Arkadiusz Sikora, Grzegorz Neubauer, Waldemar Półtorak, Zenon Rohde
Ornis Polonica 2018, 59: 183–196
https://doi.org/10.12657/ornis.2018.3.1
Abstract: Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva population was estimated with replicated point counts in the SPA Darżlubska Forest (6453 ha, N Poland). 178 observation points located within 20 study plots (1 km2) were surveyed twice in May 2016. 67 and 93 singing males (102 males in total) were recorded during the first and the second survey, respectively, on 19 out of 20 plots. Habitats suitable for the species (deciduous, mostly beech forests aged 70 years or more) held much higher densities (1.46 males/10 ha, 95% CI: 1.03–1.95) than unsuitable ones (remaining stands; 0.12 males/10 ha, 95% CI: 0.01–0.30). Population size was estimated at 284 males/pairs (95% CI: 193–387), after accounting for imperfect detection and habitat suitability, significantly more than previous, census-based estimates. This represents 0.7% (95% CI: 0.2%–1.4%) of the national population. Favourable species status in the SPA can only be maintained with the appropriate forest management: strong reduction of cuts and thinnings in old-growth beech forests, which constitute the most important habitat for the Red-breasted Flycatcher.
Keywords: beech forests, Darżlubska Forest, Ficedula parva, Natura 2000 network, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Special Protection Area
