the Masurian Lakeland, Poland. Habitat structure, food abundance and water chemical parameters were measured at nests and random points within landscape plots (from 300-m to 50-m radius), territory (14-m) and nest-site plots (3-m). Regression analyses suggested that the most relevant scale was territory level, followed by landscape, and finally by nest-site for both species. Variation partitioning confirmed this pattern for water rail, but also highlighted the importance of nest-site (the level explaining the highest share of unique variation) for little crake. The most important variables determining the occurrence of both species were water body fragmentation (landscape), vegetation density (territory) and water depth (at territory level for little crake, and at nest-site level for water rail). Finally, for both species multi-scale models including factors from different levels were more parsimonious than single-scale ones, i.e. habitat selection was likely a multi-scale process. The importance of particular spatial scales seemed more related to life-history traits than to the extent of the scales considered. In the case of our study species, the territory level was highly important likely because both rallids have to obtain all the resources they need (nest site, food and mates) in relatively small areas, the multi-purpose territories they defend.

<strong>Two new species of the subfamilies Ingrassiinae Gaud & Atyeo , 1981 (Acari: Analgoidea: Xolalgidae) from China</strong>

Abstract Two new species of the feather mite genus Analloptes Trouessart, 1885 (Xolalgidae: Ingrassiinae) are described from birds in China: Analloptes turnicis Mu and Wang sp. nov. ex barred buttonquail, Turnix suscitator (Gmelin, 1789) (Charadriiformes: Turnicidae) from Guizhou; and A. qujingensis Su and Wang sp. nov. ex red-billed chough, Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Corvidae) from Yunnan. Two previously known species are redescribed based on the material from their type hosts collected from China: Analloptes megnini Trouessart, 1885 ex water rail, Rallus aquaticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Gruiformes: Rallidae) from Yunnan, and Dubininia melopsittaci Atyeo and Gaud, 1987 ex budgerigar, Melopsittacus undulatus (Shaw, 1805) (Psittaciformes: Psittaculidae) from Guizhou.

Five new extinct species of rails (Aves: Gruiformes: Rallidae) from the Macaronesian Islands (North Atlantic Ocean)

Five new species of recently extinct rails from two Macaronesian archipelagoes (Madeira and Azores) are described. All the species are smaller in size than their presumed ancestor, the European rail Rallus aquaticus. Two species inhabited the Madeira archipelago: (1) Rallus lowei n. sp., the stouter of the species described herein, was a flightless rail with a robust tarsometatarsus and reduced wings that lived on Madeira Island; (2) Rallus adolfocaesaris n. sp., a flightless and more gracile species than its Madeiran counterpart, inhabited Porto Santo. So far, six Azorean islands have been paleontologically explored, and the remains of fossil rails have been found on all of them. Here we formally describe the best-preserved remains from three islands (Pico, São Miguel and São Jorge): (1) Rallus montivagorum n. sp., a rail smaller than R. aquaticus with a somewhat reduced flying capability, inhabited Pico; (2) Rallus carvaoensis n. sp., a small flightless rail with short and stout legs and a bill apparently more curved than in R. aquaticus, was restricted to São Miguel; (3) Rallus minutus n. sp., a very small (approaching Atlantisia rogersi in size) flightless rail with a shortened robust tarsometatarsus, lived in São Jorge. We note also the presence of rail fossils on three other Azorean islands (Terceira, Graciosa and Santa Maria). In addition, we describe an extraordinarily complete fossil of an unnamed Rallus preserved in silica from the locality of Algar do Carvão on Terceira.

Predation on Artificial Nests Imitating the Broods of Two Rallid Species: The Influence of Habitat Features

ABSTRACT We tested the influence of nest concealment (vegetation type, density and height), water depth and nest distance from the bank on predation rates upon simulated nests of the water rail (Rallus aquaticus) and the little crake (Porzana parva). Broods of both rallids were simulated by real and wax-filled quail (Coturnix coturnix) eggs coloured typically for each species. Three grades of nest concealment were used: uncovered nests located on wooden floating boards, nests hidden in littoral vegetation and nests hidden under a plastic mesh covered with plants, which made them invisible from the air. Concealment proved to have a stronger impact on the fate of artificial nests than water depth; 95% of the nests on boards were depredated after one week of exposure. Nests attached to a peg at water level and hidden in vegetation had survival rates of 18 and 22%, after three weeks of exposure in two experiment repetitions. In 2012, we found significant differences between survival rates of nests located in ...

Habitat variables affecting nest predation rates at small ponds: a case study of the Little Crake Porzana parva and Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

Capsule Nest survival of Water Rail and Little Crake nesting at small, midfield ponds was determined by vegetation density and proximity to the shore, respectively.Aims To determine which habitat variables affect nest predation for two rallid species inhabiting small ponds.Methods Habitat variables describing nest location (water depth, distance to the shore and distance to open water) and nest concealment (density and height of vegetation) were measured for natural and artificial nests. All nests were monitored to determine their fate and to identify nest predators. We used generalized linear models to assess nest survival rates and to evaluate the influence of particular variables.Results Little Crake nest success was negatively correlated with distance to shore (the land-water edge). The survival of Water Rail nests and artificial nests was positively correlated with vegetation density. During three breeding seasons, predation rates on Little Crake nests varied from 22% to 58%, and on Water Rail nests from 36% to 91%. The main predator of natural and artificial nests was the Marsh Harrier (responsible for about 50% of natural and artificial nest failures).Conclusion High Marsh Harrier predation rates (attacks from the air) may explain why water depth did not affect the survival rate of natural and artificial nests and why nest concealment was a factor positively influencing the nest success of the Water Rail and artificial nests. Little Crakes nest successfully closer to the shore, where vegetation is usually denser. Terrestrial mammals could more easily access Water Rail nests, which were situated in shallower water than Little Crake nests, and this may have contributed to the higher rate of nest loss in this species.

Aerobic cloacal and pharyngeal bacterial flora in six species of free-living birds.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the culturable aerobic pharyngeal and cloacal bacterial flora of free-living birds, to determine the physiological bacterial microbiota, to identify possible interactions between feeding behaviour and the composition of the pharyngeal and cloacal microflora and to investigate the occurrence of pathogenic bacteria. Cloacal and pharyngeal swabs of 167 free-living birds, including water rails (Rallus aquaticus), spotted crakes (Porzana porzana), mute swans (Cygnus olor), barn swallows (Hirundo rustica), reed warblers (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) and black cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) from Germany, were cultured to determine the prevalence of aerobic bacteria. Statistical analysis of bacterial findings and feeding behaviour was performed. A widespread soil and water bacteria were isolated, which are expected to be present in the habitat and food. However, some potentially avian- and human-pathogenic bacteria, such as Aeromonas hydrophila, Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, were also recovered. Free-living birds of the examined species harbour several environmental bacteria, which could be facultative pathogenic. Prevalence of bacteria in healthy free-living birds of the species included in this survey is influenced by environmental and alimentary factors.

Limited genetic structure and diversity in the water rail Rallus aquaticus L., 1758 (Aves: Gruiformes: Rallidae) revealed by mitochondrial DNA analysis

A previous, geographically limited study, has found very little genetic structure in the water rail Rallus aquaticus based on cytochrome oxidase I sequences. Adding samples from Romania, Montenegro, Germany and Spain, we investigated whether the new data confirm the picture of genetic homogeneity or if there is more diverse structure, e.g. due to survival in different Pleistocene refuges. Among 75 studied individuals, there were 12 haplotypes, one of them very common, the others differing in only one or two positions. The high haplotype diversity in Kazakhstan suggested that diversification has been ongoing for a longer time than in the other areas, assuming similar substitution rates across the entire species. Only one rare haplotype was shared between Kazakhstan and another region, specifically Romania. All other rare haplotypes had narrow distributions and probably evolved after the range expansion towards the west. Apparently, gene flow has been restricted in the recent past. The Romanian population was genetically intermediate between Kazakhstan and the western populations. The genetic structure of the populations supported a post-glacial out-of-Central-Asia scenario.

Syringophilid mites (Acari: Syringophilidae) associated with the rails (Aves: Rallidae) and a key to the species of the genus Rafapicobia Skoracki, 2011.

The fauna of quill mites of the family Syringophilidae Lavoipierre, 1953 (Acari: Prostigmata Cheyletoidea) parasitising birds of the family Rallidae Vigors (Gruiformes) is updated. A new species, Rafapicobia melzeri n. sp. (subfamily Picobiinae), is described from four host species: Rallus aquaticus Linnaeus (type-host) from Germany, Pardirallus sanguinolentus (Swainson) from Chile, Porzana porzana (Linnaeus) from France and P. parva (Scopoli) from Kirghizia. The new species is most similar to R. lepidocolaptesi Skoracki & Solarczyk, 2012 but differs in the absence of agenital plates and the length ratios of setae ag2:g1 and vi:ve:si in females and in the punctate ornament on the hysteronotal and the pygidial shields in males. A key to the species of the genus Rafapicobia is proposed. This is the first record of a representative of the subfamily Picobiinae on gruiform birds. Additionally, new rallid hosts are reported for Charadriphilus ralli Skoracki & Bochkov, 2010 (subfamily Syringophilinae): Gallinula melanops (Vieillot) from Chile, Laterallus melanophaius (Vieillot) from Paraguay, and P. parva (Scopoli) from Kirghizia.

Fine-scale selection of nesting habitat in Little Crake Porzana parva and Water Rail Rallus aquaticus in small ponds

Capsule The most important factor determining fine-scale selection of nesting habitat in Little Crake and Water Rail is water depth.Aims To evaluate factors affecting nest-site selection and relative inter-specific differences in two poorly studied Rallidae species, the Little Crake and Water Rail.Methods Habitat variables describing water depth, water cover, as well as vegetation type and structure were measured within 3-m radius plots around birds' nests and random points, located in small ponds scattered within a largely cultivated landscape in north-eastern Poland. Descriptive statistics and multi-adaptive regression splines were used to describe nesting habitat and to model nest-site selection in the study species.Results Little Crake nested in sites with deeper water and lower percentage of vegetation cover than Water Rail. Both species chose nest sites according to water depth (probability of Little Crake nests occurrence was the highest around 40 cm and of Water Rail below 12 cm) and vegetation stage in which nests were build (old vegetation was preferred). Little Crake nests were also associated with vegetation height lower than 1.5 m and high percentage cover of old vegetation within a 3-m radius around nests, whereas Water Rail preferred Carex spp. and Juncus effusus for nesting.Conclusion For both species, water depth was the main driver of nest-site selection, followed by vegetation traits. Water depth was also the variable most important in discriminating between the nesting sites of the two species. The different patterns of habitat selection showed by the two species are likely to be due to different morphology and nest characteristics, and are probably driven by the need to maximize both nest and adult safety.

Heuristic consequences of a load of oxygen in microtubules

The current cell oxygen paradigm shows some major gaps that have not yet been resolved. Something seems to be lacking for the comprehensive statement of the oxygen distribution in the cell, especially the low cytoplasmic oxygen level. The entrapment of oxygen in microtubules (MTs) resolves the latter observation, as well as the occurrence of an extensive cytoplasmic foam formation. It leads to a novel oxygen paradigm for cells. During the steady-state treadmilling, the mobile cavity would absorb oxygenated cytoplasm forward, entrap gas nuclei and concentrate them. A fluorescence method is described to confirm the in vitro load of oxygen in MTs during their periodic growths and shrinkages. The latter operating mechanism is called the gas dynamic instability (GDI) of MTs. Several known biosystems could rest on the GDI. (1) The GTP-cap is linked with the gas meniscus encountered in a tube filled with gas. The GTP hydrolysis is linked to the conformational change of the GTPase domain according to the bubble pressure, and to the shaking of protofilaments with gas particles (soliton-like waves). (2) The GDI provides a free energy water pump because water molecules have to escape from MT pores when foam concentrates within the MT. Beside ATP hydrolysis in motor proteins, the GDI provides an additional driving force in intracellular transport of cargo. The water streams flowing from the MT through slits organize themselves as water layers between the cargo and the MT surface, and break ionic bridges. It makes the cargo glide over a water rail. (3) The GDI provides a universal motor for chromosome segregation because the depolymerization of kinetochorial MTs is expected to generate a strong cytoplasmic foam. Chromosomes are sucked up according to the pressure difference (or density difference) applied to opposite sides of the kinetochore, which is in agreement with Archimedes' principle of buoyancy. Non-kinetochorial MTs reabsorb foam during GDI. Last, the mitotic spindle is imagined as a gas recycler. (4) The luminal particles within MTs (called MIPs) are imagined as a foam organizer, the luminal proteins being part of the borders and edges of identical bubbles. (5) Last, volatile anesthetics could destabilize MTs through anesthetic-induced bubble nucleation between protofilaments, and therefore causing shear stress and the opening of MT. The load of oxygen in MTs might provide a major advance in this area of research.

An Evaluation of Acoustic Monitoring Methods for a Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus) Population in a Large Reed Bed

Abstract. Water Rails (Rallus aquaticus) are a reliable indicator of overall habitat quality and are considered an umbrella species for reed bed habitat (Phragmites australis). Two methods of acoustic monitoring of Water Rails were tested. Ten observation points situated 100 m from each other inside a large reed bed were selected for acoustic monitoring. Observations were conducted in three sessions (end of April, June and September 2010) for three times a day, during 3 consecutive days. The number of individuals calling was quantified during spontaneous vocal activity for 5 min and then the number of Water Rails calling after exposure to digital playbacks of male and female territorial and courtship calls for 30 sec were recorded. To calibrate the data, all Water Rail nests within 100 m around three observation points were located. The number of nests found during the nest searches corresponded to the number of pairs estimated during spontaneous vocal activity, but was 63% larger than the number estimate...

Landscape and Patch Characteristics Affecting the Assemblages of Birds in Reedbeds in Terrestrial Matrix

We conducted an analysis of relationships between results of survey on breeding community of birds, including species richness, abundance of individual species and ecological groups of birds, and habitat features of 91 isolated reed patches in southwestern Poland. The approach to the reedbed habitat involves environmental differentiation at the patch level, landscape context and isolation, including the impact of man-made structures as potential constraints to the occurrence of birds. Generalized linear models have shown that 12 out of 14 analyzed environmental predictors had a statistically significant effect on birds. The results from individual species (sedge warbler, great reed warbler, bluethroat, Savi's warbler, water rail, moorhen and coot) models revealed that the number of territories was affected from two to four predictors. The number of reedbed specialists was affected positively by reed edge, water area and proportion of reed habitat within a 100-m radius, and negatively by railway. The numbe...