Distribution and Abundance of Carnivorous Birds (Falconiformes, Strigiformes) in the Valley of the Bolshaya Rechka River (the “Bolsherechensky” state reserve, the Altai Territory, Russia)

Sergey Victorovich Vazhov

The Shukshin Altai State Academy of Education 53, Korolenko Street, Biysk, the Altai Territory, Russian Federation, 659333

ABSTRACT: The work contains materials of bird count performed on August 03-09, 2013 along the Bolshaya Rechka River within the “Bolsherechensky” state reserve. We used a standard technique of route monitoring with unlimited surveillance area. The length of the route was 59 km; the total accounting area was 17.7 km². The total of 93 bions and 40 breeding areas of 9 species of birds have been found. Another 4 species were found in the “Bolsherechensky” state reserve and its neighborhood during fragmentary observations in 2012. The research made it possible to conclude that the surveyed area is inhabited by fairly significant populations of common honey buzzards, black kites, sparrow hawks, common buzzards, greater spotted eagles, white-tailed eagles and hobby falcons. The greatest number is observed in populations of black kites (27-28 nesting couples) and sparrow hawks (19-20 couples).

KEYWORDS: Falconiformes; Strigiformes; birds of prey; raptors; birds distribution; birds abundance; the Bolshaya Rechka River; the “Bolsherechensky” state reserve

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