Konrad Krasoń, Jerzy Michalczuk
Ornis Polonica 2019, 60: 269–284
https://doi.org/10.12657/ornis.2019.4.2
Abstract: We studied numbers and feeding preferences of birds of prey wintering in the Kotlina Sandomierska (SE Poland) throughout the winter 2015/2016. Eight species of raptors were found during the study. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo (density of 15.5 individuals/10 km2 of the entire study area), Rough-legged Buzzard B. lagopus (1.0 ind./10 km2) and Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus (2.5 ind./10 km2) were the most numerous species. Perching (respectively 74.5, 56.0 and 41.9% observations of studied species) was the most common hunting strategy. Buzzards chose mostly trees and the ground as perching sites, while Common Kestrel anthropogenic elements. The Common Buzzard was recorded in December more frequently than in other months, while the numbers of Rough–legged Buzzard and Common Kestrel were relatively constant in winter. Birds of prey most often hunted individually – respectively 70.1, 63.2 and 83.7% of observations for Common Buzzard, Rough-legged Buzzard and Common Kestrel. Groups of two individuals were noted less frequently (22.8%), the most often in December and in the second half of February, The most important conservation measure for birds of prey wintering in the agricultural landscape is to maintain a mosaic of diversified agrocenoses, containing a considerable part of stubble fields, meadows and pastures as well as scattered tree stands used by birds as perching sites. Although Common Buzzards and Common Kestrels often forage in the vicinity of roads, birds of prey seemed to avoid built-up areas, as well as winter corns and arable fields.
Keywords: agriculture landscape, birds of prey, feeding behaviour, habitat preferences, non-breeding period, SE Poland
