Michał Ciach, Filip Kowalski
Ornis Polonica 2012, 53: 141–155
https://doi.org/10.12657/ornis.2012.2.3
Rocks provide important habitats for several stenotypical species and allow for the existence of specific ecological relations between bird species and their natural habitats. In Poland, natural rocky sites are rare and cover rather small, isolated patches. Their avifauna is unique and important for the maintenance of biodiversity and ecological diversity. Along Carpathians and Sudetes as well as in Kraków-Częstochowa Upland 35 bird species use natural rocky sites in a various way. There are three strictly alpine species (Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria, Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris and Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus), five arctic- and boreal-alpine taxa (Bluethroat Luscinia svecica svecica, Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea cabaret, Dotterel Charadrius morinellus, Water Pipit Athus spinoletta); further 21 species use rocky sites in a less obligatory way (e.g. Eagle Owl Bubo bubo, Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, Swift Apus apus, Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros, Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis). Six other species (e.g. Redstart Ph. phoenicurus, Blackbird Turdus merula) use rocky sites as a nesting habitat exceptionally. Most of rocky habitats with their avifauna are protected in several national parks and nature reserves. The most important threats for avifauna of rocky sites involve stress due to massive tourist pressure, forest succession and climate changes. Tourist impact on natural breeding sites can displace species, modify or even destroy their habitats. The temperature increase can lead to changes in the timberline location and forest succession in alpine habitats.
