Michał Ciach, Sławomir Czyżowicz
Ornis Polonica 2014, 55: 83–95
https://doi.org/10.12657/ornis.2014.2.0
Abstract: This paper presents the results of the owl survey conducted in 2012 in the Pieniny National Park (southern Poland) and compares them with the results from 2002. The survey was carried out using the mapping method and playback. Six species of owls have been recorded, of which Tawny Owl Strix aluco (density 7.7–9.5 pairs/10 km2) was the most common. The densities of the other species were lower: Eagle Owl Bubo bubo 2.6 pairs/10 km2, Pygmy Owl Glaucidium passerinum 2.2 pairs/10 km2, Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius funereus 0.9–2.2 pairs/10 km2, Ural Owl Strix uralensis 0.9–1.7 pairs/10 km2 and Long-eared Owl Asio otus 0.4–1.7 pairs/10 km2. The total density of the breeding owl community in 2012 was 14.6–19.8 pairs/10 km2, and it had increased compared to 2002 levels (12.9–16.3 pairs/10 km2). During the ten-year period the densities of the Tawny Owl, Pygmy Owl, Tengmalm’s Owl and Ural Owl continued to rise, but no changes in the Eagle Owl and Long-eared Owl numbers were noted. The species richness and high density of the breeding owl community highlights the great importance of the Pieniny Mts. for these birds at the national scale. Potential factors favouring such a pattern are a strict conservation regime in the area, the high quality of various breeding habitats and abundant food resources. In addition, the mild climate of the region is of crucial importance for sedentary species.
Keywords: density of owls, owls, Pieniny Mts., Strigiformes
