Species no. 32: Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca Distribution: This European endemic partridge inhabits both low-altitude rocky steppes and mountainous open heaths and grasslands. It occurs in the Alps, the central and southern Apennines, Sicily and the Balkan Peninsula. Movements: It is sedentary, but is known to make some local movements between high altitude summer quarters and lower altitude wintering quarters. Population size and trends: The European breeding population numbers 40,000-78,000 pairs with the largest population in Italy and Greece (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The EU 27 population is estimated at 20,000-38,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A, 2004B). Although certain populations-notably sizeable ones in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece were stable or increased during 1990-2000, the same species continued to decline across most of its European range and underwent a moderate decline (>10%) overall (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The main cause of decline in mountain areas is probably the loss, and change, of prime habitat associated with decreasing rural low-intensity activities. The development of the tourist industry has also led to habitat destruction and, by opening up remote areas, increased disturbance during the breeding season. In Mediterranean regions, the decline seems due to increased human impact, especially poaching and intensive hunting. Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size is 8-14 eggs (6-21, highest numbers perhaps by 2 females); incubation: 24-26 days; fledging period: capable of precocious flight at 7-10 days, independence of young c. 6 decades after hatching. Broods: 1 or 2, clutches sometimes laid a few days apart and second clutch incubated by the male. Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 205 *
Movements Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca Member State BG RENT Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 206 *
Definition of period of reproduction Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca Member State Period of reproduction begins with Continuous occupation of breeding territory Continuous occupation of breeding territory Continuous occupation of breeding territory Continuous occupation of breeding territory Comments In the 19th century, unsuccessful attempt of introduction. The species was not accepted as part of the Slovak avifauna. 4 2, 9 1, 3, 9 26, 27 BG Courtship display 9 Continuous occupation of breeding territory 1, 16 4 References Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 207 *
Period of reproduction Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca BG J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E C Comments and conclusions 1) The period of reproduction starts with the continuous occupation of breeding territory (i.e. 4 decades before egg laying) and ends with the independence of young birds (c. 6 decades after hatching). 2) The beginning of the reproduction period ranges from the 3 rd decade of February (-Sicily, -low-altitude habitats, ) to the 2 nd decade of April (,, -Alps, -high-altitude habitats). 3) The end of the reproduction period occurs during the 1 st decade of August (BG) to the 3 rd decade of September (,, ). In Sicily and low-altitude habitats in Greece it ends during the 3 rd decade of August. Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 208 *
Species no. 33: Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa Distribution: This European Union endemic partridge occurs in South Western Europe (France, Spain, Portugal, Corsica, northern Italy and Balearic Islands). While it has disappeared from Germany and northern France, it has been introduced successfully in England, Wales, Scotland, Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands. Movements: This is a sedentary species Population size and trends: The population of this partridge is very large (>2,000,000 pairs)(birdlife Int. 2004A). However, since the 1960s, the wild partridge stocks have declined throughout the range. The reasons for the decline include the intensification of agriculture (heavy pesticide use, mechanisation, irrigation, removal of hedges), the abandonment of farming in the hills and subsequent scrub encroachment and heavy shooting pressure exacerbated by the release of reared birds which encourages a level of exploitation that wild stocks cannot sustain. In many areas of Spain releases of hybrids threaten the genetic purity of wild stocks (EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds, 1997). The European populations have underwent a moderate overall decline (>10%) since 1970 (BirdLife Int. 2004A). Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size: 10-16 eggs (7-20); incubation: 23-24 days; fledging period: capable of precocious flight at ca. 10 days; young birds are independent c. 6 decades after hatching. Young birds stay with parents through out the first winter. Broods: 1 or 2 simultaneous broods. Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 209 *
Movements Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa Member State BG RENT Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 210 *
Definition of period of reproduction Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa Member State Period of reproduction begins with Comments Construction of the nest Released game birds and wild breeders established from former introductions Pair formation and occupation of breeding sites 2 1, 3 Pair formation 1, 5 Continuous occupation of 26, 27 breeding territories BG References Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 211 *
Period of reproduction Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa BG J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y Comments and conclusions J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E C 1) The period of reproduction starts with the continuous occupation of the breeding territory (i.e. 4 decades before egg laying) and ends with the independence of young birds (c. 6 decades after hatching). 2) The beginning of the reproduction period ranges from the 1 st decade of March (, ) to the 1st decade of April (). 3) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 2 nd decade of August () to the 2 nd decade of September (, ). In central France, the period of reproduction begins and ends ca. 2 weeks later than in south. Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 212 *
Species no. 34: Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara Distribution: This partridge is mainly a bird of North Africa, but it is also known from Sardinia, the Canary Islands and a tiny population in Gibraltar. Movements: This is a sedentary species. Population size and trends: The European/EU breeding population numbers 7,500-20,000 pairs of which 5,000-10,000 breed in Italy and 2,500-10,000 on the Canary Islands (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The trend for the Sardinian population is unknown (BirdLife Int. 2004A) Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size is 10-14 eggs (8-18); incubation: probably c. 25 days; fledging period: presumably capable of precocious flight at 7-10 days. Young birds are independent c. 6 decades after hatching. Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 213 *
Movements Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara Member State RENT (Canaries ) (Sardinia) BG Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 214 *
Definition of period of reproduction Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara Member State BG Period of reproduction begins with Continuous occupation of breeding territories Comments 26, 27 References Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 215 *
Period of reproduction Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara BG J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y Comments and conclusions J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E C 1) The period of reproduction starts with the continuous occupation of the breeding territory (i.e. 4 decades before egg laying) and ends with the independence of young birds (c. 6 decades after hatching). 2) The beginning of the reproduction period ranges from the 2 nd decade of February () to the 2 nd decade of March (). 3) The end of the reproduction ranges from the 2 nd decade () to the 3 rd decade of August (). Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 216 *
Species no. 35: Grey Partridge Perdix perdix Distribution: The Grey Partridge was originally a bird of the steppe, distributed from Central Europe to Mongolia. It has become adapted to arable land and has consequently been able to colonise most of Europe, from the Mediterranean regions to 65 N in Scandinavia. Movements: This is a sedentary species. Population size and trends: The European population numbers 1.6 3.1 million pairs including 580,000-800,000 pairs in Russia (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The population in EU 27 is estimated at 840,000-1,900,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A, 2004B). The species increased in many countries in eastern Europe but decline in western Europe and overall the European population underwent a large decline during 1990-2000 (BirdLife Int. 2004A). Changes in farming practices in recent decades have altered its habitat adversely. The traditional mosaic of mixed farming has disappeared or has declined severely in many countries, causing a reduction in abundance of insect prey for chicks, loss of nesting cover and increased predation. Large-scale releases for hunting purposes (e.g. in Belgium) results in genetic, demographic and sanitary problems. In some regions it is even on the verge of extinction, and two races have been included in Annex I. The race hispaniensis is restricted to the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula and the northern slopes of the Pyrenees (France). Its population is estimated at 2,000-6,000 breeding pairs in Spain, and is decreasing because of habitat changes, over-hunting and disturbance by tourism (Atlas de las Aves de España, 1997). The race italica is limited to central and southern Italy, where it is currently very rare and probably extinct or on the verge of extinction. Both the hispaniensis and the italica subspecies are included in Annex I of the Birds Directive. Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size: 10-20 eggs (4-29, often stated that clutches of c. 24 or more from 2 females but this certainly not always so); incubation: 23-25 days; fledging period: capable of precocious flight at ca. 15 days; independence of young birds at c. 6 decades; broods: 1. Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 217 *
Movements Grey Partridge Perdix perdix Member State RENT Very few * Very few BG * Very few (<50?) wild individuals left but game stocking takes place with 1,000 or more released annually. Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 218 *
Definition of period of reproduction Grey Partridge Perdix perdix Member Period of reproduction Comments References State begins with Pair formation and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 occupation of territories Construction of the nest 11, 12, 13 Construction of the nest 1 Courtship display 7 Pair formation and 1, 3 occupation of territories Pair formation and In mild weather pair 1, 2 occupation of territories formation begins in February Occupation of breeding sites Construction of the nest Construction of the nest Released game birds & wild breeders Construction of the nest 1, 4 Courtship display 4 Occupation of territories 23 Permanent occupation of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 territories Permanent occupation of territories Construction of nest Replacement clutch possible even in Aug- Sep 1 Continuous occupation of territories Occupation of territories and first laying Continuous occupation of breeding territory Pairing often already in winter; young stay in families until winter. Both natural and feral populations Presence of the two subspecies Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 219 * 1, 2 1, 2 8 26, 27 6 BG Continuous occupation 9, 14, 19 of breeding sites Continuous occupation of breeding territory 1
Period of reproduction Grey Partridge Perdix perdix J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E C - B 1 2? BG - 1) P. p. perdix; 2) P. p. hispaniensis Comments and conclusions 1) The period of reproduction starts with the continuous occupation of the breeding territory (i.e. 6 decades before egg laying) and ends with the independence of young birds (c. 6 decades after hatching). 2) The beginning of the reproduction period ranges from the 1 st decade of February () to the 2 nd decade of May (). 3) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 3 rd decade of May () to the 3 rd decade of September (,, -P. p. hispaniensis?). Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 220 *
Species no. 36: Common Quail Coturnix coturnix Distribution: Western Eurasia, Northern India, North Africa, Southern and Eastern Africa, Madagascar, Comoro Islands and Mascarenes. In the Palearctic, the species has a wide breeding distribution across temperate Europe, Western Asia and Northern Africa. The main wintering areas are in Africa south of the Sahel and in India. About 10-25% of its global range occurs in Europe, where it is widespread south of 60 N. Movements: The European population is highly migratory with most of the birds moving to Africa in winter, though small number remains in Southern Europe. The long distance migrant population decrease, whilst the number of birds wintering north of the Sahel has increased. The return migration to the breeding grounds in Europe occurs in late April early May. Population size and trends: The European breeding population of Quail is very large (2,800,000-4,700,000 pairs) and fluctuates, but underwent a large decline during 1970-1990, especially in central and eastern Europe (BirdLife int. 2004A). The EU 27 population numbers 810,000-1,540,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A, 2004B). Although the species increased in northern and central Europe during 1990-2000, declines continued in south-eastern Europe, and the total population size probably remains below the level that preceded its decline (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The large populations of France and Spain have appeared to be variable but stable. Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size: usually 8-13 eggs (7-18, more than 18 probably by 2 females); incubation: 17-20 days; fledging period: c. 19 days, but can flutter off grounds at c. 11 days. Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 221 *
Movements Common Quail Coturnix coturnix Member MIANT RENT State Breeding Passage Wintering 0-10 pairs Few Few Few Accidential 15-70 pairs Sardinian birds Very few may be sedentary Cretan birds may Very few be sedentary Few BG Occational Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 222 *
Definition of period of reproduction Common Quail Coturnix coturnix Member Period of reproduction Comments References State begins with Occupation breeding sites Little data available 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Occupation breeding sites Occupation breeding sites 1 Courtship display 7 Occupation breeding sites 2 Occupation breeding sites Occupation of breeding sites by singing males Occupation breeding sites Occupation breeding sites 2 Occupation breeding sites 1, 2, 3 Occupation breeding sites 4 Occupation breeding sites 16, 38 Occupation breeding sites 1, 2, 3, 4 Occupation breeding sites 1 Occupation of breeding sites Replacement clutch possible in July-Aug Occupation of breeding Mating 2, 13 sites Occupation breeding sites by singing males 6 Occupation breeding sites 1 Occupation breeding sites 1, 3, 4 Occupation breeding sites Egg laying 1, 4, 5 Occupation breeding sites 1, 2, 3 & nuptial parade Occupation of breeding sites 6 BG Occupation breeding sites 2, 9 Occupation of breeding sites by singing males 1 Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 223 *
Period of reproduction Common Quail Coturnix coturnix BG J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y - some years there are exceptionally late broods in September J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E C Comments and conclusions 1) Its reproductive strategy is not fully known. Occupation of breeding sites by singing males is considered to be the beginning of the period of reproduction. 2) End of period of reproduction ranges from 3 rd decade of June (, ) to the 1 st decade of October (,,, BG). 3) The reproduction period ends c. 3 decades after hatching (independence of young birds), but since sighting of birds is difficult, the end of the period of reproduction may be extrapolated from the end of the nuptial parade (singing males). Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 224 *
Prenuptial migration Common Quail Coturnix coturnix Difficulty in identifying the beginning of the period of return to the rearing grounds? Member Y NO References State Low numbers and irregular 1, 2, 3, 4 presence Few observations; uncommon 19 X 1 X 5,7 X 2 X X X X 1 No information X 4 X 21 X 1, 2, 3, 4 X 1 X X 2, 9, 13 X X 2, 6 X 1 X 1, 4, X 5 Mixing of resident and migrating 1, 2, 3 populations X 6 BG X 2, 8, 22 Mixing of breeding and migrating birds 1, 12 - Not difficult since only few wintering birds; while the species winters in Africa and the arrival of the first birds from the winter quarters indicates the start of the return movements. Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 225 *
Period of prenuptial migration Common Quail Coturnix coturnix BG J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y Comments and conclusions J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E C 1) The European population is highly migratory, with most birds wintering in Africa. 2) Arrival of the first migrants corresponds to the beginning of the prenuptial migration. 3) Beginning of prenuptial migration ranges from 3 rd decade of February () to the 1 st decade of June (). Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 226 *
Species no. 37: Common pheasant Phasianus colchicus Distribution: The natural breeding distribution of this species extended from the Caucasus to Manchuria, Korea and Japan. It was introduced in Western Europe in Roman times, but in Greece it was perhaps already present as early as 1300 BC. It was introduced in many regions of Europe only at the end of last century or even at the beginning of the twentieth century. Movements: This is a sedentary species. Population size and trends: The European breeding population amounts to 3,400,000-4,700,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The population in EU 27 numbers 3,100,000 4,200,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A, 2004B). In northern Greece there is still a small population of nominate race colchicus which origin goes perhaps back to Antique times. It amounts to only a few hundreds of individuals (Handrinos & Akriotis, 1997). The European population declined in parts of north-central Europe during 1990-2000, while the key in the United Kingdom was stable or increasing. However, the status of the wild population is obscured by confusion with introduced birds. Regional densities vary according to the release of captive-bred birds. Biological and behavioural aspects: Incubation: 23-28 days; fledging period: capable of precocious flight at ca. 12 days; broods remain with female for 70-80 days before becoming independent; broods: 1. Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 227 *
Movements Common pheasant Phasianus colchicus Member State RENT Wild populations RENT Feral populations Few Very few Very few BG Extinct Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 228 *
Definition of period of reproduction Common pheasant Phasianus colchicus Member Period of reproduction Comments References State begins with Occupation of territory 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and harem formation Construction of the nest 13 Courtship display 7 Courtship display Released game birds & wild breeders established from former introductions Courtship display 1, 2 Courtship display 5 Construction of the nest Released game birds & 2 wild breeders established from former introductions Construction of the nest Released game birds & 1, 2, 3, 6 wild breeders established from former introductions. Courtship display 4 Courtship display Remain with female c. 3 7, 8, 9, 10 months Courtship display 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Courtship display 1 Courtship display 1 Construction of the nest 1, 2 Two weeks before laying 100 small natural populations 1, 3 Occasional breeding of released birds Courtship display 26, 27 6 BG Courtship display 8, 9, 19 Courtship display 1 Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 229 *
Period of reproduction Common pheasant Phasianus colchicus BG J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E C Comments and conclusions 1) The period of reproduction starts with courtship display (i.e. 2 decades before egg laying) and ends with the independence of young birds (c. 6 decades after hatching). 2) The beginning of the reproduction period ranges from the 1 st decade of February () to the 2 nd decade of May (). 3) The short duration for is explained by a present lack of data. 4) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 3rd decade of July (,,, BG) to the 3 rd decade of September (). 5) It is not breeding in the wild in. Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 230 *