Grzegorz Hebda
Ornis Polonica 2015, 56: 25–31
https://doi.org/10.12657/ornis.2015.1.1
Abstract: The paper presents the densities, subspecies composition of breeding pairs and nest site characteristic of the Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus breeding in oak-lime-hornbeam stands in the Odra river valley, Opole Province (SW Poland). In 2003 on two study plots (165 and 192 ha) densities were 0.9–1.0 pair/10 ha and 0.4–0.6 pair/10 ha, respectively. In 22% of 45 breeding pairs one mate belonged to A. c. europaeus subspecies or at least one parental bird showed mixed subspecies plumage; in the remaining pairs both mates represented nominate subspecies A. c. caudatus. In 2001 and 2003–2005, 44 nests were found, including 75% nests on oaks, 11% in climbers. 45% in forks of branches or a trunk, and 30% of nests were abutting a trunk. On average, nests were located 9.7 m above the ground (range 0.5–22 m), and the height of nest location was positively correlated with the height of plant with a nest. High plasticity of nest placement might represent an anti-predation strategy against predators visually locating their prey.
Keywords: Aegithalos caudatus, breeding density, Long-tailed Tit, nest sites, Odra river valley, predation
