(PDF) Urgent preliminary assessment of ornithological data relevant to the spread of Avian Influenza in Europe

Report to the European Commission

Urgent preliminary assessment of

ornithological data relevant to the spread of

Avian Influenza in Europe

STUDY CONTRACT N°07010401/2005/425926/MAR/B4

Authors

Philip W Atkinson, Jacquie A Clark, Simon Delany, Cheikh Hamalla Diagana,

Chris du Feu, Wolfgang Fiedler, Thord Fransson, Michel Gaulthier-Clerc, Mark

Grantham, Marion Gschweng, Ward Hagemeijer, Toon Helmink, Alan Johnson,

Sergey Khomenko, Georgios Martakis, Otto Overdijk, Robert A. Robinson,

Alexander Solokha, Fernando Spina, Seydina Issa Sylla, Jan Veen, Dick Visser

Edited by

Simon Delany, Jan Veen and Jacquie Clark

Editorial assistant

Susanne Boom

May 2006

1

Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................5

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.....................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................9

1. IDENTIFICATION OF HIGHER RISK SPECIES............................................10

1.1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 10

1.2. Selection of Anseriformes and Charadriiformes for analysis .......................................................... 11

1.3. Selection of higher risk species on the basis of behaviour and ecology ........................................... 12

1.3.1. Main habitat during migration and wintering........................................................................... 12

1.3.2. Gregariousness during migration/wintering periods ................................................................ 13

1.3.3. Degree of mixing during migration/wintering periods.............................................................. 14

1.3.4. Analysis ......................................................................................................................................... 14

1.4 Higher risk species in relation to the source of an outbreak ............................................................. 16

1.5 Higher risk species and contact risk with poultry within the EU ..................................................... 17

1.6 Abundance of higher risk species within the EU................................................................................ 19

1.7 Discussion .............................................................................................................................................. 19

2. CONCENTRATIONS AND MOVEMENTS OF WATERBIRDS WITH

POTENTIAL TO SPREAD AVIAN INFLUENZA.............................................23

2.1 Introduction........................................................................................................................................... 23

2.1.1 Waterbird numbers, distribution and key sites.......................................................................... 23

2.1.2 Interpretation of IWC data .......................................................................................................... 23

2.1.3 Final list of Higher Risk species for which detailed analyses were undertaken....................... 24

2.1.4 The count data presented ............................................................................................................. 25

2.2 Summary of numbers of Higher Risk species in EU member States and Russia ............................ 27

2.2.1 Breeding Season ............................................................................................................................ 27

2.2.2 Non-breeding season ..................................................................................................................... 32

2.3 Summary of combined counts of all waterbird species...................................................................... 35

2.4 Summary of combined counts of 17 selected Higher Risk waterbird species .................................. 40

2.5 Summary sites where high number of Higher Risk waterbird species mix ..................................... 46

2.6 Combined data: sites important for large numbers of birds and a high variety of species ............ 51

2

2.7 Species Accounts ................................................................................................................................... 63

2.7.1 Waterbird movements .................................................................................................................. 63

2.7.1.1 Biases in the collation of ring recovery data........................................................................ 64

2.7.1.2 Compilation of migration synopsis tables............................................................................ 66

2.7.1.3 Compilation of summary maps of ring recoveries.............................................................. 67

2.7.1.4 Migration terminology .......................................................................................................... 68

2.8 Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) ..................................................................................................................... 69

2.8.1 Numbers and distribution ............................................................................................................ 69

2.8.2 Mute Swan movements ................................................................................................................. 75

2.9 Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) ................................................................................. 80

2.9.1 Numbers and distribution ............................................................................................................ 80

2.9.2 Greater White-fronted Goose movements .................................................................................. 86

2.10 Greylag Goose (Anser anser) .............................................................................................................. 90

2.10.1 Numbers and distribution .......................................................................................................... 90

2.10.2 Greylag Goose movements ......................................................................................................... 95

2.11 Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) ............................................................................................. 99

2.11.1 Numbers and distribution .......................................................................................................... 99

2.11.2 Red-breasted Goose movements .............................................................................................. 102

2.12 Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) ................................................................................................... 103

2.12.1 Numbers and distribution ........................................................................................................ 103

2.12.2 Eurasian Wigeon movements ................................................................................................... 110

2.13 Gadwall (Anas strepera).................................................................................................................... 115

2.13.1 Numbers and distribution ........................................................................................................ 115

2.13.2 Gadwall movements .................................................................................................................. 120

2.14 Common Teal (Anas crecca)............................................................................................................. 124

2.14.1 Numbers and distribution ........................................................................................................ 124

2.14.2 Common Teal movements ........................................................................................................ 130

2.15 Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) .......................................................................................................... 134

2.15.1 Numbers and Distribution........................................................................................................ 134

2.15.2 Mallard movements................................................................................................................... 141

2.16 Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) .......................................................................................................... 145

2.16.1 Numbers and distribution ........................................................................................................ 145

2.16.2 Northern Pintail movements .................................................................................................... 150

2.17 Garganey (Anas querquedula).......................................................................................................... 154

2.17.1 Numbers and distribution ........................................................................................................ 154

2.17.2 Garganey movements................................................................................................................ 159

2.18 Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) .................................................................................................. 163

2.18.1 Numbers and distribution ........................................................................................................ 163

2.18.2 Northern Shoveler movements................................................................................................. 169

2.19 Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina)................................................................................................. 173

2.19.1 Numbers and distribution ........................................................................................................ 173

2.19.2 Red-crested Pochard movements............................................................................................. 178

3

2.20 Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) ................................................................................................... 182

2.20.1 Numbers and distribution ........................................................................................................ 182

2.20.2 Common Pochard movements ................................................................................................. 188

2.21 Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula).......................................................................................................... 192

2.21.1 Numbers and distribution ........................................................................................................ 192

2.21.2 Tufted Duck movements........................................................................................................... 198

2.22 Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)............................................................................................ 202

2.22.1 Numbers and Distribution........................................................................................................ 202

2.22.2 Northern Lapwing movements................................................................................................. 206

2.23 Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) ............................................................................................ 210

2.23.1 Numbers and distribution ........................................................................................................ 210

2.23.2 Common Black-headed Gull movements ................................................................................ 215

2.24 Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) .......................................................................................................... 219

2.24.1 Numbers and Distribution........................................................................................................ 219

2.24.2 Black Tern movements ............................................................................................................. 222

2.25 Discussion: Outbreaks of HPAI in Europe and beyond in 2005-2006.......................................... 226

Numbers and distribution ................................................................................................................... 226

Most important countries and sites .................................................................................................... 226

Movements............................................................................................................................................ 227

The outbreak of HPAI H5N1 in Mute Swans in southern Europe February 2006 ........................ 227

Previous outbreaks in South & East Europe ..................................................................................... 227

Possible causes of the February 2006 outbreak in swans in southern Europe................................ 227

Development of further outbreaks...................................................................................................... 228

Outbreaks in Africa ............................................................................................................................. 228

The situation in Europe in May 2006 ................................................................................................. 228

Future risks........................................................................................................................................... 229

3. RAPID ASSESSMENT OF ORNITHOLOGICAL DATA AT SITE LEVEL....231

3.1. Introduction........................................................................................................................................ 231

3.2 Procedure followed ............................................................................................................................. 231

3.3 Site assessments................................................................................................................................... 234

3.3.1 National Park Schiermonnikoog, the Netherlands................................................................... 234

3.3.2 Camargue (Rhône delta), France............................................................................................... 245

3.3.3 Eastern Sivash, Crimea Autonomous Republic, Ukraine........................................................ 258

3.3.4 Djoudj National Park, Senegal................................................................................................... 274

4. FUTURE WORK ...........................................................................................282

4

REFERENCES..................................................................................................284

ANNEXES.........................................................................................................292

Annex 1.1 Evaluation of species considered to pose a high risk of carrying Asian H5N1 lineage ..... 293

Annex 2.1Countries of origin of birds featured in maps of finding locations...................................... 296

Annex 2.2 Published ring recoveries of the 17 High Risk species covered in Chapter 2 .................... 312

Annex 3.1 Site Assessment Format.......................................................................................................... 341

5

Executive Summary

In the course of 2005 the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza Asian lineage HPAI H5N1

virus spread from Southeast Asia to SW Siberia, Kazakhstan and the Southern Urals.

Migratory birds were suspected of playing a role in the spread of the disease. This meant

that the EU could be under direct threat as a number of waterbirds (geese, ducks and

shorebirds in particular) were known to migrate through the infected areas to the EU in

winter. The European Commission (DG Environment) therefore asked Wetlands

International and EURING to undertake the present study. The aims of the project were:

(1) to identify species which pose a relatively high risk of spreading H5N1 along their

migration routes to the European Union, (2) to analyse the migration routes of these so-

called Higher Risk Species on the basis of recoveries of ringed birds, (3) to identify

wetland sites where Higher Risk Species concentrate in large numbers during migration

and wintering and (4) to develop and test a format for the rapid assessment of

ornithological data at the level of wetland sites, in order to prepare wetland managers for

an outbreak of H5N1.

Identification of Higher Risk Species

The identification of Higher Risk Species focused on the Anseriformes (swans, geese and

ducks) and the Charadriiformes (shorebirds, gulls and terns), because these groups are

known to frequently carry Avian Influenza viruses. We first selected all species of both

groups which occur in Europe and which are migratory. Then each species was

characterized on the basis of behavioural and ecological characteristics which are

assumed to be related to the chance of becoming infected with H5N1 outside the EU. The

characteristics chosen were habitat use, gregariousness and degree of mixing with other

species. Species were selected which occurred in agricultural and/or freshwater habitats,

which were highly gregarious and which showed a high degree of mixing, which led to a

list of 26 Higher Risk Species being identified (Table 1.1). Contact risk with poultry was

also estimated, resulting in the highest scores for Mallard Anas platyrhynchos and Black-

headed Gull Larus ridibundus (Table 1.3).

In the discussion, “risk factors” are summarized for all Higher Risk Species (Table 1.6).

It is concluded that 13 of the 26 Higher Risk Species (50%) have been confirmed to be

infected with H5N1 (usually victims near outbreaks in poultry) against 8 out of 84 (9.5%)

of the non-selected species. This suggests that our selection has indeed identified

migratory bird species with a relatively high susceptibility to H5N1.

Concentrations and movements of Waterbirds with potential to spread Avian

Influenza

Waterbird count data from the Wetlands International IWC (International Waterbird

Census) database in Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia were analysed in detail,

together with data relating to birds ringed or found dead (recovered) in Europe and held

in the EURING databank. Numbers of 17 selected Higher Risk species in each EU

Member State during the breeding season and in January were also compiled and

presented. These data were supplemented by literature reviews. Detailed summaries of

sites holding important numbers of the 17 Higher Risk species are presented in maps and

6

Tables, and movements are summarised by means of monthly ring recovery maps,

generalised maps of migration patterns and migration synopsis Tables. Within Europe,

regions with particularly high concentrations of sites important for waterbirds in January

are the Black Sea-East Mediterranean region, the West Baltic and Southern North Sea

regions, and lakes north of the Alps. The West Mediterranean region is also important,

but key sites are more widely dispersed. Waterbird diversity is generally highest in

Eastern and Southern Europe, but sites with high numbers are found throughout the

continent except in mountainous regions and those that are frozen in January. There are

two large regions outside Europe but within the flyways of many of the 17 selected

Higher Risk species where very high numbers of waterbirds have been recorded: the

southern Caspian (particularly Azerbaijan) and western Iran, and the Sahel zone of West

Africa. Most of the Higher Risk species selected are broad front migrants which migrate

in westerly and southerly directions in autumn, and north and east in spring. April is the

month when most of these species move furthest on their spring migration. Autumn

migration is usually more protracted, beginning as early as July in some species, and

continuing until November for others. A number of key staging sites have been identified

in western Russia and Kazakhstan, but more information is needed on sites used during

migration.

Rapid assessment format for ornithological data in case of an outbreak of H5N1

Outbreaks of H5N1 among wild birds often occur unexpectedly, confronting site

managers with an emergency situation, which demands quick action. Managers, together

with local and national authorities will have to take decisions with respect to restricting

human use of a site, monitoring bird mortality and sampling for virus prevalence.

In order to give guidance to site owners and site managers to be prepared for an outbreak

of H5N1 in their wetland area, a format was developed for presenting ornithologcal

information (Annex 3.1). Its main purpose is to guide and stimulate site managers to

seriously consider possible future events, to prepare for an outbreak of HPAI, and to

develop a strategy in anticipation of the possible spread of the disease to their site.

The format developed includes:

- The nature of occurrence of vulnerable bird species

- Places with high concentrations of vulnerable bird species within the site

- Local movements of vulnerable bird species to neighbouring sites

- Position of site in flyway and consequences of bird movements for further spread of

H5N1

- Human use of the site and its disturbance effects

- The existence of poultry farms within a radius of 10 km of the site

- Measures to be considered in case of an outbreak

After the assessment format had been developed and guidelines for its use added, it was

tested for four sites:

- National Park Schiermonnikoog (Island in the north of the Netherlands)

7

- The Camargue (delta of the river Rhône in the south of France)

- Djoudj National Park (part of the delta of the Senegal river in the north of Senegal)

- Eastern Sivash (lagoons and lakes bordering the Sea of Azov, Crimea, Ukraine)

The assessments showed that a lot of information can be made available in a short period

of time. In reaction to the many questions posed in the format, site managers came up

with a large number of useful ideas. Of special interest was an analysis carried out in the

Sivash, aiming at identifying areas with different degrees of outbreak risk, based on three

factors: (1) the distribution of waterbird concentrations, (2) the distribution of human

habitation as a determinant of poultry density and (3) the distribution of small scale

waterways where wild birds and poultry can easily mix.

8

Acknowledgements

The waterbird count data which are the basis of the IWC database have been collected

over many decades by a large network of expert waterbird counters, most of whom are

volunteers. In Europe, at least 11,000 of these observers go out every year when the

weather is at its worst to count waterbirds as a contribution to their conservation. We

salute their expertise, enthusiasm and skill. We also thank over 100 National

Coordinators of waterbird monitoring schemes, without whom the IWC programme could

not function. Special thanks to Marc van Roomen, Johannes Wahl and Erik van Winden

who prepared summaries of national data at very short notice especially for this report.

We would also like to thank all the EURING schemes who work so hard to collect and

computerise the ring recovery data on which much of this report is based. We are

particularly grateful that so many schemes were able to send updated files of recoveries

to the EDB to allow this report to include the most recent information. The greatest

contribution to the collection of recovery data has been made by the thousands of bird

ringers, throughout Europe and elsewhere, who give their time to catch and ring wild

birds. Without these volunteers, work on this scale would be impossible. We would also

like to thank the many members of the public who have found and reported birds to the

ringing schemes. Again their contribution is invaluable.

Thanks also to Rowena Langston, Arie Spaans, David Stroud and to members of The

European Commission ORNIS Scientific Working Group for contributions to Chapter 1.

We thank Jane Waters for editorial assistance, and Humphrey Crick and Nanny Heidema

for comments and expertise.

Thanks are also due to the British Trust for Ornithology who kindly house the EDB

currently. The EDB was formerly housed by the Netherlands Institute for Ecology

(NIOO-KNAW); EURING are very grateful for their long-term support and Rinse

Wassenaar, formerly the EDB manager, has contributed a tremendous amount to the EDB

over many years. We would also like to thank the Board of EURING and the other

EURING members who have encouraged us to carry out this work.

Wetlands International’s waterbird monitoring programme has received funding and

other support in recent years from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (UK),

Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Food Security (The Netherlands),

Alterra Green World Research (The Netherlands), The National Environment Research

Institute (Denmark) and the Swiss Agency for the Environment, Forests and Landscape.

Finally, grateful thanks are due to Michéal O’Briain at the European Commission DG

Environment, for good-humoured and patient cooperation.

9

Introduction

During 2005, the H5N1 strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) spread

north, then west from countries in east and southeast Asia that had been affected by the

disease since 1997. Factors causing the spread of HPAI include methods used in the

farming and transport of domestic poultry and poultry products, trade (legal and illegal)

in wild and domestic birds, and probably transfer between domestic birds and wild

migratory birds, especially a number of waterbird species. Knowledge of this disease,

although growing fast, is still limited and the relative importance of these factors is still

disputed, but there now seems little doubt that wild birds are capable of carrying the

disease and passing it on to other birds (Olsen et al. 2006).

As the disease spread, the serious consequences to public health, economic and

ecological interests gave HPAI a very high priority among national and international

decision makers. Outbreaks of the disease in west Asia, Africa and Europe were

predicted, and in late 2005 the European Commission initiated epidemiological,

virological and ornithological studies to find out about the occurrence and behaviour of

the disease in wild birds, and about the numbers, distribution and movements of wild bird

species which might pose a risk in its spread. This report is a summary and analysis of a

large volume of ornithological data collected over a number of decades by Wetlands

International (waterbird numbers and key sites) and EURING, the European Union for

Bird Ringing (waterbird movements). Data and information on bird numbers and

movements in Europe, southwest and central Asia, and Africa have been compiled and

analysed with the aim of assessing the risk at continental, national and site level of HPAI

spreading through the flyways of the birds that use these landscapes for breeding,

moulting, staging and “wintering”.

The report begins by identifying a suite of species which present a high risk of spreading

HPAI in Europe. This is followed by detailed analysis of numbers, distribution, key sites

and movements of 17 of these species. Work then focuses on four study sites used by

large numbers of these birds, which were used to develop an approach for rapid analysis

of relevant data at a site in the event of an outbreak of HPAI. Finally, the report identifies

gaps in information and proposes analyses that should be undertaken in continuation of

this work.

10

1. Identification of Higher Risk Species

1.1. Introduction

There is a wealth of information showing that Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI)

viruses are widespread among wild birds, with a relatively high prevalence among

waterbirds, especially ducks. It is generally assumed that wild birds are the natural

reservoir for LPAI viruses which may occasionally infect free-range poultry in situations

where both make use of the same habitats. Galliform birds, such as chickens and turkeys

are especially vulnerable to AI viruses. Moreover, they are often kept in large numbers

and at high densities. Both these factors contribute greatly to the rate of virus replication

which, through mutation, may give rise to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

strains. Wild birds may subsequently be infected with HPAI through contact with poultry.

The spread of HPAI from one area to another may result from movements of infected

poultry or poultry products as well as from movements by infected wild birds.

The outbreak of Asian lineage HPAI H5N1 which started in Hong Kong in 1997 first

spread into South East Asia and China, and subsequently, in 2005, westwards to Central

and Southwest Asia, and in 2006 to Europe, Africa and the Indian Sub-continent. The

way the virus spread has been the subject of much speculation. In a number of cases there

was clear proof that transport of poultry, poultry products or trade of infected pet birds

played a role. For a long period of time there was no proof of a role played by wild birds.

Nevertheless, there was a strong tendency to blame migratory wild birds, which was

especially apparent in the mass media. The recent spread of H5N1 over Europe has

clearly shown that wild birds do play a role in spreading H5N1: By the end of April 2006

there were outbreaks among wild birds in 13 European countries, whereas outbreaks also

occurred in poultry in only 3 of these countries.

Although wild birds play a role in the spread of H5N1, it should be stressed that any

detailed knowledge of the way in which this takes place is lacking. Despite the enormous

increase in interest of the scientific world in the mechanisms of spread of the H5N1 virus,

we still know very little about:

- The conditions under which H5N1 is transmitted between wild birds, either directly

through close contact, or indirectly through the environment;

- The length of incubation periods, course of the disease and virus shedding periods in

wild birds;

- Symptoms and mortality rates shown by diseased wild birds;

- Changes in behaviour of moribund birds, especially with respect to mobility and the

likelihood of carrying the virus over large distances;

- Whether wild birds may spread H5N1 mechanically, for instance by carrying faeces

on feathers and feet;

- Whether wild birds may carry H5N1 asymptomatically and transmit it to other birds.

11

The likelihood that a migratory wild bird species could introduce H5N1 into the EU and

that poultry could subsequently be infected requires the following conditions to be

fulfilled:

- The species visits an outbreak area.

- The species comes into contact with infected poultry and gets infected with H5N1, or

it comes into contact with infected material (faeces) which it then carries

mechanically.

- Infected individuals of the species are capable of migrating to within EU borders,

either being ill, or carrying the virus asymptomatically. Alternatively, infected birds

may transmit the virus to conspecific or heterospecific wild birds which may then

carry it to the EU.

- Within EU borders the species comes into contact with poultry. Alternatively, it

comes into contact with and infects other wild birds which function as “bridge

species” with respect to transmission of the disease to poultry.

Although we know very little about the mechanisms of spread of H5N1 in wild birds, the

above conditions can be related to a species’ behaviour and ecology. For instance,

migratory behaviour determines the chances of a species passing through outbreak areas

as well as the time spent in such areas. Habitat use can be expected to be largely

responsible for the chances that a species comes into contact with (free-range) poultry.

Behaviour patterns, such as the tendency to occur in large and dense groups and to mix

with other species can be expected to contribute to the likelihood that the virus is

transmitted from one bird to another. Once H5N1 has been introduced within EU borders,

behaviour such as the likelihood of occurrence near human settlements and of coming

into contact with poultry can be expected to be an important determinant for the infection

of poultry. Finally, the number of individuals present within a particular country or area

will contribute to the risk posed by “the species”.

This chapter deals with the identification of “higher risk species”, based on an analysis of

patterns of behaviour and ecology referred to above. The focus is on the introduction of

H5N1 to the European Union. Therefore, higher risk species are defined as bird species

which pose a relatively high risk (as compared to other birds) of spreading Highly

Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) along their migration routes from outbreak

sites outside the European Union to within EU borders.

1.2. Selection of Anseriformes and Charadriiformes for analysis

Altogether, some 500 bird species occur within the European Union, a large proportion of

them being migratory. As it was not feasible to analyse the behaviour and ecology of so

many species, a pre-selection had to be made. This was done on the basis of data on the

occurrence of Avian Influenza viruses in different taxonomic groups of birds.

In a large number of countries in all parts of the world, wild birds have recently been

analysed for the occurrence of Avian Influenza viruses. Data are available now for some

hundreds of different species. The proportion of individuals being infected with one or

12

more AI strains appears to vary with geographic location and with season, but differences

between species appear to be most prominent. Relatively high proportions of infected

birds have been found for the taxonomic groups of the Anseriformes (swans, geese and

ducks) and the Charadriiformes (waders, gulls, terns and auks) whereas far lower

proportions (often equal or near to zero) have been found for nearly all other taxonomic

groups (Kaleta et al. 1985, Webster et al. 1992, Alexander 2000,). The above mainly

refers to Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza viruses (LPAI). Data on the occurrence of

HPAI strains in wild bird populations are extremely scarce. This also applies to H5N1,

which has only been found in a few cases and in extremely small numbers in virtually

healthy wild birds (e.g. Tree Sparrow, Kou et al. 2005). However, victims of H5N1

(usually birds found dead) have been recorded in most areas where outbreaks of H5N1

have occurred. Many of these victims appeared to belong to the Anseriformes and

Charadriiformes as well (for updated overviews see USGS 2006).

Considering the above, we conclude that there is a clear prevalence of Avian Influenza

viruses in the Anseriformes and Charadriiformes. This has led to the decision to consider

for the present analysis all species belonging to the Anseriformes and the

Charadriiformes, which occur in Europe and which are migratory in the sense that (a

substantial part of) the population migrates from outside the EU to within EU borders.

Altogether 110 species were listed in a spreadsheet after which behavioural and

ecological characteristics were noted as will be outlined below. The full spreadsheet is

given as Annex 1.1

1.3. Selection of higher risk species on the basis of behaviour and ecology

Migratory wild birds being infected with H5N1 outside the European Union might

introduce the disease within EU borders in a direct as well as an indirect way. In the first

case it is assumed that the infected bird itself migrates to the EU, whereas the second

possibility implies that other birds are infected along the migration route, which then

bridge the gap to the EU. In this respect the following behavioural and ecological factors

are considered important determinants for the acquisition and transmission of the HPAI

virus:

- habitat use during migration/wintering

- gregariousness during migration/wintering

- degree of mixing with other species during migration/wintering

1.3.1. Main habitat during migration and wintering

Habitat is assumed to be of importance with respect to the chances of a species becoming

infected with the H5N1 virus outside the EU. There is currently little evidence to support

this assumption, although it is reasonable to assume that a species occurring solely at sea

or in the forest canopy poses considerably less risk of coming into contact with poultry

(and becoming infected) than a species that uses agricultural habitats also frequented by

free-range poultry.

13

Habitat use is also assumed to influence the chances for wild bird to wild bird

transmission. Apart from the possibility that the virus is transmitted through direct

contact or through the air, birds may also be indirectly infected through the environment.

Since Avian Influenza viruses appear to survive better in water than on land, and fresh

water gives better survival rates than salt water (Stallknecht pers. com.), it can be

expected that indirect infection takes place relatively easily in fresh water habitats.

For each species, habitat use has been indicated using the following coding:

A = agricultural land

N = natural land habitat (usually marshes near wetlands; this coding has

especially been used to distinguish purely freshwater species, which

rarely come ashore (F), from those which also use non-agricultural land

habitat (FN))

O = other land habitat (variety of habitat types, including woodland and urban

areas)

F = fresh water

M = marine

L = littoral

Where more than one habitat is used, multiple coding has been applied. Note that the

sequence of habitat code elements indicates relative use of the different habitats. Thus the

code MF indicates that the species primarily occurs in marine areas but also can use

freshwater habitats, whilst FM would indicate the converse.

The various codes used are as follows: AN, AL, F, FA, FAL, FAN, FL, FLN, FM, FN, L,

LA, LF, LFA, LFN, M, MA, MF, ML, O.

1.3.2. Gregariousness during migration/wintering periods

Little information is available showing a relationship between gregariousness and the

chances of Avian Influenza viruses being transmitted between birds (but see Deibel et al.

1985). Expert opinion and basic epidemiological principles suggest that species which are

highly gregarious are more likely to become infected with H5N1 since close contact

between birds may result in the virus being more readily passed from bird to bird within

flocks. Two components of gregariousness can be assessed, group size and group density.

Gregariousness has been indicated by two letters, which denote group size and group

density, respectively. The following coding has been applied:

Group size

L = Large: often several hundreds to thousands of individuals (Eurasian

Wigeon Anas penelope)

M = Medium: often several tens to few hundred individuals (Whooper

Swan Cygnus cygnus)

S = Small: often up to a few tens of birds (Purple Sandpiper Calidris

maritima)

O = Usually solitary or a few birds together (Green Sandpiper Tringa

14

ochropus)

Density

H = High density: often less than 2 m between individuals (Dunlin Calidris

alpina)

M = Medium density: often 2-5 m between individuals (Herring Gull Larus

argentatus)

L = Low density: often more than 5 m between individuals (Common

Snipe Gallinago gallinago)

O = (near) solitary (Great Skua Stercorarius skua)

1.3.3. Degree of mixing during migration/wintering periods

Species which readily mix with other species of waterbirds are thought to be more likely

to become infected with H5N1, since contact between species may result in transmission

of the viral infection. Likewise, it is assumed that species which do not come into close

contact with other species are at lower risk of infection. The mechanisms of spread

between species are assumed to be largely similar to those between individuals within

flocks of the same species. As with gregariousness, there is currently no evidence to

support these assumptions.

Degree of mixing with other species (mixed foraging, mixed roosts, mixing at moulting

areas, etc.) has been indicated as follows:

H = High degree (Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope)

M = Medium degree (Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus)

L = Low degree (Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii)

O = Hardly any mixing (Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos)

1.3.4. Analysis

Taxa were analysed at the species level with one exception: the Greenland race of the

Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons flavirostris was evaluated separately on the

basis of significantly smaller group sizes and lower degree of mixing compared to the

nominate race A.a. albifrons which largely occurs on continental Europe.

Higher risk species

Referring to the above, species which prefer agricultural fields and freshwater habitats,

which are gregarious and have a high degree of mixing with other species, should be

regarded to pose the highest risk of spreading H5N1 from outside the EU to within EU

borders. In evaluating such species, a number of steps were taken.

Species were not selected if:

- They occurred mainly in marine (M), littoral (L), environments or other habitats (O)

(i.e. species whose habitat use codes begin with O, L or M since such species are

expected to only occasionally use freshwater and agricultural habitats, and/or

15

- They showed hardly any, or a low gregariousness (i.e. codes denoting small group

size (O and S) in combination with low and medium density (L and M). In Annex 1.1

these are the codes OO, OL, OM, SL, and SM), and/or

- They showed least mixing with other species (showing either hardly any mixing (O)

or a low degree of mixing (L)).

The resultant selection of higher risk species on the basis of habitat use, gregariousness

and degree of mixing is given in Table 1.1. It consists of 2 swan, 8 goose, 10 duck, 4

shorebird and 2 gull species (total 26 species).

Table 1.1: Higher risk species as selected on the basis of habitat use, gregariousness and degree

of mixing with other species.

English name Scientific name Habitat Greg. Mixing

Bewick's Swan

Cygnus columbianus

FA ML M

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

FA ML M

Pink-footed Goose

Anser brachyrhynchus

FA LH M

Bean Goose

Anser fabalis

FA LM H

Greater White-fronted Goose*

Anser albifrons albifrons

FA LH H

Lesser White-fronted Goose

Anser erythropus

FA LH M

Greylag Goose

Anser anser

FA LH H

Barnacle Goose

Branta leucopsis

FAL LH H

Brent Goose

Branta bernicla

FAL LH M

Red-breasted Goose

Branta ruficollis

AL MH H

Eurasian Wigeon

Anas penelope

FAL LH H

Common Teal

Anas crecca

FAL MH H

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

FAL MH H

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

FAL MH H

Garganey

Anas querquedula

F ? H

Northern Shoveler

Anas clypeata

FL MH H

Marbled Teal

Marmaronetta angustirostris

F MM H

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufina

F MM ?

Common Pochard

Aythya ferina

F MH H

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

F MH H

Northern Lapwing

Vanellus vanellus

FA MH M

Eurasian Golden Plover

Pluvialis apricaria

AN LH M

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa

FAL MM H

Ruff

Philomachus pugnax

FA MM M

Black-headed Gull

Larus ridibundus

FAL LM H

Common Gull

Larus canus

FAL MM H

16

1.4 Higher risk species in relation to the source of an outbreak

The higher risk species selected above can be expected to pose a risk only if they pass

through outbreak areas where they can potentially be infected with H5N1. At the time

this project was developed, the nearest outbreak areas occurred around the Black and

Aegean Seas and in the Southern Urals. This has led to an analysis of migratory

behaviour focussing on these two areas.

For each species included in the analysis (see Annex 1) the following questions were

asked:

- Does the species have a well-defined migratory flyway?

- Is there a potential direct migratory linkage between the Black or Aegean Seas and

the EU?

- Is there a potential direct migratory linkage between the Southern Urals and the EU?

No attempt has been made to analyse the migration behaviour in relation to other

(potential) outbreak areas. An exception has been made for higher risk species migrating

through Nigeria, just to show that different sub-sets of the list of higher risk species

should be considered depending on geographic location of outbreak areas (see Table 1.2).

Table 1.2: Higher risk species (indicated by crosses) migrating to the European Union from the Black &

Aegean Seas, the Southern Urals and from Nigeria

English name Scientific name

Black &

Aegean

Seas

Southern

Urals

Nigeria

Bewick's Swan

Cygnus columbianus

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

X ?

Pink-footed Goose

Anser brachyrhnchus

Bean Goose

Anser fabalis

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons albifrons

X X

Lesser White-fronted Goose

Anser erythropus

Greylag Goose

Anser anser

X

Barnacle Goose

Branta leucopsis

Brent Goose

Branta bernicla

Red-breasted Goose

Branta ruficollis

X X

Eurasian Wigeon

Anas penelope

X X X

Common Teal

Anas crecca

X X? X

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

X

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

X X? X

Garganey

Anas querquedula

X X

Northern Shoveler

Anas clypeata

X? X X

Marbled Teal

Marmaronetta angustirostris

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufina

X

Common Pochard

Aythya ferina

X X

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

X X

Northern Lapwing

Vanellus vanellus

X? X

Eurasian Golden plover

Pluvialis apricaria

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa

X

Ruff

Philomachus pugnax

X

Black-headed Gull

Larus ridibundus

X? X

Common Gull

Larus canus

17

1.5 Higher risk species and contact risk with poultry within the EU

All higher risk species identified migrate to the EU in large numbers, many of them

staying within EU borders for most of the winter. It has been argued that habitat use,

gregariousness and degree of mixing can be expected to play a major role in the chances

of a species getting infected with H5N1 along its migration route and subsequently

introducing it into EU countries. The same aspects of behaviour and ecology can be

expected to play an important role in further spreading the virus within Europe, between

wild birds as well as back to poultry.

Although contact risk with poultry is regarded as being at least partly incorporated into

the factor habitat use, it was felt necessary to study this factor in more detail for the

European situation. On the basis of knowledge of the behaviour of waterbirds, the

likelihood of close contact between the species listed in Table 1.1 and

domesticated/captive poultry has been assessed as:

H = High contact risk

M = Medium contact risk

L = Low contact risk

O = Virtually no contact risk

This assessment has considered risk as a function of contact intensity. Thus a scenario

where small numbers of wild birds are potentially in contact with poultry for a long

period is considered equivalent to a scenario where larger numbers are in contact for a

shorter period. Independent assessments of risk were sought from the members of the

Scientific Working Group of the EC Birds Directive’s Ornis Committee. Data were

obtained from the representatives of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Portugal, Czech

Republic, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, The Netherlands and Estonia who all provided

data, based on expert judgement, for the situation in their own country. Mean scores

calculated are given in Table 1.3. (The Table includes only the data for the HRS species;

for other species see Annex 1.1)

Table 1.3: Indication of contact risk with poultry for higher risk species based on data obtained from nine

EU member states (results of a questionnaire presented to the Scientific Working Group of the EC Bird

Directive’s Ornis Committee). Contact risk is given as: H = high, M = medium, L = low, O = virtually

impossible.

English name Scientific name Contact risk

Bewick's Swan

Cygnus columbianus

L

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

M

Pink-footed Goose

Anser brachyrhynchus

L

Bean Goose

Anser fabalis

L

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons albifrons

M

Lesser White-fronted Goose

Anser erythropus

O

Greylag Goose

Anser anser

M

Barnacle Goose

Branta leucopsis

L

Brent Goose

Branta bernicla

L

Red-breasted Goose

Branta ruficollis

L

18

Eurasian Wigeon

Anas penelope

M

Common Teal

Anas crecca

M

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos H

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

L

Garganey

Anas querquedula

L

Northern Shoveler

Anas clypeata

L

Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris O

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufina

L

Common Pochard

Aythya ferina

L

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

L

Northern Lapwing

Vanellus vanellus

M

Eurasian Golden Plover

Pluvialis apricaria

L

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa

L

Ruff

Philomachus pugnax

L

Black-headed Gull

Larus ridibundus

H

Common Gull

Larus canus

L

Contact risk with poultry through bridge-species

Contact between wild birds and domestic poultry is likely to be restricted to species, not

exclusively waterbirds, that associate with man, for instance by looking for food provided

for poultry or simply by being associated with farmland. Birds that live in close proximity

to domestic poultry can be considered as “bridge species” in having the potential to

transmit H5N1 from wild waterbirds, higher risk species in particular, to poultry.

Representatives of a large number of taxonomic groups might act as bridge species in the

European situation, a tentative list of the most likely species being given in Table 1.4. It

should be noted that bridge species have not been subject of this study. The list should

therefore be treated with caution. It has been compiled to serve as an example for the

rapid assessment of ornithological data for wetlands sites in case of an outbreak of H5N1

as described in Chapter 3.

Table 1.4: Tentative list of European bird species that live in proximity

to domestic poultry and which might act as “bridge species” for the

transmission of H5N1 between waterbirds and poultry.

English name Latin name Risk

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

medium

Cattle Egret

Bubulcus ibis

high

Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

medium

Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

high

Common Coot

Fulica atra

medium

Common Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus

medium

Wood Pigeon

Columba palumbus

high

Collared Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

high

Black-billed Magpie

Pica pica

high

Eurasian Jackdaw

Corvus monedula

high

Rook

Corvus frugilegus

medium

Carrion Crow

Corvus corone

medium

European Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

high

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

high

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

high

19

1.6 Abundance of higher risk species within the EU

The threat posed by a particular bird species with respect to the risk of introducing and

spreading H5N1 in the EU (and similarly in each individual country) can be expected to

be related to the number of individuals of that species entering the EU and the length of

its stay. Table 1.5 gives the size of the non-breeding biogeographic populations

established for populations within boundaries which include Europe (data according to

Wetlands International 2002). It shows marked differences, with numbers varying

between 8,000-10,000 (Lesser White-fronted Goose) and 6,900,000-9,000,000 (Black-

headed Gull) individuals. Breeding and wintering populations for the different member

states are given in Tables 2.2 and 2.5 in the next chapter.

Table 1.5: Size of the non-breeding bio-geographiocal populations (individuals) of 26 higher risk species

occurring within the European Union (data according to Wetlands International 2002)

Common name Scientific name

Estimates of

biogeographic

populations which

include Europe

Bewick's Swan

Cygnus columbianus

29,000

Mute Swan Cygnus olor 297,500

Pink-footed Goose

Anser brachyrhnchus

277,000

Bean Goose

Anser fabalis

700,000

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons albifrons

1,000,000

Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus 8,000-10,000

Greylag Goose

Anser anser

522,100

Barnacle Goose

Branta leucopsis

437,100

Brent Goose

Branta bernicla

240,000

Red-breasted Goose

Branta ruficollis

88,000

Eurasian Wigeon

Anas penelope

1,800,000

Common Teal

Anas crecca

1,150.000-1,775,000

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

7,500,000

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

1,060,000

Garganey

Anas querquedula

2,000,000-3,000,000

Northern Shoveler

Anas clypeata

490,000

Marbled Teal

Marmaronetta angustirostris

3,000-5,000

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufina

70.000-93.500

Common Pochard

Aythya ferina

1,450,000

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

1,900,000

Northern Lapwing

Vanellus vanellus

2,800,000-4,000,000

Eurasian Golden Plover

Pluvialis apricaria

1,644,000-1,953,000

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa

267,000-391,000

Ruff

Philomachus pugnax

>1,000,000

Black-headed Gull

Larus ridibundus

6,900,000-9,000,000

Common Gull

Larus canus

1,400,000-3,100,000

1.7 Discussion

In the preceding sections, an analysis was made of the relative risk posed by migratory

wild bird species belonging to the taxonomic groups of the Anseriformes and

Charadriiformes of introducing and subsequently spreading H5N1 within Europe. A list

20

of 26 higher risk species was identified on the basis of aspects of behaviour and ecology

which are assumed to determine, at least to a large extent, the chances of becoming

infected with H5N1 outside EU borders. The assessment of behaviour and ecology has

largely been done on the basis of expert judgement and the question arises whether there

is any indication that our selection indeed represents species which are more likely to

carry H5N1 than others? It has been mentioned before that the number of cases in which

H5N1 has been found in apparently healthy birds is extremely small. However, there is

an ever increasing number of birds found dead in areas with outbreaks of H5N1 for which

infection with the virus has been confirmed. Such victims, apart from two cases all found

dead, can be regarded as representing species which have a relatively high chance of

coming into contact with infected poultry. Considering the list of H5N1 infected species

(data available up to 30 March) it appears that 13 out of 26 (50.0%) higher risk species

have been found against 8 out of 84 (9.5%) of the non-selected species. This large

difference in H5N1 prevalence leads us to conclude that the higher risk species are indeed

more likely to be infected with H5N1 than the non-selected species.

Table 1.6 gives an overview of the various risk factors considered. Within each column

relative risk is expressed by a number of crosses. It appears that differences with respect

to behaviour and ecology are relatively small (species were all selected because of their

high scores!) but there are major differences for contact risk with poultry (from zero to

XXX) and species abundance (X to XXXXXXXX). Mallard and Black-headed Gull

show high scores for all risk factors.

The risk factors included in Table 1.6 can all be expected to play a role in the spread of

H5N1 once it is introduced within EU borders. However, the various factors do not

simply add up as they are interrelated in several ways. For instance, habitat use is

assumed to influence contact risk with poultry, whereas gregariousness can be expected

to show some relation to population size (numbers in Table).

The identification of higher risk species and the attribution of risk factors as given in

Table 1.6 refers to the EU as a whole. There are, undoubtedly, marked differences

between EU member states and, even more pronounced, at the level of wetland sites. As a

consequence, the data presented here should always be “translated” to the local situation.

First of all, higher risk species are not evenly distributed over the EU member states. For

instance, 80% of all wintering Greater White-fronted Geese winter in the Netherlands and

Germany, more than 90% of all Red-breasted Geese winter in Bulgaria, Romania and

Greece, whereas nearly all European wintering Marbled Teal concentrate in Spain.

Contact risk with poultry is also a factor to be considered with great caution and to be

looked at at a national or local scale. First of all, the mean scores provided for this factor

are based on data available for only 9 EU member states. Moreover, it should be noted

that on many occasions contact risk assessed for a particular species was markedly

different between countries. Such differences might be related to a variety of factors such

as local differences in poultry keeping methods and factors such as food availability and

disturbance. Chapter 3 gives some more information about how ornithological data could

be analysed and used in order to be prepared for outbreaks of H5N1 at a local scale.

21

Table 1.6: Overview of risk factors for higher risk species with species confirmed to be found infected with

H5N1 indicated (right hand column). Risk is indicated with a number of crosses in the following ways:

Ecology and behaviour (maximum score XXXX): one X has been given for F and A in habitat use, MM or

higher in gregariousness and M or H in degree of mixing. Contact risk with poultry (maximum score

XXX): L, M and H have been given X, XX and XXX, respectively. Numbers in EU (maximum score

XXXXXXXX): each X stands for 1 million birds (rounded figures for wintering population) with the

exception that one X also includes population sizes smaller than 500,000 (numbers refer to bio-

geographical winter populations as used in Table 1.5). For information on the meaning of codes used, see

Section 1.3.

English name Scientific name

Risk factors H5N1

confirmed

Ecology & Contact Risk

Numbers

behaviour with poultry in EU

Bewick's Swan

Cygnus columbianus

XXX X X

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

XXX XX X X

Pink-footed Goose

Anser brachyrhnchus

XXXX X X

Bean Goose

Anser fabalis

XXX X X

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons albifrons

XXXX XX X X

Lesser White-fronted Goose

Anser erythropus

XXXX X

Greylag Goose

Anser anser

XXXX XX X X

Barnacle Goose

Branta leucopsis

XXXX X X X

Brent Goose

Branta bernicla

XXXX X X

Red-breasted Goose

Branta ruficollis

XXX X X X

Eurasian Wigeon

Anas penelope

XXXX XX XX

Common Teal

Anas crecca

XXXX XX XX X

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

XXXX XXX XXXXXXXX X

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

XXXX X X X

Garganey

Anas querquedula

XXX X XXX X

Northern Shoveler

Anas clypeata

XXX X X X

Marbled Teal

Marmaronetta angustirostris

XXX X

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufina

XX X X

Common Pochard

Aythya ferina

XXX X X X

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

XXX X XX X

Northern Lapwing

Vanellus vanellus

XXX XX XXX

Eurasian Golden Plover

Pluvialis apricaria

XXX X XX

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa

XXXX X X

Ruff

Philomachus pugnax

XXXX X X

Black-headed Gull

Larus ridibundus

XXX XXX XXXXXXXX X

Common Gull

Larus canus

XXXX X XX

The primary aim of our analysis was the identification of species which pose a relatively

high risk of spreading Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) along their

migration routes from outbreak sites outside the European Union to within EU borders.

We have restricted our analysis to the bird orders of the Anseriformes and

Charadriiformes. This choice was based on the prevalence of Avian Influenza viruses in

both groups. Moreover, nearly all representatives of these groups are waterbirds, most of

which migrate over long distances. This made them highly appropriate for our study.

However, it should be stressed that there are other species, migratory as well as

sedentary, which might qualify for the status of higher risk species with respect to the

22

spread of Avian Influenza. Of special interest are waterbirds of the following families:

Podicipedidae (grebes), Phalacrocoracidae (cormorants), Ardeidae (herons and egrets),

Ciconiidae (storks), Threskiornithidae (ibises and spoonbills), Phoenicopteridae

(flamingos) and Rallidae (coots). Besides, attention should be given to predators,

scavengers and opportunistic feeders represented by the following families: Accipitridae

(hawks, vultures and eagles), Falconidae (falcons), Corvidae (crows), Sturnidae

(starlings) and Passeridae (sparrows).

23

2. Concentrations and movements of

waterbirds with potential to spread

Avian Influenza

2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 Waterbird numbers, distribution and key sites

The International Waterbird Census (IWC), Coordinated by Wetlands International and

its predecessor organization, IWRB, was established in Europe and West Asia in 1967

and in Africa in 1990. Every year in January, over 20 million waterbirds are counted in

the Western Palearctic, and up to 10 million in Subsaharan Africa by a network of about

14,000 largely voluntary waterbird counters (Gilissen et al. 2002, Dodman & Diagana

2003). The use of standardized methods and recording forms and modern computer

software ensures that a continental-scale time series of data on waterbird numbers,

distribution and population trends is available as the scientific basis of waterbird

conservation (e.g. Wetlands International 2002, 2005 Delany et al. 2005). Counts are

conducted in January because this is when many waterbird species congregate

conspicuously at a relatively small number of sites where they can be readily counted.

The January count is supplemented in Subsaharan Africa by a second annual count in

July, and there are plans for additional counts throughout Europe, Africa and Asia, in

March-April and September-October, to collect information from sites important during

migration.

2.1.2 Interpretation of IWC data

More than 100 countries now participate in IWC around the world. The Census is

coordinated at National Level by a wide variety of organisations and institutes and there

are differences in approach which should be borne in mind when interpreting the

resulting count data. The census is site-based, and defining sites in a standard way is

problematic. Conservation policy uses criteria such as “sites that have held more then

20,000 waterbirds” or “sites that have held more than 1% of a waterbird population”, but

criteria for defining sites are rather general and open to interpretation. In this report,

many tables are presented which show sites where high numbers of waterbirds have been

counted. It should be remembered when using these tables that site definition procedures

are not totally objective. An example of this is the Inner Niger Delta in Mali, a wetland

whose size varies according to flood conditions, but is, in some seasons, approaching the

size of a small European country such as The Netherlands. For the purposes of the

Census, this site has been divided into numerous quadrats, and data are presented on this

basis, although treating the entire area as one very large “site” might be justified.

It should also be borne in mind that IWC totals are nearly always under-estimates of

actual numbers of birds present in a site or a country. No country can cover 100% of

suitable habitat, and site-based methods do not allow meaningful extrapolation. The IWC

24

totals are thus affected by levels of count coverage achieved at each site and in each

country. Great efforts are made to standardise coverage from year to year, and most

European countries now achieve high levels of coverage every year. Coverage in West

Asia and Africa is less complete, but the most important sites in most countries have been

covered between 1990 and 2005, the period covered by this report.

2.1.3 Final list of Higher Risk species for which detailed analyses were undertaken

For detailed analysis of numbers, distribution and movements 15 of the 25 “Higher Risk”

species identified in Table 1.1 above were selected for analysis, plus two of the “near-

selected” species also identified in Chapter 1.

The final list of species selected for these analyses is as follows:

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

Greylag Goose

Anser anser

Red-breasted Goose

Branta ruficollis

Eurasian Wigeon

Anas penelope

Gadwall (“near-selected”)

Anas strepera

Common Teal

Anas crecca

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

Garganey

Anas querquedula

Northern Shoveler

Anas clypeata

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufina

Common Pochard

Aythya ferina

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

Northern Lapwing

Vanellus vanellus

Black-headed Gull

Larus ridibundus

Black Tern (“near-selected”)

Chlidonias niger

It was agreed that with the time available for this “preliminary analysis” it would be

possible to undertake detailed analyses of numbers, key sites and movements of about 15

species. Species from the final list of “Higher Risk” species identified above on the basis

of their habitat use, gregariousness and degree of mixing were not included if data quality

were considered to be relatively poor, or if the data were in a form which could not be

readily analysed. The waterbird count data for geese are collected, stored and analysed

separately from the rest of the International Waterbird Census database, and for this

reason, only three of the geese were included. Similarly, the count data for most species

of gull are incomplete and Larus canus was excluded for this reason. The geese included

were the two most widespread in Europe (Anser albifrons and Anser anser) which make

extensive use of farmland, plus a scarce species (Branta ruficollis) an individual of which

25

died of HPAI in Greece in 2005. Cygnus columbianus and Marmaronetta angustirostris

were excluded because of their scarcity and their restricted distributions in Europe.

Finally, waders (shorebirds) may be less susceptible to HPAI than Anseriformes, gulls

and terns, and Eurasian Golden Plover, Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit were excluded for

this reason, leaving one species, Vanellus vanellus to represent this group. Two species,

Gadwall Anas strepera and Black Tern Chlidonias niger were included in detailed

analyses although they only qualify as “near-selected” in the analysis undertaken in

Chapter 1. Gadwall is the one widespread European dabbling duck otherwise excluded,

and Black Tern has a more extensive non-breeding range in Africa than any other Higher

Risk species.

2.1.4 The count data presented

The analyses presented in this report have been undertaken on behalf of the European

Commission, specifically as an “urgent preliminary assessment”. The best available data

have been used to summarise numbers, distribution and movements of 17 species

considered to present a High Risk of spreading Avian Influenza. The data presented for

some species, particularly the geese, Northern Lapwing, and Black-headed Gull, were

collected from a less standardised set of sites than those for other species, because of the

particular way these species use the landscape (geese, which feed in fields by day and

roost at wetlands at night), and because of differences in approach for different taxa in

some countries (data for waders are submitted separately in The Netherlands, counting of

gulls remains optional in some countries).

Waterbird count data presented in this chapter are thus biased towards counts made in the

month of January, because of the implementation of IWC as the “midwinter census”.

Additional information on important breeding, moulting and staging sites in countries of

the former Soviet Union has been extracted from the Russian literature (Table 2.1), but a

comprehensive literature review of such sites in the rest of the region included in this

report has been beyond the scope of contracted work.

Table 2.1: Publications in the Russian literature consulted to supplement data from the International

Waterbird Census in analyses of important sites for waterbirds. The identification numbers in the table

below are the same as those used in the tables of summarised count data to identify sources of information.

No. Reference

1

Andreev V.A. 2003. Stopovers of Anseriformes during spring migration in North Dvina delta. In: Management

and conservation of waterfowl populations in Northern Eurasia (with special focus on the White Sea-Baltic

Flyway). Petrozavodsk, Russia. Pp. 6-8.

2

Artyukhov A.I. 2003. Migration and status of geese in Bryansk region during last 25 years. Management and

conservation of waterfowl populations in Northern Eurasia (with special focus on the White Sea-Baltic Flyway).

Petrozavodsk, Russia. Pp. 8-9.

3

Avdanin V.O., P.M. Glazov, V.A. Grabovsky & M.G. Sinitsyn. 2005. Principal places of goose concentration

during spring migration in Kostroma Region. In: Waterfowl of Northern Eurasia. Third International Symposium

Abstracts. Saint-Petersburg. Pp. 7-8.

4

Bragina, T.M. and E.A. Bragin (Eds). 2002. The most important wetlands of North Kazakhstan (Kostanai

Oblast and west part of North-Kazakhstan Oblast). Moscow: Russkiy Universitet Publishers. 156 pp. (In

Russian).

5

Buzun V.A. 2005. Short review of waterbird migration and breeding in east part of Finland Bay and on Ladoga

Lake. Waterfowl of Northern Eurasia. Pp. 50-53.

26

6

Djamirzoyev G., G. Magomedov, Yu. Pishvanov & L. Prilutskaya. 2004. Birds of Dagestansky Nature Reserve.

Makhachkala. 95 pp. (In Russian)

7

Fokin, S., Kuzyakin, V., Kalchreuter, and Kirby, J.S. 2000. The Garganey in the former USSR. A compilation of

life-history information. Wetlands Internationalglobal Series 7, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

8

Frolov V.V., S.A. Korkina, D.V. Gomzin & A.V. Frolov. 2003. Nesting Anseriformes of the Penza Oblast.

Casarca N 9. Moscow, pp. 344-361.

9

Gineev A.M., V.P. Belik & B.A. Kazakov. 2002. Russia. Directory of Azov-Black Sea Coastal Wetlands. Kyiv.

Wetlands International. 229 p.

10 Gineev, Krivenko 1998 (Wetlands in Russia 1).

11

Gistsov A.P. 2004. Waterbird monitoring in North Caspian Sea in 2003. Kazakhstan Ornithological Newsletter.

Almaty, Kazakhstan. Pp. 19-20.

12

Golovnyuk, V.V. 2005. Distribution and numbers of geese in mouth of Upper Taimyra River, Taymyr.

Waterfowl of Northern Eurasia. Pp. 86-87.

13

Gordienko N.S. 2001. Current status of swans and geese in the Southern Zauralie (the Chelabinsk region). In:

Problems of waterbird study and conservation in Eastern Europe and Northern Eurasia. Moscow, Russia.

14

Gurtovaya E., P. Tolvanen, T. Eskelin, I. Olsen, T. Bragina, T. Aravak, G. Eichhorn, A. Arkiomaa & S.

Timonen. 1999. Preliminary results of the Lesser White-fronted Goose monitoring in Kazakhstan in October

1999. Casarca, N 5, Moscow, Russia. Pp. 145-154.

15 IWC database

16 IWC 2005 data

17

Kazakov, B.A., N.H. Lomadze, V.P. Belik et al. 2004. Birds of the Northern Caucasia. Volume 1: Gaviiformes,

Podicepediformes, Procellariiformes, Ciconiiformes, Phoenicopteriformes, Anseriformes. Rostov-on-Don. 398

p. (In Russian).

18

Kellomaki E., T. Khohlova, A. Lehtinen, N. Ripatti, P. Rusanen & P. Uronen. 2003. Stop-over sites of migrating

geese in Kargopol district, Arkhangelsk region, NW-Russia. In: Management and conservation of waterfowl

populations in Northern Eurasia (with special focus on the White Sea-Baltic Flyway). Petrozavodsk, Russia.

Pp. 194-195.

19

Kondratyev A.V. & V.A. Buzun. 2003. Autumn migration of geese and other waterfowl on Il'men' Lake in 2002.

In: Management and conservation of waterfowl populations in Northern Eurasia (with special focus on the

White Sea-Baltic Flyway). Petrozavodsk, Russia. Pp. 77-78.

20

Krivenko V.G. & V.G. Vinogradov. 2001. Current status of waterfowl resources in Russia and issues of its

conservation. On: http://www.biodat.ru/chm/vbu/index.htm.

21

Krivenko V.G. (Ed.). 1999. Wetlands in Russia. Volume 1: Wetlands of International Importance. Wetlands

International - AEME Publ. 52, 194 pp.

22

Krivenko V.G. (Ed.). 2000. Wetlands in Russia. Volume 3: Wetlands on the Ramsar Shadow List. Wetlands

International Global Series No 6, 409 pp.

23

Kuchin A.P. 1998. Distribution and breeding of the Greylag Goose in the Altay Steppe and forest plains. In:

Casarca, N 4. Pp. 143-149.

24

Kuznetsov, E.A., N.V. Anzigitova. 2002. Nesting numbers and summer distribution of the Mute Swan in the

former USSR: A Review. In: Casarca, N 8. Pp. 199-232.

25 Kuznetsov, Anzigitova, Krivenko, Moshonkin, Kamennova, 1998 (Wetlands in Russia, 1).

26

Mishchenko A.L., O.V. Sukhanova, S.P. Kharitonov, V.A. Zubakin & S.V. Volkov. 2002. Current status of rare,

vulnerable and game birds in the Vinogradovo floodplains, Moscow Region. In: Inventory, monitoring and

conservation of Important Bird Areas of Russia. Issue 4. Moscow, Russia. Pp. 87-107.

27

Moskvitin S.S., I.G. Korobitsyn, O.Yu. Tyutenkov & A.S. Panin. 2004. Wader migration in the taiga zone of

south-eastern West Siberia. In: Waders of the Eastern Europe and Northern Asia: Studies and Conservation.

Pp. 151-157.

28

Nikolayev V.I. 1998. Birds of swamp landscapes of the National Park "Zavidovo" and Upper Volga. Tver'.

Russia. 215 p.

29

Rusanov G.M., N.N. Gavrilov, A.K. Gorbunov et al. 2003. Structural changes in ecosystems of Astrakhan

biosphere reserve caused by raising of the Caspian Sea level. Astrakhan. (In Russian).

30

Sazonov S.V. 2003. Spring stop-over sites of geese on Shuya farmlands in vicinity of Petrozavodsk. In:

Management and conservation of waterfowl populations in Northern Eurasia (with special focus on the White

Sea-Baltic Flyway). Petrozavodsk, Russia. Pp. 134-135.

27

31

Soloviev S.A. 2000. Potential IBAs of Omsk region. Inventory, monitoring and conservation of Important Bird

Areas of Russia. Moscow, Russia. Pp. 133-135.

32

Sultanov E. (Ed.). 2000. Potential Ramsar Sites of Azerbaijan. Baku, Wetlands International-AEME Publ. 152

p. (in Azerbaijan and Russian languages).

33

Svazas S., A. Kozulin, G. Grishanov et al. 2003. Important Transboundary Belarusian-Lithuanian and

Lithuanian-Russian Wetlands. Institute of Ecology of Vilnius University & "OMPO Vilnius" Publishers. Vilnius.

96 pp.

34

Sviridova T.V. & V.A. Zubakin. 2004. The influences of agricultural methods to the breeding waders (Moscow

region). In: Waders of the Eastern Europe and Northern Asia: Studies and Conservation. Pp. 173-180.

35 Vinokurov, A.A. 2001. Red-breasted Goose. In: Red Data Book of Russian Federation. Moscow. Pp. 397-399.

36

Yakushev N.N & E.V. Zavialov. 2005. Dynamics of distribution and status of swans in north part of Lower

Volga Valley. Waterfowl of Northern Eurasia. Pp. 292-293.

37

Yerokhov S.N. & N.N. Berezovikov. 2004. Ornithological observations in Kustanay region in autumn 2003.

Kazakhstan Ornithological Newsletter. Almaty, Kazakhstan. Pp. 46-49.

38

Yerokhov S.N. 2003. Greylag Goose in Kazakhstan: distribution, numbers, and the main stages of the annual

cycle. Casarca N 9. Moscow. Pp. 103-135.

39

Zimin V.B., N.V. Lapshin & A.V. Artemiev. 2001. Species composition and numbers of geese at the Olonets

spring stopovers. In: Problems of waterbird study and conservation in Eastern Europe and Northern Eurasia.

Moscow, Russia. Pp. 49-51.

This chapter starts with a review of numbers of 17 of the Higher Risk species identified

in Chapter 1 in European Union Member States in the Breeding and non-breeding

seasons. Four general analyses of site importance for Higher Risk waterbird species in

Europe, west and Central Asia and Africa are then presented, showing: 1. Sites where

high numbers of all waterbird species have been counted; 2. Sites where high numbers of

the 17 Higher Risk species have been counted; 3. Sites where a high diversity of the 17

Higher Risk species occur together and have the opportunity to mix; and 4. Sites that hold

both high numbers and a high diversity of the 17 example Higher Risk species. Because

of outbreaks of HPAI in 2005-2006 in Russia, Central and Southwest Asia and Africa,

within the flyways of many waterbird species that migrate to Europe, data from these

regions are included in these analyses. This general section is followed by an Introduction

to the data derived from Bird Ringing. 17 species accounts follow, which include a map

and a table summarising the count data for each Higher Risk species, and maps and tables

summarising the ring recovery data.

2.2 Summary of numbers of Higher Risk species in EU member States and Russia

2.2.1 Breeding Season

Table 2.2 is a summary of estimated numbers of breeding pairs of each of the 17 Higher

Risk species in 24 EU member states. With a few exceptions, these data were compiled

by BirdLife International (2004). None of the Higher Risk species were recorded as

breeding in Malta. The numerical range presented for each species is the estimated

number of breeding pairs (minimum to maximum estimates) compiled from national

28

Cygnus olor

Anser albifrons

Anser anser

Branta ruficollis

Anas penelope*

Anas strepera

Anas crecca

Anas

platyrhynchos

Anas acuta

Anas querquedula

Anas clypeata

Netta rufina

Aythya ferina

Aythya fuligula

Chlidonias niger

Larus ridibundus

Vanellus vanellus

Min Total

Max total

Austria

350-

500

0 500-

700

0 0 200-

300

70-120 10,000-

20,000

1 -5 70-200 160-300 150-

250

200-300 700-

1,000

0 6,000-

8,000

300-6,000 18,700 37,675

Belgium

341-

469

0 1,200-

1,300

0 0 1,100-

1,200

500-700 25,000-

35,000

9 -12 200 800-

1,100

1 653-916 1,900-

2,600

0 18,000-

19,000

17,000-

24000

66,695 86,498

Cyprus

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20-60 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 63

Czech

440-

500

0 620-

650

0 0 1,800-

2,500

60-100 25,000-

45,000

√ 60-120 70-120 200-

250

9,000-

17,000

12,000-

24,000

10 to 20 50,000-

100,000

7,000-

10,000

106,260 200,260

Denmark

4,500-

5,000

1,700-

2,000

Green

land

6,000-

10,000

0 0 300-

500

0-10

Green

and

20,000-

50,000

50-100 300-500 800-

1,000

0-1 400-600 1,000-

2,000

58-60 110,000-

125,000

30,000-

45,000

175,108 241,771

Estonia

2,000-

2,500

0 1,000-

1,200

0 10-100 700-

1200

2,500-

3,000

25,000-

30,000

50-100 2,000-

2,500

2,500-

3,000

0 1,000-

2,000

5,000-

7,000

2,000-

3,000

50,000-

80,000

15,000-

30,000

108,760 165,600

Finland

6,000-

8,000

0 2,500-

3,500

0 60,000-

80,000

150-

300

150,000-

250,000

150,000-

250,000

15,000-

25,000

1,000-

4,000

10,000-

12,000

0 15,000-

20,000

80,000-

120,000

25-35 50,000-

100,000

50,000-

80,000

589,675 952,835

France

1,000-

1,600

0 74 0 0 900-

1,000

200-500 30,000-

60,000

0-7 270-500 700-

1,300

650-

850

2,000-

3,500

500-800 179-190 29,100-

32,500

17,000-

20,000

82,573 122,814

Germany

7,700-

13,400

0 10,000-

18,000

0 0 2,700-

5,000

3,700-

5,800

210,000-

470,000

15-24 1,200-

1,900

2,100-

3300

420-

540

4,500-

7,500

11,000-

16,000

860-

1,000

136,000-

167,000

67,000-

104,000

457,195 813,464

Greece

50-80 0 20-40 0 0 10-20 0 100-1000 0 0-10 0 0-5 0-20 0 50-150 0 50-100 280 1,425

Hungary

220-

250

0 1,100-

1,400

0 0 100-

200

5 -15 100,000-

150,000

30-50 1,200-

1,500

500-600 20-50 5,000-

10,000

30-70 400-

1,000

7,000-

15,000

93,000-

150,000

208,605 330,135

Ireland

2,500-

1,000

0 250-

1,000

0 0 30-100 250-

1,000

10,000-

20,000

2 2 20-100 0 0-50 1,000-

2,500

0 3,900 2,500-

10,000

20,454 39,654

Italy

300-

500

0 150-

200

0 0 50-100 20-50 10,000-

20,000

0 350-500 150-200 40-60 300-400 40-50 150-200 500-1,000 1,700-

1,900

13,750 25,160

Latvia

600-

800

0 30-80 0 10-100 100-

300

2,000-

5,000

30,000-

40,000

0-20 1,000-

2,000

200-400 0-5 1,500-

2,000

800-

1200

2,000-

3,000

32,000 12,000-

15,000

82,240 101,905

Lithuania

1,000-

1,500

0 100-

150

0 10-100 100-

150

2,000-

3,000

70,000-

100,000

5 to 20 2,000-

3,000

150-300 0 3,000-

4,000

4,000-

6,000

2,000-

4,000

30,000-

60,000

18,000-

20.000

132,365 202,220

Luxembourg

35-45 0 0 0 0 √ 0 1,000-

1,500

0 0 √ 0 √ 2 to 5 0 0 20-30 1,057 1,580

Netherlands

5,500-

6,500

0 8,000-

9,000

0 20-30 6,000-

7,000

2,000-

2,500

350,000-

500,000

20-30 1,600-

1,900

8,000-

9,000

120-

170

1,700-

2,100

14,000-

18,000

1,000-

1,250

132,000-

137,000

200,000-

300,000

729,960 994,480

Table 2.2:

Estimated breeding populations (pairs) of 17 waterbird species considered to pose a High Risk of spreading Avian Influenza in Europe. Principal source: BirdLife International (2004).

Estimated breeding populations in European Russia are also presented for comparison.

29

Cygnus olor

Anser albifrons

Anser anser

Branta ruficollis

Anas penelope*

Anas strepera

Anas crecca

Anas

platyrhynchos

Anas acuta

Anas querquedula

Anas clypeata

Netta rufina

Aythya ferina

Aythya fuligula

Chlidonias niger

Larus ridibundus

Vanellus vanellus

Min Total

Max total

Poland

6,500-

7,000

0 3,200-

3,600

0 √ 2,000-

2,200

1,300-

1,700

200,000-

400,000

10 to 20 2,000-

3,500

1,300-

2,000

15-20 20,000-

30,000

15,000-

25,000

4,000-

5,000

110,000-

120,000

100,000-

150,000

465,325 750,040

Portugal

0 0 0 0 0 150-

250

0 3,000-

10,000

0 0-5 0-5 40-100 20-50 0-5 0 0-5 0-25 3,210 10,440

Slovakia

100-

400

0 15-80 0 0 50-80 10 -40 12,000-

20,000

0-10 100-200 10 to 40 10 to

30

500-

1,000

250-500 40-150 9,000-

17,000

2,500-

5,000

24,585 44,530

Slovenia

50-70 0 0 0 0 3 -5 0-10 10,000-

20,000

0 20-30 0-10 0 10 to 40 30-60 0 150-300 2,000-

3,000

12,263 23,525

Spain

0 0 0 0 0 2,500-

3,900

7-42 65,500-

100,000

0-50 50-250 50-250 2,500-

10,000

2,500-

10,000

0-50 30-60 2,500-

10,000

1,000-

2,500

76,637 137,102

Sweden

4,500-

7,500

0 15,000-

20,000

0 20,000-

30,000

400-

800

50,000-

80,000

175,000-

250,000

600-

1,100

250-400 1,000-

1,500

0 1,000-

1,700

20,000-

50,000

190-200 75,000-

125,000

50,000-

100,000

412,940 668,200

UK

12,000 0 15,600-

15,800

0 300-500 790 1,600-

2,800

63,000-

158,900

12 to 40 23-114 1,000-

1,500

0 324-426 10,200-

11,500

0 138,000 137,000-

174,000

379,849 516,370

EU Min Total

55,686 1,700 65,359 0 80,350 20,133 216,222 1,594,620 15,794 13,698 29,510 4,166 68,607 177,452 12,992 989,150 823,070 4,168,509

EU Max Total

69,614 2,000 86,774 0 110,830 27,895 356,387 2,751,460 26,583 23,334 38,025 12,332 113,602 288,340 19,315 1,290,700 1,250,555 6,467,746

European

Russia Min

15,000 60,000 20,000 >27,000 200,000 32,000 665,000 1,300,000- 300,000- 320,000 140,000 20,000 95,000 530,000 50,000 200,000 600,000 2,947,000

European

Russia Max

20,000 70,000 45,000 27,000 200,000 55,000 740,000 1,700,000 325,000 475,000 160,000 40,000 265,000 560,000 100,000 500,000 1,100,000 6,382,000

Table 2.2 continued

30

sources by BirdLife experts in each country. The table also includes the estimated

number of breeding pairs of each of these species in European Russia because of the

outstanding importance of this country for waterbirds in the breeding season. Most

species breed in even higher numbers east of the Urals than in European Russia, but data

are incomplete and accurate totals are very difficult to estimate.

From Table 2.2, the importance of each EU member state as a breeding area for Higher

Risk waterbird species can be ranked as presented in Table 2.3. The maximum estimate

from each country in BirdLife International (2004) has been used to compile the table.

Table 2.3: Total numbers (pairs, all species combined) of 17 Higher Risk waterbird

species estimated to breed in 24 EU Member States, summarized and ranked by country.

Number of Higher Risk waterbird pairs

estimated

Country

500,000-1,000,000 The Netherlands

Finland

Germany

Poland

Sweden

UK

250,000 - 500,000 Hungary

125,000 - 250,000 Denmark

Lithuania

Czech Republic

Estonia

Spain

75,000 - 125,000 France

Latvia

Belgium

37,500 - 75,000 Slovakia

Ireland

Austria

18,750 - 37,500 Italy

Slovenia

9,375 - 18,750 Portugal

< 9,375 Luxembourg

Greece

Cyprus

The number of pairs of the 17 Higher Risk waterbird species estimated to breed in each

member state of the EU is strongly affected by the latitude and longitude of the country

and by the availability of suitable habitat. For most species, countries in northern and

eastern Europe are closer to the core of the breeding range in Russia and these countries

hold relatively high numbers in the breeding season. Examples of such important

countries in northern and eastern Europe are Finland, Poland, Sweden Denmark and the

Baltic states. The importance of The Netherlands, Germany and the UK can be explained

by their importance for the three most numerous Higher Risk species in the EU: Mallard,

31

Black-headed Gull and Northern Lapwing. EU member states in southern Europe hold

relatively small numbers of Higher Risk species in the breeding season, and Cyprus,

Greece, Portugal and Italy are all near the bottom of Table 2.3, Even Spain and France,

relatively large countries, are below much smaller countries further to the north and east

such as Denmark, Lithuania and Estonia.

The number of Higher Risk species breeding in European Russia is included in Table 2.2

and for all species combined is roughly the same as the number estimated to breed in all

EU member states combined. In fact, only four species are estimated to have higher

breeding populations in all EU member states combined than in European Russia:

Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Greylag Goose and Mute Swan. The freezing in winter of

most of Russia and other countries in eastern and northeastern Europe is the driving force

behind migration patterns of waterbirds east and south into the rest of Europe, Africa, the

Middle East and beyond.

The number of each Higher Risk species breeding in the 25 EU countries can be ranked

and summarized from Table 2.2 in a similar way (Table 2.4).

Table 2.4: Total numbers (pairs) of 17 Higher Risk waterbird species estimated

to breed in 24 EU Member States, summarized and ranked by species.

Summed maximum national totals

(pairs) in 24 EU member states

Species

>2,000,000 Mallard

1,000,000 - 2,000,000 Black-headed Gull

Northern Lapwing

500,000 – 1,000,000 -

250,000 - 500,000 Common Teal

Tufted Duck

125,000 - 250,000 -

75,000 - 125,000 Common Pochard

Eurasian Wigeon

Greylag Goose

37,500 - 75,000 Mute Swan

Northern Shoveler

18,750 - 37,500 Gadwall

Northern Pintail

Garganey

Black Tern

9,375 - 18,750 Red-crested Pochard

< 9,375

Greater White-fronted Goose

(Greenland)

0 Red-breasted Goose

The most numerous Higher Risk species found in EU states in the breeding season is

Mallard, and other very numerous species (more than one million counted) are Black-

headed Gull and Northern Lapwing. 12 of these species are present in the European

Union in the breeding season in only modest numbers (fewer than 125,000 pairs)

32

reflecting the preference of a majority of Anatidae species to breed further north and east

in Russia (see Table 2.2 for estimated totals breeding in European Russia).

2.2.2 Non-breeding season

Table 2.5 is a summary of peak national totals of Higher Risk species in the 24 EU

member states that contribute to IWC (the one non-contributing state is Malta, which

holds very few waterbirds). The number presented for each species is the highest total

obtained by summing all January counts from all sites in each country in each year

between 1990 and 2005. In most countries, the seventeen Higher Risk species represent

about half of the waterbirds counted in January each year. It should be remembered that

counts are always an under-estimation of actual numbers, since a certain proportion of

every species is missed by the January counts. This proportion is highest in species with

a dispersed winter distribution and those with inconspicuous behaviour.

From Table 2.5, the importance of each EU member state as a wintering area for Higher

Risk waterbird species can be ranked as presented in Table 2.6.

Table 2.6: Total numbers of 17 Higher Risk waterbird species counted in 24 EU Member

States in January, summarized and ranked by country.

Number of Higher Risk waterbirds

counted

Country

>2,000,000 The Netherlands

1,000,000 - 2,000,000 Germany

UK

France

Spain

500,000 – 1,000,000 Italy

Greece

250,000 - 500,000 Hungary

Denmark

Ireland

125,000 - 250,000 Sweden

Poland

Austria

75,000 - 125,000 Portugal

Czech Republic

37,500 - 75,000 Belgium

Slovakia

Estonia

Slovenia

18,750 - 37,500 Latvia

9,375 - 18,750 Finland

Cyprus

Lithuania

< 9,375 Luxembourg

The number of Higher Risk waterbirds counted in each member state of the EU in

midwinter is roughly proportional to the area of the country, with a number of notable

33

exceptions. The Netherlands, The UK, Denmark, Ireland and Greece are relatively small

countries with disproportionately high numbers of wintering waterbirds. This is because

of the large numbers of wetlands in these countries, all of which have long coastlines, and

are situated outside, but not very distant from, the normal zone of January freezing of

wetlands. Sweden, Poland and Finland hold fewer waterbirds in winter than their

geographical area might be expected to support, but all three countries are affected

heavily by January freezing of wetlands.

The number of each Higher Risk species wintering in the 25 EU countries can be

summarized from Table 2.5 in a similar way (Table 2.7).

Table 2.7: Total numbers of 17 Higher Risk waterbird species counted in 24 EU

Member States in January, summarized and ranked by species.

Summed maximum national totals in 24

EU member states

Species

>2,000,000 Mallard

1,000,000 - 2,000,000 Eurasian Wigeon,

Northern Lapwing

Greater White-fronted Goose

Black-headed Gull

Tufted Duck

500,000 – 1,000,000 Common Teal

Common Pochard

Greylag Goose

250,000 - 500,000 Northern Shoveler

125,000 - 250,000 Northern Pintail

Mute Swan

75,000 - 125,000 Gadwall

37,500 - 75,000 Red-crested Pochard

18,750 - 37,500 -

9,375 - 18,750 -

< 9,375 Red-breasted Goose

Garganey

Black Tern

The most numerous Higher Risk species found in EU states in winter (as in the breading

season) is Mallard, and other very numerous species (more than one million counted) are

diverse, including a goose, a dabbling duck, a diving duck, a wader and a gull. Three of

these species are present in the European Union in winter in very low numbers: Red-

breasted Goose (most of which winter on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, Romania and

Ukraine), Garganey and Black Tern (both of which largely winter in Subsaharan Africa).

34

Table 2.5: Peak national total count of selected Higher Risk waterbird species in January between 1990 and 2005

Cygnus olor

Anser albifrons

Anser anser

Branta ruficollis

Anas penelope

Anas strepera

Anas crecca

Anas

platyrhynchos

Anas acuta

Anas querquedula

Anas clypeata

Netta rufina

Aythya ferina

Aythya fuligula

Chlidonias niger

Larus ridibundus

Vanellus vanellus

TOTAL

Austria 3,203 32,975 12,815 2 831 2,416 3,217 58,288 64 5 252 154 10,371 29,033 0 30,431 1

184,058

Belgium 311 315 176 1 237 359 2,740 20,585 22 1 213 10 12,359 3,115 0 21,258 2,596

64,298

Cyprus 37 500 1 5 794 61 2,198 1,402 306 14 1,982 128 690 121 0 5,004 585

13,828

Czech 2,115 8,030 1,044 0 85 10 427 49,327 17 110 4 3 5,091 5,289 0 9,754 2

81,308

Denmark 31,184 4,475 111,027 1 23,410 74 2,778 66,646 4,326 0 37 1 12,501 146,057 0 9,234 2,932

414,683

Estonia 5,510 53 15,670 0 2 2 3 21,890 0 0 1 0 16 294 0 377 0

43,818

Finland 2,299 0 0 0 299 2 71 8,711 1 0 0 0 4 3,301 0 25 0

14,713

France 11,586 296 14,610 1 57,172 20,553 133,387 285,324 26,331 3 45,173 4,271 100,993 72,719 8 325,494 385,257

1,483,178

Germany 57,812 451,720 26,302 9 177,967 15,745 40,661 640,332 3,916 103 2,614 24,405 137,388 341,290 0 15,885 5,157

1,941,306

Greece 7,602 11,509 816 769 80,930 6,272 185,970 89,445 43,902 0 37,408 181 69,690 12,832 1 47,546 14,842

609,715

Hungary 871 225,348 63,485 99 5,275 2,307 18,204 148,599 740 25 13,354 269 9,359 4,320 0 6,789 245

499,289

Ireland 5,146 10,024 5,622 1 73,011 515 28,037 16,621 1,655 2 2,474 2 13,861 13,282 0 26,446 215,852

412,551

Italy 3,248 11,049 5,392 4 123,936 7,822 97,529 208,761 12,781 223 22,811 498 42,189 7,725 2 217,468 69,708

831,146

Latvia 5,110 3 9 0 5 1 16 21,760 8 0 1 0 12 170 0 357 0

27,452

Lithuania 1,499 0 71 0 3 5 1 7,528 0 0 0 3 160 353 0 0 0

9,623

Luxembourg 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 250 0 0 0 1 100 400 0 0 0

765

Netherlands 9,044 620,373 110,505 11 614,859 11,155 23,721 296,260 27,234 0 4,263 37 52,474 131,377 0 92,815 133,977

2,128,105

Poland 10,325 2,018 95 0 246 5 1,233 101,811 5 1 13 0 4,749 53,236 0 11,114 1

184,852

Portugal 1 1 4,451 0 20,208 1,333 37,628 12,128 14,127 0 15,651 642 2,674 1,459 0 1,369 4,038

115,710

Slovakia 453 300 1,500 0 42 43 369 43,694 7 10 6 0 9,271 2,402 0 3,634 4

61,735

Slovenia 725 250 247 0 871 49 2,929 20,938 59 1 90 2 2,631 2,370 0 7,703 194

39,059

Spain 43 32 99,386 0 98,241 15,974 133,600 222,307 37,833 73 116,498 19,334 60,841 5,735 2 216,280 148,017

1,174,196

Sweden 13,539 0 42 0 7,773 44 580 93,546 148 0 15 1 3,529 108,360 0 0 2

227,579

UK 18,607 3,850 62,929 5 387,385 15,269 167,602 195,398 23,035 3 10,910 133 41,525 57,263 0 286,500 466,204

1,736,618

Total 190,270 1,383,135 536,195 908 1,673,582 100,016 882,901 2,631,551 196,517 574 273,770 50,075 592,478 1,002,503 13 1,335,483 1,449,614 12,299,585

35

2.3 Summary of combined counts of all waterbird species

Figure 2.1. and Table 2.8 summarize the results of the International Waterbird Census

(IWC) for all the approximately 220 species included in Europe, North Africa, West

and Central Asia. Site totals presented on the map and table were compiled by

summing the peak counts of each waterbird species at each site in the period 1990-

2005, regardless of the year in which the peak count of each species was made. No

appropriate data were available from sub-Saharan Africa for this analysis.

It should be remembered that many species in addition to the 17 selected for detailed

analysis carry a risk of catching and spreading Avian Influenza, and that all sites

holding large numbers of waterbirds have the potential to act as significant reservoirs

of the disease. This map and table thus include sites of high relevance to the spread of

Avian Influenza in Europe.

Sites recording high January counts of waterbirds are spread throughout the region,

but the sites holding the very highest numbers are mostly in West and Central Asia.

One site, Big Kyzyl Agach (Gyzylagach) Bay in Azerbaijan, has a site total of well

over one million waterbirds and three further sites have totals exceeding half a

million, two of which are also in Azerbaijan and the third in Iran. Of the 91 sites in

this region detailed in Table 2.1 that have held more than 100,000 waterbirds, 50

(55%) are in Europe. Of the 17 sites with totals higher than 250,000, however, only

five are in Europe. These are The Danish Wadden Sea, The Crimea region (Sivash),

Ukraine, The Wash (UK), Shabla Lake (Bulgaria) and Skadar Lake (Serbia &

Montenegro-Albania).

The bias in distribution of important sites for wintering waterbirds in Central and

West Asia and the Black Sea/East Mediterranean region reflects the breeding

distribution of a high proportion of these birds in Russia, from where they migrate

south and west each autumn in response to freezing weather. Movement to Central

and Western Europe and to Africa involves a longer migration, a strategy adopted by

large numbers of birds, but fewer than those migrating the shorter distances to Central

and West Asia and the Black Sea/East Mediterranean region.

Table 2.8: Peak January site totals between 1990 and 2005 of all waterbird species combined, at

sites covered by the International Waterbird Census in Europe, West and Central Africa. The

peak counts of each waterbird species at each site in this period have been summed to produce site

totals. All sites where totals of 60,000 or more have been recorded are shown. No appropriate data are

available for sub-Saharan Africa.

Country Sitename Count

Albania Karavasta Complex 82060

Albania Narta Complex 81267

Algeria Lac Oubeira 90982

Azerbaijan Big Kyzyl-Agach Bay 1268904

Azerbaijan Kirov Bay 628360

Azerbaijan Sarysu Lake (Sarasuy) 501153

Azerbaijan Aggel (Ah Gol) Lake 110906

Azerbaijan Shah Cape (Apsheron Peninsula) 80917

Azerbaijan Kura River Estuary 75288

Azerbaijan Little Kyzyl-Agach Bay 72184

Bulgaria Shabla Lake (+ Ezeretz) 272577

36

Figure 2.1: Peak January counts between 1990 and 2005 of all waterbird species combined, the peak counts of each waterbird species at each site

in this period have been summed to produce site totals. No appropriate data are available for sub-Saharan Africa.

37

Table 2.8 continued

Country Sitename Count

Bulgaria Durankulak Lake Complex 132732

Bulgaria Mandra Lake 106602

Bulgaria Burgas Lake (Vaya) 67172

Bulgaria Piasachnik Reservoir 62306

Croatia Vranjsko Jezero 71057

Czech Rebublic Nove Mlyny I & Iidam Systems 76480

Denmark Danish Wadden Sea 498894

Denmark Roskilde Fjord 94640

Denmark Lolland NW 87744

Denmark Sydfynske Hav 78083

Egypt Lake Manzala 254851

Egypt Lake Burullus 98869

France La Camargue 202514

France Baie Du Mont Saint Michel 126718

France Bassin D'Arcachon 126708

France Etangs Montpellierains (34+30) 107540

France Littoral Du Pas De Calais 99878

France Cours Du Rhin (67 / 68) 98743

France Etangs De La Brenne 98666

France Résèrve Naturelle De Moeze (Charente-Seudre) 91124

France Baie De L'Aiguillon Et Pointe D'Arcay 90144

France Presqu'Île Guérandaise Dont Traicts Du Croisic 81182

France Littoral Picard 73467

France Etangs Et Lacs Du Bocage Vendéen 72521

France Golfe Du Morbihan 72441

France Lac De Grandlieu 67640

Germany/

Switzerland/Austria

Bodensee Gesamt 226119

Germany Wismar-Hohen Wieschendorfer Huk 206233

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 08 115979

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 10 97451

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 06 96865

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 07 96679

Germany Vorland Jadebusen 91474

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 12 64388

Germany / Switzerland

/ Austria Spiekeroog 62847

Greece Evros Delta 242396

Greece Amvrakikos Wetlands 217484

Greece Messolonghi Lagoon (From River Evinos To River Acheloos) 103098

Greece Kerkini 95605

Hungary Hortobagy Halasto 200065

Hungary Geszt. Begecsi Halastavak 61191

Hungary Velencei To 60300

Iran Bakhtegan & Tashk Lakes 760330

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Miankaleh Protected Region 343397

Iran

Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs: Damgah

Fereydoon Ke 326523

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Kuh-I-Khajeh 251781

Iran Gomishan Marsh 214849

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Gorgan Bay 196510

Iran Shadegan Marshes Protected Region: Total 151822

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Mars West (Main Lagoon) 137791

38

Table 2.8 continued

Country Sitename Count

Iran Kaftar Lake 135522

Iran Govater Bay & Hur-E-Bahu: 131519

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Siakeshim Protected Region 130905

Iran Ezbaran Damgah 128362

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Marsh East 126430

Iran Paein Rud Posht Ab-Bandan 125826

Iran Caspian Coast: Ashuradeh-Khazarabad(Farahabad) 124336

Iran Amirlayeh & Sheikh Ali Kol: Amirlayeh Lake 119517

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Selkeh Protected Region 110970

Iran Lavandavil Wildlife Refuge: Lavandavil Marsh 108660

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Part Of Siahkeshim Protected Region 101445

Iran Urmiyeh (Uromiyeh) Lake: West Marshes 94944

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Sorkhankel 92738

Iran Govater Bay & Hur-E-Bahu: Bahookalat River 89305

Iran Gavekhoni Marsh 86966

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Hamoun-E-Saberi 85095

Iran Maharloo Lake 77080

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Astara - Hashtpar 75980

Iran Hamidieh Grassland 75792

Iran Aras River: Bralan - Aras Dam 75045

Iran Chookam Ab-Bandan 74793

Iran Harm Lake Complex: Harmkarion Lake (Near Khunj) 65699

Ireland Shannon And Fergus Estuary 69124

Italy Laguna Di Venezia 181026

Italy Delta Del Po - Parte Veneta 163498

Italy Laguna Di Grado E Marano 105778

Italy Manfredonia 65202

Italy Trasimeno 63372

Italy Oristano 63231

Kazakhstan Kurgaldjinskyi Reserve 186214

Kazakhstan Sholack Lake 70000

Kazakhstan Caspian Coast. O-Va Durneva-Turkmenia Border (300Km 66200

Kyrgyzstan Issyk-Kul Lake: Total 91387

Lithuania Kursiu Spit Seashore 71399

Morocco Merja Zerga: Kenitra 133966

Netherlands Texel-Vlieland (Meltofte 28) 192551

Netherlands Ameland-North Coast Of Friesland (Meltofte 25) 185750

Netherlands Ijsselmeer 152439

Netherlands Oosterschelde 133321

Netherlands Afsluitdijk-Balgzand (Meltofte 29) 119792

Netherlands Griend-Frisian Nothwest Coast (Meltofte 27) 114006

Netherlands Markermeer 111351

Netherlands Rottum-North Coast Of Groningen (Meltofte 23) 105821

Netherlands Westerschelde 103585

Netherlands Friese Noordkust 82185

Netherlands Terschelling (Meltofte 26) 79907

Netherlands Oosterschelde 76844

Netherlands Ijssel 72686

Netherlands Limburgse Maas 66392

Netherlands Waddenzee: Open Water West 64152

Netherlands Veluwemeer 61544

39

Table 2.8 continued

Country Sitename Count

Oman Barr Al Hikman 336988

Poland Zalew Szczecinski 65488

Portugal Estuário Do Tejo 110740

Portugal Ria De Faro 65985

Romania Delta Dunarii (Danube Delta) 130703

Romania Chituc (Vadu-Periboina) 121670

Romania Lake Sinoe (= Sinoie) 92515

Romania Portile De Fier Reservoir (Romanian Part) 82111

Romania Golovita (Bisericuta-Gr. Lupilor) 80693

Saudi Arabia Red Sea Shore: (Southern) Jeddah To Jizan 65955

Slovakia Podunaji (Danube Floodplain) 74042

Spain Parque Nacional De Doñana (Consolidation) 241848

Spain Lucios De Beta La Palma-Isla Mayor (Se) 169036

Spain Delta Del Ebro (T) 163704

Spain Lucio De Los Ansares (Se) 135897

Spain Gravera Del Porcal (M) 107385

Spain Embalse De Sierra Brava 101186

Spain Marisma De Hinojos (H) 100856

Spain Parque Natural De La Albufera (V) 94689

Spain Los Pobres. Lucios De Beta La Plama (Consolidated) 93817

Spain Del Palacio A La Algaida (H) 84464

Spain Caño Del Guadiamar Pnd (H) 77085

Spain Laguna De Gallocanta (Z) 71715

Spain De La Algaida A Hato Villa (H) 70500

Spain Saco Interior De La Bahía De Cádiz 66384

Spain Marismas P.N. Bahía De Cádiz 66084

Spain Lucio Del Membrillo (H) 63970

Spain Lucios De Veta Lengua Y Aguas Rubias (H) 62590

Switzerland Lac De Neuchâtel 121230

Switzerland Lac Léman-Ch 94295

Tunisia Lac Ichkeul 125150

Turkey Uluabat Golu (Apolyont Golu) 432137

Turkey Egridir Golu 234784

Turkey Beysehir Golu 213826

Turkey Isikli Golu [Civril Golu] 211496

Turkey Hirfanli Baraji 133834

Turkey Kizilirmak (Karabogaz+Balik) 129662

Turkey Camalti Salt Pans; Gediz Delta 126148

Turkey Kizilirmak East (Balik) 93132

Turkey Bafa Golu 91507

Turkey Goksu Delta (Silifke) 91434

Turkey Akyatan Golu 90851

Turkey Meric Delta 73212

Turkey Menderes Delta 70597

Turkmenistan Lake Sarykamysh 341068

Turkmenistan Krasnovodsk & North-Cheleken Bays 298473

Turkmenistan Balkhan Gulf (Convention Mar) 96185

Turkmenistan Khauzkhan Reservoir 92983

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Guyjuk-Okarem 77100

Turkmenistan Lake Ketdeshor (Kattashor) 66945

Ukraine Crimea (Region) 404830

40

Table 2.8 continued

Country Sitename Count

Ukraine E. Sivash 222105

Ukraine Donetsk (Region) 193224

Ukraine M. Sivash 151421

Ukraine Khmelnitsk (Region) 117464

Ukraine Black Sea State Biosphere Reserve 97726

Ukraine Dnepropetrovsk (Region) 86719

Ukraine Dzansheisky. Shagany; Alibey; Burnas Limans 84678

Ukraine Dniestrovskiy Liman 63020

Ukraine Zaporozhye (Region) 61697

Ukraine Odessa (Region) 60634

United Kingdom The Wash 295068

United Kingdom Morecambe Bay 215367

United Kingdom Thames Estuary 210873

United Kingdom Ribble Estuary 166283

United Kingdom Humber Estuary 154590

United Kingdom Somerset Levels 114209

United Kingdom Loughs Neagh & Beg 111066

United Kingdom North Norfolk Coast 102609

United Kingdom Mersey Estuary 95134

United Kingdom Swale Estuary 84353

United Kingdom Breydon Water & Berney Marshes 80888

United Kingdom Medway Estuary 79408

United Kingdom Blackwater Estuary 74980

United Kingdom Strangford Lough 74425

United Kingdom Severn Estuary (English Counties) 74068

United Kingdom Solway Estuary (Scottish Counties) 72368

United Kingdom Lower Derwent Ings 72195

United Kingdom Forth Estuary 69050

United Kingdom Alt Estuary 66072

United Kingdom Solway Estuary (English Counties) 60357

Uzbekistan Kuyumasar 144323

Uzbekistan Karakir Lakes System 144171

Uzbekistan Syrdarya River . Fergana Valley-Chardara Reservoir 97571

Uzbekistan Tuyabuguz Reservoir 80254

Uzbekistan Amudarya River (High Part Of The Stream) 60905

Serbia & Montenegro -

Albania

Skadarsko Jezero 250571

2.4 Summary of combined counts of 17 selected Higher Risk waterbird species

Figure 2.2 and Table 2.9 present IWC results of combined January counts of waterbird

species at sites similar to those in Figure 2.1 and Table 2.8, but only including the subset

of 17 species selected as Higher Risk species for detailed analysis. There are similarities

between the results, and the inclusion of data from Africa reveals the particular

importance of the Sahel zone of West Africa for some of these species. This subset of

species also appears to make less use of coastal sites than all waterbird species combined,

and this is likely to be a reflection of the large numbers of waders (shorebirds) that

feature in the IWC data but represented by only one species, Northern Lapwing, in the

Higher Risk species.

41

The inclusion of data from the Russian literature and from the African dataset of the IWC

for these species gives a more complete picture of important sites than was possible for

all waterbird species combined from the IWC data alone (Figure 2.1, Table 2.8). West

and Central Asia and the Black Sea/East Mediterranean again feature strongly as holding

a high number of the most important sites. Of the 10 sites holding more than 250,000 of

these 17 “Higher Risk” species, two are in Russia, two in Azerbaijan, two in Iran, and

one each in Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, Senegal and Mali. Of the 58 sites in this region

detailed in Table 2.9 that have held more than 50,000 Higher Risk waterbirds, 32 (55%)

are in Europe. Of the 10 sites where more than 100,000 Higher Risk waterbirds have

been counted, however, only two are in Europe: The Shabla Lake complex in Bulgaria,

and the Neman River Delta in Russia.

Table 2.9: Peak January site totals between 1990 and 2005 of 17 waterbird species considered to pose

a High Risk of spreading Avian Influenza in Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia. The peak counts

of each Higher Risk waterbird species at each site in this period have been summed to produce site totals.

All sites where peak count totals of 40,000 or more have been recorded are included.

Country Sitename

Number of

birds

Albania Karavasta Complex 84647

Albania Narta Complex 50528

Algeria Lac Oubeira 65279

Algeria Lac Fetzara 54786

Algeria Marais De Mekhada 48815

Austria Neusiedlersee. Seewinkel; Hansag 44110

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 793392

Azerbaijan Kirov Bay 282140

Azerbaijan Sarysu Lake (Sarasuy) 127599

Bulgaria Shabla Lake Complex 314814

Bulgaria Durankulak Lake Complex 179660

Bulgaria Burgas Lake (Vaya) 92662

Bulgaria Mandra Lake Complex 90486

Bulgaria Piasachnik Reservoir 76085

Bulgaria Ovcharitza 51336

Bulgaria Srebarna Lake 47057

Bulgaria Black Sea Coast: Kavarna-Balchik-Kranevo 40126

Croatia Kopacki Rit 53256

Denmark Roskilde Fjord 70942

Denmark Danish Wadden Sea 45821

Egypt Lake Manzala 83643

Egypt Lake Burullus 59365

France La Camargue 196404

France Etangs De La Brenne 102220

France Cours Du Rhin (67 / 68) 88987

France Etangs Montpellierains (34+30) 86780

France Etangs Et Lacs Du Bocage Vendéen 76987

France Baie Du Mont Saint Michel 71338

France Lac De Grandlieu 63935

France Lacs: Orient. Amance Et Temple-Auzon 56523

France Loire Amont 54380

France Presqu'Île Guérandaise Dont Traicts Du Croisic 48170

42

Figure 2.2: Peak January counts between 1990 and 2005 of 17 “Higher Risk” waterbird species. The peak counts of each of 17 waterbird

species considered to pose a high risk of transmitting Avian Influenza at each site in this period have been summed to produce site totals.

43

Table 2.9 continued

Country Sitename

Number of

birds

France Estuaire Seine 43154

France Marais Poitevin 42495

France Lac Du Der-Chantecoq (51 / 52) 41587

France Etangs Du Nord Loire Atlantique 41313

France Dombes-Vallée De L'Ain 40749

France Baie De Morlaix + Penze 40349

Georgia Paliastomi Lake 44470

Germany Dümmer 61665

Germany Wismar-Hohen Wieschendorfer Huk 58893

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 10 51301

Germany Donau: Km 2246-2405 50984

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 08 42005

Germ./Switz./Austria Bodensee gesamt 180311

Greece Evros Delta 248525

Greece Amvrakikos Wetlands 156101

Greece Kerkini 98073

Greece Messolonghi Lagoon (From River Evinos To River Acheloos) 51994

Greece Axios, Loudias & Aliakmon Deltas 42272

Hungary Hortobagy Halasto 163543

Hungary Geszt. Begecsi Halastavak 58875

Hungary Szabadszallas Szikes To = Kisret. Zabszek Knp 50893

Iran Bakhtegan & Tashk Lakes 639096

Iran

Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs: Damgah

Fereydoon Ke

407332

Iran Gomishan Marsh 168520

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Miankaleh Protected Region 131157

Iran Ezbaran Damgah 126350

Iran Govater Bay & Hur-E-Bahu: Bahookalat River 96688

Iran Paein Rud Posht Ab-Bandan 95710

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Mars West (Main Lagoon) 87376

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Marsh East 84715

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Siakeshim Protected Region 84180

Iran Shadegan Marshes Protected Region: Total 82163

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Selkeh Protected Region 76406

Iran Gavekhoni Marsh 75259

Iran Kaftar Lake 72920

Iran Hamidieh Grassland 62368

Iran Maharloo Lake 60594

Iran Dasht-E-Arjan Marsh 59699

Iran Amirlayeh & Sheikh Ali Kol: Amirlayeh Lake 59581

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Kuh-I-Khajeh 56807

Iran Helleh River: River And Delta 56554

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Sorkhankel 55154

Iran Chookam Ab-Bandan 54565

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Part Of Siahkeshim Protected Region 53322

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Anzali- Astara 50718

Iran Miangaran Marshes: Miangaran & Izeh Marshes 45112

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Hamoun-E-Saberi 44847

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Astara – Hashtpar 40736

Israel Southern Coastal Plain 48207

Italy Delta Del Po - Parte Veneta 135783

Italy Laguna Di Venezia 132222

Italy Laguna Di Grado E Marano 66486

Italy Oristano 44758

44

Table 2.9 continued

Country Sitename

Number of

birds

Italy Manfredonia 41636

Kazakhstan Small lakes north of Kurgaljin NR 451300

Kazakhstan North Caspian Coast total 179493

Kazakhstan Kurgaldjinskyi Reserve 118288

Kazakhstan Kulykol Lake, Kustanay reg. 83800

Kazakhstan Ayke Lake, Kustanay reg. 58700

Kazakhstan Koybagar & Tyuntyugur Lakes, Kustanay reg. 58080

Kazakhstan Chardara Vdchr 51090

Kazakhstan Chuchkakol Lakes 48901

Kyrgyzstan Issyk-Kul Lake: Total 42074

Mali Delta Quad‘S 101,102,107-110,115-117,125 356085

Mali Delta Quad 46 194015

Mali Delta Quad 33 165000

Mali Delta Quad 84 135000

Mali Delta Quad 93 (Walado Debo) 112457

Mali Delta Quad 20 95000

Mali Delta Quad 8 65200

Mali Delta Quad 74 45890

Mali Delta Quad 75 43000

Mauritanie Mahmouda 77087

Mauritanie Diawling 65716

Morocco Merja Zerga: Kenitra 50601

Namibia Walvis Bay Ramsar Site 61444

Netherlands Markermeer 137376

Netherlands Ijsselmeer 104666

Netherlands Westerschelde 96187

Netherlands Friese Noordkust 68610

Netherlands Haringvliet 64524

Netherlands Oosterschelde 64038

Netherlands Gelderse / Brabantse Maas 60713

Netherlands Ijssel 56336

Netherlands Reeuwijkse Plassen E.O. 54543

Netherlands Sneekermeer E.O. 49573

Netherlands Limburgse Maas 48839

Netherlands Biesbosch 47077

Netherlands Krimpenerwaard 46721

Netherlands Eemmeer. Nijkerkernauw En Nuldernauw 46435

Netherlands Groningse Noordkust 43065

Netherlands Lek 42652

Netherlands Polder Zeevang 41530

Nigeria Hadejia-Nguru, All Quadrats 187298

Portugal Estuário Do Tejo 57573

Romania Delta Dunarii (Danube Delta) 146432

Romania Chituc (Vadu-Periboina) 127571

Romania Lake Sinoe (= Sinoie) 116116

Romania Golovita (Bisericuta-Gr. Lupilor) 79260

Romania Portile De Fier Reservoir (Romanian Part) 67583

Romania Razelm Nw 52420

Romania Lakes Nuntasi And Tuzla 43631

Russia Volga Delta 516562

Russia Neman River delta 256000

Russia Veselovskoye Reservoir 249200

Russia Olonets Plain 82700

Russia Lake Manych-Gudilo 71662

45

Table 2.9 continued

Country Sitename

Number of

birds

Russia Kiziltashsky Liman Complex 65589

Russia Kyzlyar Bay 63230

Russia Penza Region 44000

Russia Kryukovskoye Reservoir 40892

Russia Wetlands of Upper Volga, Tver region 40340

Senegal Parc National Des Oiseaux Du Djoudj 457946

Slovakia Podunaji (Danube Floodplain) 41393

Spain Parque Nacional De Doñana (Consolidation) 203001

Spain Lucios De Beta La Palma-Isla Mayor (Se) 126941

Spain Delta Del Ebro (T) 126310

Spain Marisma De Hinojos (H) 118874

Spain Parque Natural De La Albufera (V) 118844

Spain Gravera Del Porcal (M) 105756

Spain De La Algaida A Hato Villa (H) 104965

Spain Lucio De Los Ánsares (Se) 101949

Spain Embalse De Sierra Brava 100173

Spain Caño Del Guadiamar Pnd (H) 89738

Spain Laguna De Gallocanta (Z) 65871

Spain Lucio Del Membrillo (H) 61613

Spain Embalse De El Vicario (Cr) 58726

Spain Aiguamolls De L´emporda (Gi) 56259

Spain Del Palacio A La Algaida (H) 54969

Spain Lagunas De Villafáfila (Za) 53402

Spain Lucios De Veta Lengua Y Aguas Rubias (H) 50360

Spain Lucio De Marilópez Grande (Se) 49351

Spain Los Pobres. Lucios De Beta La Plama (Consolidated) 49093

Spain Caño Travieso (Se) 45357

Switzerland Lac De Neuchâtel 105499

Switzerland Lac Léman-Ch 72718

Tchad Lac Fitri 137712

Tchad Lac Tchad - Quadrat 71 68635

Tunisia Lac Ichkeul 112030

Tunisia Sebkha Kelbia 45052

Turkey Uluabat Golu (Apolyont Golu) 66091

Turkey Goksu Delta (Silifke) 58651

Turkey Kizilirmak (Karabogaz+Balik) 58389

Turkey Egridir Golu 56935

Turkey Kizilirmak East (Balik) 54048

Turkey Beysehir Golu 51890

Turkey Camalti Salt Pans; Gediz Delta 50378

Turkey Akyatan Golu 49258

Turkey Meric Delta 48560

Turkey Burdur Golu 44810

Turkey Hirfanli Baraji 43186

Turkey Isikli Golu [Civril Golu] 41152

Turkmenistan Lake Sarykamysh 145214

Turkmenistan Krasnovodsk & North-Cheleken Bays 114760

Turkmenistan Khauzkhan Reservoir 89209

Turkmenistan Lake Ketdeshor (Kattashor) 57412

Turkmenistan Krasnovodsk Gulf (Convention Mar)(Turkmenbasti) 54647

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Guyjuk-Okarem 46711

Turkmenistan Kelif Floodlands (Formerly Kelif Lakes) 42225

Uganda Lutembe Bay 151775

Ukraine M. Sivash 155555

46

Table 2.9 continued

Country Sitename

Number of

birds

Ukraine E. Sivash 150251

Ukraine Khmelnitsk (Region) 111448

Ukraine Dzansheisky. Shagany; Alibey; Burnas Limans 91320

Ukraine Black Sea State Biosphere Reserve 83338

Ukraine Sasyk Liman + Adjacent Sea Area 68240

Ukraine Lake Kitai 67183

Ukraine Dniestrovskiy Liman 62012

Ukraine Stencovskie Plavny 53950

Ukraine Crimea (Region) 53337

Ukraine Vinitsa (Region) 44451

United Kingdom Somerset Levels 166722

United Kingdom Ribble Estuary 113705

United Kingdom Loughs Neagh & Beg 91036

United Kingdom Thames Estuary 84187

United Kingdom Ouse Washes 71179

United Kingdom Swale Estuary 69773

United Kingdom Lower Derwent Ings 67193

United Kingdom The Wash 67097

United Kingdom Breydon Water & Berney Marshes 64222

United Kingdom Tring Reservoirs 54883

United Kingdom Morecambe Bay 49482

United Kingdom Humber Estuary 47762

United Kingdom Severn Estuary (English Counties) 45605

United Kingdom Arun Valley 45328

United Kingdom Mersey Estuary 43005

Uzbekistan Kuyumasar 137385

Uzbekistan Karakir Lakes System 83725

Uzbekistan Tuyabuguz Reservoir 80322

Uzbekistan Syrdarya River . Fergana Valley-Chardara Reservoir 77861

Uzbekistan Talimardzhan Reservoir 53049

Uzbekistan Ullishorkul Lake 41287

Serbia&Montenegro

- Albania

Skadarsko Jezero 176613

2.5 Summary sites where high number of Higher Risk waterbird species mix

Figure 2.3 and Table 2.10 show sites where high numbers of “Higher Risk” species mix

in January. Sites where more than 100, 250 or 500 of two or more “Higher Risk” species

have been recorded during IWC counts since 1990 are shown on the map. For most

species, sites are only included on the map if more than 500 birds have been counted, but

for less numerous and more dispersed species, lower thresholds have been used, as

follows: Mute Swan 250, Greylag Goose 250, Northern Pintail 250, Northern Shoveler

250, Gadwall 100, Black Tern 100. All sites holding two or more of these species in these

numbers are shown on the map, and those holding 7 or more species in these numbers are

included in the table.

47

Table 2.10: Sites that have held seven or more of 17 waterbird species considered to pose a High Risk of

spreading Avian Influenza between 1990 and 2005 in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Central Asia All

sites where seven or more species have been recorded in numbers exceeding 100, 200 or 500 (see text) are

included.

Country Sitename

Number of

Species

Albania Karavasta Complex 9

Albania Narta Complex 8

Algeria Lac Oubeira 10

Algeria Marais De Mekhada 9

Algeria Lac Fetzara 9

Algeria Lac Tonga 8

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 15

Azerbaijan Kirov Bay 10

Azerbaijan Sarysu Lake (Sarasuy) 9

Azerbaijan Mahmudchala Lake 8

Azerbaijan Kura River Estuary 7

Bulgaria Atanasovo Lake Complex 11

Bulgaria Burgas Lake (Vaya) 9

Bulgaria Mandra Lake Complex 8

Bulgaria Varna Lake Complex: Varnensko, Beloslavsko, Iatata Yatata 7

Bulgaria Durankulak Lake Complex 7

Denmark Roskilde Fjord 7

France La Camargue 12

France Lac De Grandlieu 10

France Littoral Picard 9

France Loire Aval 9

France Dombes-Vallée De L'Ain 9

France Cours Du Rhin (67 / 68) 9

France Etangs De La Brenne 9

France Etangs D'Orx 8

France Bassin D'Arcachon 8

France Grand Plan Du Bourg; Dont Complexe Du Vigueirat 8

France Résèrve Naturelle De Moeze (Charente-Seudre) 8

France Lac Du Der-Chantecoq (51 / 52) 8

France Estuaire Seine 8

France Presqu'Île Guérandaise Dont Traicts Du Croisic 8

France Loire Amont 8

France Golfe Du Morbihan 7

France Etangs Du Nord Loire Atlantique 7

France Lacs: Orient. Amance Et Temple-Auzon 7

Germany Dümmer 8

Germany Rhein: Breisach - Nonnenweier 7

Germany Rhein: Nonnenweier-Kehl 7

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 06 7

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 08 7

Germany /

Switzerland / Austria

Bodensee gesamt 10

Greece Amvrakikos Wetlands 11

Greece Evros Delta 11

Greece Messolonghi Lagoon (From River Evinos To River Acheloos) 10

Greece Kerkini 10

Greece Kotychi Lagoon 9

Greece Karla Reservoirs (Former L.Karla) 8

Greece Vistonis (Bourou) 8

Greece Volvi 7

Hungary Geszt. Begecsi Halastavak 9

Hungary Kisbalaton ‘Regi‘ 8

48

Figure 2.3: The number of 17 waterbird species considered to pose a High Risk of spreading Avian Influenza recorded at each IWC site during

January counts between 1990 and 2005 in Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia

.

49

Table 2.10 continued

Country Sitename

Number of

Species

Iran Ala Gol Marshes: Ala Gol 13

Iran Gomishan Marsh 13

Iran Amirlayeh & Sheikh Ali Kol: Amirlayeh Lake 12

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Marsh East 12

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Miankaleh Protected Region 12

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Gorgan Bay 11

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Hamoun-E-Saberi 11

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Mars West (Main Lagoon) 11

Iran Govater Bay & Hur-E-Bahu: Bahookalat River 11

Iran Sayed Mahali & Zarinkola Ab: Zarinkola Ab-Bandan 10

Iran Parishan Lake 10

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Kuh-I-Khajeh 10

Iran Kaftar Lake 10

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Selkeh Protected Region 10

Iran Bakhtegan & Tashk Lakes 10

Iran Aras River: Bralan - Aras Dam 9

Iran Miangaran Marshes: Miangaran & Izeh Marshes 9

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Sorkhankel 9

Iran Dasht-E-Arjan Marsh 9

Iran Maharloo Lake 9

Iran Shadegan Marshes Protected Region: Total 9

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Siakeshim Protected Region 9

Iran

Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs: Damgah Fereydoon

Ke

9

Iran Sorkhrood Damgah 8

Iran Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs: Damgah Sorkherud 8

Iran Lavandavil Wildlife Refuge: Lavandavil Marsh 8

Iran Helleh River: River And Delta 8

Iran Hamidieh Grassland 8

Iran Gavekhoni Marsh 8

Iran Paein Rud Posht Ab-Bandan 8

Iran Ezbaran Damgah 8

Iran Urmiyeh (Uromiyeh) Lake: Ghareh-Gheshlagh Marsh 7

Iran Anar Marz Ab-Bandan 7

Iran Dorodzan Dam 7

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Hashtpar - Anzali 7

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Part Of Siahkeshim Protected Region 7

Ireland Little Brosna Callows: Total 8

Israel North Lower Jordan Valley 7

Israel Hula Valley 7

Israel Valley Of Yesreel 7

Italy Laguna Di Venezia 12

Italy Laguna Di Grado E Marano 11

Italy Laguna Di Caorle E Valli Di Bibione 10

Italy Oristano 10

Italy Delta Del Po - Parte Veneta 10

Italy Orbetello E Burano 9

Italy Valli Di Comacchio E Vene Di Bellocchio 9

Italy Maremma Grossetana 8

Italy Pialasse E Valli Ravennati 8

Italy Manfredonia 8

Italy Laghi Di Lesina E Varano 7

Kazakhstan Chardara Vdchr 8

Kazakhstan Kurgaldjinskyi Reserve 8

50

Table 2.10 continued

Country Sitename

Number of

Species

Kazakhstan North Caspian Coast total 7

Morocco Barrage Al Massira: Settat 7

Morocco Merja Zerga: Kenitra 7

Netherlands Markiezaat 9

Netherlands Biesbosch 9

Netherlands Limburgse Maas 8

Netherlands Gelderse / Brabantse Maas 8

Netherlands Oosterschelde 8

Netherlands Wolderwijd 7

Netherlands Volkerakmeer 7

Netherlands Veluwemeer 7

Netherlands Groningse Noordkust 7

Netherlands Ijssel 7

Netherlands Ijsselmeer 7

Portugal Estuário Do Tejo 7

Romania Delta Dunarii (Danube Delta) 11

Romania Island Sahalin-Melea (= Sahalin I.- Mainland) 7

Russia Kyzlyar Bay 11

Russia Neman River delta 10

Russia Volga Delta 10

Spain Lucios De Beta La Palma-Isla Mayor (Se) 11

Spain Los Pobres. Lucios De Beta La Plama (Consolidated) 10

Spain Caño Del Guadiamar Pnd (H) 10

Spain Parque Natural De La Albufera (V) 10

Spain Marisma De Hinojos (H) 10

Spain Delta Del Ebro (T) 10

Spain Lucio De Marilópez Grande (Se) 9

Spain Lucios De Veta Lengua Y Aguas Rubias (H) 9

Spain Del Palacio A La Algaida (H) 9

Spain Lucio Del Membrillo (H) 9

Spain Lucio De Los Ánsares (Se) 9

Spain Parque Nacional De Doñana (Consolidation) 9

Spain Parque Natural De El Hondo (A) 8

Spain Caño Travieso (Se) 8

Spain Laguna De Gallocanta (Z) 8

Spain De La Algaida A Hato Villa (H) 8

Spain Embalse De Castrejón (To) 7

Spain Tablas De Daimiel (Cr) 7

Spain Embalse De Orellana 7

Spain Aiguamolls De L´emporda (Gi) 7

Spain Embalse De Sierra Brava 7

Sudan Bagga Sites 7

Switzerland Lac De Neuchâtel 9

Switzerland Lac Léman-Ch 7

Tunisia Lac Ichkeul 8

Turkey Kizilirmak (Karabogaz+Balik) 11

Turkey Kizilirmak East (Balik) 10

Turkey Goksu Delta (Silifke) 10

Turkey Marmara Golu 8

Turkey Hirfanli Baraji 8

Turkey Akyatan Golu 8

Turkey Isikli Golu [Civril Golu] 7

Turkey Burdur Golu 7

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Gasankuli-Guyjuk 9

51

Table 2.10 continued

Country Sitename

Number of

Species

Turkmenistan Krasnovodsk Gulf (Convention Mar)(Turkmenbasti) 8

Turkmenistan Balkhan Gulf (Convention Mar) 7

Turkmenistan Kelif Floodlands (Formerly Kelif Lakes) 7

Turkmenistan Lake Sarykamysh 7

Ukraine Sasyk Liman + Adjacent Sea Area 8

Ukraine E. Sivash 8

Ukraine Secondary Delta Of The Kiliya Channel (Danube) 7

Ukraine Budaksky + Gribovsky Limans 7

Ukraine Black Sea State Biosphere Reserve 7

Ukraine Dzansheisky. Shagany; Alibey; Burnas Limans 7

United Kingdom Severn Estuary (English Counties) 12

United Kingdom Thames Estuary 12

United Kingdom Somerset Levels 11

United Kingdom Nene Washes 10

United Kingdom Swale Estuary 10

United Kingdom Ouse Washes 10

United Kingdom Rutland Water 9

United Kingdom North Norfolk Coast 9

United Kingdom Morecambe Bay 9

United Kingdom Lower Derwent Ings 9

United Kingdom Loughs Neagh & Beg 9

United Kingdom Pitsford Reservoir 8

United Kingdom WWT Martin Mere 8

United Kingdom Poole Harbour 8

United Kingdom Arun Valley 8

United Kingdom Humber Estuary 8

United Kingdom Breydon Water & Berney Marshes 8

United Kingdom Abberton Reservoir 7

United Kingdom Medway Estuary 7

United Kingdom Alde Complex 7

United Kingdom The Wash 7

United Kingdom Ribble Estuary 7

Uzbekistan Karakir Lakes System 7

Serbia&Montenegro -

Albania

Skadarsko Jezero 9

2.6 Combined data: sites important for large numbers of birds and a high variety

of species

Analyses of sites important for large numbers of waterbirds in winter (2.3, 2.4), and those

important for a wide variety of species (2.5) resulted in rather different lists of important

sites. An analysis was therefore undertaken where these two factors (numbers and

diversity) were combined. Figure 2.4 and Table 2.11 include sites where two or more of

the 17 Higher Risk waterbird species have been counted in numbers exceeding certain

thresholds between 1990 and 2005. For most species, the threshold above which sites

were included on the map was set at 500, but for less numerous and widespread species

lower thresholds were used, as follows; 250 for Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Gadwall,

Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, and 100 for Black Tern. These are the same

thresholds used to identify important sites for each species in the species accounts which

52

follow. Selection on this basis produced a list of sites, which are shown in Figure 2.4.

Table 2.11 includes all 487 such sites where more than 20,000 waterbirds of two or more

species have been counted in these numbers. This table provides a good starting point for

compilation of a definitive list of sites posing a High Risk of transmission of HPAI in the

event of outbreaks among wild birds.

53

Figure 2.4: All sites where combined counts of “Higher Risk” waterbird species exceeded 20,000 between 1990 and 2005, and where two or more of

these species occurred in numbers exceeding thresholds of 100, 250 or 500, (depending on species – see text).

54

Table 2.11: All sites where combined counts of “Higher Risk” waterbird species exceeded 20,000,

between 1990 and 2005, and where two or more of these species occurred in numbers exceeding

certain thresholds (see text).

Country Sitename

Number of

Birds

Number

Species

Albania Karavasta Complex 84647 9

Albania Narta Complex 50528 8

Algeria Lac Oubeira 65279 10

Algeria Lac Fetzara 54786 9

Algeria Marais De Mekhada 48815 9

Algeria Lac Tonga 35281 8

Algeria Sebkhet Djendli 22000 5

Austria Neusiedlersee. Seewinkel; Hansag 44110 3

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 793392 15

Azerbaijan Kirov Bay 282140 10

Azerbaijan Sarysu Lake (Sarasuy) 127599 9

Azerbaijan Mahmud-Chala Lake (Third Chala) 42105 7

Azerbaijan Mahmudchala Lake 28042 8

Azerbaijan Kura River Estuary 27986 7

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Factory Shelf 27845 4

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Yashma Is. and Gilazy Spit 27828 3

Azerbaijan Aggel (Ah Gol) Lake 26954 6

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Alyat Bay 26905 4

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Sangachal Bay 26691 2

Azerbaijan Shah Cape (Apsheron Archipelago Tara Islands) 25306 2

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Pyrallahy Island 21385 3

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Shakdilli Spit 20945 5

Belgium Spaarbekken Merkem 34069 4

Belgium Achterhaven Zeebrugge 33342 5

Bulgaria Shabla Lake Complex 314814 6

Bulgaria Shabla Lake (+ Ezeretz) 268195 5

Bulgaria Durankulak Lake Complex 179660 7

Bulgaria Burgas Lake (Vaya) 92662 9

Bulgaria Mandra Lake Complex 90486 8

Bulgaria Piasachnik Reservoir 76085 5

Bulgaria Ovcharitza 51336 6

Bulgaria Srebarna Lake 47057 3

Bulgaria Black Sea Coast: Kavarna-Balchik-Kranevo 40126 5

Bulgaria Atanasovo Lake Complex 38290 11

Bulgaria Tzerkovski Tserkovski Reservoir 33180 3

Bulgaria Danube: Tutrakan-Silistra Toutrakan – Silistra 30940 5

Bulgaria Danube: Other Sites 30509 6

Bulgaria Zrebchevo Zhrebchevo Reservoir 25832 5

Bulgaria

Small Natural Or Artificial Lenthic Wetlands In North

Bulgaria 22051 3

Bulgaria

Varna Lake Complex: Varnensko, Beloslavsko, Iatata

Yatata 20878 7

Croatia Kopacki Rit 53256 2

Croatia Park Prirode Lonjsko Polje (Lonjsko Polje Nature Park) 24869 4

Czech Nove Mlyny I & Iidam Systems 25052 4

Denmark Roskilde Fjord 70942 7

Denmark Danish Wadden Sea 45821 6

Denmark Sydfynske Hav 36939 6

Denmark Maribo Soerne 36296 4

Denmark Lolland NW 33787 5

Egypt Lake Manzala 83643 5

Egypt Lake Burullus 59365 6

Ethiopia Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park 37290 2

55

Table 2.11 continued

Country Sitename

Number of

Birds

Number

Species

Ethiopia Lake Abijatta 31499 5

France La Camargue 196404 12

France Etangs De La Brenne 102220 9

France Cours Du Rhin (67 / 68) 88987 9

France Etangs Montpellierains (34+30) 86780 6

France Etangs Et Lacs Du Bocage Vendéen 76987 3

France Baie Du Mont Saint Michel 71338 6

France Lac De Grandlieu 63935 10

France Lacs: Orient. Amance Et Temple-Auzon 56523 7

France Loire Amont 54380 8

France Presqu'Île Guérandaise Dont Traicts Du Croisic 48170 8

France Estuaire Seine 43154 8

France Marais Poitevin 42495 2

France Lac Du Der-Chantecoq (51 / 52) 41587 8

France Etangs Du Nord Loire Atlantique 41313 7

France Dombes-Vallée De L'Ain 40749 9

France Baie De Morlaix + Penze 40349 3

France Loire Aval 38139 9

France Baie De L'Aiguillon Et Pointe D'Arcay 34903 6

France Complexe De L'Etang De Berre 34424 4

France Résèrve Naturelle De Moeze (Charente-Seudre) 33570 8

France Etang De Châtillon En Vendelais 31640 4

France Grand Plan Du Bourg; Dont Complexe Du Vigueirat 31342 8

France Sud-Loire 30966 4

France Rétenue Du Cebron 29753 3

France

Bassin Du Leman (Lac Léman+Rhône+Plans D'Eau

Annexes)

28105 3

France Etangs Dans Region Argenton-Château 27616 3

France Golfe Du Morbihan 25768 7

France Littoral Du Pas De Calais 24174 5

France Haut Rhône (01 / 73 / 74) 24053 6

France Résèrve Naturelle De St. Denis Du Payre 23260 6

France Littoral Picard 22097 9

France Rance 21861 3

France Bassin D'Arcachon 21494 8

France Etang De Paintourteau 21362 4

France Etangs De La Region Centre 20869 3

France Lac Du Bourget 20857 4

France Etangs Du Montmorillonnais (4) 20686 3

France Val De Seine De Vernon À Pont De L'Arche 20274 5

France Etangs D'Orx 20016 8

Georgia Paliastomi Lake 44470 4

Germ./Switz./Austr. Bodensee gesamt 180311 10

Germany Dümmer 61665 8

Germany Wismar-Hohen Wieschendorfer Huk 58893 5

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 10 51301 6

Germany Donau: Km 2246-2405 50984 4

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 08 42005 7

Germany Rheiderland 37275 2

Germany Vorland Jadebusen 36704 4

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 12 36347 6

Germany Bislicher Insel 35971 2

Germany Seehof-Wittower Fähre-Breetzer Bodden 33011 4

Germany Fischteiche Der Lewitz 31462 2

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 06 31382 7

56

Table 2.11 continued

Country Sitename

Number of

Birds

Number

Species

Germany Rhein: Nonnenweier-Kehl 28041 7

Germany Großer Plöner See 27715 3

Germany Rhein: Breisach – Nonnenweier 27324 7

Germany Wendisch Langendorf-Barth 25961 5

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 11 25693 4

Germany Weser: Strohauser Plate 24923 5

Germany Neuharlingersiel – Carolinensiel 24855 3

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 13 24155 4

Germany Salzhaff 23761 5

Germany Oder (Stützkow/Piasek-Alte Oder Zaton/Schwedt) 22272 4

Germany Rhein: Weil-Breisach 21461 6

Germany Walsumer Rheinaue 20730 2

Germany Rassower Strom Und Wieker Bodden 20336 4

Greece Evros Delta 248525 11

Greece Amvrakikos Wetlands 156101 11

Greece Kerkini 98073 10

Greece

Messolonghi Lagoon (From River Evinos To River

Acheloos)

51994 10

Greece Axios, Loudias & Aliakmon Deltas 42272 6

Greece Vistonis (Bourou) 38730 8

Greece Volvi 31882 7

Greece Karla Reservoirs (Former L.Karla) 27981 8

Greece Porto Lagos (Lagos And Coast) 20961 6

Greece Kotychi Lagoon 20520 9

Hungary Hortobagy Halasto 163543 6

Hungary Geszt. Begecsi Halastavak 58875 9

Hungary Szabadszallas Szikes To = Kisret. Zabszek Knp 50893 5

Hungary Fulupszallas Szikes To = Kelemenszek Knp 39308 6

Hungary Kisbalaton ‘Regi‘ 36008 8

Hungary Soponyai-Halastavak 34713 3

Hungary Balaton: Total 31696 5

Hungary Velencei To 30761 3

Hungary Retszilas Halasto 30346 5

Hungary Biharugrai Halasto 30089 5

Hungary Duna: 1791-1794 Fkm Gonyu 29342 3

Hungary Dinnyes Ferto 25358 5

Hungary Tac (Sarviz) 23244 3

Hungary Csaj. Pusztaszer (Halasto) = Tomorkeny 23004 6

Hungary Duna 2: Baja-Dunafoldvar 22327 3

Hungary Fertó Tó (Lake Fertó) 20087 2

Iran Bakhtegan & Tashk Lakes 639096 10

Iran Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs: 407332 9

Iran Gomishan Marsh 168520 13

Iran

Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Miankaleh Protected

Region

131157 12

Iran Ezbaran Damgah 126350 8

Iran Govater Bay & Hur-E-Bahu: Bahookalat River 96688 11

Iran Paein Rud Posht Ab-Bandan 95710 8

Iran

Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Mars West (Main

Lagoon) 87376 11

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Marsh East 84715 12

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Siakeshim Protected Region 84180 9

Iran Shadegan Marshes Protected Region: Total 82163 9

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Selkeh Protected Region 76406 10

Iran Gavekhoni Marsh 75259 8

57

Table 2.11 continued

Country Sitename

Number of

Birds

Number

Species

Iran Kaftar Lake 72920 10

Iran Hamidieh Grassland 62368 8

Iran Maharloo Lake 60594 9

Iran Dasht-E-Arjan Marsh 59699 9

Iran Amirlayeh & Sheikh Ali Kol: Amirlayeh Lake 59581 12

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Kuh-I-Khajeh 56807 10

Iran Helleh River: River And Delta 56554 8

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Sorkhankel 55154 9

Iran Chookam Ab-Bandan 54565 6

Iran

Anzali Mordab Complex: Part Of Siahkeshim Protected

Region 53322 7

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Anzali- Astara 50718 5

Iran Miangaran Marshes: Miangaran & Izeh Marshes 45112 9

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Hamoun-E-Saberi 44847 11

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Astara – Hashtpar 40736 6

Iran Lavandavil Wildlife Refuge: Lavandavil Marsh 39600 8

Iran Aras River: Bralan - Aras Dam 36906 9

Iran

Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs:

Damgah Sorkherud 36497 8

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Gorgan Bay 30914 11

Iran Urmiyeh (Uromiyeh) Lake:: Total 30478 5

Iran Parishan Lake 30082 10

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Anzali – Langarud 29248 6

Iran Ala Gol Marshes: Ala Gol 25846 13

Iran Sayed Mahali & Zarinkola Ab: Zarinkola Ab-Bandan 25730 10

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Hashtpar – Anzali 25376 7

Iran Sorkhrood Damgah 23605 8

Iran Dorodzan Dam 22409 7

Iran Pain Rudposht Ab-Bandan 22117 4

Iran Varamin Lake 21288 3

Iran Anar Marz Ab-Bandan 20915 7

Iran Urmiyeh (Uromiyeh) Lake: Ghareh-Gheshlagh Marsh 20662 7

Ireland Shannon And Fergus Estuary Ground 36024 5

Ireland Wexford Harbour And Slobs 35739 6

Ireland Little Brosna Callows 31456 8

Ireland Cork Harbour 22276 5

Ireland Shannon Callows 20632 4

Israel Southern Coastal Plain 48207 5

Israel Valley Of Yesreel 39857 7

Israel Hula Valley 39766 7

Israel North Lower Jordan Valley 24908 7

Israel Galilee Coastal Plain 23833 6

Israel Southern Coastal Plain 21477 5

Israel Hula Valley 20418 7

Israel Kinnrot Valley 20233 6

Italy Delta Del Po - Parte Veneta 135783 10

Italy Laguna Di Venezia 132222 12

Italy Laguna Di Grado E Marano 66486 11

Italy Oristano 44758 10

Italy Manfredonia 41636 8

Italy Laguna Di Caorle E Valli Di Bibione 37405 10

Italy Biviere Di Lentini 34486 5

Italy Lago Di Garda 32962 5

Italy Pialasse E Valli Ravennati 31464 8

Italy Laghi Di Mantova 29542 3

58

Table 2.11 continued

Country Sitename

Number of

Birds

Number

Species

Italy Maremma Grossetana 27087 8

Italy Valli Di Comacchio E Vene Di Bellocchio 25847 9

Italy Orbetello E Burano 24619 9

Italy Foce Simeto 24000 5

Italy Baia Di Panzano 22743 6

Italy Laghi Di Lesina E Varano 22170 7

Kazakhstan Small lakes north of Kurgaljin NR 451300 2

Kazakhstan North Caspian Coast total 179493 7

Kazakhstan Kurgaldjinskyi Reserve 118288 8

Kazakhstan Kulykol Lake, Kustanay reg. 83800 3

Kazakhstan Ayke Lake, Kustanay reg. 58700 3

Kazakhstan Koybagar & Tyuntyugur Lakes, Kustanay reg. 58080 3

Kazakhstan Chardara Vdchr 51090 8

Kazakhstan Chuchkakol Lakes 48901 4

Kazakhstan Caspian Coast. O-Va Durneva-Turmenia Border 34000 3

Kazakhstan Small lakes west of Kurgaljin NR 31000 3

Kyrgyzstan Issyk-Kul Lake: Total 42074 6

Mali Delta Quad‘S 101,102,107-110,115-117,125 356085 2

Mali Delta Quad 46 194015 2

Mali Delta Quad 33 165000 2

Mali Delta Quad 84 135000 2

Mali Delta Quad 93 (Walado Debo) 112457 4

Mali Delta Quad 20 95000 2

Mali Delta Quad 8 65200 2

Mali Delta Quad 74 45890 3

Mali Delta Quad 75 43000 2

Mali Delta Quad 18 32625 2

Mali Delta Quad 53 29000 2

Mali Delta Quad 45 23500 2

Mauritanie Mahmouda 77087 5

Mauritanie Diawling 65716 5

Mauritanie Lac De Mal 32746 3

Mauritanie Bassin De R'Kiz 31647 2

Morocco Merja Zerga: Kenitra 50601 7

Morocco Barrage Al Massira: Settat 26603 7

Namibia Walvis Bay Ramsar Site 61444 2

Netherlands Markermeer 137376 6

Netherlands Ijsselmeer 104666 7

Netherlands Westerschelde 96187 6

Netherlands Friese Noordkust 68610 5

Netherlands Haringvliet 64524 5

Netherlands Oosterschelde 64038 8

Netherlands Gelderse / Brabantse Maas 60713 8

Netherlands Ijssel 56336 7

Netherlands Reeuwijkse Plassen E.O. 54543 4

Netherlands Sneekermeer E.O. 49573 5

Netherlands Limburgse Maas 48839 8

Netherlands Biesbosch 47077 9

Netherlands Krimpenerwaard 46721 5

Netherlands Eemmeer. Nijkerkernauw En Nuldernauw 46435 5

Netherlands Groningse Noordkust 43065 7

Netherlands Lek 42652 4

Netherlands Polder Zeevang 41530 5

Netherlands Gooimeer 39498 5

59

Table 2.11 continued

Country Sitename

Number of

Birds

Number

Species

Netherlands Grevelingen 39088 5

Netherlands Texel 38748 5

Netherlands Waterland 37720 6

Netherlands Waal 37411 5

Netherlands Veluwemeer 35139 7

Netherlands Oude Venen 34350 3

Netherlands Volkerakmeer 34128 7

Netherlands Alkmaardermeer E.O. 31666 4

Netherlands Oostzaanse Polders En Het Ilperveld 30683 4

Netherlands Wolderwijd 30378 7

Netherlands Hollands Diep 28856 5

Netherlands Veerse Meer 28021 4

Netherlands Tjeukemeer 27886 6

Netherlands Midden-Delfland En Oude-Leede 27119 5

Netherlands Alblasserwaard 26588 5

Netherlands Fluessen En Heegermeer 26425 3

Netherlands Markiezaat 26281 9

Netherlands Gelderse Poort 25531 6

Netherlands Ketelmeer 25187 6

Netherlands Dollard 24701 4

Netherlands Nieuwe Waterweg / Calandkanaal 24043 6

Netherlands Zwarte Meer 24031 6

Netherlands Terschelling 23874 5

Netherlands Eilandspolder 22041 3

Netherlands Nederrijn 21958 6

Netherlands Wormer- En Jisperveld 20092 2

Niger Gouske 30312 3

Niger Complexe "Tam" 21326 2

Niger Chiya 20612 2

Nigeria Hadejia-Nguru, All Quadrats 187298 5

Nigeria Hadejia-Nguru Wetland, Quad 13 31138 4

Poland Jez. Dabie 37607 3

Poland Zat. Gdanska 33192 4

Poland Odra: Krzepkowice-Brzeg Dolny (160 Km) 25331 3

Portugal Estuário Do Tejo 57573 7

Portugal Estuário Do Sado 32166 6

Romania Delta Dunarii (Danube Delta) 146432 11

Romania Chituc (Vadu-Periboina) 127571 4

Romania Lake Sinoe (= Sinoie) 116116 6

Romania Golovita (Bisericuta-Gr. Lupilor) 79260 5

Romania Portile De Fier Reservoir (Romanian Part) 67583 3

Romania Razelm Nw 52420 5

Romania Lakes Nuntasi And Tuzla 43631 3

Romania Periteasca-Portita (244402911 + 244402912) 29911 4

Romania Techirghiol 28862 4

Romania Lake Razelm 24405 5

Romania Island Sahalin-Melea (= Sahalin I.- Mainland) 24271 7

Romania Gr. Buhazu (Vadu) 22708 3

Romania Razelm Ne 22160 6

Romania Gura Portitei-Gr.Periboina 21425 3

Russia West Siberia 980000 3

Russia Volga Delta 516562 10

Russia Veselovskoye Reservoir 249200 5

60

Table 2.11 continued

Country Sitename

Number of

Birds

Number

Species

Russia Olonets Plain 82700 2

Russia Lake Manych-Gudilo 71662 4

Russia Kiziltashsky Liman Complex 65589 6

Russia Kyzlyar Bay 63230 11

Russia Penza Region 44000 3

Russia Kryukovskoye Reservoir 40892 2

Russia Wetlands of Upper Volga, Tver region 40340 3

Russia Group of limans between the Kuban and Protoka 32958 5

Russia Varnavinskoye Reservoir 30137 4

Russia Pskovsko-Chudskaya Lowland 28000 2

Russia Kuban Delta 27240 6

Senegal Parc National Des Oiseaux Du Djoudj 457946 4

Senegal Les Trois Marigots 36853 3

Slovakia Podunaji (Danube Floodplain) 41393 5

Slovakia Hrušov Dam From Dunaj'S Mouth To Cunovo 22358 3

Spain Parque Nacional De Doñana (Consolidation) 203001 9

Spain Lucios De Beta La Palma-Isla Mayor (Se) 126941 11

Spain Delta Del Ebro (T) 126310 10

Spain Marisma De Hinojos (H) 118874 10

Spain Parque Natural De La Albufera (V) 118844 10

Spain Gravera Del Porcal (M) 105756 4

Spain De La Algaida A Hato Villa (H) 104965 8

Spain Lucio De Los Ánsares (Se) 101949 9

Spain Embalse De Sierra Brava 100173 7

Spain Caño Del Guadiamar Pnd (H) 89738 10

Spain Laguna De Gallocanta (Z) 65871 8

Spain Lucio Del Membrillo (H) 61613 9

Spain Embalse De El Vicario (Cr) 58726 4

Spain Aiguamolls De L´emporda (Gi) 56259 7

Spain Del Palacio A La Algaida (H) 54969 9

Spain Lagunas De Villafáfila (Za) 53402 6

Spain Lucios De Veta Lengua Y Aguas Rubias (H) 50360 9

Spain Lucio De Marilópez Grande (Se) 49351 9

Spain Los Pobres. Lucios De Beta La Plama (Consolidated) 49093 10

Spain Caño Travieso (Se) 45357 8

Spain Embalse De Orellana 38280 7

Spain Parque Natural De El Hondo (A) 36637 8

Spain Lucios Del Caballero Y Del Puntal (H) 32581 6

Spain Embalse De Santillana (M) 30369 5

Spain Laguna De Sariñena (Hu) 27202 6

Spain Tablas De Daimiel (Cr) 26727 7

Spain Embalse Vega Del Jabalón (Cr) 22924 2

Spain Laguna De La Nava De Fuentes 22876 5

Spain Laguna De Boada 20251 3

Spain Embalse De Castrejón (To) 20108 7

Sudan Bagga Sites 22657 7

Switzerland Lac De Neuchâtel 105499 9

Switzerland Lac Léman-Ch 72718 7

Switzerland Vierwaldstättersee 33179 5

Switzerland Bodensee-Obersee-Ch 30439 6

Switzerland Zürichsee 24301 6

Switzerland Hochrhein: Rheinklingen-Aaremündung 20224 6

Switzerland Bielersee 20147 4

Tchad Lac Fitri 137712 4

61

Table 2.11 continued

Country Sitename

Number of

Birds

Number

Species

Tchad Lac Tchad - Quadrat 71 68635 2

Tchad Lac Tchad - Quadrat 17 39385 2

Tchad Bas Chari (Tchad) 36517 3

Tunisia Lac Ichkeul 112030 8

Tunisia Sebkha Kelbia 45052 5

Tunisia Lac De Bizerte 34532 5

Tunisia Garaet Mabtouha 24647 5

Turkey Uluabat Golu (Apolyont Golu) 66091 3

Turkey Goksu Delta (Silifke) 58651 10

Turkey Kizilirmak (Karabogaz+Balik) 58389 11

Turkey Egridir Golu 56935 5

Turkey Kizilirmak East (Balik) 54048 10

Turkey Beysehir Golu 51890 4

Turkey Camalti Salt Pans; Gediz Delta 50378 6

Turkey Akyatan Golu 49258 8

Turkey Meric Delta 48560 5

Turkey Burdur Golu 44810 7

Turkey Hirfanli Baraji 43186 8

Turkey Isikli Golu [Civril Golu] 41152 7

Turkey Bafa Golu 36558 6

Turkey Yumurtalik Lagoons(Yapi+Omerg) 35828 6

Turkey Marmara Golu 29895 8

Turkey Sultansazligi(Yay+Col+Kurbaga) 26752 3

Turkey Esmekaya Golu 25723 3

Turkey Tuzla Golu (Ceyhan Delta) 23021 5

Turkey Akyayan Golu 22140 5

Turkey Sapanca Golu 21726 3

Turkmenistan Lake Sarykamysh 145214 7

Turkmenistan Krasnovodsk & North-Cheleken Bays 114760 5

Turkmenistan Khauzkhan Reservoir 89209 5

Turkmenistan Lake Ketdeshor (Kattashor) 57412 6

Turkmenistan Krasnovodsk Gulf (Convention Mar)(Turkmenbasti) 54647 8

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Guyjuk-Okarem 46711 5

Turkmenistan Kelif Floodlands (Formerly Kelif Lakes) 42225 7

Turkmenistan Balkhan Gulf (Convention Mar) 39480 7

Turkmenistan Tedzhen (Tejen) Reservoir 2 39362 2

Turkmenistan Lake Romankuldogajik (30Km W. Of Kattashor) 38771 5

Turkmenistan Kopetdag Reservoir 35717 5

Turkmenistan Amudarya Valley: Kerki-Karabekaul 34849 4

Turkmenistan Soltandzhar Reservoir 33972 6

Turkmenistan Lake Dengizkul 32884 6

Turkmenistan Zeid Reservoir 32049 6

Turkmenistan Lake Soltantagt 31041 5

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Gasankuli-Guyjuk 29893 9

Turkmenistan Lake Kernai (Aybugir) 27490 3

Turkmenistan Dzharsai River Floodplains (Jarsay Collector) 24962 6

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Okarem-Cheleken 23635 4

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Chikishlyar Shore 20278 5

U.A.E. Khor Dubai 21035 3

Uganda Lutembe Bay 151775 2

Ukraine M. Sivash 155555 6

Ukraine E. Sivash 150251 8

Ukraine Khmelnitsk (Region) 111448 2

Ukraine Dzansheisky. Shagany; Alibey; Burnas Limans 91320 7

62

Table 2.11 continued

Country Sitename

Number of

Birds

Number

Species

Ukraine Black Sea State Biosphere Reserve 83338 7

Ukraine Sasyk Liman + Adjacent Sea Area 68240 8

Ukraine Lake Kitai 67183 6

Ukraine Dniestrovskiy Liman 62012 2

Ukraine Stencovskie Plavny 53950 6

Ukraine Crimea (Region) 53337 3

Ukraine Vinitsa (Region) 44451 2

Ukraine Odessa (Region) 35854 4

Ukraine Utl'Ukskij Liman 35291 6

Ukraine Danube Delta 34921 6

Ukraine Tiligulsky Liman 33950 6

Ukraine W. Sivash 32563 4

Ukraine Budaksky + Gribovsky Limans 31430 7

Ukraine Secondary Delta Of The Kiliya Channel (Danube) 30785 7

Ukraine Gebriianov Bay 27900 5

Ukraine Dnester Delta + Liman 25839 6

Ukraine Area Northeast Of Odessa 23190 5

United Kingdom Somerset Levels 166722 11

United Kingdom Ribble Estuary 113705 7

United Kingdom Loughs Neagh & Beg 91036 9

United Kingdom Thames Estuary 84187 12

United Kingdom Ouse Washes 71179 10

United Kingdom Swale Estuary 69773 10

United Kingdom Lower Derwent Ings 67193 9

United Kingdom The Wash 67097 7

United Kingdom Breydon Water & Berney Marshes 64222 8

United Kingdom Tring Reservoirs 54883 5

United Kingdom Morecambe Bay 49482 9

United Kingdom Humber Estuary 47762 8

United Kingdom Severn Estuary (English Counties) 45605 12

United Kingdom Arun Valley 45328 8

United Kingdom Mersey Estuary 43005 5

United Kingdom North Norfolk Coast 38664 9

United Kingdom Blackwater Estuary 33588 6

United Kingdom Forth Estuary 32671 6

United Kingdom Nene Washes 31461 10

United Kingdom Hamford Water And Naze Combined 31401 6

United Kingdom Walland Marsh 31177 4

United Kingdom Alde Complex 30017 7

United Kingdom Poole Harbour 28211 8

United Kingdom Rutland Water 26885 9

United Kingdom Loch Of Skene 24870 4

United Kingdom Medway Estuary 24472 7

United Kingdom Strangford Lough 23648 6

United Kingdom Inner Firth Of Clyde 23557 5

United Kingdom WWT Martin Mere 23484 8

United Kingdom Abberton Reservoir 22704 7

United Kingdom Carmarthen Bay 20485 4

United Kingdom Pitsford Reservoir 20407 8

Uzbekistan Kuyumasar 137385 2

Uzbekistan Karakir Lakes System 83725 7

Uzbekistan Tuyabuguz Reservoir 80322 2

Uzbekistan Syrdarya River . Fergana Valley-Chardara Reservoir 77861 5

Uzbekistan Talimardzhan Reservoir 53049 4

63

Table 2.11 continued

Country Sitename

Number of

Birds

Number

Species

Uzbekistan Ullishorkul Lake 41287 2

Uzbekistan Amudarya River (High Part Of The Stream) 33936 3

Uzbekistan Zekry Lake 23658 2

Uzbekistan Achinskoe Lake 23069 3

Serbia&Montenegro

- Albania

Skadarsko Jezero 176613 9

2.7 Species Accounts

For this preliminary analysis, 17 Higher Risk waterbird species were selected as

described above. For each of these species, the January count data held in the IWC

database were queried, and additional information on sites important for breeding,

moulting and wintering were compiled from the Russian literature and added to the

dataset (for more details, see the Introduction and Table 2.1). These data are summarized

on maps and important sites for each species are presented in tables. The tables include

columns for country, site name, peak count and year of peak count. These are followed

by a “type” column indicating the type of count by codes, as follows: J: January count;

M: Count of moulting concentration; S: count at a staging area on migration; B: Count at

breeding site. The Reference column in the tables gives a reference number for the source

of information, as listed in Table 2.1

The second section of each species account gives details about the migration patterns of

the species, based on ring recovery data, and the following Introduction gives information

necessary for the correct interpretation of the migration data.

2.7.1 Waterbird movements

The second section of each of the Species Accounts gives information on the movements

of these 17 species of waterbird considered to be at risk of contracting and spreading

Avian Influenza (AI) by migratory movements. For each species, the following

information is presented:

•

An overview of the migratory movements

•

A summary map showing the movements of each species. These maps are based on

published information that has been interpreted by ornithological experts and

therefore give an impression of the movements of birds.

•

A table providing details of migratory movements gathered from the literature and

ringing recoveries.

•

A map of the areas with the highest wintering concentrations of each species

•

Dot maps giving finding locations (recoveries) of birds ringed in Europe,

accompanied by maps giving sample sizes (see below).

•

A set of maps for each species from country atlases either published or in preparation

to provide further background information, which is provided in Annex 2.2.

64

The information presented in the dot maps of finding locations is based on reports of

ringed birds (recoveries). The data have been generated by ringing schemes throughout

Europe, and are held in the EURING databank (EDB), currently hosted by the British

Trust for Ornithology (

www.euring.org). Ringing schemes throughout Europe have both

volunteer and professional ringers who have generated these data. The data are submitted

to the EURING databank to provide a single access point for recovery information for

Europe.

2.7.1.1 Biases in the collation of ring recovery data

The dot maps provide a straightforward method of describing the distribution of a species

and thus providing information about their movements. Finding locations are presented

for each species. An initial map shows all recoveries and is followed by monthly maps to

show the distribution of that species throughout the year. For Red-breasted Goose there

are only four recoveries and these are presented on one map that shows the location and

the month of finding.

The different types of recoveries can introduce biases into the data. Those birds

recaptured by ringers will to some extent reflect the distribution of ringers and there is a

similar effect with birds which are resighted. The distribution of recoveries of dead birds

is dependent upon the number of birds in an area, the number that die and the number that

are found and reported. These data also have biases (particularly for shot birds), but as

ringers and resighters tend to be aggregated and may be in areas rarely visited by

members of the public, removing those birds recaptured or resighted reduces the bias to

some extent. For 11 of the 16 species for which we have analysable data sets, the

majority of data were from birds reported dead. The exceptions were Mute Swan

(

Cygnus olor

), Greater White-fronted Goose (

Anser albifrons

), Greylag Goose (

Anser

anser

), Black-headed Gull (

Larus ridibundus

)

and Black Tern (

Chlidonias niger

), for

which there are large numbers of resightings of individually colour-marked birds or

reading of metal ring numbers in the field. Comparisons of the distribution of birds

found dead and those found alive showed large differences, with resightings being

concentrated in western Europe (Figure 2.5). To reduce bias, but maintain maximum.

65

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

Alive (20,016) Dead (4,899)

Eurasian Wigeon

Anas penelope

Alive (241) Dead (6,386)

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

Alive (3,906) Dead (11,049)

Black-headed Gull

Larus ridibundus

Alive (57,007) Dead (68,423)

Figure 2.5:

A comparison of the distribution of recoveries for birds reported alive and

those reported dead for four species.

66

data, only reports of dead birds were plotted. Dead birds were defined as those with

EURING finding condition of 1-6 and 9 (see

www.euring.org for a full list of finding

conditions). For ducks and geese, these will mostly refer to shot birds and aggregations

will inevitably remain in the data presented. However, when using dot maps such

aggregations will tend to be masked, as multiple recoveries in the same place are not

apparent. However, it has been shown for wildfowl that the distribution of recoveries

‘deliberately taken by man’ (largely shot), is more widespread and representative than

those with other causes (Wernham

et al.

2002).

For each species a map is provided in an Annex 2.1 showing the number of birds ringed

in each country and later found dead (either within or outside that country) to put the

recovery locations into context.

2.7.1.2 Compilation of migration synopsis tables

The data generated by national ringing schemes have been analysed in some detail for

some countries (Table 2.12) and these sources have been used to generate a summary of

the known movements. To maximise the ability to refer back to individual sources,

countries or regions may appear more than once. If this occurs it is due to different

sources being used. In many species it is often the case that the species occurs in both

summer and winter and hence appear in the ‘Population’ and ‘Wintering area’ columns

but it should be noted that these are not necessarily the same individuals and the breeding

population may move and be replaced by immigrants from elsewhere in winter.

Table 2.12: References consulted in drawing up the movement summary tables. Number in tables indicate

which reference was used in drawing up each line of data in the tables.

Number in Tables

Reference

1

Bauer, H.G., Bezzel, E. & Fiedler, W. (eds.) 2005. Kompendium der Vögel

Mitteleuropas. Aula-Verlag, Wiebelsheim.

2

Speek, B.J. & Speek, G. (1984). Thieme’s vogeltrekatlas. Thieme, Zutphen.

3

Wernham, C., Toms, M., Marchant, J., Clark, J., Siriwardena, G. & Baillie, S. (eds.)

2002. The Migration Atlas: movements of the birds of Britain and Ireland. T. & A.D.

Poyser, London.

4

Fransson, T. & Pettersson, J. (2001): Svensk ringmärkningsatlas. Vol. 1. Stockholm.

Including preliminary printouts for volume 2 (unpublished, 2006)

5

Bønløkke, J., Madsen, J.J., Thorup, K., Pedersen, K.T., Bjerrum, M. & Rahbek, C. in

press. Dansk Trækfugleatlas. The Danish Bird Migration Atlas (to be published spring

2006). Rhodos International Science & Art Publishers Ltd., Holtegaard, Humlebæk,

Denmark.

6

Unpublished printout of recovery maps from the Helsinki Bird Ringing Scheme.

7

Roggeman, W., Huisseune, D., Vangeluwe, D., Vandenbulck, P. & Vandousselare, P.

1995. Belgian Ringing Scheme Databank. Gaviidae to Anatidae. Studiedocumenten

van het K.B.I.N., Brussels.

8

Scott, D.A. & Rose, P.M. 1996. Atlas of Anatidae Populations in Africa and Western

Eurasia. Wetlands International Publication 41.

9

Bakken, V., Runde, O. & Tjørve, E. 2003. Norsk Ringmerkings Atlas. Lommer -

Alkefugler. Ringmerkingssentralen, Stavanger Museum.

67

10

Bianki, V.V. & Dobrynina, I.N. 1997. Anseriformes, Dabbling ducks. In: Pavlov, D.S.

(series ed.): Migrations of Birds of eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Nauka,

Moscow.

11

Veen J., Yurlov, A.K., Delany S.N., Mihantiev, A.I., Selivanova, M.A. & Boere, G.C.

2005. An atlas of movements of Southwest Siberian waterbirds. Wetlands

International, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

12

Recovery maps from the Italian Bird Ringing Scheme

13

Czech Duck Ringing project. URL:

http://www.mujweb.cz/veda/aythya/menu/records.htm

2.7.1.3 Compilation of summary maps of ring recoveries

The summary maps have been compiled from two data sources (see example of Common

Teal

Anas crecca

in Figure 2.6 below). The distribution maps are based on those

published in Bauer

et al.

(2005) and orange arrows have been overlaid to show the main

"migration streams" as revealed from the synopsis tables and the recoveries stored in the

EURING data bank. The distribution maps have not been altered for this project. This

means that in a few cases the distribution does not entirely fit with the information given

by the arrows, which represent a later state of knowledge.

Figure 2.6 Key to the distribution and movement summary maps

As always, when information from ringing and recovery points is transformed into linear

data, some personal estimation has to be included. We did this according to best

knowledge but there are some parts in the figures that clearly need to be based on more

data, a more in-depth study and probably a discussion of alternative interpretations. The

arrows mainly include information about the direction of main migration streams. They

are not intended to represent "migration pathways", since most of the species migrate on

a broad front. Their ends do not necessarily mean that migrants are expected to land

exactly at these places. Also, there is no information about length of non-stop flights in

the lengths of the arrows. A main migration event can happen along one arrow or along

several arrows in a chain. However, when there was suitable information we tried to

indicate important sites by disruption of arrow chains. Finally, the usage of very

heterogeneous sources leads to a high variance in data availability for different (sub-)

Grey

Winter distribution

Dark green

Summer distribution

Dark greyish green

Present all year

Light green

regular records during

migration periods

Grey

Winter distribution

Dark green

Summer distribution

Dark greyish green

Present all year

Light green

regular records during

migration periods

68

populations. This may lead to the fact that some less frequented directions may be known

and indicated for some countries (e.g. Britain, Denmark) and may be missing for others

(especially in eastern Europe).

2.7.1.4 Migration terminology

Migration can take many different forms. The seventeen species in this chapter are

generally

broad front migrants,

which migrate in short hops, stopping frequently on

route, and often have geographically diffuse migration routes. This distinguishes them

from

leap migrants

, which migrate in long-haul journeys stopping at only a few, usually

discrete, sites, such as wetlands, often in large numbers. A primary example of the latter

would be migrating estuarine shorebirds but undoubtedly some of the species considered

here, such as those that over-winter in sub-Saharan Africa, will undergo leap migrations.

The autumn and spring migration may take place across a similar network of sites but

often individuals can take different migration routes in spring and autumn. This is termed

loop migration

.

Another form of migration frequently referred to in this report is

moult migration.

Ducks,

geese and swans often become flightless when they are replacing wing feathers and

therefore need a safe moulting area (usually close to or surrounded by a large body of

water) and a plentiful supply of food. Many ducks and geese undertake moult migrations,

some of which can be long-distance. For example, there are a number of recoveries of

male Tufted Ducks moulting in Britain in early summer (June-July) in eastern Russia and

Kazakhstan during the breeding season. This also highlights that males and females may

take different routes or have different migration strategies.

69

2.8 Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

2.8.1 Numbers and distribution

Figure 2.7 shows that the most important sites for Mute Swan are on the Caspian shores

of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Kazakhstan. The northern Black Sea coast of Ukraine and the

western Baltic coasts of Denmark and Germany are other notable areas of importance.

The species is only partially migratory and these areas are important all year round.

Moulting concentrations of Mute Swans in the north Caspian Sea produce by far the

highest site totals, with 344,000 having been recorded in the Volga Delta in 1987

(Kuznetzov

et al.

1998) and 121,000 on the north Caspian coast of Kazakhstan in 2003

(Table 2.13). In January, high site totals are recorded further south in the Caspian, for

example 12,593 at Gyzylagach Nature Reserve (Azerbaijan) in the 1990s and 5,450 at

Lake Sarykamysh (Turkmenistan) in 2003. The country with the largest number of sites

important for Mute Swans is Germany, where a cluster of important sites on the south

Baltic coast extends into Denmark, where the most important site in this Baltic complex

is Lolland Northwest, which held 14,565 Mute Swans in January 1994. The third most

important complex of sites important for Mute Swans is along the north Black Sea coast

in Ukraine, where 14,510 Mute Swans were counted in the Eastern Sivash in January

2000. In southeast Europe, the Meric Delta in Turkey held 8,500 Mute Swans in January

1991.

Table 2.13: Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

: Peak January counts between 1990 and 2005 at all sites in Europe,

Africa, West and Central Asia where 500 or more have been recorded.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Austria Donau: Wilhering-Linz 2003 540 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 12593 J 17

Azerbaijan Kirov Bay 1991 8500 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Alyat Bay 5830 J 17

Azerbaijan Kura River Estuary 1879 J 17

Azerbaijan Mahmudchala Lake 1280 J 17

Azerbaijan Shorgel (Gushgel, Chala) Lakes 1110 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Pyrallahy Island 959 J 17

Azerbaijan Aggel (Ah Gol) Lake 1991 900 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gobustan Bay 699 J 17

Azerbaijan Lake Aggyol 672 J 17

Azerbaijan Sarysu Lake (Sarasuy) 667 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Shakdilli Spit 652 J 17

Bulgaria Pomorie Lake Complex 2003 1190 J 17

Bulgaria Atanasovo Lake Complex 1999 768 J 17

Denmark Lolland NW 1994 14565 J 17

Denmark Roskilde Fjord 1993 7155 J 17

Denmark Nakskov Fjord 1997 6478 J 17

Denmark Sydfynske Hav 2001 4929 J 17

Denmark Odense Fjord 1996 2773 J 17

Denmark Mariager Fjord 1994 1370 J 17

Denmark Harbour + Agger Tanger 2002 1039 J 17

70

Figure 2.7: Mute Swan Cygnus olor: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, West and Central Asia where 250 or more have been

recorded.

71

Table 2.13 continued: Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Denmark Gavno 2002 967 J 17

Denmark Helnes Bugt 1992 879 J 17

Denmark Basnaes Nor 1991 827 J 17

Denmark Ulvedybet 1994 800 J 17

Denmark Helnæs Bay 2003 743 J 17

Denmark Lovns Bredning 1998 599 J 17

Denmark Stavns Fjord 1990 596 J 17

Denmark Holsteinborg Nor 1999 575 J 17

Denmark Guldborgsund 2003 537 J 17

Estonia Kudema Bay: Total 2000 2500 J 17

Estonia Sorve Peninsula (W-Coast) 1994 1182 J 17

Estonia Vilsandi Island Consolidation 1996 805 J 17

Estonia Tagalaht Bay: Total 1996 669 J 17

Estonia Lohusalu Bay 1994 659 J 17

Estonia Kihnu Island (West Coast) 1991 600 J 17

Finland Turku-Åland Ferry 2003 1902 J 17

Finland Foglo 1 2001 722 J 17

France Cours Du Rhin (67 / 68) 2002 2219 J 17

France Dombes-Vallée De L'Ain 2004 864 J 17

France Bassin D'Arcachon 2003 820 J 17

France Littoral Dunkerquois 1991 584 J 17

France Haut Rhône (01 / 73 / 74) 2002 504 J 17

Germany Wendisch Langendorf-Barth 2002 7925 J 17

Germany Struck-Lubmin 1993 7780 J 17

Germany Seehof-Wittower Fähre-Breetzer Bodden 1996 6000 J 17

Germany Insel Hiddensee (O) 1999 4970 J 17

Germany Insel Ummanz 1999 3990 J 17

Germany Insel Hiddensee 1993 3562 J 17

Germany Boddengewässer Barhöft-Wendisch Langendorf 1993 3100 J 17

Germany Stralsund-Barhöft 1992 3044 J 17

Germany Salzhaff 1993 3016 J 17

Germany Boiensdorfer Werder-Poeldamm 2002 2686 J 17

Germany Glewitzer Fähre-Groß Schoritz 1992 2606 J 17

Germany Kubitzer Bodden: Bessiner Haken-Neuendorf 1993 2570 J 17

Germany Boddengewässer Waase - Gingst - Seehof 2001 2418 J 17

Germany Silmenitz-Lauterbach 2002 2384 J 17

Germany Lubmin-Ludwigsburg 1993 2009 J 17

Germany Kooser See-Gristower Wiek Und Riems 1992 1948 J 17

Germany

Kubitzer Bodden: Neuendorf-Lieschow. Priebowsche &

Landower Wedde 1993 1850 J 17

Germany Strelasund: Altefähr-Bessiner Haken 1998 1680 J 17

Germany Puddeminer Wiek-Altefähr 1992 1652 J 17

Germany Meiningen-Pramort 1995 1648 J 17

Germany Wieck-Kooser See 1993 1580 J 17

Germany Wismar-Hohen Wieschendorfer Huk 1993 1400 J 17

Germany Golwitz-Fährdorfer Haken (Poel) 1997 1100 J 17

Germany Greifswalder Bodden: Neu Reddewitz-Klein Zicker 1999 1100 J 17

Germany Strahlbrode-Stralsund 1990 1024 J 17

Germany Gänserastgebiete Amt Neuhaus 2002 991 J 17

Germany Rassower Strom Und Wieker Bodden 1994 937 J 17

72

Table 2.13 continued: Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Germany Rhein Bei Wiesbaden-Amöneburg (Rhein-Km 501.3-502;5) 2000 914 J 17

Germany Rhein: Weil-Breisach 2000 887 J 17

Germany Rhein: Nonnenweier-Kehl 2002 861 J 17

Germany Donau: Km 2246-2405 2000 857 J 17

Germany Insel Hiddensee (W) 1998 830 J 17

Germany

Breetzer & Breeger Bodden: Wittower Fähre - Gelmer Ort –

Lebbiner 2002 823 J 17

Germany Pramort-Zingst 1991 821 J 17

Germany Westbucht Fehmarnsund: Sundbrücke-Orth 2002 766 J 17

Germany

Großer Jasmunder Bodden (E): Lietzow - Sagard -

Spyckerscher & Mi

1994 739 J 17

Germany Hohen Wieschendorf-Groß Klütz Höved 1992 705 J 17

Germany Gristow-Stahlbrode 1999 698 J 17

Germany Fährdorfer Haken-Poeldamm-Redentin 1995 652 J 17

Germany Traveförde: Dassower See 2001 610 J 17

Germany Tollensesee (N) 1990 597 J 17

Germany Ludwigsburg-Wieck 1999 596 J 17

Germany Neuendorfer Wiek 1993 515 J 17

Germany Dierhagen-Ahrenshoop 2000 500 J 17

Germany /

Switzerland /

Austria

Bodensee Gesamt 2002 2241 J 17

Greece Evros Delta 1999 2623 J 17

Greece Keramoti Lagoons 1994 1143 J 17

Greece Messolonghi Lagoon (From River Evinos To River Acheloos) 1994 1014 J 17

Greece Ptelea Lagoon (Karakatsali) / Elos 1998 735 J 17

Greece Megalo Livari Istiaias (Secondary) 1993 600 J 17

Hungary Balaton: Total 1993 542 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Selkeh Protected Region 2003 1920 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Marsh East 2003 1750 J 17

Iran Lavandavil Wildlife Refuge: Lavandavil Marsh 2003 1510 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Siakeshim Protected Region 2003 1380 J 17

Iran Abbas-Abad Dam 2003 1370 J 17

Iran Gomishan Marsh 2003 1295 J 17

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Gorgan Bay 1998 957 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Sorkhankel 2003 950 J 17

Iran Amirlayeh & Sheikh Ali Kol: Amirlayeh Lake 2003 940 J 17

Iran

Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Lapoo - Zaghmarz Ab-

Bandan 1998 820 J 17

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Miankaleh Protected Region 1998 644 J 17

Ireland Shannon Callows: Total 1995 706 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Venezia 2003 976 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Caorle E Valli Di Bibione 2001 586 J 17

Kazakhstan North Caspian Coast Novinsky Islands - vil. Prorva 1987 12600 B 26

Kazakhstan North Caspian Coast vil. Prorva - Ural Mouth 1987 5200 B 26

Kazakhstan Karakol Lake 1991 8000 J 17

Kazakhstan Caspian Coast. O-Va Durneva-Turmenia Border (300Km 1991 4000 J 17

Kazakhstan Kurgaldjinskyi Reserve 1995 854 J 17

Kazakhstan North Caspian Coast total 2003 121000 M 17

Kazakhstan North Caspian Coast total 2002 14277 S 13

Kyrgyzstan Issyk-Kul Lake: Total 1999 1213 J 17

Latvia L.Liepajas North Part 2001 3542 J 17

73

Table 2.13 continued: Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Latvia Ragaciems 1992 718 J 17

Lithuania Kaunas Lake & Nemunas River In Kaunas City 1996 897 J 17

Netherlands Wolderwijd 2001 1859 J 17

Netherlands Veluwemeer 2000 1800 J 17

Netherlands Krimpenerwaard 2000 1588 J 17

Netherlands Alblasserwaard 2002 1380 J 17

Netherlands Markiezaat 1992 803 J 17

Netherlands Ijssel 2000 693 J 17

Netherlands Limburgse Maas 2002 566 J 17

Poland Zat. Gdanska 1993 3195 J 17

Poland Wisla: + Zbiornik Leczany 1993 2532 J 17

Poland Odra: Krzepkowice-Brzeg Dolny (160 Km) 1993 800 J 17

Poland Wisla: Krakow 1993 650 J 17

Poland Odra: Upper Course 1995 630 J 17

Poland Vistula River-Krakow (Urban Centtre Section) 1996 549 J 17

Poland Odra: Chalupki-Krapkowice 1993 515 J 17

Romania Delta Dunarii (Danube Delta) 1994 2394 J 17

Romania Furtuna 1997 1500 J 17

Romania Neptun Pond 1997 500 J 17

Russia Volga Delta 1987 344500 M 27

Russia Volga Delta 1987 14000 B 27

Russia Norhwest Caspian coast within Dagestan total 1987 3717 B 26

Russia Norhwest Caspy and lakes within Kalmykia 2700 B 26

Russia Lower Volga (Saratov reg.) 2100 B 38

Russia Kuban Delta 800 B 12

Russia Volga Delta 1967 J 17

Russia Sea of Azov: Tamansky Bay 1523 J 17

Russia Group of limans between the Kuban and Protoka 656 J 17

Russia Kyzlyar Bay 10000 S 7

Russia Lakes of South Ural 1000 S 15

Sweden Tåkern 1992 2200 J 17

Sweden Yttre Foteviken.24 1992 1190 J 17

Sweden S. Höllviken.21 2000 1162 J 17

Sweden Janstorp.25 1999 1055 J 17

Sweden Bjärred.36 2002 680 J 17

Sweden Gausviken.67 1992 600 J 17

Sweden Klagshamn-Sibbarp.29 1996 600 J 17

Sweden Burgsviken.77 1994 567 J 17

Sweden N. Lundåkrabukten.42 1994 554 J 17

Sweden Skanör-Knösen.20 1994 535 J 17

Sweden N. Höllviken.22 1995 530 J 17

Switzerland Lac De Neuchâtel 1996 825 J 17

Switzerland Lac Léman-Ch 1992 752 J 17

Turkey Meric Delta 1999 8900 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Sarykamysh 2003 5450 J 17

Turkmenistan Krasnovodsk Gulf (Convention Mar)(Turkmenbasti) 2004 3830 J 17

Turkmenistan Krasnovodsk & North-Cheleken Bays 1991 2530 J 17

Turkmenistan Balkhan Gulf (Convention Mar) 2004 1117 J 17

Turkmenistan North Cheleken Gulf 2004 836 J 17

74

Table 2.13 continued: Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Ukraine E. Sivash 2000 14510 J 17

Ukraine Black Sea State Biosphere Reserve 1990 10700 J 17

Ukraine Utl'Ukskij Liman 1991 8200 J 17

Ukraine Crimea (Region) 1992 5867 J 17

Ukraine M. Sivash 1991 3810 J 17

Ukraine Area Northeast Of Odessa 1998 3360 J 17

Ukraine Molochnoe Oz. 2000 2841 J 17

Ukraine Danube Delta 1993 2380 J 17

Ukraine Gebriianov Bay 1995 2200 J 17

Ukraine Secondary Delta Of The Kiliya Channel (Danube) 2000 1939 J 17

Ukraine Kherson (Region) 1994 1627 J 17

Ukraine W. Sivash 1991 1500 J 17

Ukraine Dnester Delta + Liman 1991 1388 J 17

Ukraine Stencovskie Plavny 1998 1290 J 17

Ukraine Dzharylhatskyj Bay Area I 2000 1280 J 17

Ukraine Dzansheisky. Shagany; Alibey; Burnas Limans 1995 1160 J 17

Ukraine Odessa (Region) 1990 1001 J 17

Ukraine Egorlicky (Jagorlycki) Bay 1995 1000 J 17

Ukraine Lakes Kagul.Kugurlui And Ialpug 1996 870 J 17

Ukraine Sasyk Liman + Adjacent Sea Area 1998 770 J 17

Ukraine Adzihol Lake 1998 700 J 17

Ukraine Budaksky + Gribovsky Limans 1995 700 J 17

Ukraine Vinitsa (Region) 1992 643 J 17

Ukraine Beresansky Liman 1991 630 J 17

Ukraine Cherkassi (Region) 1990 575 J 17

Ukraine Lakes Kugurlui And Ialpug 1995 540 J 17

Ukraine Zaporozhye (Region) 1992 507 J 17

United Kingdom Loughs Neagh & Beg 1999 1495 J 17

United Kingdom Fleet And Wey 2003 1368 J 17

United Kingdom Loch Of Harray 1991 1171 J 17

United Kingdom Somerset Levels 2001 1110 J 17

United Kingdom Upper Lough Erne 1997 590 J 17

United Kingdom Ouse Washes 2002 555 J 17

75

2.8.2 Mute Swan movements

The breeding area of the Mute Swan covers

west and central Europe (including southern

Scandinavia and the area around the Baltic).

The species also breeds locally in eastern and

south-eastern Europe and locally eastward to

China. The Mute Swan has also been

introduced to several other continents during

recent time. It is sedentary in some areas while

partially or wholly migratory in others.

The recovery rate of ringed Mute Swans is

very high and a large number of recoveries is

therefore available. The largest numbers of

recoveries are from Britain, Germany, the

Netherlands and Sweden. The geographical

distribution of recoveries follows to a great

extent the breeding range in Europe. Birds

from the northernmost breeding area in Sweden, Finland and the Baltic States

regularly move SW to wintering areas in southern Sweden, Denmark and northern

Germany. Mute Swans in Britain & Ireland, NW France, Belgium, the Netherlands,

W Germany and Norway are mainly sedentary but can perform short-distance

movements. Some central European breeders move west and south. Birds breeding in

Ukraine leave inland lakes and move to the coast of Black Sea, Danube Delta or

continue to the Balkans and Italy. Mute Swans in the Caspian Sea area mainly

perform short-distance movements within this area. It is well known that the species

can perform mass movements in severe winters in order to leave freezing lakes. The

distribution by months indicates that many Mute Swans leave inland areas in the north

and east, and concentrate in coastal areas during the winter months. Non-breeders

perform moult migrations and are sometimes found in large concentrations in

restricted areas.

Figure 2.

8

Map depicting the

movements of Mute Swan Cygnus olor

based on published information and ring

recoveries in the EURING Data Bank.

76

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Distribution: Palaearctic. Between 40° and 60°N from western Europe to northeast China.

Moult migration: July and August. Moult movement from mid-May to mid-June, returning in September

Population

(or part of population)

Autumn Migration

Wintering / Non-breeding Grounds Spring Migration References

direction / via during location during direction / via during

Northwest to central Europe

(mainly sedentary) 8

Scandinavia-Baltic Group: Finland, Baltic

Republics (increasingly sedentary), Poland,

Sweden

W Jan-Mar Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Estonia, Latvia,

Norway, Lithuania, Germany, Russia,

Netherlands, Great Britain, France, coasts of

Baltic Sea

1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9

Baltic population some via Poland,

Czech Rep.?

(mainly sedentary), migration occurs to

Slovenia, Italy, few birds Southern North

Sea, Central Europe

8, 12

Southern Sweden SW Dec-Feb Sweden, Denmark, Northeast Germany 4

East Germany, Schleswig-Holstein Denmark, Netherlands 2, 5, 6

Denmark, Norway ESE to SSE Sep-Dec

Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Czech Rep.,

Slovakia

1, 2, 5, 6

Southern and eastern Norway (mainly sedentary) Denmark, Northern

Germany, Sweden, Norway

9

Northern Denmark coast of Norway, Sweden, few to

Netherlands

5, 9

Netherlands Group: Netherlands, Nordrhein-

Westfalen, Belgium, Northwest France

NNW to ENE (mainly sedentary) Denmark, Norway,

Belgium, Germany, coast of NW-France,

Netherlands, Sweden, northern Germany,

Poland coast

Jan-Mar 1, 2, 5, 7, 9

Table 2.14: Summary of the movements of Mute Swan Cygnus olor from the literature based on published information and ring recoveries in the EURING Data Bank

77

England and Wales Group SE largely sedentary; (exchanges between

Denmark, Netherlands, northern France,

Sweden, Germany)

1, 2, 3, 5

Scotland Group (mainland, Orkneys) (sedentary) 1, 3

Scotland (Hebrides) Group Jan-Mar (mainly sedentary) Norway (1 ringing

recovery)

1, 3, 9

Irish Group (sedentary) 3

Eastern Europe

inland Black Sea, Sea of Azov (limited migration); coasts of Black Sea, few

to Danube, Caspian Sea, Delta, Balkan

peninsula, Greece, Turkey, southern Italy

3, 8

Ukraine (Black Sea Reserve) Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Italy 8, 12

Poland SW / S Eastern Germany, Czech Republic, Slovak

Republic, Austria, Hungary

8

Caspian Region and Central Asia

Mostly sedentary 8

Volga Delta, Caspian Sea Within Caspian Sea and adjoining lakes

interior lakes Azerbaijan, Dagestan; mass

migration (mainly westerly directions) occurs

in severe winters

8

South Caspian region immatures Iran, few Iraq 8

78

Finding locations of all dead birds

January February

March April

79

May June

July August

September October

November December

Figure 2.9

Finding locations of all dead Mute Swans Cygnus olor in the EURING data

bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month.

80

2.9 Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)

2.9.1 Numbers and distribution

The biggest wintering concentrations of White-fronted Geese occur in lowlands north and

west of the Black Sea in Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria, in central Europe on the plains

of Hungary, and in northwest Europe in the Netherlands and north Germany (Figure

2.10). All these populations migrate to northern Russia to breed, and a number of key

staging areas are known in Russia and Kazakhstan.

The most important sites for Greater White-fronted Goose are in The Netherlands and

Germany where 112,000 at Ijsselmeer in 1991 and 40,130 at Düffel in 2002 are typical of

the highest peak counts. (Table 2.15). The north and east coastal regions of the Black Sea

also hold large flocks, with 193,873 at Shabla Lake in Bulgaria in 2000 being the highest

single recent count. The lowlands adjacent to the Black Sea in Romania and Ukraine have

recorded peak counts of 78,000 at Lake Sinoie in 1992 and 85,042 in the Central Sivash

in 1998, respectively. The most important wintering site for the central European

wintering birds is Hortobagy in Hungary, where there were 130,000 in January 1992. The

species stages in spectacular numbers at a number of sites in Russia and Kazakhstan,

including Veselovskoye Reservoir (240,000 birds, Gineev et al., 2002), The Neman River

Delta (90,000, Svazas et al., 2003), and Olonets Plain, Karelia (80,000, Berezovikov,

2002). In Kazakhstan, 423,000 were recorded staging at lakes north of Kurgalin N R, and

many high counts are made in the autumn in the Kustanay region.

Table 2.15: Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in

Europe, West and Central Asia where 4,000 or more have been recorded.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Austria Neusiedlersee. Seewinkel; Hansag 2001 30503 J 17

Austria Neusiedler See (Austrian Part) 2004 4294 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 11952 J 17

Belgium Ijzerbroeken Merkem 2000 5015 J 17

Bulgaria Shabla Lake Complex 2000 193873 J 17

Bulgaria Durankulak Lake Complex 2003 108378 J 17

Bulgaria Mandra Lake 1997 61150 J 17

Bulgaria Srebarna Lake 1992 45155 J 17

Bulgaria Burgas Lake (Vaya) 2000 42370 J 17

Bulgaria Piasachnik Reservoir 1999 36753 J 17

Bulgaria Ovcharitza 1995 34755 J 17

Bulgaria Black Sea Coast: Kavarna-Balchik-Kranevo 1999 18480 J 17

Bulgaria

Small Natural Or Artificial Lenthic Wetlands In North

Bulgaria

2003 17914 J 17

Bulgaria Malko Sharkovo Reservoir 1997 16810 J 17

Bulgaria Atanasovo Lake Complex 2000 16010 J 17

Bulgaria Zrebchevo Zhrebchevo Reservoir 1997 13850 J 17

Bulgaria Tzerkovski Tserkovski Reservoir 1996 8500 J 17

81

Figure 2.10: Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, West and Central Asia where 500 or more

have been recorded.

82

Table 2.15 continued: Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Bulgaria

Black Sea Coast: Kaliakra-Kamen Brjag Bryag -Tulenovo

Tyulenovo 1999 6030 J 17

Bulgaria Sredishte 1993 6000 J 17

Croatia Suza-Polja (Suza-Fields) 1999 5600 J 17

Czech Nove Mlyny I & Iidam Systems 1995 8000 J 17

Germany Düffel 2002 40130 J 17

Germany Rheiderland 1999 36725 J 17

Germany Bislicher Insel 1998 35380 J 17

Germany Fischteiche der Lewitz 1998 28000 J 17

Germany Emmericher Eyland 1996 24200 J 17

Germany Walsumer Rheinaue 2002 20300 J 17

Germany Salmorth 2001 19457 J 17

Germany B 67 Xanten Appeldorn 1996 18333 J 17

Germany Fehntjer Tief 1998 17650 J 17

Germany Wesel-Lohrward 2000 17306 J 17

Germany Bienener Altrhein 2000 16450 J 17

Germany Oder (Stützkow/Piasek-Alte Oder Zaton/Schwedt) 1998 16000 J 17

Germany B 67 Xanten Vynen 2002 15037 J 17

Germany Lohrward-Rees 1995 14775 J 17

Germany Gänserastgebiete Amt Neuhaus 1999 14170 J 17

Germany Spellen-Mehrum 2003 13270 J 17

Germany Xanten-Sonsbeck 2003 13155 J 17

Germany Weser: Hammelwarder - Harrier Sand 2000 10680 J 17

Germany Rheinberg 1996 10600 J 17

Germany Emmerich Hetter 2003 10400 J 17

Germany Wertherbruch 1997 10080 J 17

Germany Oder (Ognica-N Widuchowa) 1990 10000 J 17

Germany Rees- Millingen 2000 9389 J 17

Germany Orsoy 2002 7132 J 17

Germany Dingender Heide 1999 7050 J 17

Germany Rheinberg Nord 1998 6920 J 17

Germany Elbe: Gorleben – Hitzacker 2001 6814 J 17

Germany Dollart 1990 6497 J 17

Germany Emmerich- Hüthum 1995 6405 J 17

Germany Dümmer 2000 6313 J 17

Germany Glowe-Kap Arkona 1991 6050 J 17

Germany Elbe km 445-454 / Bälow – Wittenberge 1999 6020 J 17

Germany Blumenkamp 1997 6000 J 17

Germany Parayer Vorfluter-Gülpe 2001 6000 J 17

Germany Elbe: Bleckede – Hohnstorf 1994 5924 J 17

Germany Conventer See 1991 5600 J 17

Germany Gülper See mit Rhinmündung und Küdden 1993 5400 J 17

Germany Oder (Alte Oder Zaton/Schwedt-Alter Oder Ognica) 1990 5250 J 17

Germany Königsstuhl-Glowe 1990 5100 J 17

Germany Elbe: Hitzacker - Alt Garge 1995 5035 J 17

Germany Belziger Feldmark 1993 5000 J 17

Germany Steinhuder Meer 2000 5000 J 17

Germany Emsvorland: Leer – Emden 1996 4949 J 17

Germany Unterwarnow und Breitling 1992 4800 J 17

Germany Krummhörn 1999 4724 J 17

83

Table 2.15 continued: Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Germany

Großer Jasmunder Bodden (W): Lebbiner Bodden,

Liddower Strom, Tetzitzer See (Lebbiner Haken-Ralswiek) 1992 4630 J 17

Germany Rangsdorfer See 1995 4600 J 17

Germany Großteich Torgau 1994 4500 J 17

Germany

Seestermüher Eschschallen (Elbe-Polder 2: Pinnau bis

Krückau)

2001 4300 J 17

Germany Elbe: Schnackenburg – Gorleben 2001 4250 J 17

Germany Weserstaustufe Schlüsselburg 2001 4100 J 17

Germany Wattenmeer SH 14 1997 4037 J 17

Germany Dierhagen-Ahrenshoop 1992 4000 J 17

Germany Emmerich-Dornick 1998 4000 J 17

Germany Havel (Fähre Ketzin-Alt Paare) - Trebelsee 2001 4000 J 17

Germany Kellen 2002 4000 J 17

Greece Evros Delta 1997 7000 J 17

Hungary Hortobagy Halasto 1992 130000 J 17

Hungary Szabadszallas Szikes To = Kisret. Zabszek Knp 1994 35000 J 17

Hungary Nagymagocs Ret. Legelo 1994 28650 J 17

Hungary Velencei To 1991 25000 J 17

Hungary Geszt. Begecsi Halastavak 2002 20500 J 17

Hungary Tac (Sarviz) 1995 20000 J 17

Hungary Dinnyes Ferto 2000 16000 J 17

Hungary Tata. Oreg-To 2000 10500 J 17

Hungary Fulupszallas Szikes To = Kelemenszek Knp 1995 10000 J 17

Hungary Fertó Tó (Lake Fertó) 1995 8603 J 17

Hungary Biharugrai Halasto 2000 8500 J 17

Hungary Balaton: Siofok 1999 8000 J 17

Hungary Retszilas Halasto 2000 8000 J 17

Hungary Sarbogard Halasto 2000 8000 J 17

Hungary Kardoskut Reservat (Szikes To) 2002 6000 J 17

Hungary Soponyai-Halastavak 2001 6000 J 17

Hungary Sumony Halasto 1996 6000 J 17

Hungary Maros: Maroslele 1993 5000 J 17

Hungary Sio Confluence: Decs 1991 4600 J 17

Hungary Duna / Karapancsa 1992 4500 J 17

Hungary Szeged. Feherto Halasto + Ferto 2000 4500 J 17

Hungary Tisza: Felgyo 1992 4050 J 17

Hungary Kisbalaton `Regi` 2001 4000 J 17

Hungary Nagyhegyes Elepi-H.To 2001 4000 J 17

Ireland Wexford Harbour And Slobs: Total 2000 7900 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Caorle E Valli Di Bibione 2003 6202 J 17

Kazakhstan Small lakes north of Kurgaljin NR 1999 423300 S 13

Kazakhstan Kulykol Lake, Kustanay reg. 1999 57300 S 16

Kazakhstan Ayke Lake, Kustanay reg. 1999 47800 S

Kazakhstan Koybagar & Tyuntyugur Lakes, Kustanay reg. 1999 39700 S 16

Kazakhstan Small lakes west of Kurgaljin NR 1999 21300 S 13

Kazakhstan North Caspian Coast total 2002 12395 S 13

Netherlands IJsselmeer 1991 112404 J 17

Netherlands IJssel 2003 99037 J 17

Netherlands Gelderse Poort 1992 70258 J 17

Netherlands De Wieden 1996 65930 J 17

84

Table 2.15 continued: Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Netherlands Fluessen e.o. 1990 63100 J 17

Netherlands Sneekermeergebied 1991 57890 J 17

Netherlands Waal: Waardenburg – Werkendam 2001 39014 J 17

Netherlands Donkse Laagten e.o. 1992 35419 J 17

Netherlands Grensmaas 1997 31573 J 17

Netherlands Lek: Wijk bij Duurstede – Schoonhoven 2003 24968 J 17

Netherlands Nederrijn: Heteren - Wijk bij Duurstede 2000 24340 J 17

Netherlands Oudegaasterbrekken e.o. 2001 24340 J 17

Netherlands Krimpenerwaard 1995 24263 J 17

Netherlands Alde Feanen 1990 23936 J 17

Netherlands Groote Wielen 1991 22946 J 17

Netherlands De Deelen 2002 22307 J 17

Netherlands Leekstermeergebied 1996 21388 J 17

Netherlands Koevordermeer 1993 20931 J 17

Netherlands Biesbosch 1992 17453 J 17

Netherlands Lauwersmeer 1993 14414 J 17

Netherlands Drontermeer 2000 13950 J 17

Netherlands Tjeukemeer 2004 12892 J 17

Netherlands Midden-Delfland en Oude-Leede 2000 12833 J 17

Netherlands Oostelijke Vechtplassen 2003 12816 J 17

Netherlands Getijde-beinvloede Maas 1997 11261 J 17

Netherlands Zwarte Meer 1992 10819 J 17

Netherlands Slotermeer 1994 9770 J 17

Netherlands Oudeland van Strijen 1990 9143 J 17

Netherlands Westerschelde & Saeftinge 1991 8790 J 17

Netherlands Ilperveld, Varkensland, Oostzanderveld & Twiske 1999 8145 J 17

Netherlands Nijkerkernauw 2003 7170 J 17

Netherlands Grevelingen 1999 7000 J 17

Netherlands Waddenzee 1999 6481 J 17

Netherlands Groote Peel 2002 5707 J 17

Netherlands Dwingelderveld 2004 5524 J 17

Netherlands Hollands Diep 2001 4954 J 17

Netherlands Voordelta & Kwade Hoek 1998 4510 J 17

Netherlands Lepelaarplassen 1992 4460 J 17

Netherlands Zeevang 2004 4125 J 17

Romania Lake Sinoe (= Sinoie) 1992 78000 J 17

Romania Delta Dunarii (Danube Delta) 1993 73220 J 17

Romania Golovita (Bisericuta-Gr. Lupilor) 1992 70000 J 17

Romania Lakes Nuntasi And Tuzla 1992 40000 J 17

Romania Razelm Nw 1999 17000 J 17

Romania Techirghiol 1999 12000 J 17

Romania Razelm Ne 1994 8000 J 17

Romania Leahova-Periteasca 1999 6000 J 17

Romania Isaccea 1992 5000 J 17

Romania Martinca 1994 5000 J 17

Romania Lake Murighiol 1999 4000 J 17

Russia Kargopol area 10000 B 20

Russia Lake Manych-Gudilo 47000 J 17

85

Table 2.15 continued: Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Russia Mouth of Upper Taimyra, Taimyr 4500 M 14

Russia Veselovskoye Reservoir 240000 S 11

Russia Neman River delta 90000 S 35

Russia Olonets Plain 80000 S 41

Russia Floodplains in Bryansk region 50000 S 2

Russia Wetlands of Upper Volga, Tver region 21000 S 30

Russia North Dvina Delta 10000 S 1

Russia Vicinity of Kostroma Reservoir 2003 9000 S 3

Russia Shuya farmlands, Petrozavodsk 4000 S 32

Turkey Esmekaya Golu 1993 19400 J 17

Turkey Tuz Golu West (Tersakan+Bulok) 1993 14700 J 17

Turkey Kulu Or Duden Golu 1992 9718 J 17

Turkey Isikli Golu [Civril Golu] 1993 8178 J 17

Turkey Seyfe Golu 1992 7897 J 17

Turkey Aksehir Golu 1990 7568 J 17

Turkey Tuz Golu (S.& E. Shore) 1992 6618 J 17

Ukraine M. Sivash 1998 85042 J 17

Ukraine E. Sivash 1991 80000 J 17

Ukraine Dniestrovskiy Liman 2001 50000 J 17

Ukraine Lake Kitai 1995 50000 J 17

Ukraine Stencovskie Plavny 1996 40000 J 17

Ukraine Odessa (Region) 1990 25640 J 17

Ukraine Dzansheisky. Shagany; Alibey; Burnas Limans 1996 23500 J 17

Ukraine Sasyk Liman + Adjacent Sea Area 1991 20000 J 17

Ukraine W. Sivash 1991 20000 J 17

Ukraine Black Sea State Biosphere Reserve 1990 15200 J 17

Ukraine Crimea (Region) 1990 12174 J 17

Ukraine Dnepro-Bugsky (Dneprovskij) Liman 1998 7000 J 17

Ukraine Danube Delta 1993 6700 J 17

Ukraine Utl'Ukskij Liman 2000 6137 J 17

Ukraine Molochnoe Oz. 2000 6018 J 17

Ukraine Lakes Kagul.Kugurlui And Ialpug 1996 5500 J 17

Ukraine Budaksky + Gribovsky Limans 1998 5000 J 17

Ukraine Dnester Delta + Liman 2001 5000 J 17

Uzbekistan Talimardzhan Reservoir 2004 4979 J 17

86

2.9.2 Greater White-fronted Goose movements

This species breeds at high latitudes in

northern Europe, Asia and North

America. It is a long-distance migrant

with wintering areas in Europe, south

and east Asia and southern North

America.

The only country in Europe where the

White-fronted Goose has been ringed in

large numbers is The Netherlands. A

reasonable number of recoveries is also

available from Britain & Ireland.

Recoveries from the winter period

(December – February) are mainly

reported from western Europe, including

Denmark and Germany, and smaller

numbers also in central and southeastern

Europe as well as in Turkey. The return

migration of the White-fronted Goose

starts in March with recoveries being spread eastwards in Europe. In April a large

number of recoveries is reported from Belarus and western Russia continuing north in

May. In June the birds are found in the breeding area close to the Arctic coast. A

small number of recoveries is found in May close to the border of Kazakhstan and

they are probably from birds heading for breeding sites on Taymyr Peninsula, where

some recoveries are found during the breeding season. Birds of the Greenland

breeding form, A. a. flavirostris start to appear on Iceland in April and in May

recoveries are reported from southeastern Greenland.

Autumn migration from northern Russia starts in August and continues until October.

The route followed is more to the north then during spring and birds pass through the

Baltic. In September and October recoveries are found in northern Kazakhstan and

this probably involves birds from breeding areas on Taymyr on their way to wintering

sites in southeastern Europe and Turkey. Birds breeding in Greenland are found on

stopover in Iceland until November and they winter mainly in Scotland & Ireland.

North Siberian breeders are also found in the Caspian Sea area and in Iraq, while birds

from breeding sites further east winter in south and East Asia.

Figure 2.

11:

Map depicting the

movements of Greater White-fronted

Goose Anser albifrons based on published

information and ring recoveries in the

EURING Data Bank

87

Greater white-fronted goose Anser albifrons

Distribution: Holarctic, at high latitudes in northern Europe, Asia and North America

Population

(or part of population)

Autumn Migration

Wintering / Non-breeding Grounds Spring Migration References

direction / via during location during

direction / via during

Two subspecies: nominate form Anser

albifrons albifrons in Arctic tundra ,

A. a.

flavirostris exclusively in low Arctic

areas of west Greenland from 63° to

72°N.

no overlap of range or migration routes between

flavirostris and albifrons

Spring migration tracks

probably a bit more

south than autumn

migration

3, 8

Greenland (A.a. flavirostris)

via S- and W-Iceland, S end Aug-Sep-

Oct

Britain, Ireland, few Denmark, Netherlands,

Norway

staging in Scotland mid Apr-

May

1, 5, 2, 8, 9

Western and Central Siberia Denmark, Finland Sep-Oct Northwest and central Europe; N-Spain, France,

Great Britain, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark,

Germany, Poland the Baltics, Finland, S-

Sweden

Netherlands Mar 1, 3, 2, 8

Arctic breeding grounds via SW-Siberia Southern North Sea, SW Baltic Sea Feb-Mar 2, 5, 12

Western and Central Siberia ("Panonic

population")

Austria, Hungary Oct-Nov Hungary, Austria, former Yugoslavia, N-Italy,

Albania, N-Greece

Feb-Mar 1

N-Siberia ("Anatolian population") Black Sea, Danube Delta, West coast Turkey,

NE-Greece, central Turkey

1, 3

Northern European Russia

Taymyr via Kazakhstan, SW-Siberia, W-

SW

Western Black Sea, probably Turkey 3, 8, 12

N-Siberia Caspian region, Iraq 1, 3, 8

East palaearctic group SE South and East Asia 3

Table 2.16:

Summary of movements of Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons from literature based on published information and ring recoveries in EURING Data

Bank.

88

Finding locations of all dead birds

January February

March April

89

May June

July August

September October

November December

Figure 2.

12:

Finding locations of all dead Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons

in the EURING data bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month.

90

2.10 Greylag Goose (Anser anser)

2.10.1 Numbers and distribution

Greylag Goose has a complex population structure in Europe and many countries have

non-migratory populations which are joined by migrants on passage and in winter.

Denmark, The Netherlands, Spain, the UK, Germany and Hungary hold large wintering

populations. This is a numerous species in Central Asia and Iran, with important

breeding and staging sites in Kazakhstan, and wintering sites in Uzbekistan,

Turkmenistan and especially Iran.

The highest counts of Greylag Geese have been made at sites in Russia and Kazakhstan

(Table 2.9). 100,000 have been recorded staging at the Stepnoi State Refuge, and 50,000

at the Svir Delta in Russia, and 70,000 were counted at Sholack Lake, Kazakhstan in

January 1995. Large numbers winter in Spain, where 43,521 at The Doñana National

Park 1n 1995 and 39,296 at Lagunas de Vilafafila in 1999 are high recent count totals.

Iran has more records of important concentrations of Greylag Geese than other countries

with 48,100 at Fereydoon Kenar in 2003 by far the highest count, followed by 12,700 at

Varamin Lake in 1997. In Northern Europe, 57,104 at Westerschelde and Saeftinge, The

Netherlands in 1999, 22,710 at Filso Lake, Denmark in 1996 and 19,150 at Loch of

Skene, Scotland in 1991 are typical high counts. In central and eastern Europe, 22,000

were counted at Fulupszallas Szikes To, Hungary, in 1995, and 21,822 at the Danube

Delta, Romania in 1992. There are important winter concentrations in North Africa,

where Lac Fetzara, Algeria, held 13,400 in January 1994.

Table 2.17: Greylag Goose Anser anser: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, Africa

West and Central Asia where 2,500 or more have been recorded.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Algeria Lac Fetzara 1994 13400 J 17

Algeria Marais De Mekhada 1991 7140 J 17

Austria Neusiedlersee. Seewinkel; Hansag 1995 12785 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 19200 J 17

Azerbaijan Kirov Bay 1991 6040 J 17

Belgium Polders Achterhaven Zeebrugge-Lissewege 2001 3851 J 17

Belgium Verrebroekpolder Verrebroek 2002 3111 J 17

Denmark Filso Lake + Fields 1996 22710 J 17

Denmark Basnæs Cove 1993 13000 J 17

Denmark Ålvand Klithede 1999 8150 J 17

Denmark Rosvang 1998 6500 J 17

Denmark Maribo Lakes 1991 6150 J 17

Denmark Bloden. Riso 2000 4725 J 17

Denmark Tisso Lake 1994 4625 J 17

Denmark Gjorslev 1992 4400 J 17

Denmark Margrethe Kog 1998 4079 J 17

Denmark Tonder Marshes 1999 3555 J 17

Denmark Vejlerne 2000 3463 J 17

Denmark Nissum Fjord 1996 3300 J 17

Denmark Vest Stadil Fjord 1993 3150 J 17

Denmark Borreby Marsh 2000 3100 J 17

Denmark Tandrup + Ove Lake 2000 2800 J 17

91

Figure 2.13: Greylag Goose Anser anser: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia where 250 or more have been

recorded.

92

Table 2.17 continued: Greylag Goose Anser anser

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Denmark Danish Wadden Sea 2002 2771 J 17

Denmark Fladet & Kallogrå 1999 2750 J 17

Denmark Boto Cove + Surroundings 1992 2627 J 17

Denmark Gisselfeld/Bregentved Lakes 2000 2625 J 17

Denmark Nakskov Fiord 2000 2535 J 17

Estonia Raana 1995 4150 J 17

Estonia Haeska 1992 3900 J 17

Estonia Kloostri 1993 2800 J 17

Estonia Vohilaid 1991 2500 J 17

France Baie De L'Aiguillon Et Pointe D'Arcay 2003 5360 J 17

France Lac Du Der-Chantecoq (51 / 52) 2004 3043 J 17

Germany Wattenmeer SH 14 1997 3327 J 17

Germany Dollart 1990 3177 J 17

Germany Vorland Butjadingen 1998 2970 J 17

Germany Wattenmeer SH 13 1992 2504 J 17

Hungary Fulupszallas Szikes To = Kelemenszek K 1995 22000 J 17

Hungary Kiskondas Halasto 1999 16000 J 17

Hungary Kisbalaton `Regi` 2002 12700 J 17

Hungary Fertó Tó (Lake Fertó) 1994 11484 J 17

Hungary Szabadszallas Szikes To = Kisret. Zabsze 1998 9400 J 17

Hungary Kisbalaton Tarozo 2002 7300 J 17

Hungary Hortobagy Halasto 1999 6410 J 17

Hungary Sarbogard Halasto 2000 6000 J 17

Hungary Retszilas Halasto 2000 5315 J 17

Hungary Duna / Karapancsa 1998 4000 J 17

Hungary Velencei To 1997 3100 J 17

Hungary Balaton: Siofok 1999 3000 J 17

Hungary Soponyai-Halastavak 2000 2500 J 17

Iran Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Dam 2003 48100 J 17

Iran Varamin Lake 1997 12700 J 17

Iran Kaftar Lake 1997 11500 J 17

Iran Garros Marsh 1994 11450 J 17

Iran Helleh River: River And Delta 1998 11091 J 17

Iran Dasht-E-Arjan Marsh 1997 10517 J 17

Iran Urmiyeh (Uromiyeh) Lake: West Marshes 1993 10442 J 17

Iran Dasht-E-Shoeybieh (Near Ahvaz) 1990 10076 J 17

Iran Hamidieh Grassland 1994 10052 J 17

Iran Urmiyeh (Uromiyeh) Lake: Southern Coast 1993 9150 J 17

Iran Gomishan Marsh 1995 8500 J 17

Iran Zargan Plain 1990 7500 J 17

Iran Aras River: Bralan - Aras Dam 1997 7000 J 17

Iran Gopy Lake 1991 7000 J 17

Iran Kaniborazan 1995 7000 J 17

Iran Shadegan Marshes Protected Region: Total 2003 6360 J 17

Iran Sorkhrood Damgah 1998 6000 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Selkeh Protected 2003 5400 J 17

Iran Dez Dam Complex: Dez Dam And Dez River 1991 4500 J 17

Iran Urmiyeh (Uromiyeh) Lake:: Total 1990 4498 J 17

Iran Urmiyeh (Uromiyeh) Lake: Ghareh-Gheshlag 1993 4379 J 17

Iran Bakhtegan & Tashk Lakes 1991 4346 J 17

Iran Urmiyeh (Uromiyeh) Lake: Gerdeh Ghit & M 1994 4000 J 17

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Kuh-I-Khajeh 1993 3956 J 17

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Hamoun-E-Saberi 1994 3779 J 17

Iran Agh Gol Marsh 1994 3605 J 17

Iran Miangaran Marshes: Miangaran & Izeh Mars 1994 3565 J 17

Iran Changiz Marsh 1994 3500 J 17

93

Table 2.17 continued: Greylag Goose Anser anser

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Iran Miangaran Marshes: Izeh & Shiekhon (Band 1991 3500 J 17

Iran Parishan Lake 1990 3450 J 17

Iran Gharaso (Boralan) Marsh 1993 3400 J 17

Iran Band Ali Khan Complex: Band-Ali Khan 1998 3000 J 17

Iran Shur Gol / Hassanlu 1994 3000 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Mars West 2003 2750 J 17

Iran Chookam Ab-Bandan 2003 2750 J 17

Iran Caspian Sea Coast (Mazandaran): Bandar T 1990 2703 J 17

Iran Choghakhor Marsh 2003 2650 J 17

Iran Dasht-E-Azadegan: Susangerd-Howeizeh-Bos 1993 2540 J 17

Iran Horeh Bamdej Marshes: Horeh Bamdej Marsh 1991 2500 J 17

Iran Yadegarlo Lake 1994 2500 J 17

Ireland Lough Swilly: Total 2001 3008 J 17

Kazakhstan Tobol-Ishim-Kurgaljin wetlands 9400 B 40

Kazakhstan Central Kazakhstan wetlands 8600 B 40

Kazakhstan Irgyz-Turgay-Sarykopa wetlands 5200 B 40

Kazakhstan Ural-Caspian wetlands 3000 B 40

Kazakhstan Sholack Lake 1995 70000 J 17

Kazakhstan Chuchkakol Lakes 2004 18700 J 17

Kazakhstan Chardara Vdchr 1992 8000 J 17

Kazakhstan Kurgaljin NR 40000 M 40

Kazakhstan Naurzum NR 10000 M 40

Kazakhstan Lakes of Kustanai region total 2003 42545 S 39

Kazakhstan Lake Bozshakol 1997 36000 S 4

Kazakhstan Small lakes north of Kurgaljin NR 1999 28000 S 16

Kazakhstan Kulykol Lake, Kustanay reg. 1999 6900 S 16

Kazakhstan Ayke Lake, Kustanay reg. 1999 4800 S 16

Kazakhstan Koybagar & Tyuntyugur Lakes, Kustanay re 1999 4580 S 16

Netherlands Westerschelde & Saeftinge 1999 57104 J 17

Netherlands Waddenzee 2000 14970 J 17

Netherlands Grensmaas 2004 13763 J 17

Netherlands Biesbosch 2001 8791 J 17

Netherlands Haringvliet 2001 8252 J 17

Netherlands Waal: Waardenburg - Werkendam 2002 8220 J 17

Netherlands Gelderse Poort 2003 6492 J 17

Netherlands IJssel 2004 6154 J 17

Netherlands Nederrijn: Heteren - Wijk bij Duurstede 2004 4342 J 17

Netherlands Oosterschelde 2004 3891 J 17

Netherlands Volkerakmeer 2001 3846 J 17

Netherlands Ketelmeer & Vossemeer 2004 3219 J 17

Netherlands De Wieden 2003 3191 J 17

Netherlands Getijde-beinvloede Maas 2004 2873 J 17

Netherlands Lek: Wijk bij Duurstede - Schoonhoven 2004 2848 J 17

Netherlands Oostvaardersplassen 1991 2692 J 17

Netherlands Midden-Delfland en Oude-Leede 2004 2627 J 17

Portugal Estuário Do Tejo 1999 4352 J 17

Romania Delta Dunarii (Danube Delta) 1992 21822 J 17

Romania Lake Istria 1994 6600 J 17

Romania Gr. Lupilor 1996 2900 J 17

Romania Lake Murighiol 1999 2500 J 17

Romania Martinca 1994 2500 J 17

Russia Kuban Delta 2000 6000 B 11+12

Russia Kulunda Lakes 4500 B 25

Russia Lakes of South Ural region 25000 J 15

Russia Volga Delta 18000 J 17

Russia Lake Manych-Gudilo 12000 J 17

94

Table 2.17 continued: Greylag Goose Anser anser

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Russia Beisugsky Liman and Lake Khanskoye 2795 J 17

Russia Stepnoi State Refuge 100000 S 33

Russia Svir Delta 50000 S 23

Russia Kyzlyar Bay 10000 S 7

Russia Neman River delta 4000 S 35

Spain Parque Nacional De Doñana (Consolidation 1995 43521 J 17

Spain Lagunas De Villafáfila (Za) 1999 39296 J 17

Spain Marisma De Hinojos (H) 2001 27200 J 17

Spain Lucio De Los Ansares (Se) 2003 20474 J 17

Spain Del Palacio A La Algaida (H) 2000 18970 J 17

Spain Laguna De Boada 2003 18200 J 17

Spain Los Pobres. Lucios De Beta La Plama (Con 1996 16638 J 17

Spain De La Algaida A Hato Villa (H) 1995 16500 J 17

Spain Laguna De La Nava De Fuentes 2001 13600 J 17

Spain Caño Del Guadiamar Pnd (H) 1994 13500 J 17

Spain Coto Del Rey (Consolidated) 1996 13028 J 17

Spain Lucios De Beta La Palma-Isla Mayor (Se) 1999 6760 J 17

Spain Caño Travieso (Se) 1992 5700 J 17

Spain Guadiamar Encauzado (H) 1993 4550 J 17

Spain Charcas De Castropepe Y Paradores (Za) 1998 3680 J 17

Spain Embalse Del Esla -Ricobayo- (Za) 1992 2502 J 17

Tunisia Lac Ichkeul 1992 8625 J 17

Turkmenistan Amudarya Valley: Kerki-Karabekaul 1994 3760 J 17

Turkmenistan Kelif Floodlands (Formerly Kelif Lakes) 1993 2969 J 17

Ukraine Secondary Delta Of The Kiliya Channel (D 2000 4480 J 17

Ukraine Stencovskie Plavny 1999 3750 J 17

Ukraine Utl'Ukskij Liman 1991 2850 J 17

Ukraine Black Sea State Biosphere Reserve 1990 2758 J 17

Ukraine Danube Delta 1996 2700 J 17

Ukraine E. Sivash 1998 2554 J 17

United Kingdom Loch Of Skene 1991 19150 J 17

United Kingdom Loch Spynie 1995 3900 J 17

United Kingdom Cromarty Firth 2002 3546 J 17

United Kingdom Dornoch Firth Consolidated 2001 3339 J 17

United Kingdom Inner Moray And Inverness Firth 1991 3205 J 17

United Kingdom Haddo House Lakes 1993 3000 J 17

United Kingdom Loch Of Strathbeg 1990 2700 J 17

United Kingdom Abberton Reservoir 2002 2500 J 17

95

2.10.2 Greylag Goose movements

The Greylag Goose breeds locally in a large

area of Europe, except for the southwestern

part, and across central Asia. Two subspecies

are present in Europe, the nominate form in

the west and A. a. rubrirostris in southeastern

Europe. Six populations are recognized within

Europe and feral populations are also found in

several areas. Populations in the north and east

are wholly migratory, while some populations

further south are resident.

Largest numbers of recoveries are from

Greylag Geese ringed in Denmark, Britain and

Sweden. The recoveries reported during

winter are found in western and southern

Europe, in northern Africa and a few in the

area of the Black and Caspian Seas. Return

migration starts early, already in January, and

continues until April. During the breeding

season, recoveries are spread out, including Iceland, coast of Norway, southern

Sweden, Ukraine, southern Russia and Kazakhstan. Autumn migration commences

late and recoveries start to appear in southwestern Europe in October. In November,

the Greylag Goose has left Iceland, the numbers found in North Africa increase and

recoveries in the east are found close to the northern part of the Black Sea and west of

marismas of the Caspian Sea. The southwest flyway is narrow and follows the

Atlantic coast in France, cross the Iberian Peninsula to marismas of the Guadalquivir

in southern Spain. Birds breeding in Britain are resident, while birds from Iceland

winter mainly in Scotland. Breeding birds from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and

western Germany migrate SW to Spain, but an increasing number have remained

during winter in the Netherlands and France since the mid 1980s. Many Greylag

Geese from eastern Sweden, Finland and east central Europe migrate south and winter

in Italy, the Balkans and in North Africa (Algeria and Tunisia). Birds from the Black

Sea region and Turkey show limited movements to coastal areas. Breeding birds from

areas north of the Caspian Sea and in western Siberia move south to areas including

Pakistan and India. Moult migration in non-breeders involves movements from central

Europe to the Baltic, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Figure 2.14:

Map depicting the

movements of Greylag Goose Anser

anser based on published information

and ring recoveries in the EURING Data

Bank.

96

Greylag goose Anser anser

Distribution: Palaearctic, across Europe and Asia. Two subspecies: nominate form Anser a. anser from west and northwest Europe, A. a. rubrirostris from southeast Europe and Asia

(both subspecies occur in Western Eurasia). Six populations recognized: 1. Iceland; 2. residents breeding in NW-Scotland; 3. Norway, Sweden, Denmark and western Germany; 4. NE-

Sweden, Finland, the Baltic States and central Europe; 5. Black Sea region and Turkey; 6.Western Siberia south to Caspian region

Population

(or part of population)

Autumn Migration

Wintering / Non-breeding Grounds Spring Migration References

direction / via during location during direction / via during

West of Urals (A. a. anser)

throughout southern and western Europe,

south to North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia)

8

Iceland Scotland, few N-England and Ireland 1, 3, 8

NW-Scotland (sedentary)

Norway, Sweden, Denmark, western Germany

via Netherlands, along North

Sea and Alantic coast, some

inland to N-Africa

Sep

(Netherlands:

Oct-Nov)

(mainly sedentary): Spain, France, some

remain in delta region of Netherlands, N-

Germany. At least for Swedish birds

numbers staying in the Netherlands during

winter incresed in last two decades

Jan-Feb 1, 2, 8, 9

Denmark Concentrated SW Sep-Oct S-Sweden, Denmark, Germany,

Netherlands, Belgium, France, Southern

Spain, Switzerland, Italy, N-Africa

Oct-Nov same route as in

autumn

Eastern Baltic, central Europe, Poland, Czech

Republic, Slovak Republic, Austria, Finland, E-

Sweden

via Balkans, Italy , SW, via

Denmark

Aug-Sep Netherlands, Poland, Denmark, Belgium,

Germany, France, Spain, Czech Rep.,

Slovak Rep., NE-Mediterranean region,

North Africa: Lake Ichkeul in Tunisia,

Marais de Mekhada and Lake Fetzara in

Algeria, Italy

same route as in

autumn

Jan-Mar 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8,

9, 12

Black Sea region, Turkey Sedentary (sedentary; limited movements to) coastal

regions

8

SW-Siberia Kazakhstan, Caspian region

Russia S-SW Black Sea, TR, Caspian region

Small number of birds from extreme eastern

Turkey, NW-Iran

(largely sedentary); may join larger flocks

from the North

8

The Urals, southeast Europe, the Pannonic

region, Turkey east across Asia. A. a.

rubrirostris.

Black Sea, Caspian region south to

southern Iran, Iraq, in Tunisia/Algeria,

rarely Egypt (few to Belgium, Netherlands,

Germany, Switzerland)

A. rubrirostris in north Caspian and western

Siberia

south Caspian, Iran, Iraq, into Pakistan and

India

3, 8, 11

Table 2.18: Summary of the movements of Greylag Goose Anser anser from the literature based on published information and ring recoveries in the EURING Data Bank.

97

Finding locations of all dead birds

January February

March April

98

May June

July August

September October

November December

Figure 2.1

5:

Finding locations of all dead Greylag Geese Anser anser in the EURING

data bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month.

99

2.11 Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis)

2.11.1 Numbers and distribution

Red-breasted Goose has a geographically restricted range. It breeds on the Taymyr

Peninsula and winters on the Black Sea lowlands of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine

(Figure 2.16). The range extends into the European Union in eastern Greece. Important

staging areas have been identified in Kazakhstan.

The most important recorded sites for wintering Red-breasted Goose are in Bulgaria,

where 55,845 were counted at the Shabla Lake complex in January 1993, 17,733 at

Durankulak Lake in January 2000 and 16,860 at Mandra Lake in January 1997 (Table

2.19). In Ukraine, 13,500 were recorded in the Central Sivash in 2000 and 12,000 at

Dnievstrovsky Liman in 2001. In Romania, highest recorded counts are 10,000 at

Techirgiol in 1999 and 8,000 in the Danube Delta in 1993. The Kustanay Region of

Kazakhstan is a crucial autumn staging area, where the highest single count was 19,600 at

Kulykol Lake in 1999. The key site in the European Union is the Evros Delta, Greece,

where 750 were counted in 1997.

Table 2.19: Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe,

West and Central Asia where 10 or more have been recorded.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 340 J 17

Bulgaria Shabla Lake Complex 1993 55845 J 17

Bulgaria Durankulak Lake Complex 2000 17733 J 17

Bulgaria Mandra Lake 1997 16860 J 17

Bulgaria Danube: Tutrakan-Silistra Toutrakan - Silistra 1998 1734 J 17

Bulgaria Burgas Lake (Vaya) 1997 860 J 17

Bulgaria Tzerkovski Tserkovski Reservoir 1997 450 J 17

Bulgaria Atanasovo Lake Complex 1997 380 J 17

Bulgaria Danube: Other Sites 1996 77 J 17

Bulgaria Black Sea Coast: Tulenevo 1993 71 J 17

Bulgaria

Black Sea Coast: Kaliakra-Kamen Brjag Bryag -Tulenovo

Tyulenovo 1998 59 J 17

Bulgaria Black Sea Coast: Kavarna-Balchik-Kranevo 1999 48 J 17

Bulgaria Tzonevo Reservoir 1997 14 J 17

Bulgaria Piasachnik Reservoir 1997 12 J 17

Bulgaria

Black Sea Coast: Kraimorie-Tchernomoretz Kraymorie-

Chernomorets

1997 10 J 17

Greece Evros Delta 1997 750 J 17

Greece Kerkini 1997 18 J 17

Hungary Szabadszallas Szikes To = Kisret. Zabszek Knp 2000 33 J 17

Hungary Dinnyes Ferto 2000 25 J 17

Hungary Fulupszallas Szikes To = Kelemenszek Knp 2000 23 J 17

Hungary Geszt. Begecsi Halastavak 2001 12 J 17

Iran Gavekhoni Marsh 1994 750 J 17

Iran Tajan River And Sarrakakhs Fishpond: Tajan River 1997 130 J 17

Iran Dasht-E-Moseian 1997 91 J 17

100

Figure 2.16:

Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, West and Central Asia where

500 or more have been recorded.

101

Table 2.19 continued: Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Iran Dasht-E Akbar 1997 87 J 17

Iran Urmiyeh (Uromiyeh) Lake: Ghareh-Gheshlagh Marsh 2003 12 J 17

Iran River Dowereg 2003 10 J 17

Kazakhstan Kulykol Lake, Kustanay reg. 1999 19600 S 16

Kazakhstan Koybagar & Tyuntyugur Lakes, Kustanay reg. 1999 13800 S 16

Kazakhstan Small lakes west of Kurgaljin NR 1999 7600 S 16

Kazakhstan Ayke Lake, Kustanay reg. 1999 6100 S 16

Kazakhstan Batpakkol Lake, Kustanay reg. 1999 1500 S 16

Romania Techirghiol 1999 10000 J 17

Romania Delta Dunarii (Danube Delta) 1993 8349 J 17

Romania Lake Razelm 1992 8300 J 17

Romania Lake Sinoe (= Sinoie) 1992 2000 J 17

Romania Lakes Nuntasi And Tuzla 1999 620 J 17

Romania Razelm Ne 1994 600 J 17

Romania Lake Sinoe South 1991 300 J 17

Romania Razelm Nw 1999 300 J 17

Romania Lake Strachina 1999 188 J 17

Romania Leahova-Periteasca 1999 150 J 17

Romania Lake Murighiol 1994 85 J 17

Romania Babita (Babina) 1999 30 J 17

Romania Mahmudia 1999 30 J 17

Romania Tasaul 1999 18 J 17

Romania Golovita (Bisericuta-Gr. Lupilor) 1992 10 J 17

Russia

Taymyr, Gydan and Yamal Peninsulas: entire world

population 60000 B 37

Russia Lake Manych-Gudilo 2003 7000 J 17

Turkmenistan Amudarya Valley: Kerki-Karabekaul 1991 48 J 17

Ukraine M. Sivash 2000 13500 J 17

Ukraine Dniestrovskiy Liman 2001 12000 J 17

Ukraine Dzansheisky. Shagany; Alibey; Burnas Limans 1998 7000 J 17

Ukraine Sasyk Liman + Adjacent Sea Area 1995 2000 J 17

Ukraine Budaksky + Gribovsky Limans 1998 1500 J 17

Ukraine Lake Kitai 1995 1000 J 17

Ukraine Stencovskie Plavny 1999 815 J 17

Ukraine E. Sivash 2000 630 J 17

Ukraine Lakes Kagul.Kugurlui And Ialpug 1998 150 J 17

Ukraine Dnester Delta + Liman 1998 100 J 17

Ukraine Black Sea State Biosphere Reserve 1990 86 J 17

Ukraine Dnepro-Bugsky (Dneprovskij) Liman 1998 80 J 17

Ukraine Dzharylhatskyj Bay Area Iv 2000 75 J 17

Ukraine Kuyalnitsky Liman 1998 60 J 17

Ukraine Danube Delta 1998 55 J 17

Ukraine Area Northeast Of Odessa 1998 30 J 17

Ukraine Khadzibeisky Liman 1998 20 J 17

Ukraine Utl'Ukskij Liman 1991 12 J 17

102

2.11.2 Red-breasted Goose movements

This species breeds in a limited area of

northern Russia, mainly on the Taymyr,

Gydan and Yamal peninsulas. It has a very

restricted wintering range and has because of

this been classified on the IUCN Red List as

Vulnerable.

The Red-breasted Goose has been ringed in

very low numbers within Europe. Only four

recoveries are available and one of these,

ringed in the Netherlands, has been reported

as shot on Yamal. The species changed its

wintering range from about the 1960s from

Azerbaijan westwards to the Black Sea coast

in Romania and Bulgaria. Small numbers of

birds also winter in Ukraine and northern

Greece, in the latter area often in connection

with hard weather. During recent years, a few

birds are reported from Comaccio/Venice area

in northern Italy almost annually. It is believed that the majority of the population

nowadays winter in the Black Sea area. The autumn migration follows narrow routes

southwest through Russia along rivers to the area north of the Caspian Sea and then

westward to the Black Sea. Several staging areas are used during spring migration in

Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan. Stragglers are regularly found in western Europe

and the number observed seems to have increased after the shift in wintering areas.

June

January

October

August

Figure 2.

17:

Map depicting the

movements of Red-breasted Goose

Branta ruficollis based on published

information and ring recoveries in the

EURING Data Bank.

Figure 2.18:

Finding locations of all dead Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis in the EURING data

bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month

103

2.12 Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope)

2.12.1 Numbers and distribution

Eurasian Wigeon winters in high numbers in The Netherlands, which forms the core

of the most important belt of winter distribution which includes Denmark, Germany,

Belgium, The UK and Ireland (Figure 2.19). Important numbers winter in France and

there are key concentrations around the Mediterranean in Morocco, Spain, Algeria,

Tunisia, Italy, Albania, Greece, Turkey and Egypt. Some of the biggest

concentrations occur in Iran, on the Caspian shore and in the southwest. Important

staging areas have been identified in Russia and the Baltic states.

A crucial staging area in Russia which includes Lake Ladoga and the eastern Gulf of

Finland is detailed in Buzun (2005), who estimates that 500,000 Eurasian Wigeon

pass through on migration (Table 2.20). In west Asia, 109,895 were counted at

Gyzylagach Bay, Azerbaijan in January 1996. The most important sites in Iran are

Fereydoon Kenar and Bakhtegan Lake, where 31,200 were counted in January 1993

and 28,515 in January 1997, respectively. The most important concentration of

important sites is in the Low Countries where over 5,000 have been counted at more

than 50 sites in The Netherlands, and 9 sites in Belgium. The most important of these

is Markermeer, where 86,804 were counted in January 2002. Adjacent parts of

Germany also hold high numbers, and four sections of the German Wadden Sea have

recorded between 15,000 and 30,000 Eurasian Wigeon since 1990. In the UK, 29 sites

have recorded more than 5,000 birds since 1990, the most important being the Ribble

Estuary, with 69,149 counted in January 1999. In the Mediterranean region, the

highest counts have been made at the Po Delta, Italy, with 62,963 in January 2002,

and Lac Ichkeul, Tunisia, where 53,380 were counted in 1997. Greece, Albania and

Turkey hold important numbers, with 35,046 at Amvrakikos Wetlands in 1995,

27,198 at Karavasta Complex in 2000, and 27,190 at Yumurtalik Lagoons in 1999. In

the West Mediterranean region, Spain holds a number of key concentrations, the

highest recent count having been at being Lucio del Membrillo, where 35,000 were

counted in 1992. Merja Zerga, Morocco recorded 25,980 in January 1994, and Lac

Oubeira, Algeria, 24,420 in the same year.

Table 2.20: Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe,

Africa, West and Central Asia where 4,500 or more have been recorded.

.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Albania Karavasta Complex 2000 27198 J 17

Albania Narta Complex 1997 22200 J 17

Albania Kune Vain 1995 7146 J 17

Albania Lalzi Bay 1996 5000 J 17

Algeria Lac Oubeira 1994 24420 J 17

Algeria Marais De Mekhada 1998 22392 J 17

Algeria Barrage De Boughzoul 1991 12000 J 17

Algeria Lac Tonga 1995 11481 J 17

Algeria Lac Fetzara 1998 6765 J 17

Algeria Lac Des Oiseaux 1990 5560 J 17

Algeria Sebkhet Djendli 1992 5500 J 17

Azerbaijan Big Kyzyl-Agach Bay, Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 1996 109895 J 17

Azerbaijan Kirov Bay 1991 61900 J 17

104

Figure 2.19: Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia where

500 or more have been recorded

105

Table 2.20 continued: Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Azerbaijan Mahmud-Chala Lake (Third Chala) 1996 19350 J 17

Azerbaijan Sarysu Lake (Sarasuy) 9911 J 17

Azerbaijan Little Kyzyl-Agach Bay 1996 4523 J 17

Belgium Spaarbekken Merkem 1995 29100 J 17

Belgium Achterhaven Zeebrugge 1997 25302 J 17

Belgium Blankaart Woumen 2002 9810 J 17

Belgium Westbroek Lo-Reninge 1994 9750 J 17

Belgium Kanaaldok Kallo-Doel 2002 7270 J 17

Belgium Hoge Dijken' Roksem 2001 7250 J 17

Belgium Ijzerbroeken Merkem 2000 5950 J 17

Belgium Handzamebroeken Esen 1994 5700 J 17

Belgium Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Drongen 1999 5295 J 17

Belgium Uitkerkse Polder Uitkerke 1996 4910 J 17

Belgium Zeebrugge Voorhaven 1994 4603 J 17

Denmark Danish Wadden Sea 2002 12990 J 17

Denmark Ulvedybet 1994 8200 J 17

Denmark Rudbol So + Gammelkogene 2001 5066 J 17

Egypt Lake Burullus 1990 19018 J 17

France La Camargue 1995 15010 J 17

France Golfe Du Morbihan 1992 6230 J 17

France Baie De L'Aiguillon Et Pointe D'Arcay 2004 5770 J 17

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 10 1993 31837 J 17

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 08 1998 26967 J 17

Germany Vorland Jadebusen 1995 20650 J 17

Germany Neuharlingersiel – Carolinensiel 1996 20200 J 17

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 06 1998 19158 J 17

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 12 1995 15026 J 17

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 09 1993 13296 J 17

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 07 1998 13194 J 17

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 11 2001 11555 J 17

Germany Langeoog 1992 6870 J 17

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 13 1994 6665 J 17

Germany Emsvorland: Leer - Emden 1995 5618 J 17

Germany Westbucht Fehmarnsund: Sundbrücke-Orth 1993 5232 J 17

Germany Ostbucht Des Fehmarnsundes: Burger Binnensee 1990 4850 J 17

Germany Wümmeniederung 1999 4675 J 17

Germany Spiekeroog 2000 4548 J 17

Greece Amvrakikos Wetlands 1995 35046 J 17

Greece Evros Delta 1999 23550 J 17

Greece

Messolonghi Lagoon (From River Evinos To River

Acheloos) 2000 16585 J 17

Greece Axios, Loudias & Aliakmon Deltas 1999 7047 J 17

Greece Alyki Kitrous 1990 4700 J 17

Greece Kerkini 2001 4465 J 17

Greece Porto Lagos (Lagos And Coast) 1999 4281 J 17

Greece Ptelea Lagoon (Karakatsali) / Elos 1995 4250 J 17

Iran

Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs:

Damgah Fereydoon Ke 1993 31200 J 17

Iran Bakhtegan Lake 1997 28515 J 17

Iran Gomishan Marsh 1991 16000 J 17

106

Table 2.20 continued: Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Iran Shadegan Marshes Protected Region: Total 2003 14256 J 17

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Miankaleh Protected Region 1998 13000 J 17

Iran Govater Bay & Hur-E-Bahu: Bahookalat River 1997 10455 J 17

Iran Hamidieh Grassland 1994 9482 J 17

Iran Helleh River: River And Delta 1991 8072 J 17

Iran Dasht-E-Arjan Marsh 1995 7643 J 17

Ireland Little Brosna Callows: Total 1996 14000 J 17

Ireland Shannon And Fergus Estuary Ground: Total 1996 5904 J 17

Ireland Shannon And Fergus Estuary Aerial: Total 1997 5799 J 17

Ireland Rahasane Turlough 1996 5770 J 17

Ireland Wexford Harbour And Slobs: Total 1995 5125 J 17

Ireland Ballyeighter Lough 1994 4810 J 17

Ireland Blackwater Callows: Total 1996 4217 J 17

Ireland Tacumshin Lake: Total 1998 4000 J 17

Italy Delta Del Po - Parte Veneta 2002 62963 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Grado E Marano 1996 24649 J 17

Italy Manfredonia 2003 19846 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Venezia 2003 14427 J 17

Italy Baia Di Panzano 2000 6950 J 17

Italy Laghi Pontini 2002 5240 J 17

Italy Maremma Grossetana 2001 5215 J 17

Italy Trasimeno 2002 5046 J 17

Italy Oristano 2003 4244 J 17

Kazakhstan Kurgaldjinskyi Reserve 1995 14255 J 17

Morocco Merja Zerga: Kenitra 1994 25980 J 17

Morocco Barrage Al Massira: Settat 1994 7690 J 17

Netherlands Markermeer 2002 86804 J 17

Netherlands Friese Noordkust 1996 54639 J 17

Netherlands Westerschelde 2001 51837 J 17

Netherlands Reeuwijkse Plassen E.O. 2002 46895 J 17

Netherlands Sneekermeer E.O. 1994 40400 J 17

Netherlands Oosterschelde 2002 40261 J 17

Netherlands Polder Zeevang 2001 37360 J 17

Netherlands Haringvliet 1999 36444 J 17

Netherlands Ijsselmeer 2001 35897 J 17

Netherlands Lek 1997 31011 J 17

Netherlands Krimpenerwaard 2002 29828 J 17

Netherlands Oude Venen 1995 29769 J 17

Netherlands Ijssel 2000 26971 J 17

Netherlands Alkmaardermeer E.O. 1996 26943 J 17

Netherlands Oostzaanse Polders En Het Ilperveld 2002 25946 J 17

Netherlands Gelderse / Brabantse Maas 1997 24914 J 17

Netherlands Waal 2002 23062 J 17

Netherlands Grevelingen 1999 23004 J 17

Netherlands Eemmeer. Nijkerkernauw En Nuldernauw 1998 22555 J 17

Netherlands Texel 1992 22000 J 17

Netherlands Midden-Delfland En Oude-Leede 2002 19503 J 17

Netherlands Wormer- En Jisperveld 2000 18272 J 17

Netherlands Eilandspolder 1990 18180 J 17

107

Table 2.20 continued: Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Netherlands Waterland 1990 17740 J 17

Netherlands Terschelling 1992 17030 J 17

Netherlands Veerse Meer 2002 15702 J 17

Netherlands Fluessen En Heegermeer 1996 15690 J 17

Netherlands Biesbosch 2001 14306 J 17

Netherlands Dollard 1992 12800 J 17

Netherlands Alblasserwaard 1997 12532 J 17

Netherlands Oudegaaster Brekken 1995 12096 J 17

Netherlands Koevordermeer 1999 12048 J 17

Netherlands Grote Wielen 1992 12000 J 17

Netherlands Zuidlaardermeer 2000 11763 J 17

Netherlands Ameland 2001 11148 J 17

Netherlands Volkerakmeer 2002 10711 J 17

Netherlands Zwarte Meer 1995 10657 J 17

Netherlands Nieuwe Waterweg / Calandkanaal 1997 10391 J 17

Netherlands Nederrijn 1997 10220 J 17

Netherlands Groningse Noordkust 1996 10188 J 17

Netherlands Gooimeer 1990 10013 J 17

Netherlands Nieuwkoopse Plassen 1994 9641 J 17

Netherlands Gelderse Poort 2002 9244 J 17

Netherlands Oostvaardersplassen 1998 8560 J 17

Netherlands Schiermonnikoog 1998 8390 J 17

Netherlands Balgzand En Wieringen 1996 8255 J 17

Netherlands Leekstermeer 1993 7800 J 17

Netherlands Zwarte- En Witte Brekken 1992 7200 J 17

Netherlands Tjeukemeer 1992 6952 J 17

Netherlands Vinkeveense Plassen En Botshol 2001 6230 J 17

Netherlands Rottige Meenthe 1992 6010 J 17

Netherlands Limburgse Maas 2002 5992 J 17

Netherlands Markiezaat 1992 5673 J 17

Netherlands Wolderwijd 2001 5140 J 17

Netherlands De Deelen 1999 5067 J 17

Netherlands Loosdrechtse Plassen E.O. 2000 5052 J 17

Netherlands Lindevallei 1992 5000 J 17

Netherlands Westzaanse Polders 2000 4789 J 17

Netherlands Hollands Diep 1998 4732 J 17

Portugal Ria De Faro 1994 11462 J 17

Portugal Estuário Do Tejo 1999 9950 J 17

Russia Neman River delta 25000 J 17

Russia East Gulf of Finland and Ladoga Lake 500000 S 6

Russia Faustov Floodplain 4500 S 28

Spain Lucio Del Membrillo (H) 1992 35000 J 17

Spain De La Algaida A Hato Villa (H) 1994 27020 J 17

Spain Lucio De Los Ansares (Se) 2003 27012 J 17

Spain Caño Del Guadiamar Pnd (H) 1997 26760 J 17

Spain Parque Nacional De Doñana (Consolidation) 1991 21620 J 17

Spain Marisma De Hinojos (H) 1992 19300 J 17

Spain Los Pobres. Lucios De Beta La Plama (Consolidated) 1991 12700 J 17

Spain Lucios De Beta La Palma-Isla Mayor (Se) 1991 12300 J 17

108

Table 2.20 continued: Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Spain Caño Travieso (Se) 1997 11762 J 17

Spain Lucios De Veta Lengua Y Aguas Rubias (H) 1992 10500 J 17

Spain Del Palacio A La Algaida (H) 2000 8555 J 17

Spain Delta Del Ebro (T) 1994 7080 J 17

Spain Lucio De Marilópez Grande (Se) 1995 6000 J 17

Spain Lucios Del Caballero Y Del Puntal (H) 1992 6000 J 17

Spain Saco Interior De La Bahía De Cádiz 1994 5900 J 17

Spain De Aguas Rubias Al Lucio Del Hondón (H) 1997 4550 J 17

Spain Preparque Este-P.Nat.Ent.Doñana 1993 4410 J 17

Spain Marismas De Santoña (S) 1992 4270 J 17

Tunisia Lac Ichkeul 1997 53380 J 17

Tunisia Sebkha Kelbia 1995 30000 J 17

Tunisia Garaet Mabtouha 1990 12750 J 17

Tunisia Lagune De Ghar El Melah 1993 10800 J 17

Tunisia Sebkha De Sejoumi 1995 5000 J 17

Tunisia Lac De Bizerte 1994 4840 J 17

Turkey Yumurtalik Lagoons(Yapi+Omerg) 1999 27190 J 17

Turkey Akyatan Golu 1993 14320 J 17

Turkey Goksu Delta (Silifke) 1992 11648 J 17

Turkey Menderes Delta 1992 5623 J 17

Turkey Kizilirmak (Karabogaz+Balik) 1995 5408 J 17

Turkey Isikli Golu [Civril Golu] 1993 5010 J 17

Turkey Tuzla Golu (Ceyhan Delta) 1996 4180 J 17

Turkmenistan Krasnovodsk Gulf (Convention Mar)(Turkmenbasti) 2003 6320 J 17

United Kingdom Ribble Estuary 1999 69149 J 17

United Kingdom Swale Estuary 1997 40090 J 17

United Kingdom Somerset Levels 2003 39492 J 17

United Kingdom Ouse Washes 1992 37064 J 17

United Kingdom Breydon Water & Berney Marshes 2001 26320 J 17

United Kingdom North Norfolk Coast 2002 19078 J 17

United Kingdom Lower Derwent Ings 1995 14000 J 17

United Kingdom Nene Washes 1998 12699 J 17

United Kingdom Mersey Estuary 1995 11970 J 17

United Kingdom WWT Martin Mere 1993 11220 J 17

United Kingdom Severn Estuary (English Counties) 1997 10875 J 17

United Kingdom Thames Estuary 2003 9736 J 17

United Kingdom Hamford Water And Naze Combined 1997 9511 J 17

United Kingdom Loch Of Harray 2001 9476 J 17

United Kingdom Walland Marsh 1997 8600 J 17

United Kingdom Inner Moray And Inverness Firth 1999 8208 J 17

United Kingdom Alde Complex 1997 8181 J 17

United Kingdom Blackwater Estuary 2003 8142 J 17

United Kingdom Middle Yare Marshes 1994 7460 J 17

United Kingdom Morecambe Bay 1996 6995 J 17

United Kingdom Abberton Reservoir 1992 6936 J 17

United Kingdom Dornoch Firth Consolidated 2002 6768 J 17

United Kingdom Arun Valley 2003 6237 J 17

United Kingdom Cromarty Firth 1997 6102 J 17

United Kingdom Loughs Neagh & Beg 1991 5949 J 17

United Kingdom Humber Estuary 1997 5803 J 17

109

Table 2.20 continued: Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

United Kingdom Medway Estuary 1992 5741 J 17

United Kingdom Ashleworth Ham 2000 5662 J 17

United Kingdom River Avon: Ringwood To Christchurch 2003 5165 J 17

United Kingdom Rutland Water 1997 4968 J 17

United Kingdom Dyfi Estuary 1997 4681 J 17

United Kingdom Montrose Basin 1992 4635 J 17

United Kingdom Fleet And Wey 2002 4611 J 17

110

2.12.2 Eurasian Wigeon movements

This species has a large breeding area

covering northern latitudes in the Palearctic,

from Iceland in the west to the Bering Strait

in the east. With the exception of some

small populations in western Europe, most

populations are highly migratory with

wintering areas from Europe in the west to

southern Asia and Japan in the east. Only

small numbers are found south of the Sahara

desert during winter, mostly in the East

African Rift Valley.

The majority of the recovered Eurasian

Wigeon have been ringed in western Europe

(Britain and The Netherlands), which is one

out of the five main wintering areas for the

Eurasian Wigeon. Large numbers are found

in west Europe during the winter months

(December-March), but recoveries are also reported in south Europe and eastwards to

the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. The most intense phases of

return migration

through southern Russia occur in April. During the breeding season (May – June)

Eurasian Wigeon recoveries are reported from west Europe, Iceland, Scandinavia and

Russia. Concentrations of recoveries during the breeding season are found east of the

Urals along the river Ob and only a few recoveries are reported east of 90°E. Autumn

migration continues until October and seems to follow a more northerly route than

during spring migration. The return migration route seems to be more direct across

central Europe. Recoveries in southern Russia and in Kazakhstan in autumn might be

a result of moult migration of males and non-breeders. Birds breeding in Siberia are

known to winter at the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea coasts, as well as in the

Mediterranean area. Birds wintering in west Europe continue further south during

severe winters.

Figure 2.20:

Map depicting the

movements of Eurasian Wigeon Anas

penelope based on published information

and ring recoveries in the EURING Data

Bank.

111

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope

Distribution: Europe and Asia, between 50°N and 70°N; small numbers West and East Africa and Arabian Peninsula. Five main wintering groups: NW-Europe

(1,250,000), Black Sea and Mediterranean Basin (560,000), between. SW-Asia and NE Africa (250,000), South Asia (250,000), Eastern Asia (100,000-1,000,000)

Moult migration: Males (late May-July) and non breeders moult in southern west Siberia, Russia, Volga Delta, Urals, upper Pechora, Estonia, S-Sweden, Denmark

and Iceland; females (late June - early September)

Population

(or part of population)

Autumn Migration

Wintering / Non-breeding Grounds

Spring Migration

References

direction / via during location during direction / via during

Iceland

birds wintering in Ireland,

France and Iberia probably via

Britain

August North America, Great Britain (mainly

western areas), France, Scotland, Ireland,

Italy

Oct-Nov mid March-

April

1, 3, 8, 12

Northwest Europe

in severe winters birds from

NW-Europe probably mix with

birds wintering in the

Mediterranean Basin

dramatic increases during cold winters in

Iberia, increases in East and West Britain

and Ireland, north and west France

spring migration probably

more southerly than that

of autumn, more direct

across Central Europe.

Pair formation takes place

in winter and males often

follow females to her

breeding grounds

3, 5,8, 10

British islands, Great Britain, Ireland mainly sedentary with some

dispersion

Sep Netherlands, SW-France Oct + Nov 1, 3, 5, 8

Germany, Netherlands, Belgium Denmark, coasts of France, Belgium,

Netherlands, Germany, Northern Italy;

Great Britain

Nov-Feb Mar-Apr 5, 7

N-Poland (rare) W and SW Denmark and Mid Europa 5

Fennoscandia and Russia

via Sweden, Denmark Sep-Oct N-, W- and SW-Europe, particularly

western Germany, Poland, Netherlands,

Great Britain/Ireland, France, Spain,

Denmark, Latvia, Hungary, Ukraine, Italy,

NW-Africa,

1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,

10, 12

Table 2.21: Summary of the movements of Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope from the literature based on published information and ring recoveries in the EURING Data Bank.

112

Kandalaksha Gulf (NE-Russia) Southwest Great Britain, Ireland, France, Begium,

Germany, Denmark, S-Sweden, N-Italy,

Norway

10

Norway Sep-Oct Important wintering sites in Great Britain,

Ireland; Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium,

France

Nov-Mar Apr-May 3, 9

Sweden Great Britain, Denmark, S-Sweden Nov-Feb 4, 8, 10

Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia,

Siberia

France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands,

Germany Great Britain, Sweden, Italy

Nov-Feb 1, 5, 7, 10,

12

West and Central Siberia moulting in Volga Delta Caspian Sea, Black Sea, Turkey, Greece,

northern Italy, southern France,

Mediterranean Basin westwards so

southern Spain, North-Africa, some East

Africa (up to Tanzania), Turkmenistan,

Uzbekistan, India

northwest Europe 1, 4, 5, 6, 7,

9,10

Siberian Plain, Southern Siberia via Lake Aral, Kasakhstan Southwest Asia, Turkmenistan, South

Caspian Sea, Uzbekistan

8, 9, 10

North-Eastern, Central Siberia moult in N-Kazakhstan Caspian, Black Sea 10

Eastern Siberia Western Siberia 5

Unknown breeding ground

West Africa (Senegal, Niger, Chad) 1, 4, 5, 6, 7,

Moulting birds from Volga Delta

Western North Sea, Mediterranean,

Black/Caspian Sea

7

113

Finding locations of all dead birds

January February

March April

114

May June

July August

September October

November December

Figure 2.

21:

Finding locations of all dead Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope in the

EURING data bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month.

115

2.13 Gadwall (Anas strepera)

2.13.1 Numbers and distribution

Figure 2.22 shows that the biggest Palearctic concentrations of Gadwall are in Iran

and there are major moulting sites across the Caucasus in Russia. Other large

concentrations are in southern France and northern Tunisia and Algeria. This is not a

numerous species and other centres of population are in southern England, The

Netherlands, lakes north of the Alps, Spain, Italy and Greece.

Of 40 sites where more than 3,000 Gadwall have been counted, 22 are in Iran and

three in Azerbaijan (Table 2.22). The most important of these are Gyzylagach Nature

Reserve (Azerbaijan) where 21,100 were counted, and Fereydon Kenar, Iran, where

there were 21,000 in 2003. There are few key sites in the Black Sea- East

Mediterranean region, the most important being Amvrakikos Wetlands, Greece,

where 3,600 were counted in 1998. The West Mediterranean is more important. The

highest January count of all was made at Lake Oubeira, Algeria, in 1994, when

23,920 were counted, and Lac Fetzara recorded 13,800 in 1998. The Camargue,

France, recorded 13,570 in 1994, and in Spain, 4,686 and 4,630 were counted in the

Ebro Delta and Doñana National Park in, respectively, 1999 and 1994. The Grado

Lagoon, Italy recorded 3,188 in 1992. Further north in Europe counts are mostly

lower, with 5,769 at the Bodensee (Germany-Switzerland-Austria) in 1996, and 3,042

on the river Rhine in Germany between Breisach and Nonnenweier in 1990. The

highest count recorded in The Netherlands was 2,220 at Grevelingen in 2002.

Table 2.22: Gadwall Anas strepera: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, Africa,

West and Central Asia where 600 or more have been recorded.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Albania Karavasta Complex 1997 830 J 17

Algeria Lac Oubeira 1994 23920 J 17

Algeria Lac Fetzara 1998 13800 J 17

Algeria Lac Tonga 1998 3220 J 17

Algeria Marais De La Macta 1996 690 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 21100 J 17

Azerbaijan Kirov Bay 1991 3460 J 17

Azerbaijan Hagygabul Gyolu (Hadgegabol Lake) 1996 3160 J 17

Azerbaijan Sarysu Lake (Sarasuy) 2332 J 17

Azerbaijan Big Kyzyl-Agach Bay 1996 1299 J 17

Azerbaijan Mahmud-Chala Lake (Third Chala) 1996 850 J 17

Azerbaijan Lake Aggyol 637 J 17

Azerbaijan Mahmudchala Lake 633 J 17

Belgium Schulensbroek Schulen 2002 625 J 17

Egypt Nile Valley Cairo-Aswan(850Km) 1990 838 J 17

France La Camargue 1994 13570 J 17

France Cours Du Rhin (67 / 68) 1999 5153 J 17

France Lac De Grandlieu 2002 1550 J 17

France Etangs D'Orx 2004 929 J 17

France Etangs De La Brenne 1996 818 J 17

France Grand Plan Du Bourg; Dont Complexe Du Vigueirat 2001 669 J 17

Germany Rhein: Nonnenweier-Kehl 2002 3042 J 17

116

Figure 2.22: Gadwall Anas strepera: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at the sites in Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia where 250

or more have been recorded.

117

Table 2.22 continued: Gadwall Anas strepera

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Germany Rhein: Breisach - Nonnenweier 1990 2712 J 17

Germany Rhein: Weil-Breisach 2003 790 J 17

Germany Rhein: Kehl-Helmlingen 1997 760 J 17

Germany /

Switzerland /

Austria

Bodensee Gesamt 1996 5769 J 17

Greece Amvrakikos Wetlands 1998 3600 J 17

Greece Evros Delta 1998 1832 J 17

Greece Keramoti Lagoons 1997 800 J 17

Hungary Kisbalaton Tarozo 2001 910 J 17

Iran

Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs:

Damgah Fereydoon Ke 2003 21000 J 17

Iran Bakhtegan Lake 1997 17750 J 17

Iran Govater Bay & Hur-E-Bahu: Bahookalat River 1997 15927 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Sorkhankel 2003 15800 J 17

Iran Gomishan Marsh 1991 13000 J 17

Iran Hamidieh Grassland 1994 12418 J 17

Iran Shadegan Marshes Protected Region: Total 2003 11896 J 17

Iran Maharloo Lake 1997 9900 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Selkeh Protected Region 1992 8013 J 17

Iran Miangaran Marshes: Miangaran & Izeh Marshes 1994 7765 J 17

Iran Paein Rud Posht Ab-Bandan 2003 7400 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Mars West (Main Lagoon) 2003 7300 J 17

Iran Gavekhoni Marsh 1990 6607 J 17

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Astara - Hashtpar 2003 6300 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Siakeshim Protected Region 2003 4864 J 17

Iran Chookam Ab-Bandan 2003 4600 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Marsh East 2003 4500 J 17

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Miankaleh Protected Region 2003 4000 J 17

Iran Lavandavil Wildlife Refuge: Lavandavil Marsh 2003 3755 J 17

Iran Amirlayeh & Sheikh Ali Kol: Amirlayeh Lake 2003 3700 J 17

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Hamoun-E-Saberi 1994 3132 J 17

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Kuh-I-Khajeh 1997 2900 J 17

Iran

Anzali Mordab Complex: Part Of Siahkeshim Protected

Region

2003 2800 J 17

Iran Sayed Mahali & Zarinkola Ab: Zarinkola Ab-Bandan 1990 2410 J 17

Iran Helleh River: River And Delta 1997 2370 J 17

Iran Horeh Bamdej Marshes: Horeh Bamdej Marsh 2003 2207 J 17

Iran Dasht-E-Arjan Marsh 1990 2200 J 17

Iran Sorkhrood Damgah 1997 2200 J 17

Iran Ala Gol Marshes: Ala Gol 1995 2100 J 17

Iran Ala Gol Marshes: Ulma Gol 1995 2100 J 17

Iran Said Mahaleh (Sayed Mohalli) Ab-Bandan 1993 2078 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: South Of Anzali Wetland 1998 2075 J 17

Iran Dasht-E-Azadegan: Susangerd-Howeizeh-Bostan Plain 1993 1800 J 17

Iran

Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs:

Esbaran Marsh 1997 1800 J 17

Iran Dasht-E-Azadegan: Horeh Sosangerd 1990 1755 J 17

Iran

Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs:

Damgah Sorkherud 2003 1550 J 17

Iran Kaftar Lake 2003 1550 J 17

Iran Anar Marz Ab-Bandan 1990 1520 J 17

118

Table 2.22 continued: Gadwall Anas strepera

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Chong Sourkh 1998 1506 J 17

Iran Abbas-Abad Dam 2003 1500 J 17

Iran Ezbaran Damgah 2003 1500 J 17

Iran

Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Lapoo - Zaghmarz Ab-

Bandan 2003 1400 J 17

Iran Hoor Al-Azim Marshes 1997 1313 J 17

Iran Pain Rudposht Ab-Bandan 1998 1308 J 17

Iran Chah Nimeh Lake 1997 1260 J 17

Iran Parishan Lake 1995 912 J 17

Iran Larim Ab-Bandan 1993 850 J 17

Iran Choghakhor Marsh 1995 828 J 17

Iran Dasht-E-Azadegan: Hoveizeh And Surroundings 2003 765 J 17

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Gorgan Bay 1997 700 J 17

Iran Shahr Pir & Ezadkhast (Near Lar) 1995 700 J 17

Iran Chaf Bala Ab-Bandan 1994 655 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Grado E Marano 1992 3188 J 17

Italy Trasimeno 1995 1790 J 17

Italy Valli Di Argenta 1994 1022 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Caorle E Valli Di Bibione 2002 1013 J 17

Italy Lago Di Narni 2003 816 J 17

Italy Lago Di Alviano 2001 692 J 17

Italy Oristano 1995 669 J 17

Italy Pianura Bolognese - Settore Est 1999 629 J 17

Kazakhstan Chardara Vdchr 2004 3435 J 17

Kazakhstan Kulykol-Taldykol Lake System 2000 1540 M 5

Morocco Marais Du Bas Loukkos 1994 870 J 17

Morocco Merja Bargha 1991 690 J 17

Morocco Dayet Al Hafs (Jorf Lasfar) 1991 600 J 17

Netherlands Grevelingen 2002 2220 J 17

Netherlands Biesbosch 2001 2095 J 17

Netherlands Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal 1996 1062 J 17

Netherlands Noordzeekanaal 2002 1003 J 17

Netherlands Nieuwe Waterweg / Calandkanaal 2002 941 J 17

Netherlands Markermeer 1998 928 J 17

Netherlands Ijsselmeer 1992 693 J 17

Netherlands Markiezaat 1990 607 J 17

Portugal Ria De Faro 1999 1040 J 17

Romania Delta Dunarii (Danube Delta) 1994 1345 J 17

Russia Group of limans between the Kuban and Protoka 2750 J 17

Russia Volga-Akhtuba Floodplain 25000 M 22

Russia Pre-Caucasus Total 12000 M 22

Russia North Caspian Sea Total 11000 M 22

Russia West Siberia 350000 S 22

Spain Delta Del Ebro (T) 1999 4686 J 17

Spain Parque Nacional De Doñana (Consolidation) 1994 4630 J 17

Spain Lucio De Los Ansares (Se) 2003 3696 J 17

Spain Marisma De Hinojos (H) 2001 3260 J 17

Spain Embalse De Valdecañas 2003 2628 J 17

Spain Lucio Del Membrillo (H) 1994 2410 J 17

Spain Lucios De Veta Lengua Y Aguas Rubias (H) 1992 2000 J 17

119

Table 2.22 continued: Gadwall Anas strepera

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Spain Tablas De Daimiel (Cr) 1998 1450 J 17

Spain Lucios De Beta La Palma-Isla Mayor (Se) 1999 1388 J 17

Spain Embalse De Orellana 1991 1333 J 17

Spain Caño Travieso (Se) 1997 1230 J 17

Spain Embalse De Sierra Brava 2003 1165 J 17

Spain Embalse De Buendía (Cu) 2003 1156 J 17

Spain Laguna De Manjavacas (Cu) 1999 974 J 17

Spain Laguna De Gallocanta (Z) 1990 804 J 17

Spain Lucios Al Sur De De Los Ansares (Se) 1990 800 J 17

Spain De Aguas Rubias Al Lucio Del Hondón (H) 1997 710 J 17

Spain Laguna Chica - Villafranca De Los Caballeros (To) 1998 648 J 17

Spain Embalse De Zújar - Serena 1995 606 J 17

Switzerland Lac Léman-Ch 2003 1166 J 17

Switzerland Aare: Wohlensee 2004 926 J 17

Switzerland Lac De Neuchâtel 1998 731 J 17

Syria Qattine 1993 700 J 17

Syria Al-Rastan Dam 1995 600 J 17

Turkmenistan Floodplain Chardzhev-Soskara 1995 1000 J 17

Turkmenistan Lower Atrek River: Total 1999 813 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Gasankuli-Guyjuk 1991 800 J 17

Turkmenistan Kelif Floodlands (Formerly Kelif Lakes) 1993 600 J 17

United Kingdom Somerset Levels 2003 1077 J 17

United Kingdom Wraysbury Gravel Pits 1999 923 J 17

United Kingdom Thames Estuary 2003 815 J 17

United Kingdom River Avon: Fordingbridge To Ringwood 2001 794 J 17

United Kingdom Lee Valley Gravel Pits 2000 764 J 17

United Kingdom Rutland Water 1996 601 J 17

Serbia&Montenegro

-Albania Skadarsko Jezero 1999 700 J 17

120

2.13.2 Gadwall movements

The Gadwall is a Holarctic species with

breeding areas in northwestern North

America, locally in Europe and eastwards to

northern China. The species is largely

migratory, but resident in western and

southern Europe.

Ringed in small numbers in most countries,

the largest numbers of recoveries are from

birds ringed in Britain, Russia, The

Netherlands and Germany. Recoveries

between December and February are

concentrated in western Europe, but some

are also reported from the Mediterranean

and the Caspian Sea areas. Few recoveries

are reported during March, while recoveries

are spread out in southern Russia and

Kazakhstan in April. During the breeding

season, recoveries are found in western and central Europe and in southern Russia

east to southwestern Siberia. The number of recoveries increases in western Europe in

September and in November most birds in Russia have moved to coastal areas of the

Caspian Sea. Birds breeding in Britain, Denmark, Scandinavia, the Baltic, Poland and

European Russia migrate to western Europe and the Mediterranean. Central European

birds and birds breeding in eastern Europe and southwestern Siberia winter in the area

of the Black and the Caspian Seas, eastern Mediterranean, Turkey and south to the

Nile and a few as far as East Africa. Birds breeding in Siberia also winter in the

Caspian Sea, in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and India. Important moulting

areas for males are known from the northern Caspian Sea area, e.g. the Volga delta,

but also in lakes in Kazakhstan.

Figure 2.

23:

Map depicting the

movements of Gadwall Anas strepera

based on published information and ring

recoveries in the EURING Data Bank

121

Gadwall Anas strepera

Distribution: Holarctic, across North America and Eurasia. Three main wintering groups, but no evidence of different populations: NW-Europe, Central Europe/Black

Sea/Mediterranean, SW-Asia. pair formation takes place in winter and males often follow females to her breeding grounds

Population

(or part of population)

Autumn Migration

Wintering / Non-breeding Grounds

Spring Migration

References

direction / via during location during direction / via during

Iceland Britain and Ireland 8

Scandinavia, Great Britain, Denmark (rare),

Baltic states, Germany, Poland, European

Russia

Denmark, Netherlands Western Europe, mix with sedentary population

in Netherlands, France, Italy, Britain and Ireland,

Denmark, as far as Mediterranean

1, 2, 3, 5, 6,

7, 8, 12

Eastern Europe to Western Siberia WSW to SW, many via Italy

Sep-Nov Black Sea, Caspian Sea regions, Greece,

Turkey, Nile Delta, few as far as East-Africa:Nile

Valley south to Sudan, Ethiopian highlands,

rarely Somalia, Tanzania, Kenya. Few West

Africa, Senegal Delta, Nigeria, Chad

Mar-Apr 1, 3, 8, 11,

12

SW-Siberia WSW along shore of Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan,

Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan

11

Western Eurasia South to North Africa and the Gulf, few further

south into Sub-Saharan Africa, Arabian

Peninsula

8

Table 2.23: Summary of the movements of Gadwall Anas strepera from the literature based on published information and ring recoveries in the EURING Data Bank.

122

Finding locations of all dead birds

January February

March April

123

May June

July August

September October

November December

Figure 2.2

4:

Finding locations of all dead Gadwall Anas strepera in the EURING data

bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month.

124

2.14 Common Teal (Anas crecca)

2.14.1 Numbers and distribution

Common Teal is numerous and widespread in winter and in Europe is only absent

from upland areas and those affected by prolonged freezing (Figure 2.25). Highest

totals are recorded in Iran and Azerbaijan. In Europe, more Common Teal are

counted in Greece than in any other country, and other key sites are in Albania, Italy,

France, Spain and Portugal. Important numbers also occur in the UK and Ireland, and

in a belt stretching east through The Netherlands and Germany. Estimates have been

made for breeding areas in Northern Russia and key staging sites have been identified

on the north Caspian coasts of Russia and Kazakhstan.

The highest January counts are in Iran and Azerbaijan, and Common Teal has a more

dispersed distribution in Europe (Table 2.24). The highest recorded count is of

210,300 at Bakhtegan and Tashk lakes, Iran in 1995, and there were 93,000 at

Fereydoon Kenar in 2003. In Azerbaijan, similar numbers have been recorded at

Kirov Bay and Gyzylagach Nature Reserve, where 66,200 and 62,245 were counted in

1991 and 1996, respectively. The highest counts in Europe come from Greece, where

100,750 were counted at the Evros Delta, and 38,400 at Amvrakikos Wetlands in

1999, and 31,500 at Kerkini in 1995. 40,000 were counted at Skadarsko Jezero, on

the border of Montenegro and Albania, in 1993. In the West Mediterranean Region,

Spain is important, with 84,100 at The Doñana National Park in 1991 and 42,100 at

De La Algaida A Hato Villa in 1991. The Camargue (France) Venice Lagoon (Italy)

and Tejo Estuary (Portugal) are additional sites where more than 25,000 have been

counted in this region. In France, the Low Countries, The UK and Ireland there are

high densities of sites where lower counts were recorded, and the highest count in

these countries was made at the Somerset Levels (UK) where 33,350 were counted in

2003.

Table 2.24: Common Teal Anas crecca: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, Africa

West and Central Asia where 4,000 or more have been recorded.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Albania Karavasta Complex 2000 16766 J 17

Albania Narta Complex 2001 8340 J 17

Algeria Les Lacs = Chott De Tinnsilt 1991 5500 J 17

Algeria Marais De Mekhada 1998 5007 J 17

Azerbaijan Kirov Bay 1991 66200 J 17

Azerbaijan Big Kyzyl-Agach Bay 1996 62245 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 41500 J 17

Azerbaijan Sarysu Lake (Sarasuy) 23320 J 17

Azerbaijan Mahmudchala Lake 12900 J 17

Azerbaijan Aggel (Ah Gol) Lake 1991 11000 J 17

Azerbaijan Hagygabul Gyolu (Hadgegabol Lake) 6500 J 17

Azerbaijan Shah Cape (Apsheron Peninsula) 1993 4500 J 17

Belgium Schelde Branst - Veer Hamme 2002 6298 J 17

Bulgaria Piasachnik Reservoir 1997 4013 J 17

Egypt Lake Manzala 1990 4435 J 17

France La Camargue 1991 27000 J 17

France Grand Plan Du Bourg; Dont Complexe Du Vigueirat 2001 13169 J 17

France Loire Aval 1996 13049 J 17

125

Figure 2.25: Common Teal Anas crecca: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia where 500

or more have been recorded.

126

Table 2.24 continued: Common Teal Anas crecca

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

France Résèrve Naturelle De St. Denis Du Payre 2000 10800 J 17

France Résèrve Naturelle De Moeze (Charente-Seudre) 2001 10646 J 17

France Lacs: Orient. Amance Et Temple-Auzon 2003 9733 J 17

France Etangs D'Orx 1993 6660 J 17

France Lac De Grandlieu 2004 6070 J 17

France Baie De L'Aiguillon Et Pointe D'Arcay 1994 4820 J 17

France Loire Amont 2002 4610 J 17

France Lac Du Der-Chantecoq (51 / 52) 2001 4554 J 17

France Etang De Carcans-Hourtin 1995 4400 J 17

Georgia Paliastomi Lake 1998 8600 J 17

Germany Weser: Strohauser Plate 1991 11473 J 17

Germany /

Switzerland /

Austria Bodensee Gesamt 1999 7190 J 17

Greece Evros Delta 1999 100750 J 17

Greece Amvrakikos Wetlands 1999 38400 J 17

Greece Kerkini 1995 31500 J 17

Greece Axios, Loudias & Aliakmon Deltas 1999 11140 J 17

Greece Vistonis (Bourou) 1996 10900 J 17

Greece

Messolonghi Lagoon (From River Evinos To River

Acheloos) 1993 8447 J 17

Greece Porto Lagos (Lagos And Coast) 1995 6520 J 17

Greece Acheron Delta (Secondary) 1992 6400 J 17

Greece Karla Reservoirs (Former L.Karla) 1999 6020 J 17

Greece Kalamas Delta 1999 6012 J 17

Greece Ismaris (Mitrikou) 2001 5489 J 17

Hungary Lake Fertö; (Hungarian Part) 2000 4000 J 17

Iran Bakhtegan & Tashk Lakes 1995 210300 J 17

Iran

Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs:

Damgah Fereydoon Ke 2003 93000 J 17

Iran Paein Rud Posht Ab-Bandan 2003 50000 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Mars West (Main Lagoon) 2003 42000 J 17

Iran Gavekhoni Marsh 1990 41519 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Siakeshim Protected Region 2003 37000 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Marsh East 2003 32500 J 17

Iran

Anzali Mordab Complex: Part Of Siahkeshim Protected

Region 2003 32000 J 17

Iran Gomishan Marsh 1991 30000 J 17

Iran Kaftar Lake 1997 30000 J 17

Iran Chookam Ab-Bandan 2003 28000 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Selkeh Protected Region 2003 26500 J 17

Iran Amirlayeh & Sheikh Ali Kol: Amirlayeh Lake 2003 25000 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Sorkhankel 2003 24000 J 17

Iran Lavandavil Wildlife Refuge: Lavandavil Marsh 2003 18500 J 17

Iran Shadegan Marshes Protected Region: Total 2003 18240 J 17

Iran Pain Rudposht Ab-Bandan 1998 16907 J 17

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Anzali – Langarud 2003 16200 J 17

Iran Dasht-E-Arjan Marsh 2003 15675 J 17

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Astara – Hashtpar 2003 14500 J 17

Iran

Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Miankaleh Protected

Region

1990 14197 J 17

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Hashtpar – Anzali 2003 13950 J 17

127

Table 2.24 continued: Common Teal Anas crecca

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Iran Miangaran Marshes: Miangaran & Izeh Marshes 1992 13150 J 17

Iran Govater Bay & Hur-E-Bahu: Bahookalat River 1997 12880 J 17

Iran Dasht-E-Azadegan: Hoveizeh And Surroundings 2003 12666 J 17

Iran Rasht Fishpond 2003 12130 J 17

Iran Hamidieh Grassland 1992 9742 J 17

Iran Anar Marz Ab-Bandan 1990 9600 J 17

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Kuh-I-Khajeh 1993 9201 J 17

Iran Helleh River: River And Delta 1992 8956 J 17

Iran Maharloo Lake 1997 7532 J 17

Iran Urmiyeh (Uromiyeh) Lake: Ghareh-Gheshlagh Marsh 1994 7393 J 17

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Hamoun-E-Saberi 1994 6757 J 17

Iran Bujagh National Park: Sefid Rud Mouth 1991 6450 J 17

Iran Harm Lake Complex: Harmkarion Lake (Near Khunj) 1994 5800 J 17

Iran

Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs:

Damgah Sorkherud

2003 5200 J 17

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Anzali- Astara 1998 5106 J 17

Iran Aras River: Bralan - Aras Dam 1997 5000 J 17

Iran Bujagh National Park: Bandar Kiashahr Lagoon 2003 5000 J 17

Iran Parishan Lake 1990 5000 J 17

Iran Ezbaran Damgah 2003 4500 J 17

Iran Urmiyeh (Uromiyeh) Lake:: Total 1990 4224 J 17

Iran Urmiyeh (Uromiyeh) Lake: Southern Coast 1992 4000 J 17

Ireland Little Brosna Callows: Total 1996 4000 J 17

Israel Hula Valley 1993 4113 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Venezia 2002 30308 J 17

Italy Maremma Grossetana 1994 9484 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Grado E Marano 1991 8330 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Caorle E Valli Di Bibione 2003 6952 J 17

Italy Oristano 2002 6838 J 17

Italy Delta Del Po - Parte Veneta 2002 6033 J 17

Jordan Azraq Oasis 1992 6000 J 17

Kazakhstan Chardara Vdchr 1992 15000 J 17

Kazakhstan Chuchkakol Lakes 2004 9300 J 17

Morocco Merja Zerga: Kenitra 1990 6616 J 17

Portugal Estuário Do Tejo 1999 25500 J 17

Portugal Estuário Do Sado 1993 10389 J 17

Romania Island Sahalin-Melea (= Sahalin I.- Mainland) 1991 8000 J 17

Romania Budeasa 1990 4500 J 17

Romania Delta Dunarii (Danube Delta) 1994 4242 J 17

Romania Golesti 1998 4000 J 17

Russia Middle & south taiga of West Siberia 5000000 B 22

Russia Lower & Upper Dvuobje 1200000 B 22

Russia Northwestern of European Russia 750000 B 22

Russia Kuban Delta 10000 B 12

Russia Penza Region 4000 B 9

Russia Neman River delta 15000 J 17

Russia Kyzlyar Bay 10000 S 7

Spain Parque Nacional De Doñana (Consolidation) 1991 84100 J 17

Spain De La Algaida A Hato Villa (H) 1991 42100 J 17

Spain Embalse De Sierra Brava 2003 30940 J 17

128

Table 2.24 continued: Common Teal Anas crecca

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Spain Marisma De Hinojos (H) 1992 23000 J 17

Spain Lucios Del Caballero Y Del Puntal (H) 1992 22000 J 17

Spain Lucios De Beta La Palma-Isla Mayor (Se) 1999 18654 J 17

Spain Delta Del Ebro (T) 1999 15310 J 17

Spain Lucios De Veta Lengua Y Aguas Rubias (H) 1992 13200 J 17

Spain Lucio De Marilópez Grande (Se) 1991 13000 J 17

Spain Del Palacio A La Algaida (H) 2001 11980 J 17

Spain Laguna De Gallocanta (Z) 1990 8633 J 17

Spain Del Puntal Al Palacio De Doñana (H) 2000 8600 J 17

Spain Lucio De Los Ansares (Se) 1992 7500 J 17

Spain Caño Del Guadiamar Pnd (H) 1992 6000 J 17

Spain Aiguamolls De L'emporda (Gi) 1994 5396 J 17

Spain Embalse Del Cubilar 2003 5200 J 17

Spain Lucio Del Membrillo (H) 1992 5050 J 17

Spain Embalse De Zújar – Serena 1993 5036 J 17

Spain Lucios Al Sur De De Los Ansares (Se) 1992 5000 J 17

Spain Laguna De Sariñena (Hu) 1991 4933 J 17

Spain Embalse De Alange 1992 4501 J 17

Spain Los Pobres. Lucios De Beta La Plama (Consolidated) 1991 4300 J 17

Spain Embalse De Orellana 1993 4150 J 17

Spain Embalse De Buendía (Cu) 2003 4122 J 17

Tunisia Lac Ichkeul 1997 7450 J 17

Turkey Sultansazligi(Yay+Col+Kurbaga) 1999 23732 J 17

Turkey Goksu Delta (Silifke) 1992 14952 J 17

Turkey Tuzla Golu (Ceyhan Delta) 1990 12600 J 17

Turkey Meric Delta 1999 12400 J 17

Turkey Camalti Salt Pans; Gediz Delta 1999 11532 J 17

Turkey Demir Kopru Baraji 1992 10410 J 17

Turkey Kizilirmak East (Balik) 1999 9700 J 17

Turkey Akyatan Golu 1996 8471 J 17

Turkey Kizilirmak (Karabogaz+Balik) 1995 7781 J 17

Turkey Koycegiz Golu 1996 5340 J 17

Turkey Kizilirmak West (Karabogaz) 1996 5200 J 17

Turkey Esmekaya Golu 1996 5020 J 17

Turkey Tuz Golu West (Tersakan+Bulok) 1993 4950 J 17

Turkey Yemisli Golu(10Km N.Of Karatas 1996 4092 J 17

Turkey Menderes Delta 1996 4000 J 17

Turkmenistan Tedzhen (Tejen) Reservoir 2 1997 32234 J 17

Turkmenistan Khauzkhan Reservoir 2000 28700 J 17

Turkmenistan Balkhan Gulf (Convention Mar) 2003 18731 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Sarykamysh 1997 16000 J 17

Turkmenistan Kopetdag Reservoir 1998 13100 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Soltantagt 1996 13000 J 17

Turkmenistan Amudarya Valley: Kerki-Karabekaul 1990 10280 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Ketdeshor (Kattashor) 1996 10000 J 17

Turkmenistan Amudarya Valley: Karabekaul-Chardjev 1990 7320 J 17

Turkmenistan Amudarya Valley: Chardjev-Cheidi (Neftezavodsk) 1990 5170 J 17

Turkmenistan Dzharsai River Floodplains (Jarsay Collector) 2000 5073 J 17

Turkmenistan Mikhaylov Gulf (Convention Mar) 2003 5017 J 17

129

Table 2.24 continued: Common Teal Anas crecca

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Gasankuli-Guyjuk 1991 4649 J 17

Turkmenistan Lower Atrek River: Total 1999 4280 J 17

United Kingdom Somerset Levels 2003 33350 J 17

United Kingdom Mersey Estuary 1997 14120 J 17

United Kingdom Thames Estuary 2003 9357 J 17

United Kingdom Lower Derwent Ings 1995 6576 J 17

United Kingdom Hamford Water And Naze Combined 1997 6563 J 17

United Kingdom Chew Valley Lake 1991 5500 J 17

United Kingdom Ouse Washes 1991 5225 J 17

United Kingdom Ribble Estuary 1999 5068 J 17

United Kingdom Swale Estuary 2003 4972 J 17

United Kingdom Abberton Reservoir 1991 4784 J 17

United Kingdom WWT Martin Mere 2002 4460 J 17

United Kingdom North Norfolk Coast 2002 4323 J 17

Uzbekistan Syrdarya River . Fergana Valley-Chardara Reservoir 2004 24288 J 17

Yugoslavia Skadarsko Jezero 1993 40000 J 17

130

2.14.2 Common Teal movements

The Common Teal breeds in a large area

in the northern Palearctic, from Iceland to

the absolute eastern part. The closely

related Green-winged Teal Anas

carolinensis breeds in North America. The

Common Teal is mainly migratory, but

small populations in west Europe are

largely resident. Wintering areas are found

in Europe, North Africa and Asia.

The largest numbers of recoveries are

from birds ringed in Britain, the

Netherlands, Denmark and Russia.

Between December and March, recoveries

are reported in a large area of west and

south Europe as well as in the area of the

Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. A few

recoveries are reported also in North

Africa and in the Middle East. Small

numbers cross the Sahara desert and there are two recoveries supporting this

movement. Between January and February there is a decrease in the number of

recoveries in Northen Africa, while March shows a clear decrease in recoveries in

Iberia and a further increase in Northern Italy. The speed of return migration seems to

increase significantly during April and be directed northeast on a broad front.

Recoveries from the breeding season (May-June) are spread out in northern Europe

and Russia east to about 70°E.

The autumn migration seems to start in July and continue until October. The autumn

migration of the Common Teal is directed southwest and different flyways parallel to

each other are known to exist. The population breeding east of the Ural Mountains

and in Siberia winters in the eastern Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Caspian

Sea area. Some birds are known to follow the river Nile south to East Africa. Siberian

birds also winter on the Indian subcontinent. In severe winters, Common Teals in west

Europe continue to the Atlantic coast and south to northwest Africa. It has been

shown from ringing recoveries that birds in different seasons can change between

flyways.

Figure 2.2

7:

Map depicting the movements

of Common Teal (Anas crecca) based on

published information and ring recoveries in

the EURING Data Bank.

131

Common Teal Anas crecca

Distribution: Holarctic, across North America and northern Eurasia. Three subspecies: nominate in Northern Eurasia; A.c.carolinensis in North America; A.c. nimia in

the Aleutian Islands Western Eurasian populations winter south to North Africa and the Gulf. Main wintering areas: Northwest Europe, Black Sea/Mediterranean,

Southwest Asia. Wintering sites may change from one year to another.

Moult: discrete moult migration in West and Central Europe (Denmark, Netherlands, SE-Germany), Teal breeding in SW-Siberia complete wing moult at lakes in SW-

Siberia as well as along the northern Caspian Sea shore

Population

(or part of population)

Autumn Migration

Wintering / Non-breeding Grounds

Spring Migration

References

direction / via during location during direction /

via

during

No discrete populations identified

(July) Europe:

Oct-Nov

1

Western Eurasia south to North Africa, the Gulf, few into

West and East Africa and Arabian

Peninsula

8

Fennoscandia, the Baltics, NW-Russia

(East as far as Taimyr), N-Poland,

Germany, Denmark, Belgium

S-SW, passage via

Denmark Sep-Oct,

through Europe

July-Sep Northwest Europe, Netherlands, Great

Britain and Ireland, Denmark, France,

Italy, Spain, as far east as Southern

Black Sea region, Northern Africa

(Morocco).

peak in Dec. Mar 1, 2, 5, 6, 7,

8,9, 12

Iceland, through Scandinavia to NW-

Siberia

Britain and Ireland, Denmark,

Netherlands, France

3, 8

Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, France,

Spain

(largely sedentary) 3, 8

Siberia

Eastern Mediterranean, Black Sea, East

Africa, Caspian region, Indian

subcontinent, east & southeast Asia

3, 11

Western Siberia, west-central Russia,

central Europe

West Mediterranean 2, 5, 8

Central Siberia Southwest Asia, SE-Europe, Caspian

region, Netherlands

1, 2, 8, 11

Central Russia, Ukraine east to Volga-

Kama river basins and Trans-Ural region

East Mediterranean, Egypt more direct

course back to

breeding ground

8, 14

Caucasus, East of Urals (Ob and Irtysh

river)

Egypt, few to Southern Sahara, e.g.

Senegal, Chad.

8, 14

Table 2.25: Summary of the movements of Common Teal (Anas crecca) from the literature based on published information and ring recoveries in the EURING Data Bank.

132

Finding locations of all dead birds

January February

March April

133

May June

July August

September October

November December

Figure 2.

28:

Finding locations of all dead Common Teal (Anas crecca) in the EURING

data bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month.

134

2.15 Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

2.15.1 Numbers and Distribution

Mallard is the most numerous and widespread duck species in Europe and is only

absent in January from upland areas and those affected by prolonged freezing (Figure

2.29). It has a similar winter distribution to Common Teal but is more abundant and

more tolerant of freezing conditions, occurring in high numbers further east and north

than any other freshwater duck species. High densities of important sites are found in

a large area encompassing Belgium, The Netherlands, northern Germany and

Denmark and a smaller area centred on Hungary and Croatia. There are also large

numbers of key sites on the northern and western coasts of the Black and Aegean Seas

in Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria and Greece. Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy

and Albania also host important key sites. Some of the highest counts of all have been

made in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Iran, especially along the shores

of the southern half of the Caspian Sea and in lakes of southern Iran.

The highest counts have been made in Iran, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and

Turkmenistan, and in Europe the highest site totals are recorded in Eastern, Southern

and Central European countries, with rather few Key Sites in the West and North

(Table 2.26). At Bakhtegan and Tashk Lakes, Iran, over 300,000 were counted in

1995. Kuyumasar, Uzbekistan recorded 134,000 in 2004, and Gyzylagach Nature

Reserve, Azerbaijan, 93,000. In the Black Sea-East Mediterranean region, 62,210

were counted at Shabla Lake (Bulgaria) in 1997, 52,350 at The Evros Delta (Greece)

in 2000, and 50,000 at Kopacki Rit (Croatia) in 1998, as well as 49,818 in the Central

Sivash (Ukraine) in 1998. Other important sites in this region are Eastern Sivash

(Ukraine) where 40,000 were counted in 1991, and the Black Sea Biosphere Reserve

where there were 38,300 in 1990. Further west in the Mediterranean region, the peak

count at Venice Lagoon, Italy, was 46,156 in 2002, and in the Camargue, France,

41,143 also in 2002. The Ebro Delta, Spain recorded 43,160 in 1997. Further north

and west, 41,916 were counted at Dümmer, Germany in 1998, and 37,850 were

counted at Cours du Rhin (France) in 1990. The highest count in Hungary was 30,000

at Geszt. Begecsi Halastavak in 2002, and 25,000 were recorded at three further sites.

Table 2.26: Mallard Anas platyrhynchos: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, West

and Central Asia where 8,000 or more have been recorded.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Austria March 2001 8860 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 93000 J 17

Azerbaijan Kirov Bay 1991 36730 J 17

Azerbaijan Shah Cape (Apsheron Archipelago Tara Islands) 1996 23126 J 17

Belarus Minsk Town Waterbodies 2000 8200 J 17

Bulgaria Shabla Lake (+ Ezeretz) 1997 62210 J 17

Bulgaria Danube: Tutrakan-Silistra Toutrakan - Silistra 1999 23143 J 17

Bulgaria Tzerkovski Tserkovski Reservoir 1997 22755 J 17

Bulgaria Piasachnik Reservoir 1999 20000 J 17

Bulgaria Danube: Russe-Tutrakan Rouse 1999 10115 J 17

Bulgaria Garvanovo Dam 1993 10037 J 17

Bulgaria Durankulak Lake Complex 2000 8851 J 17

Bulgaria Ovcharitza 1996 8400 J 17

135

Figure 2.29: Mallard Anas platyrhynchos: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia where 500

or more have been recorded.

136

Table 2.26 continued: Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Croatia Kopacki Rit 1998 50000 J 17

Croatia Dunav: Batina 1990 30000 J 17

Croatia Park Prirode Lonjsko Polje (Lonjsko Polje Nature Park) 1999 22185 J 17

Croatia Ribnjacarstvo (Slavonski Brod Fishpond) 1992 11000 J 17

Czech Nechranice Dam 1995 13428 J 17

Czech Nove Mlyny I & Iidam Systems 1994 12595 J 17

Denmark Danish Wadden Sea 1991 20164 J 17

Denmark Lolland NW 1991 12038 J 17

France La Camargue 2002 41143 J 17

France Cours Du Rhin (67 / 68) 1990 37850 J 17

France Dombes-Vallée De L'Ain 2000 19841 J 17

France Lac De Grandlieu 2003 11950 J 17

France Etangs De La Brenne 2003 10551 J 17

France Baie De L'Aiguillon Et Pointe D'Arcay 2002 9649 J 17

France Alsace Hors Rhin (67 / 68) 1999 8486 J 17

Georgia Paliastomi Lake 1998 34400 J 17

Germany Dümmer 1998 41916 J 17

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 12 1992 18329 J 17

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 10 1991 16554 J 17

Germany Stausee Dachwig 1990 16000 J 17

Germany Vorland Jadebusen 1995 14750 J 17

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 13 1992 13686 J 17

Germany Rhein: Breisach - Nonnenweier 1990 12280 J 17

Germany Donau: Km 2246-2405 2002 11743 J 17

Germany Rhein: Weil-Breisach 1992 10375 J 17

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 08 1991 10168 J 17

Germany Rhein: Nonnenweier-Kehl 1990 9518 J 17

Germany Weser: Strohauser Plate 1991 8877 J 17

Germany Wattenmeer Sh 11 2001 8844 J 17

Germany Wieck-Kooser See 1993 8333 J 17

Germany Talsperre Spremberg - Spree Bei Bräsinchen 1990 8275 J 17

Germany Zachariassee 1996 8200 J 17

Germany Elbe Km 73-93.5 / Coswig - Meißen - Diesbar 1992 8000 J 17

Germ./Switz./Austr. Bodensee Gesamt 1990 21000 J 17

Greece Evros Delta 2000 52350 J 17

Greece Kerkini 1995 22000 J 17

Greece Vistonis (Bourou) 1998 9010 J 17

Greece Karla Reservoirs (Former L.Karla) 1995 9000 J 17

Greece Axios, Loudias & Aliakmon Deltas 1999 8971 J 17

Hungary Geszt. Begecsi Halastavak 2002 30000 J 17

Hungary Balaton: Total 1996 25000 J 17

Hungary Hortobagy Halasto 1994 25000 J 17

Hungary Soponyai-Halastavak 1993 25000 J 17

Hungary Duna: 1791-1794 Fkm Gonyu 2002 23953 J 17

Hungary Duna 2: Baja-Dunafoldvar 1992 20090 J 17

Hungary Biharugrai Halasto 1999 16800 J 17

Hungary Retszilas Halasto 2002 15070 J 17

Hungary Bugyi 1990 15000 J 17

Hungary Duna 1: Orsz. Hatar (=Border)-Baja 2000 15000 J 17

137

Table 2.26 continued: Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Hungary Csaj. Pusztaszer (Halasto) = Tomorkeny 1994 13000 J 17

Hungary Nagyhegyes Elepi-H.To 2002 12000 J 17

Hungary Sumony Halasto 1996 8000 J 17

Iran Bakhtegan & Tashk Lakes 1995 308150 J 17

Iran

Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs:

Damgah Fereydoon Ke 1991 80000 J 17

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Miankaleh Protected Region 1991 42107 J 17

Iran Gomishan Marsh 1991 40000 J 17

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Anzali- Astara 1998 37200 J 17

Iran Govater Bay & Hur-E-Bahu: Bahookalat River 1994 26354 J 17

Iran Paein Rud Posht Ab-Bandan 2003 25000 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Siakeshim Protected Region 2003 19500 J 17

Iran Kaftar Lake 1997 15000 J 17

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Gorgan Bay 1998 14040 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Marsh East 2003 13800 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Mars West (Main Lagoon) 1992 13610 J 17

Iran Dorodzan Dam 1995 12500 J 17

Iran Aras River: Bralan - Aras Dam 1997 12000 J 17

Iran Chookam Ab-Bandan 2003 11500 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Selkeh Protected Region 2003 9800 J 17

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Astara - Hashtpar 2003 9800 J 17

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Kuh-I-Khajeh 1995 9668 J 17

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Hamoun-E-Saberi 1994 8928 J 17

Iran Shadegan Marshes Protected Region: Total 2003 8422 J 17

Iran Caspian Sea Coast (Mazandaran): Babolsar - Ashur 1998 8400 J 17

Iran Maharloo Lake 1990 8000 J 17

Iran

Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Lapoo - Zaghmarz Ab-

Bandan

2003 8000 J 17

Israel Hula Valley 1991 20012 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Venezia 2002 46156 J 17

Italy Delta Del Po - Parte Veneta 2003 33243 J 17

Italy F. Po - Tratto 7 2002 10698 J 17

Italy F. Po - Tratto 6 2003 10489 J 17

Italy F. Ticino - Tratto 3 2002 9439 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Grado E Marano 1992 8600 J 17

Kazakhstan Kurgaldjinskyi Reserve 1995 40160 J 17

Kazakhstan Sorbulak Lake 1992 18000 J 17

Kazakhstan Chuchkakol Lakes 2004 15800 J 17

Kazakhstan Chardara Vdchr 1992 12000 J 17

Kazakhstan Bilikol Lake 1992 10500 J 17

Kazakhstan Kulykol-Taldykol Lake System 2000 10000 J 17

Kazakhstan Lakes of Kustanay region 2003 10242 S 39

Netherlands Westerschelde 2001 27832 J 17

Netherlands Groningse Noordkust 1999 22179 J 17

Netherlands Ijsselmeer 1999 14607 J 17

Netherlands Oosterschelde 2001 14253 J 17

Netherlands Haringvliet 2001 13749 J 17

Netherlands Volkerakmeer 2002 13357 J 17

Netherlands Texel 2001 12447 J 17

Netherlands Grevelingen 1999 11420 J 17

138

Table 2.26 continued: Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Netherlands Krimpenerwaard 2001 11315 J 17

Netherlands Markiezaat 1992 11286 J 17

Netherlands Biesbosch 2001 11217 J 17

Netherlands Eemmeer. Nijkerkernauw En Nuldernauw 1993 11030 J 17

Netherlands Engbertsdijkvenen 1992 10600 J 17

Netherlands Dollard 2001 10388 J 17

Netherlands Tjeukemeer 1999 10073 J 17

Netherlands Limburgse Maas 2001 9849 J 17

Netherlands Veerse Meer 2001 9768 J 17

Netherlands Friese Noordkust 1990 9480 J 17

Netherlands Markermeer 2001 9329 J 17

Netherlands Hollands Diep 1999 9310 J 17

Netherlands Alblasserwaard 2001 8608 J 17

Netherlands Ijssel 1999 8060 J 17

Poland Odra: Krzepkowice-Brzeg Dolny (160 Km) 1993 22000 J 17

Poland Stawy Milickie 1994 8900 J 17

Poland Zbiornik Dzierzno 1996 8595 J 17

Poland Odra: Chalupki-Krapkowice 1993 8279 J 17

Romania Lake Sinoe (= Sinoie) 1990 21000 J 17

Romania Delta Dunarii (Danube Delta) 1994 14033 J 17

Romania Golesti 1991 9000 J 17

Romania Lake Sinoe South 1991 8538 J 17

Romania Strejesti 1995 8000 J 17

Russia Penza Region 30000 B 9

Russia Pskovsko-Chudskaya Lowland 20000 B 23

Russia Kryukovskoye Reservoir 40240 J 17

Russia Varnavinskoye Reservoir 28490 J 17

Russia Group of limans between the Kuban and Protoka 22978 J 17

Russia Krasnodarskoye Reservoir 20403 J 17

Russia Shapsugskoye Reservoir 18110 J 17

Russia Beisugsky Liman and Lake Khanskoye 15757 J 17

Russia Kiziltashsky Liman Complex 12768 J 17

Russian

Federation

Kochubeevskaya Borozdina 1991 12400 J 17

Russian

Federation Darginskiy Bank Gulf 1991 9000 J 17

Slovakia Podunaji (Danube Floodplain) 1993 25701 J 17

Slovakia Sl'Nava Reservoir 1993 13000 J 17

Slovakia Zemplinska Sirava Reservoir 1994 13000 J 17

Slovenia Drava: Ptuj 1999 9064 J 17

Spain Delta Del Ebro (T) 1997 43160 J 17

Spain Lucios De Beta La Palma-Isla Mayor (Se) 1999 29740 J 17

Spain Embalse De Sierra Brava 2003 27150 J 17

Spain Aiguamolls De L'emporda (Gi) 1994 16453 J 17

Spain Parque Natural De La Albufera (V) 2003 10981 J 17

Spain Tablas De Daimiel (Cr) 1992 10500 J 17

Spain Laguna De Gallocanta (Z) 1990 9138 J 17

Spain Laguna De Sariñena (Hu) 1990 8920 J 17

Spain Embalse De Orellana 1991 8896 J 17

Turkey Kizilirmak (Karabogaz+Balik) 1995 22765 J 17

139

Table 2.26 continued: Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Turkey Kizilirmak West (Karabogaz) 1996 10610 J 17

Turkey Meric Delta 1996 10100 J 17

Turkey Goksu Delta (Silifke) 1995 9870 J 17

Turkmenistan Amudarya Valley: Druzhba-Nukus 1990 57450 J 17

Turkmenistan Khauzkhan Reservoir 1997 42000 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Kernai (Aybugir) 1990 21500 J 17

Turkmenistan Goigyrlan Floodlands 1990 17790 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Gasankuli-Guyjuk 1991 17284 J 17

Turkmenistan Kopetdag Reservoir 1998 16240 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Kornai 1995 15000 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Sarykamysh 1991 14330 J 17

Turkmenistan Amudarya Valley: Kerki-Karabekaul 1994 12900 J 17

Turkmenistan Soltandzhar Reservoir 1997 12316 J 17

Turkmenistan Dzharsai River Floodplains (Jarsay Collector) 2000 11194 J 17

Turkmenistan Balkhan Gulf (Convention Mar) 2003 10502 J 17

Turkmenistan Tuyamuyun Reservoir 2003 8848 J 17

Turkmenistan Amudarya Valley: Chardjev-Cheidi (Neftezavodsk) 1990 8550 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Soltantagt 2000 8131 J 17

Ukraine Khmelnitsk (Region) 1994 111000 J 17

Ukraine M. Sivash 1998 49818 J 17

Ukraine Vinitsa (Region) 1992 43808 J 17

Ukraine Donetsk (Region) 1993 42792 J 17

Ukraine E. Sivash 1991 40000 J 17

Ukraine Black Sea State Biosphere Reserve 1990 38300 J 17

Ukraine Crimea (Region) 1990 34894 J 17

Ukraine Dnepropetrovsk (Region) 1994 25989 J 17

Ukraine Tiligulsky Liman 2001 25230 J 17

Ukraine Kharkov (Region) 1994 17733 J 17

Ukraine Utl'Ukskij Liman 1991 15712 J 17

Ukraine Lake Kitai 1996 14130 J 17

Ukraine Sasyk Liman + Adjacent Sea Area 1991 14000 J 17

Ukraine Poltava (Region) 1990 13332 J 17

Ukraine Zaporozhye (Region) 1993 12653 J 17

Ukraine Zhitomir (Region) 1993 12088 J 17

Ukraine Cherkassi (Region) 1990 11534 J 17

Ukraine Danube Delta 1993 10840 J 17

Ukraine W. Sivash 1991 10000 J 17

Ukraine Secondary Delta Of The Kiliya Channel (Danube) 2000 9882 J 17

Ukraine Area Northeast Of Odessa 1999 9000 J 17

Ukraine Lvov (Region) 1993 8848 J 17

Ukraine Kherson (Region) 1994 8380 J 17

Uzbekistan Kuyumasar 2004 134086 J 17

Uzbekistan Tuyabuguz Reservoir 2004 72658 J 17

Uzbekistan Syrdarya River . Fergana Valley-Chardara Reservoir 2004 50783 J 17

Uzbekistan Dautkil Lake (Daudan) 1995 30000 J 17

Uzbekistan Amudarya Valley: Nukus-Aral Sea 1990 29512 J 17

Uzbekistan Amudarya River (High Part Of The Stream) 2004 14057 J 17

Uzbekistan Dengizkul Lake 2004 8320 J 17

Uzbekistan Talimardzhan Reservoir 2004 8139 J 17

140

Table 2.26 continued: Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Yugoslavia Skadarsko Jezero 1993 30000 J 17

Yugoslavia Uzdin-Idvor-Sakule 1997 10000 J 17

Yugoslavia Zrenjanin (Banat) 1996 8500 J 17

Yugoslavia Dunav: Ram 1990 8000 J 17

Yugoslavia Jazovo Fish Pond 1996 8000 J 17

141

2.15.2 Mallard movements

The breeding area of the Mallard covers a

large part of the Holarctic, across North

America and Eurasia between 35°N and

70°N. Birds breeding in temperate areas

are mainly sedentary while birds breeding

in northern areas, where open waters are

hard to find during winter, are migratory.

The Mallard winters in a large part of

Europe and across central Asia.

Extensive ringing of Mallards has been

carried out in many countries and the

largest numbers of recoveries are from

birds ringed in Britain, Denmark, the

Netherlands, Sweden and Russia.

Recoveries between December and

February are strongly concentrated in west

Europe, from southern Sweden southwards, but many recoveries are also reported in

south Europe and in the area of the Black and the Caspian Sea. Between January and

February there is a decrease in recoveries in Mediterranean countries like Italy and

SW France; this pattern gets stronger and involves also Iberia between February and

March. The most intense phases of return migration seem to take place in March and

continue into May in the most northern areas. During the breeding season, Mallards

are found in most of Europe, including the northernmost areas, and eastward to about

70°E. The autumn migration seems to start in August and continue until November.

Various flyways have been demonstrated and birds breeding in northwest Russia,

Finland, Sweden and the Baltic states migrate to wintering areas in west Europe and

Britain & Ireland. Birds breeding in west and southwest Europe are mostly sedentary

or perform only short-distance movements. Birds from central and eastern Europe

move south or southeast to the Mediterranean or to the Black Sea. Mallards breeding

in central Russia, western Siberia and Kazakhstan move WSW-SSW to east

Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, but also to areas east of the

Caspian Sea and south to Iran-Afghanistan. Large numbers of males from breeding

areas in Ukraine to west Siberia are known to gather in the Volga delta, Caspian Sea,

during moult. Severe winters result in Mallards moving further south or southwest.

Figure 2.30

Map depicting the movements of

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) based on

published information and ring recoveries in

the EURING Data Bank.

142

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Distribution: Holarctic, across North America and northern Eurasia from 70°N to 35°N in North Africa and 20°N in the Middle East. At least 4

subspecies. Northern birds are generally migratory, birds from temperate regions sedentary or dispersive

Population

(or part of population)

Autumn Migration

Wintering / Non-breeding Grounds Spring Migration References

direction / via during location during direction /

via

during

Iceland

Iceland, Great Britain and Ireland 8

NW-Europe

(mainly sedentary; short distance

migration in cold weather); few to Italy

1, 8

NW Russia Nov Denmark, NW-France, Great Britain,

North Sea coasts, Baltics, Spain

Dec-Feb 3, 4, 6, 8

Belgium, Great Britain, Netherlands,

Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland,

Norway, Baltics, Poland

Aug-Dec Great Britain, Ireland, Germany,

Denmark, S-Sweden, Netherlands,

France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Norway,

Baltics (birds from W-Baltics sed.),

Finland, along North Sea coast

Nov-Feb Mar-Apr 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8,

9, 10, 11 , 12

SW-Europe

(mainly sedentary) 8

Central Europe

(manly sedentary); some migrate to

wintering quarters around Mediterranean

coast, and Black Sea; as well migration

SE along the Danube, intermix with birds

from further East at Black Sea

8, 12

former Czechoslovakia, S-European Russia

N-Africa, Italy, Germany, between Black

and Caspian Sea, France, Spain,

Hungary, Romania

10, 12

former USSR Black Sea, east Mediterranean 8

NE-European Russia mass moult in Kasakhstan,

S-Siberia (probably birds

from N-Russian and

Northern Siberian)

between Black Sea and Caspian Sea,

some Turkey and east Mediterranean,

Kazakhstan, S-Siberia

8, 10, 11

S-Western Siberia (between Urals and Ob),

Kazakhstan

WSW-SSW Balkans to Black Sea, some Nile Delta,

Greece, Caspian Region, Turkmenistan,

Uzbekistan, Iran, Afghanistan, India

1, 8, 10, 11

N-central Siberia (between Ob and Irtysh) Caspian region, central and S-Asian

republics, W-Turkey, Pakistan and

UAE/Saudi Arabia

1, 8

Table 2.27 Summary of the movements of Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) from the literature based on published information and ring recoveries in the EURING Data Bank.

143

Finding locations of all dead birds

January February

March April

144

May June

July August

September October

November December

Figure 2.

31:

Finding locations of all dead Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) in the EURING

data bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month.

145

2.16 Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)

2.16.1 Numbers and distribution

Northern Pintail is a significant migrant to Subsaharan Africa and Iran, and in Europe it is

primarily a coastal species in winter (Figure 2.32). The most important wintering sites are in

the Sahel zone of west Africa in Senegal, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Chad. There are crucial

wintering sites on the Caspian coast in Azerbaijan and Iran, and in lakes of southern Iran. In

Europe, the most important countries in January are Greece, Spain, The Netherlands, France

and UK, and Italy and Portugal are also important.

Between 100,000 and 150,000 have been counted at five sites, three of them in West Africa,

and two in Iran (Table 2.28). These sites are two parts of The Inner Niger Delta in Mali, and

the Djoudj National Park in Senegal, and in Iran, Ezbaran Damgah, and Bakhtegan and

Tashk Lakes. Relatively few winter in Central Asia. Other key sites in West Africa include

Lac Fitri, Tchad, where 36,865 were counted in 1999, Hadejia-Nguru, Nigeria, where there

were 34,866 in 1998, and Diawling, Mauritania, where 33,100 were counted in 1995. The

most important sites in Europe are in Greece, where 35,965 were couinted in the Evros Delta

in 1999, and 12,477 at the Amvrakikos Wetlands in the same year. Spain is the only other

European country where five-figure site totals have been recorded in January, with 28,790 at

Caño Del Guadiamar in 1997, and 17,500 at Embalse de Gargáligas in 2003. Between 8,000

and 10,000 have been recorded in Italy at Venice Lagoon, in France at Baie De L’Aiguillon

Et Pointe D’Arcy, in Spain at Marisma de Hinojos and Lucios de VetaLengua Y Aguias

Rubia, and in The Netherlands at Westerschelde.

Table 2.28: Nothern Pintail Anas acuta: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, Africa,

West and Central Asia where 2,000 or more have been recorded.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Albania Karavasta Complex 1999 5895 J 17

Algeria Lac Fetzara 1994 5810 J 17

Algeria Marais De Mekhada 1992 3205 J 17

Algeria Barrage De Boughzoul 1991 2500 J 17

Algeria Les Lacs = Chott De Tinnsilt 1992 2400 J 17

Algeria Sebkhet Djendli 1998 2000 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Re 25000 J 17

Azerbaijan Big Kyzyl-Agach Bay 1996 6536 J 17

Denmark Danish Wadden Sea 2001 3660 J 17

Ethiopia Shesher And Welala Marshes 2004 4350 J 17

France Baie De L'Aiguillon Et Pointe D'Arcy 2003 8350 J 17

France La Camargue 2004 6102 J 17

France Etang De Carcans-Hourtin 2000 2770 J 17

France Bassin D'Arcachon 1992 2590 J 17

France Littoral Picard 2002 2565 J 17

France Golfe Du Morbihan 1994 2350 J 17

Greece Evros Delta 1999 35965 J 17

Greece Amvrakikos Wetlands 1997 12477 J 17

Greece Kerkini 1995 6600 J 17

Greece Kotychi Lagoon 1996 2970 J 17

Greece Messolonghi Lagoon 1998 2715 J 17

Iran Ezbaran Damgah 2003 112500 J 17

Iran Bakhtegan & Tashk Lakes 1995 101540 J 17

146

Figure 2.32: Nothern Pintail Anas acuta: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia where 250 or more

have been recorded.

147

Table 2.28 continued: Nothern Pintail Anas acuta

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Iran

Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs:

Damgah Fereydoon Ke

2003 73000 J 17

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Mianka 1991 30412 J 17

Iran

Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs:

Damgah Sork Kerud 2003 20700 J 17

Iran Gavekhoni Marsh 1990 13256 J 17

Iran Helleh River: River And Delta 1990 12000 J 17

Iran Gomishan Marsh 1995 11500 J 17

Iran

Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs:

Esbaran Marsh 1997 9500 J 17

Iran Hamidieh Grassland 1994 8924 J 17

Iran Govater Bay & Hur-E-Bahu: Bahookala 1995 7893 J 17

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Kuh-I-Khajeh 1997 7797 J 17

Iran Miangaran Marshes: Miangaran & Izeh 1994 6560 J 17

Iran Shadegan Marshes Protected Region: 2003 5615 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Marsh East 1991 5310 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Selkeh Prote 1992 4950 J 17

Iran Maharloo Lake 1997 4950 J 17

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Hamoun-E-Sabe 1997 4711 J 17

Iran

Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Marsh West (Main

lagoon) 2003 4700 J 17

Iran Sorkhrood Damgah 1997 4500 J 17

Iran Caspian Sea Coast (Mazandaran): Ban 1990 4445 J 17

Iran Dasht-E-Arjan Marsh 1997 4123 J 17

Iran Chah Nimeh Lake 1995 4018 J 17

Iran Kaftar Lake 1993 3600 J 17

Iran Sayed Mahali & Zarinkola Ab: Zarink 1993 2890 J 17

Iran Ala Gol Marshes: Ala Gol 1993 2700 J 17

Iran Amirlayeh & Sheikh Ali Kol: Amirlay 2003 2300 J 17

Iran Sanandaj (Vahdat) Dam: Vahdat Dam 1995 2300 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Venezia 2002 8981 J 17

Kazakhstan Lakes of Kustanai region 2003 3666 S 39

Mali Delta Quad`S 101,102,107-110,115-11 1994 150000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 33 2000 100000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 84 2001 35000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 20 2001 30000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 46 2001 26000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 74 2001 20150 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 18 2001 15100 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 40 1999 15000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 79 2001 11000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 65 2001 10000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 93 (Walado Debo) 1999 8000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 53 2000 7000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 45 2001 6500 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 48 2001 6000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 39 1999 6000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 8 2000 5000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 22 2000 4200 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 95 1999 3120 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 75 2001 3000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 19 2001 2500 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 24 1999 2000 J 17

Mauritanie Diawling 1995 33100 J 17

Mauritanie Mahmouda 2004 18360 J 17

Mauritanie Lac De Mal 1999 12520 J 17

Mauritanie Pn Diawling, Annexes, Dioup, Keur M 1999 10667 J 17

148

Table 2.28 continued: Nothern Pintail Anas acuta

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Mauritanie Tichilitt 1998 8100 J 17

Mauritanie Bassin De R'Kiz 2001 6160 J 17

Mauritanie Lac D'Aleg 2004 3236 J 17

Mauritanie Tamourt Sawana 2000 3100 J 17

Mauritanie Rosso, Toumbos Sud (Mohad) 2004 3033 J 17

Morocco Merja Zerga: Kenitra 1992 3622 J 17

Netherlands Westerschelde 2002 8325 J 17

Netherlands Groningse Noordkust 2002 6090 J 17

Netherlands Schiermonnikoog 2002 3567 J 17

Netherlands Terschelling 1990 2847 J 17

Netherlands Oosterschelde 2001 2395 J 17

Niger Chiya 1995 11600 J 17

Niger Gouske 2001 9187 J 17

Niger Lac Tchad - Quadrat 16 2003 7800 J 17

Niger Atchi 1995 5000 J 17

Niger Parc Nationale Du "W" 1994 4070 J 17

Niger Lassouri 1995 3800 J 17

Niger Namga 1996 2600 J 17

Niger Karandi 1996 2500 J 17

Niger Tabalak 1994 2015 J 17

Nigeria Hadejia-Nguru, All Quadrats 1998 34866 J 17

Nigeria Hadejia-Nguru Wetland, Quad 13 1990 15886 J 17

Nigeria Lac Tchad - Quadrat 51 2003 4160 J 17

Nigeria Hadejia-Nguru Wetland, Quad 12 1990 3200 J 17

Portugal Estuário Do Tejo 1999 7400 J 17

Portugal Estuário Do Sado 1999 5410 J 17

Russia Dvuobje total 900000 J 17

Russia Il'men' Lake, Leningrad region 11500 J 17

Russia West Siberia 600000 S 22

Senegal Parc National Des Oiseaux Du Djoudj 2000 148675 J 17

Senegal Ndiael 2002 14200 J 17

Senegal Les Trois Marigots 1996 5200 J 17

Senegal Zic De Djeuss Et Environs (Total) 1990 2500 J 17

Spain Caño Del Guadiamar Pnd (H) 1997 28790 J 17

Spain Embalse De Gargáligas 2003 17500 J 17

Spain Marisma De Hinojos (H) 2000 8781 J 17

Spain Lucios De Veta Lengua Y Aguas Rubia 1992 8000 J 17

Spain Delta Del Ebro (T) 1999 7967 J 17

Spain Caño Travieso (Se) 1997 7390 J 17

Spain Lucios De Beta La Palma-Isla Mayor 1999 6536 J 17

Spain Lucio De Los Ansares (Se) 2003 4731 J 17

Spain Lucio Del Membrillo (H) 1992 4500 J 17

Spain Embalse De Zújar - Serena 1993 2417 J 17

Spain De Aguas Rubias Al Lucio Del Hondón 1997 2240 J 17

Spain Parque Nacional De Doñana (Consolid 1991 2200 J 17

Sudan Bagga Sites 2003 6620 J 17

Tchad Lac Fitri 1999 36865 J 17

Tchad Lac Tchad - Quadrat 17 2003 10300 J 17

Tchad Lac Tchad - Quadrat 71 2003 9050 J 17

Tchad Lac Tchad - Quadrat 60 2003 5220 J 17

Tchad Bas Chari (Tchad) 1999 4138 J 17

Tunisia Garaet Mabtouha 1991 2000 J 17

Tunisia Sebkha Kelbia 1995 2000 J 17

Turkey Goksu Delta (Silifke) 1992 5365 J 17

Turkey Kizilirmak (Karabogaz+Balik) 1995 4184 J 17

Turkey Kizilirmak East (Balik) 1999 3850 J 17

149

Table 2.28 continued: Nothern Pintail Anas acuta

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Turkey Yumurtalik Lagoons(Yapi+Omerg) 1999 2762 J 17

Turkey Isikli Golu [Civril Golu] 1990 2000 J 17

Turkmenistan Krasnovodsk Gulf (Convention Mar)(T 2004 2386 J 17

United Kingdom Ribble Estuary 1999 3894 J 17

United Kingdom Morecambe Bay 1999 3544 J 17

United Kingdom Burry Inlet 1996 3541 J 17

United Kingdom The Wash 1992 3503 J 17

United Kingdom Mersey Estuary 1993 3042 J 17

United Kingdom Solway Estuary (Scottish Counties) 2002 2910 J 17

United Kingdom Nene Washes 1994 2313 J 17

United Kingdom Duddon Estuary 1994 2194 J 17

United Kingdom Ouse Washes 2000 2033 J 17

150

2.16.2 Northern Pintail movements

The breeding area of the Pintail covers a

large area of the northern Holarctic,

across North America and Eurasia. The

Pintail is mainly migratory and in most

regions is a long-distance migrant.

Wintering areas are spread out in

western and southern Europe, across

Africa south of the Sahara, southwest

Asia, India, southern China and Japan.

North American Pintails move south and

leave most of the breeding range during

winter.

Large numbers of recoveries are

available only from birds ringed in

Russia, Britain and the Netherlands.

Recoveries from the period December –

February are found in western and

southern Europe, North Africa and in the area of the Black and Caspian Sea. A few

recoveries are also reported from southwest Asia and India as well as from areas south

of the Sahara in Africa. An increase in recoveries in Mediterranean countries like Italy

is observed between January and February, becoming more intense between February

and March. The most intense phases of return migration start in March, become

prominent in southern Russia in April and reach the northernmost areas in May.

Recoveries from the breeding season (May-June) cover a large area to about 80

o

E,

with concentrations of recoveries in southwestern Siberia and northern Kazakhstan.

The autumn migration seems to start in August, but recoveries are spread out in

Ukraine, western and southern Russia and in Kazakhstan as late as October. Birds

breeding in Iceland, Sweden, Finland, the Baltic States and northwest Russia migrate

SW-S mainly to west and south Europe and often along the Atlantic coast. Birds from

western and central Siberia move to the Mediterranean, the Balkans and the area of

the Black and Caspian Sea as well as to India. Some also move to western and

southwestern Europe, and further to tropical West Africa. Birds from Siberia and

northern Russia also winter in southwest Asia, the Nile Delta and in wetlands in

Sudan and Ethiopia. Recoveries of ringed birds indicate that interchange between

flyways in different years exists. Moult migration is common in Pintails and large

numbers of males are known to gather in southwestern Siberia and northern

Kazakhstan, where large concentrations of recoveries are found.

Figure 2.

33:

Map depicting the movements of

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) based on

published information and ring recoveries in

the EURING Data Bank.

151

Pintail Anas acuta

Distribution: Holarctic, across North America and northern Eurasia, in Western Eurasia between 60° and 70°N. No discrete populations defined main migration

routes along the coasts. In winter, four basins distinguished: Mediterranean, Sudan, Niger, Chad; overlap between wintering groups in Western Eurasia and Africa.

Moult: moult migrations frequent, moulting areas in the Volga Delta, North Caspian region, SW-Siberia; mass moult migrations in Siberia

Population

(or part of population)

Autumn Migration

Wintering / Non-breeding Grounds Spring Migration

References

direction / via during location during direction / via during

North America exchange with Eastern

Russia

North America and Central America, Japan 3, 10

Central Eurasia

probably moulting in Volga

Delta, migration via Egypt

Sahel region (Senegal, Niger, Chad) of West

Africa, Northwest Europe, the Mediterranean

basin, eastern Africa, Southwest Asia south

to the Gulf, India, China, Japan

2, 3, 8, 10,

11, 14

SW-Siberia moulting and breeding sites along shores of Mediterranean, Black and

Caspian Seas, Iraq and India, Egypt,

wetlands in Sudan and Ethiopia

11, 14

European Russia and Western Siberia Black Sea/Mediterranean region, Western

Asia and Nile delta

1, 3, 5, 8, 12

Russia (Ob and Irtysh), western and

central Siberia

moult in North Caspian

region, migrate via Egypt

Netherlands, NW-France, Great Britain, as

far as North Africa and Senegal delta

1, 2, 3, 8, 10

the Baltics, Scandinavia, Iceland Northwest Europe, (Wadden Sea), Denmark,

Netherlands, Italy

2, 5, 8, 12

Finland mainly SW to SSW:

Denmark, Benelux, South

of Britain, French Atlantic

Coast; Italy

Great Britain, along Atlantic coast, Italy,

North Africa

2, 5, 11

Norway (rare breeder) Aug-Nov Scotland, few overwintering on coast north to

Tromso, probably west coasts of Europe,

possibly south to West Africa

9

Denmark (rare breeder) SW Great Britain, France, Spain, Belgium,

Netherlands, Germany, few along

Mediterranean

Dec-Feb 2, 5

Belgium Camargue (France) and Guadalquivir Delta 7

Netherlands France, Spain; few East as far as Egypt 14

Northwestern population during cold weather

movements

increases in Northern France (out of Dutch,

German and Danish coasts), Iberia

8

Great Britain and Ireland (mainly sedentary); passage through Britain

on major flyway from northwest Siberia to

subtropical Africa.

3

Table 2.

29:

Summary of the movements of Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) from the literature based on published information and ring recoveries in the EURING Data

Bank.

152

Finding locations of all dead birds

January February

March April

153

May June

July August

September October

November December

Figure 2.

34:

Finding locations of all dead Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) in the EURING

data bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month.

154

2.17 Garganey (Anas querquedula)

2.17.1 Numbers and distribution

Garganey is the most migratory of all Palearctic duck species and Russian and

European breeding populations migrate almost entirely to sub-Saharan Africa and

tropical Asia. There are numerous key wintering sites throughout the West African

Sahel zone stretching from Senegal and Mauritania, through Mali, Burkina Faso,

Niger, Nigeria, Chad and the northern tip of Cameroon (Figure 2.35). Smaller

numbers spend the northern winter in East Africa from Sudan south to Kenya.. A

number of important breeding areas have been identified in Russia, and spectacular

numbers occur on migration on the Caspian coasts of Russia and Kazakhstan, and

also, at least until the 1970s, in Egypt (Cramp & Simmons 1977). Much smaller

numbers winter as far north as Azerbaijan.

The most important wintering sites for Garganey are the Djoudj National Park in

Senegal, where 288,053 were counted in January 2000, and the Inner Niger Delta,

Mali, where 206,000 were recorded in 1994, and where numerous five-figure counts

of various quadrats have been made (Table 2.30). Lake Tchad in Tchad-Nigeria-

Cameroon is a crucial site, but consolidated totals are not available and a count of

68,760 at Quadrat 93 in Cameroon is the highest count on record. In Mauritania,

57,272 were counted at Mahmouda in 2004, 50,350 at Lac d’Aleg in 1996 and 25, 475

at Bassin De R’Kiz in 2000. In Senegal, 31,500 were counted at Les Trois Marigots

in 1998. In East Africa, the most important wintering sites are in Sudan, where 10,000

were counted at Bagga Sites in 2003, and 8,750 at Taror Ibrahim in 1997.

Table 2.30: Garganey Anas querquedula: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe,

Africa, West and Central Asia where 2,000 or more have been recorded.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 4000 J 17

Burkina Faso Mare D`Oursi 1998 4458 J 17

Burkina Faso Mare De Darkoy 2004 3500 J 17

Cameroun Lac Tchad - Quadrat 93 2003 68760 J 17

Cameroun Lac Tchad - Quadrat 86 2003 18050 J 17

Cameroun Lac Tchad - Quadrat 101 1999 17618 J 17

Cameroun Parc National De Waza Logone Total 1998 15347 J 17

Iran Helleh River: River And Delta 1990 5000 J 17

Iran Aras River: Bralan - Aras Dam 1997 2000 J 17

Iran Ala Gol Marshes: Ala Gol 1993 1500 J 17

Kazakhstan Kurgaldjinskyi Reserve 1995 7040 J 17

Kazakhstan Kulykol-Taldykol Lake System 2000 3000 M 5

Kenya Dandora Oxidation Ponds 1995 2730 J 17

Mali Delta Quad`S 101,102,107-110,115-117,125 1994 206000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 46 2001 168000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 84 2001 100000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 93 (Walado Debo) 1996 100000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 20 2001 65000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 33 2000 65000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 91 2000 60900 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 100 2000 60210 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 44 2000 60000 J 17

155

Figure 2.35: Garganey Anas querquedula: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia where

500 or more have been recorded.

156

Table 2.30 continued: Garganey Anas querquedula

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Mali Delta Quad 8 2000 60000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 85 2001 48100 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 101 2001 45000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 57 2000 40000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 75 2001 40000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 102 2001 35000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 17 2001 33100 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 113 2001 32800 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 107 2001 26600 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 74 2001 22150 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 53 2000 22000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 14 2000 20000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 99 2001 20000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 18 2001 17525 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 45 2001 17000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 16 2000 16000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 58 2000 15000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 87 2001 14500 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 22 2000 13700 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 19 2001 13450 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 90 2000 13000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 94 2001 12000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 88 2001 11300 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 67 2000 10800 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 95 2001 9000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 34 2000 8150 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 24 2000 8000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 110 2001 7500 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 72 2001 7300 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 47 2000 5450 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 40 2001 4600 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 60 2001 4000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 79 2001 4000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 49 2001 3870 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 114 2001 3000 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 39 2001 2750 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 38 2001 2200 J 17

Mali Delta Quad 103 2000 2000 J 17

Mauritanie Mahmouda 2004 57272 J 17

Mauritanie Lac D`Aleg 1996 50350 J 17

Mauritanie Bassin De R'Kiz 2000 25475 J 17

Mauritanie Lac De Mal 1998 20000 J 17

Mauritanie Tamourt Sawana 2000 16275 J 17

Mauritanie Diawling 2002 15400 J 17

Mauritanie Bell 2003 11000 J 17

Mauritanie Tamourt N'Naaj 2001 6125 J 17

Mauritanie Tamourt Chlim 2000 4692 J 17

Mauritanie Tamourt Oumm Lelli 2000 3000 J 17

Mauritanie Aghor 1996 2100 J 17

Niger Namga 2004 15371 J 17

157

Table 2.30 continued: Garganey Anas querquedula

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Niger Gouske 2001 15100 J 17

Niger Complexe "Tam" 2001 13426 J 17

Niger Falke 2001 12281 J 17

Niger Koutoukale 2001 11372 J 17

Niger Parc Nationale Du "W" 2001 8700 J 17

Niger Kokoro 1995 7515 J 17

Niger Gatawani 2001 7420 J 17

Niger Lac Tchad - Quadrat 16 2003 7100 J 17

Niger Lassouri 2001 6781 J 17

Niger Chiya 2000 6650 J 17

Niger Toumour 2000 6520 J 17

Niger Bangaga 2001 5311 J 17

Niger Atchi 2001 4195 J 17

Niger N'Gagann 2000 3800 J 17

Niger Mare Mari 2001 3164 J 17

Niger Mare De Albarkaîze 2004 2910 J 17

Niger Karandi 1994 2670 J 17

Niger Tcherassa 1994 2530 J 17

Niger Agaram (Bagara) 1994 2500 J 17

Niger Akadaney 2004 1913 J 17

Niger Complexe Des Retraits Du Lac Tchad 2001 1814 J 17

Niger Balati 1994 1560 J 17

Niger Mare De Dossey 2000 1500 J 17

Nigeria Hadejia-Nguru, All Quadrats 1998 147563 J 17

Nigeria Lac Tchad - Quadrat 28 1999 15480 J 17

Nigeria Hadejia-Nguru Wetland, Quad 13 1990 15111 J 17

Nigeria Lac Tchad - Quadrat 51 1999 7748 J 17

Nigeria Hadejia-Nguru Wetland, Quad 4 1990 2100 J 17

Nigeria Hadejia-Nguru Wetland, Quad 7 1990 1545 J 17

Russia West Siberia 30000 B 8

Russia Penza Region 10000 B 9

Russia Kyzlyar Bay 4000 J 17

Senegal Parc National Des Oiseaux Du Djoudj 2000 288053 J 17

Senegal Les Trois Marigots 1998 31500 J 17

Senegal Zic De Djeuss Et Environs (Total) 1994 8548 J 17

Senegal Ndiael 2000 5000 J 17

Senegal Boundoum Kassak 2004 4600 J 17

Senegal Lagunes De St Louis: Pn De Guembeul 2004 4600 J 17

Senegal Lagunes De St.Louis (Total) 2002 1610 J 17

Sudan Bagga Sites 2003 10000 J 17

Sudan Taror Ibrahim 1997 8750 J 17

Sudan Rodha 1997 5250 J 17

Sudan Gulli 1997 2800 J 17

Sudan Himry 1997 1700 J 17

Tchad Lac Fitri 1999 97332 J 17

Tchad Lac Tchad - Quadrat 71 2003 59410 J 17

Tchad Bas Chari (Tchad) 1999 31820 J 17

Tchad Lac Tchad - Quadrat 17 2003 29040 J 17

Tchad Valle Du Logone 2003 21200 J 17

Tchad Lac Tchad - Quadrat 60 2003 8800 J 17

158

Table 2.30 continued: Garganey Anas querquedula

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Tchad Plaines Du Logone (Tchad) 1999 6101 J 17

Tchad Fatata 2001 4083 J 17

Tchad Lac Tchad - Quadrat 24 2003 3820 J 17

Tchad Lac Tchad - Quadrat 81 2003 2005 J 17

Turkmenistan Tedzhen (Tejen) Reservoirs 1 + 2 2004 2500 J 17

159

2.17.2 Garganey movements

This species breeds in Palearctic, from

west Europe to eastern Asia mainly

between 42

o

N and 65

o

N. It is highly

migratory with main wintering areas

across tropical Africa south of the Sahara,

in India and in southern Asia. In Africa, it

winters along a line of approximately 10-

15°N from Senegal to Chad, with smaller

numbers found in eastern Africa.

Particular concentrations are found in the

Senegal and Niger deltas.

Apart from a few sites in Russia,

Garganey are localised and sparsely

distributed in the breeding season and

have been ringed only in small numbers in

most countries in Europe. The largest

numbers of recoveries are from ringing

carried out in Russia and the Netherlands. Most of the recoveries during winter have

been reported in southern Europe, in Italy and in the Balkan region. A smaller number

of recoveries has also been reported from south of the Sahara, mainly in Senegal and

Mali. The number of Garganey wintering in Europe is small and it is likely that the

chance of receiving recoveries from those that stay in Europe is much higher than

from those that migrate to south of the Sahara, hence the apparent mismatch in the

number of recoveries versus numbers of wintering birds. Mediterranean crossing is

evident from the increase in recoveries in Italy between January and February; this

country, together with the Balkans and Greece, is involved in strong return

movements in March and, to a lesser extent, in April, when no more recoveries are

reported from the African winter quarters. The return migration continues into

southern Russia and Kazakhstan in April and further north in May. Recoveries from

the breeding season are spread out from west Europe to Siberia at about 90°E.

Autumn migration starts in August and some Garganey are still reported in Russia in

October. Birds breeding in western and northern Europe use two main routes; they

either pass the Iberian Peninsula or the central Mediterranean on their way to West

Africa via Morocco or Algeria. Eastern European birds pass through the eastern

Mediterranean to East Africa. Siberian birds also pass eastern Mediterranean and

southwest Asia on their way to East Africa, reaching as far west as Chad, but some

move also through eastern Iran to Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka. Return migration

from both West and East Africa is concentrated in the central Mediterranean. This

apparent loop migration is supported by the large number of recoveries reported in

Italy between February and April.

Figure 2.3

6

Map depicting the movements of

Garganey (Anas querquedula) based on

published information and ring recoveries in

the EURING Data Bank

160

Garganey Anas querquedula

Distribution: Palaearctic, across Europe and Asia, mostly between 42°N and 65°N. No biogeographical populations defined in Western Eurasia. Two main migration

routes: one from Central Europe through the Mediterranean and one via Spain along Atlantic coast. In winter, two groups, one wintering in East Africa (through SW-

Asia), and one in West Africa. Pair formation takes place in winter and males often follow females to her breeding grounds

Population

(or part of population)

Autumn Migration

Wintering / Non-breeding Grounds

Spring Migration

References

direction / via during location during direction / via during

Western Siberia (a) through eastern Mediterranean,

Italy, S/SW across Red Sea and off

north Sinai

West/Central Africa as far as Chad 3, 8, 10, 11, 12

Western Siberia (b) SW-Asia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, some

through eastern Iran to Pakistan,

India & Sri Lanka

East Africa, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka 1, 3, 8, 11

Europe West of Urals

via Spain and Italy, France July-Oct South of Sahara loop

migration

via central Mediterranean,

former Yugoslavia, Greece

Feb-Apr 1, 6, 7, 8, 12

8

NE-Europe, Belgium, Denmark, Great

Britain, Netherlands, France, W-

Germany

S through Central Europe; SE via

Black Sea region across Sahara to

West Africa

few stay in Great Britain, Netherlands,

Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Black Sea

region, Mediterranean region, to

Morocco and Algeria. Most winter in

West Africa

1, 3, 5, 6, 7

Western Europe (France) as far as

Western Siberia (Tobol and Irtysh to

Yenisey River

WSW, passage Sea of Azov,

Middle Ob, Netherlands, N-

Italy, via

Spain and Italy, Atlantic coast

Senegal Delta, Mali 2, 7, 8, 12

Greece, Latvia, Poland, Russia,

Kazakhstan, India

W, via Black Sea region, Israel,

massive autumn passage along

north coast of Sinai, Egypt

Nigeria 5, 8, 10

Hungary E, through E-Mediterranean Egypt, as far as East Africa 1

Table 2.

31:

Summary of the movements of Garganey (Anas querquedula) from the literature based on published information and ring recoveries in the EURING Data

Bank.

161

Finding locations of all dead birds

January February

March April

162

May June

July August

September October

November December

Figure 2.

37:

Finding locations of all dead Garganey (Anas querquedula) in the EURING

data bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month.

163

2.18 Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)

2.18.1 Numbers and distribution

The most important January concentrations of key sites for Northern Shoveler are in

the Mediterranean and south Caspian regions and Iran, and the species is a significant

trans-Saharan migrant. (Figure 2.38). In the Mediterranean region, Spain is the most

important country for this species, and there are also large numbers of key sites in,

Portugal, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, and in the East Mediterranean, in Albania,

Greece, Egypt, Israel and Jordan. In the Caspian region, Azerbaijan and Iran are the

most important countries. Birds spending the northern winter in Subsaharan Africa

concentrate in East Africa in Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya, and in the west African

Sahel zone in Senegal, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria and Chad.

The highest January count of Northern Shoveler, 41,000 birds, was made at

Gyzylagach Nature Reserve, Azerbaijan (Table 2.32). Six sites in Spain recorded

January counts between 28,752 and 36,855: Embalse de Sierra Brava in 2003,

Doñana National Park in 1991, Lucio de los Ansares in 1992, Lucios De Beta La

Palma-Isla Mayor (2003), Marisma de Hinojos (2001) and Parque Natural De La

Albufera (1991). More than 10,000 birds were counted at six further sites in Spain.

In France, two sites have recorded five-figure peak counts, The Camargue in 2004

with 19,176, and Lac de Grandlieu in 2001 with 12,950. In the East Mediterranean

region, 27,070 were counted at the Amvrakikos Wetlands (Greece) in 1996, and

17,410 at the Karavasta Complex, Albania in 2000. In Egypt, counts of 15,427 at

Lake Burullus and 12,097 at Lake Manzala were peak counts in 1990. Elsewhere in

North Africa, 10,960 at Merza Zerga (Morocco) in 1991 and 10,000 at Sebkha Kelbia

(Tunisia) in 1995 are the highest peak counts. In Iran, Bakhtegan Lake recorded a

count of 25,689 in 1997 and Gomishan Marsh 23,155 in 2003. In Subsaharan Africa,

the highest peak count of 22,260 was made at Lake Abijatta, Ethiopia in January

1994. A count of 19,800 was made at the Djoudj National Park, Senegal in 1998, and

17,095 at Diawling, Mauritania in 2004.

Table 2.32: Nothern Shoveler Anas clypeata: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe,

Africa, West and Central Asia where 2,000 or more have been recorded.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Albania Karavasta Complex 2000 17410 J 17

Algeria Sebkhet Djendli 1992 9000 J 17

Algeria Lac Tonga 1995 8865 J 17

Algeria Marais De Mekhada 1998 7025 J 17

Algeria Lac Des Oiseaux 1990 6688 J 17

Algeria Lac Oubeira 1992 2850 J 17

Algeria Grande Sebkha D'Oran 1997 2170 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 41000 J 17

Azerbaijan Big Kyzyl-Agach Bay 1996 35188 J 17

Azerbaijan Hagygabul Gyolu (Hadgegabol Lake) 1996 9480 J 17

Azerbaijan Sarysu Lake (Sarasuy) 8745 J 17

Azerbaijan Mahmudchala Lake 7777 J 17

Azerbaijan Lake Aggyol 5800 J 17

Azerbaijan Kirov Bay 1991 3060 J 17

Bulgaria Burgas Lake (Vaya) 1992 3920 J 17

164

Figure 2.38: Northern Shoveler Anas clypeataa: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia

where 250 or more have been recorded.

165

Table 2.32 continued: Nothern Shoveler Anas clypeata

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Egypt Lake Burullus 1990 15427 J 17

Egypt Lake Manzala 1990 12097 J 17

Egypt El Malaha. Bur Fuad 1990 8200 J 17

Egypt Lake Qarun 1990 4571 J 17

Egypt Luxor To Qena 2001 2014 J 17

Ethiopia Lake Abijatta 1994 22260 J 17

Ethiopia Ashange Lake (Ashenge) 1995 2540 J 17

Ethiopia Akaki Reservoir 2000 2385 J 17

Ethiopia Shesher And Welala Marshes 2004 2302 J 17

Ethiopia Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park 2000 2005 J 17

France La Camargue 2004 19176 J 17

France Lac De Grandlieu 2001 12950 J 17

France Presqu'Ile Guérandaise Dont Traicts Du Croisic 2001 5065 J 17

France Loire Aval 1995 2940 J 17

France Grand Plan Du Bourg; Dont Complexe Du Vigueirat 2001 2402 J 17

France Résèrve Naturelle De Moeze (Charente-Seudre) 2001 2096 J 17

France Etangs D'Orx 1994 2054 J 17

Greece Amvrakikos Wetlands 1996 27070 J 17

Greece Messolonghi Lagoon (From River Evinos To River Acheloos) 1995 5000 J 17

Greece Evros Delta 1999 4600 J 17

Greece Kerkini 2001 3730 J 17

Greece Kotychi Lagoon 1994 2750 J 17

Greece Porto Lagos (Lagos And Coast) 1999 2565 J 17

Greece Volvi 1999 2173 J 17

Hungary Kisbalaton `Regi` 2002 7050 J 17

Hungary Geszt. Begecsi Halastavak 2000 2190 J 17

Hungary Lake Fertö; (Hungarian Part) 2000 2100 J 17

Iran Bakhtegan Lake 1997 25689 J 17

Iran Gomishan Marsh 2003 23155 J 17

Iran

Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs: Damgah

Fereydoon Ke 2003 13230 J 17

Iran Maharloo Lake 1997 11550 J 17

Iran Govater Bay & Hur-E-Bahu: Bahookalat River 1997 9560 J 17

Iran Hamidieh Grassland 1994 8976 J 17

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Kuh-I-Khajeh 1994 7994 J 17

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Hamoun-E-Saberi 1997 7885 J 17

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Miankaleh Protected Region 1991 7123 J 17

Iran Miangaran Marshes: Miangaran & Izeh Marshes 1994 6842 J 17

Iran Amirlayeh & Sheikh Ali Kol: Amirlayeh Lake 2003 6450 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Mars West (Main Lagoon) 2003 6300 J 17

Iran Shadegan Marshes Protected Region: Total 1992 6220 J 17

Iran Tashk Lake 1994 5875 J 17

Iran Paein Rud Posht Ab-Bandan 2003 5600 J 17

Iran Dasht-E-Arjan Marsh 1994 4754 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Selkeh Protected Region 2003 3940 J 17

Iran Helleh River: River And Delta 1992 3914 J 17

Iran Roshandan Ab-Bandan 1990 3500 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Siakeshim Protected Region 2003 3470 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Sorkhankel 2003 3000 J 17

Iran Aras River: Bralan - Aras Dam 1997 3000 J 17

166

Table 2.32 continued: Nothern Shoveler Anas clypeata

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Iran Gavekhoni Marsh 1990 2874 J 17

Iran Chah Nimeh Lake 1995 2850 J 17

Iran Lavandavil Wildlife Refuge: Lavandavil Marsh 2003 2755 J 17

Iran Kaftar Lake 1993 2700 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Marsh East 1992 2625 J 17

Iran Gharaso (Boralan) Marsh 1994 2500 J 17

Iran

Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Lapoo - Zaghmarz Ab-

Bandan

2003 2000 J 17

Israel North Lower Jordan Valley 2001 9490 J 17

Israel Hula Valley 1991 8721 J 17

Israel Valley Of Yesreel 1996 6850 J 17

Israel Galilee Coastal Plain 1990 5989 J 17

Israel Southern Coastal Plain 1999 5295 J 17

Israel Central Coastal Plain 2001 2987 J 17

Israel Foothills Of Judea 2000 2091 J 17

Italy Quartu 1994 8780 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Venezia 2000 4488 J 17

Italy Delta Del Po - Parte Veneta 2002 3841 J 17

Italy Oristano 1998 3546 J 17

Jordan Azraq Mudflat (Qa Azraq) 2001 6500 J 17

Kazakhstan Kulykol-Taldykol Lake System 2000 2706 J 17

Kenya Lake Oloidien, Oloidien Bay 1996 5161 J 17

Kenya Nakuru Sewage Works 2004 3190 J 17

Kenya Lake Naivasha 1997 3000 J 17

Kenya Dandora Oxidation Ponds 1996 2256 J 17

Kenya Manguo Floodplain 2000 2024 J 17

Mauritanie Diawling 2004 17095 J 17

Mauritanie Bell 2003 4162 J 17

Mauritanie Chatt Boul 2001 3800 J 17

Mauritanie Rosso, Cuvettes Du Gadianguer 1994 3200 J 17

Mauritanie Trarza, Aftout Es Saheli 2004 2866 J 17

Morocco Merja Zerga: Kenitra 1991 10960 J 17

Morocco Barrage Al Massira: Settat 1994 7640 J 17

Morocco Baie De Jorf Lasfar 1995 4300 J 17

Morocco Restinga (Oued) Smir; Tetouan 1991 4251 J 17

Morocco Merja De Douy Et: Fes 1993 3611 J 17

Morocco Barrage De Smir 1994 3230 J 17

Morocco Merja De Sidi Bou Ghaba = Mehdia: Kenitra 1995 2968 J 17

Morocco Merja Oulad Skher 1992 2377 J 17

Morocco Barrage D'El Kansera: Khemisset 1993 2342 J 17

Morocco Lagune De Sidi Moussa-Oualidia: El Jadida 1994 2255 J 17

Morocco Merja Des Oulad- Khalouf=Briech: Tanger 1990 2000 J 17

Niger Complexe Des Retraits Du Lac Tchad 2001 11300 J 17

Niger Falke (Taouna) 2001 9620 J 17

Niger Chiya 1999 9000 J 17

Niger Complexe "Tam" 2001 7900 J 17

Niger Gouske 2001 6025 J 17

Portugal Estuário Do Sado 1999 9350 J 17

Portugal Estuário Do Tejo 1997 4770 J 17

Portugal Ria De Faro 1997 3090 J 17

167

Table 2.32 continued: Nothern Shoveler Anas clypeata

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Portugal Paul Do Boquilobo 1991 2900 J 17

Portugal Quinta Do Taipal 1993 2160 J 17

Russia Neman River delta 3000 J 17

Saudi Arabia Jubayl Lagoons = Sabkhat Al Fasl 1996 2195 J 17

Senegal Parc National Des Oiseaux Du Djoudj 1998 19800 J 17

Senegal Zic De Djeuss Et Environs (Total) 1993 2510 J 17

Spain Embalse De Sierra Brava 2003 36855 J 17

Spain Parque Nacional De Doñana (Consolidation) 1991 36570 J 17

Spain Lucio De Los Ansares (Se) 1992 32500 J 17

Spain Lucios De Beta La Palma-Isla Mayor (Se) 2003 30844 J 17

Spain Marisma De Hinojos (H) 2001 29600 J 17

Spain Parque Natural De La Albufera (V) 1991 28752 J 17

Spain Lucio De Marilópez Grande (Se) 1991 22500 J 17

Spain Delta Del Ebro (T) 1994 20617 J 17

Spain Caño Travieso (Se) 1997 15665 J 17

Spain Parque Natural De El Hondo (A) 1999 13568 J 17

Spain De La Algaida A Hato Villa (H) 1998 11100 J 17

Spain Lucios De Veta Lengua Y Aguas Rubias (H) 1992 10800 J 17

Spain Del Palacio A La Algaida (H) 2001 9711 J 17

Spain Caño Del Guadiamar Pnd (H) 1992 8500 J 17

Spain Lucio Del Membrillo (H) 1992 8500 J 17

Spain Laguna De Fuente De Piedra (Ma) 1998 4640 J 17

Spain Laguna De Manjavacas (Cu) 1998 4368 J 17

Spain Los Pobres. Lucios De Beta La Plama (Consolidated) 1991 4300 J 17

Spain De Aguas Rubias Al Lucio Del Hondón (H) 1997 4050 J 17

Spain Laguna De Gallocanta (Z) 1990 3509 J 17

Spain Tablas De Daimiel (Cr) 1998 3250 J 17

Spain Regadíos De Vegas Altas 1991 3216 J 17

Spain Marismas Del Rocío (H) 1991 3000 J 17

Spain Laguna Calderón Grande (Se) 1998 2676 J 17

Spain Laguna De Medina (Ca) 1993 2649 J 17

Spain Laguna De La Mata (A) 1995 2500 J 17

Spain Lucios Al Sur De De Los Ansares (Se) 1990 2500 J 17

Spain Regadíos De Palazuelos 1993 2399 J 17

Spain Del Puntal Al Palacio De Doñana (H) 2000 2350 J 17

Spain Lucios Del Caballero Y Del Puntal (H) 1992 2300 J 17

Spain Embalse De Valdecañas 1993 2270 J 17

Spain Cañada De Las Norias (Al) 2003 2172 J 17

Spain Lucio De Marilópez Chico (Se) 1996 2100 J 17

Sudan Bagga Sites 2003 3330 J 17

Sudan Green Belt Sewage Ponds 1997 2800 J 17

Sudan Am Shugara 2004 2100 J 17

Tchad Lac Fitri 2003 3165 J 17

Tunisia Sebkha Kelbia 1995 10000 J 17

Tunisia Lac De Tunis 1990 8112 J 17

Tunisia Garaet Mabtouha 1991 5880 J 17

Tunisia Lac Ichkeul 1992 3920 J 17

Tunisia Sebkha Et Saline De Monastir 1992 3100 J 17

Tunisia Sebkha De Sejoumi 1995 3000 J 17

168

Table 2.32 continued: Nothern Shoveler Anas clypeata

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Tunisia Sebkha De Metbasseta 1993 2500 J 17

Turkey Kizilirmak East (Balik) 1999 5930 J 17

Turkey Kizilirmak (Karabogaz+Balik) 1993 4564 J 17

Turkey Goksu Delta (Silifke) 1992 4325 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Gasankuli-Guyjuk 1991 2200 J 17

United Kingdom Somerset Levels 2003 2190 J 17

Uzbekistan Zekry Lake 2004 5605 J 17

169

2.18.2 Northern Shoveler movements

Shoveler breed across a wide geographic

region that includes both northwestern

North America and a large area in northern

Eurasia south to about 40

o

N in some areas.

Wintering areas spread out in western and

southern Europe, southern Asia eastwards

to Japan. The Shoveler is regularly found

during winter in areas south of the Sahara

along a line of approximately 12°N, from

Senegal in the west to Sudan in the east

and then south along the rift valley to

Kenya.

In Europe, the largest concentrations tend

to occur in the southern countries of Spain

and France and eastwards into Turkey and

Greece. Further concentrations occur around the Caspian Sea and in southern Iran.

The largest numbers of recoveries are from birds ringed in Russia, the Netherlands

and Britain. Recoveries between December and February are mainly found in western

and south-western Europe and in northwest Africa. Single recoveries are also reported

eastwards to the area of Caspian Sea. Several recoveries are also found in Senegal in

West Africa. A tendency to decrease in the number of recoveries from Iberia and Italy

is recorded between January and February, while the intensity of return movements

increases in March, with a further decrease in Iberia and strong influxes of migrants in

Italy. In April, recoveries are spread out in southern Russia and Kazakhstan, while

birds are reported from areas further north in May. Concentrations of recoveries in

coastal areas in western Europe in July tend to be moulting males. The autumn

migration starts early and many birds start moving west in August and concentrations

are found along the Atlantic coast between September and November. A small

number of recoveries in Italy during autumn supports the idea that the species

performs a loop migration.

Shovelers breeding in northern Europe and northwestern Russia move SW to western

and southwestern Europe, North Africa as well as to tropical West Africa. Birds from

Britain & Ireland move south to France and Spain, while birds from breeding areas in

central and eastern Europe move to western Europe and the Mediterranean basin.

From Russia, Siberia and Kazakhstan birds move either to Mediterranean, southwest

Asia and East Africa or to the Caspian area and further south to Pakistan and India.

Males perform moult migration during summer and gather in some localities in

Europe and Russia, e.g. IJsselmeer, Matsalu Bay and Volga delta. Typical for many

duck species is that pair formation takes place in winter and males often follow

females to the breeding site.

Figure 2.3

9

:

Map depicting the movements of

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) based on

published information and ring recoveries in

the EURING Data Bank.

170

Shoveler Anas clypeata

Distribution: Holarctic, across North America and northern Eurasia, breeding as far south as Mediterranean

Moult: moult migration from June onwards (The Baltics, Netherlands, Volga delta)

Population

(or part of population)

Autumn Migration

Wintering / Non-breeding Grounds

Spring Migration References

direction / via during location during direction / via during

Iceland (10-30 breeding pairs) N-Britain and Ireland 3

Fennoscandia, the Baltics, Russia via Denmark, Germany Aug-Sep NW-Europe, Netherlands, Great

Britain & Ireland, as far as

France and Spain, Italy,

Mediterranean basin (mix with

western birds here)

Feb-Mar 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8

Great Britain & Ireland S S-France, S-Spain, Italy,

Mediterranean, N-Africa

1, 3

Central and Southwest Europe S-SW, birds to Africa tend

to use a southwestern

route across the Iberian

Peninsula

Sep-Oct Mediterranean basin (mix with

eastern birds here), NW- Africa,

Senegal, Niger, Chad, Nigeria

Oct-Jan via Italy (loop

migration)

Mar-Apr 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12

W-Siberia, Russia moult in Volga delta, Egypt

June SW-Asia, NE- and E-Africa Oct-Jan 1, 8

SW-Siberia moult within SW-Siberia, in

Kazakhstan, in North

Caspian region, basin of

Ob and Irtysh

W-SW as far as Caspian region, India,

Pakistan, Morocco, Egypt

8, 11, 14

Iran India 8

North America Mexico, California, Central

America, West Indies

3

Table 2.33: Summary of the movements of Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) from the literature based on published information and ring recoveries in the EURING Data Bank.

171

Finding locations of all dead birds

January February

March April

172

May June

July August

September October

November December

Figure 2.

40:

Finding locations of all dead Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) in the

EURING data bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month.

173

2.19 Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina)

2.19.1 Numbers and distribution

Numbers of Red-crested Pochard are highest in the Caspian region and Central Asia.

Further west there are relatively small numbers distributed in Iberia and soutern

France, in lakes north of The Alps, and from the Balkans to Turkey and the northern

Black Sea (Figure 2.41). Important breeding and staging sites have been identified in

the northern Caspian region of Russia and Kazakhstan, and the most important

wintering concentrations have been counted in Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan,

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. In Europe, the Swiss Lakes, and the Bodensee, which

extends into Germany and Austria, hold the highest numbers, and a shift in population

to this region in the 1990s from Spain and France has been well documented (Keller

2005). In southeast Europe, The Sivash, Ukraine and Lake Ohrid on the borders of

Greece, Albania and Macedonia are the most important sites, and a number of the

Turkish lakes also hold important concentrations.

Table 2.34 shows that two outstandingly important sites for Red-Crested Pochard in

January are Gyzylagach nature Reserve, Azerbaijan, where a peak count of 188,000

has been recorded, and the Volga Delta, Russia, where the peak count was 120,000.

The highest concentration of key sites for this species is in Turkmenistan, where

counts exceeding 4,000, and up to 67,900, have been made at 18 sites. Four sites in

Uzbekistan and four in Azerbaijan also reached these levels, and at Issyk Kul in

Kyrgyzstan, 30,677 were counted in 1999. In Europe, the highest counts in recent

years have been at The Bodensee in Switzerland-Germany-Austria, where 12,204

were counted in 1999. Other lakes in Switzerland are increasingly important, and

11,766 were counted at Vierwaldstattersee in 2000, 9,730 at Lake Neuchâtel in 2001

and 4,067 at Lac Léman in 2002. Further east in Europe, 7,000 were counted at Lake

Ohrid in Macedonia-Albania-Greece in 1990, and 10,000 in the eastern Sivash in

2000. The most important sites in the West Mediterranean in January are the Ebro

delta, Spain, where 8,375 were counted in 1999, and Parque Natural De La Albufera

where there were 8,360 in 1991. The Camargue, France, is also important, and 4,000

were counted there in 1991.

Table 2.34: Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at the 100 sites in

Europe, Africa and Central Asia where 500 or more have been recorded.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Albania Lake Ohrid (Albanian Part) 1996 1405 J 17

Armenia Lake Sevan 1337 J 17

Armenia Sevan National Park/Lake Sevan 2003 1337 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 188000 J 17

Azerbaijan Sarysu Lake (Sarasuy) 42647 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Factory Shelf 15218 J 17

Azerbaijan Kura River Estuary 13871 J 17

Azerbaijan Kirov Bay 1991 2600 J 17

Azerbaijan Mahmud-Chala Lake (Third Chala) 1996 1750 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Yashma Is. and Gilazy Spit 567 J 17

France La Camargue 1991 4000 J 17

Germany/

Switzerland/Austria

Bodensee Gesamt 1999 12204 J 17

Iran Gomishan Marsh 1995 3280 J 17

174

Figure 2.41: Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, West and Central Asia where 500

or more have been recorded.

175

Table 2.34 continued: Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Iran

Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Lapoo - Zaghmarz Ab-

Bandan 2003 1605 J 17

Iran Amirlayeh & Sheikh Ali Kol: Amirlayeh Lake 1990 1230 J 17

Iran Govater Bay & Hur-E-Bahu: Bahookalat River 1994 963 J 17

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Hamoun-E-Saberi 1993 902 J 17

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Anzali- Astara 1990 850 J 17

Iran Chah Nimeh Lake 1995 795 J 17

Iran Ala Gol Marshes: Ulma Gol 1998 777 J 17

Iran Roshandan Ab-Bandan 1990 660 J 17

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Gorgan Bay 1991 595 J 17

Iran Ala Gol Marshes: Ala Gol 1998 550 J 17

Iran Sayed Mahali & Zarinkola Ab: Zarinkola Ab-Bandan 1998 500 J 17

Kazakhstan Caspian Coast. O-Va Durneva-Turmenia Border (300Km 1991 10000 J 17

Kazakhstan Chardara Vdchr 2004 4776 J 17

Kazakhstan Karakol Lake 1991 3000 J 17

Kazakhstan Kurgaldjinskyi Reserve 1995 1974 J 17

Kazakhstan North Caspian Coast total 2002 6331 S 13

Kyrgyzstan Issyk-Kul Lake: Total 1999 30677 J 17

Macedonia Lake Ohrid-Macedonian Part 1990 7000 J 17

Portugal Lagoa De Santo André 1994 619 J 17

Romania Furtuna 1998 1050 J 17

Russia Volga Delta 3520 B 31

Russia Kuban Delta 3000 B 12

Russia Volga Delta 120000 J 31

Russia Caspian Sea: Kizliar Bay 8000 J 17

Russia Caspian NW Coast 1991 3000 J 17

Russia Primorsko-Akhtarskaya Lake System 680 J 17

Russia Kyzlyar Bay 10000 S 7

Spain Delta Del Ebro (T) 1999 8375 J 17

Spain Parque Natural De La Albufera (V) 1991 8360 J 17

Spain Laguna Del Taray. Quero (To) 1997 3946 J 17

Spain Lucio De Los Ansares (Se) 2003 3325 J 17

Spain Lucio Del Membrillo (H) 2003 2495 J 17

Spain Laguna De Pétrola (Ab) 1999 2328 J 17

Spain Marjal De Almenara (Cs) 1995 2200 J 17

Spain Laguna De Gallocanta (Z) 1990 1510 J 17

Spain Lucios De Beta La Palma-Isla Mayor (Se) 2001 1320 J 17

Spain Embalse De Orellana 1995 1289 J 17

Spain Lucios Al Sur De De Los Ansares (Se) 1990 1200 J 17

Spain Embalse De Buendía (Cu) 2001 1192 J 17

Spain Tablas De Daimiel (Cr) 1998 1150 J 17

Spain Laguna Del Taray Chico 1993 1080 J 17

Spain Marisma De Hinojos (H) 1992 1080 J 17

Spain Embalse De Finisterre (To) 1990 1000 J 17

Spain Caño Del Guadiamar Pnd (H) 1992 950 J 17

Spain Parque Natural De El Hondo (A) 1997 915 J 17

Spain Laguna De Manjavacas (Cu) 1999 903 J 17

Spain Laguna Chica - Villafranca De Los Caballeros (To) 1997 864 J 17

Spain Laguna De Ontalafia (Ab) 1990 785 J 17

Spain Charcones De Miguel Esteban (To) 1998 709 J 17

176

Table 2.34 continued: Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Spain Lucios De Veta Lengua Y Aguas Rubias (H) 1992 620 J 17

Spain Salinas De Santa Pola (A) 2000 511 J 17

Spain Lucio De Marilópez Grande (Se) 1992 500 J 17

Switzerland Vierwaldstättersee 2000 11766 J 17

Switzerland Lac De Neuchâtel 2001 9730 J 17

Switzerland Lac Léman-Ch 2002 4067 J 17

Tajikistan Tigrovaya Balka Reserve; Left Bank Vakhsha River 2004 535 J 17

Turkey Hirfanli Baraji 1996 3560 J 17

Turkey Kizilirmak East (Balik) 1999 1826 J 17

Turkey Egridir Golu 1992 1503 J 17

Turkey Burdur Golu 1993 1212 J 17

Turkey Isikli Golu [Civril Golu] 1992 1060 J 17

Turkey Sapanca Golu 1995 1002 J 17

Turkey Cavuscu Golu 1993 1000 J 17

Turkey Beysehir Golu 1996 603 J 17

Turkey Suleymanhali Golu 1992 600 J 17

Turkey Koycegiz Golu 1996 528 J 17

Turkey Yesilirmak Delta 1995 520 J 17

Turkmenistan Krasnovodsk & North-Cheleken Bays 1991 67900 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Sarykamysh 1993 55070 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Ketdeshor (Kattashor) 1993 30600 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Romankuldogajik (30Km W. Of Kattashor) 1993 29000 J 17

Turkmenistan Kelif Floodlands (Formerly Kelif Lakes) 1994 16900 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Dengizkul 1993 14170 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Guyjuk-Okarem 1998 14089 J 17

Turkmenistan Zeid Reservoir 1994 12300 J 17

Turkmenistan Krasnovodsk Gulf (Convention Mar)(Turkmenbasti) 1999 9540 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: The Karshy'S Bay At Karasengir Cape 1999 8600 J 17

Turkmenistan Khauzkhan Reservoir 2000 7803 J 17

Turkmenistan Soltandzhar Reservoir 2003 7469 J 17

Turkmenistan Amudarya Valley: Kerki-Karabekaul 1994 7100 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Soltantagt 1996 7000 J 17

Turkmenistan North Cheleken Gulf 1999 6490 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Okarem-Cheleken 1998 4478 J 17

Turkmenistan Dzharsai River Floodplains (Jarsay Collector) 1994 4200 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Kernai (Aybugir) 1993 4200 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Ayim Shore At Kenejy Islands 2000 3600 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Bay Initial Of Karabogazgol Strait 1999 3100 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Karabogazgol Strait-Bekdash 2004 3020 J 17

Turkmenistan Balkhan Gulf (Convention Mar) 2000 2780 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Kyanly Bay 1999 2760 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Kuulimayak-Karabogazgol 1998 2519 J 17

Turkmenistan Tuyamuyun Reservoir 1994 2500 J 17

Turkmenistan Mikhaylov Gulf (Convention Mar) 2003 2166 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Karababa Shore 1999 1705 J 17

Turkmenistan Khivin Oasis Lakes 1991 1500 J 17

Turkmenistan Amudarya Valley: Darganata-Lebap 1995 1280 J 17

Turkmenistan Lakes Kyzylburun.Ainakul;Tailak;Turangulduz 1994 1200 J 17

Turkmenistan Khangui River Floodplains 1994 1068 J 17

177

Table 2.34 continued: Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Turkmenistan Amudarya Valley: Mukry-Kerki 1994 1000 J 17

Turkmenistan Kopetdag Reservoir 2004 930 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Kuvly-Mayak Floodlands 2000 707 J 17

Turkmenistan Amudarya Valley: Chardjev-Cheidi (Neftezavodsk) 1993 705 J 17

Turkmenistan Karakum Canal Betw. Khauzkhan Res. And Mary Oasis 2000 700 J 17

Turkmenistan Yolotan Reservoir 1994 678 J 17

Turkmenistan Gatygyzyl Collector (Seirab River Floodplains) 1994 630 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Koiunkyrlan (Incl. Floodplain) 1994 614 J 17

Turkmenistan Amudarya Valley: Karabekaul-Chardjev 1994 560 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Kornai 1994 520 J 17

Ukraine E. Sivash 2000 10000 J 17

Uzbekistan Karakir Lakes System 2004 41700 J 17

Uzbekistan Ullishorkul Lake 1995 40042 J 17

Uzbekistan Zekry Lake 2004 17785 J 17

Uzbekistan Dengizkul Lake 1991 3760 J 17

Uzbekistan Zamanbobo Lake 1991 2000 J 17

Uzbekistan Khivin Oasis Lakes 1991 1500 J 17

Uzbekistan Arnasai Lakes 1991 1074 J 17

Uzbekistan Syrdarya River . Fergana Valley-Chardara Reservoir 2004 747 J 17

Uzbekistan Aidar System 2004 735 J 17

178

2.19.2 Red-crested Pochard movements

This is a Palearctic species breeding

locally across southern and central Europe

to west and central Asia. The Red-crested

Pochard is migratory or partially

migratory, except for a small feral

population in the UK, which is largely

sedentary. In western Europe wintering

concentrations occur in southern Germany

and Switzerland and locally in Spain. The

major wintering concentrations occur

around the Caspian Sea and eastwards into

Turkmenistan.

The Red-crested Pochard has been ringed

in low numbers in Europe and the largest

numbers of recoveries have been received

from birds ringed in Denmark, Germany, Russia and Spain. From the months

December – February most recoveries are reported in western and southern Europe

and a few also in the area of the Black and Caspian Seas. A few recoveries are

reported in southern Russia and southern Siberia during the breeding season. A

concentration of recoveries is found in the Sea of Azov during autumn and this is also

known as an important wintering site for Red-crested Pochard. Birds breeding in

western Europe are partially migratory and move only short distances. Eastern and

southeastern European and Russian breeders winter in the area of the Black and

Caspian Seas, while birds breeding in Turkey and Azerbaijan winter in Egypt and

southwest Asia. The species is known to perform moult migrations and birds from

southern France gather in lakes in southern Germany and Switzerland, Principally the

Boden See (Lake Constance).

Figure 2.

42:

Map depicting the movements of

Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina) based on

published information and ring recoveries in

the EURING Data Bank.

179

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina

Distribution: Palaearctic, from Iberia across southern and central Europe to west and central Asia

Moult: partly at Lake Constance, SW Baltic, Netherlands

Population

(or part of population)

Autumn Migration

Wintering / Non-breeding Grounds

Spring Migration References

direction / via During location during direction / via during

Northern Europe (Sweden,

Netherlands, Denmark

(occasionally))

SSW, via Netherlands ? from Aug Lake Constance (Germany), France, Italy, Spain,

Netherlands, Denmark

to Apr 1, 4, 5

Central European (Germany,

Austria)

(partially migratory) S-France, Iberia 8, own data

SE-Europe Black Sea, East Mediterranean 8

Turkey Black Sea, East Mediterranean

Eastern European (Poland, Czech

Republic, Slovak Rep.)

Black Sea region (probably east as far as Caspian

sea)

1, 8

European Russia east to Volga

Delta

North Caspian 8

Central Asia Caspian and Black Sea region, SW-Asia 8

Transcaspian breeding population

Eastern Caspian, SW-Asia 8

Turkey, Azerbajian Egypt, Asia, India 1

Krasnovodsk-north Cheleken

Bays, Lake Sarakamysh

increasing numbers into south Caspian region

during cold winters; Iran, increasing during cold

winters

8

Table 2.

35

:

Summary of the movements of Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina) from the literature based on published information and ring recoveries in the EURING Data

Bank.

180

Finding locations of all dead birds

January February

March April

181

May June

July August

September October

November December

Figure 2.43:

Finding locations of all Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina) in the EURING

data bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month.

182

2.20 Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)

2.20.1 Numbers and distribution

There are large winter concentrations of Common Pochard in Central and West Asia,

especially around the southern Caspian Sea (Figure 2.44). A concentration exceeding

450,000 mixed Tufted Ducks and Common Pochards has been recorded in the Volga

Delta. The Wetern Black Sea region also holds very large numbers, and there are

many key sites in Turkey and the Balkans. In central and western Europe, important

centres of distribution are the lakes north of the Alps and The Netherlands. High

numbers are also found in Germany, France, Spain and the UK. In Africa the

wintering range extends to Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt and Sudan.

The highest January counts have been recorded in Azerbaijan at Gyzylagach Nature

Reserve, where a peak count of 197,000 has been recorded, and at Kirov Bay where

93,300 were counted in 1991 (Table 2. 36). Counts exceeding 10,000 have been made

at a further four sites in Azerbaijan, making six in all. Counts at this level have also

been made at six sites in Turkmenistan, six in Iran, three in Kazakhstan and one in

Uzbekistan. Further west, the highest numbers have been recorded in the Black Sea-

East Mediterranean region, where more than 10,000 have been counted at 13 sites in

Turkey, most notably 47,833 at Beysehir Golu in 1996, 45,200 at Uluabat Golu in

1996 and 40,740 at Egridir Golu in 1999. In Romania, counts of 10,000 or more have

been made at nine sites, the most important of which are Portile de Fier Reservoir,

where 60,600 were counted in 1998, Chituc (Vadu – Periboina) where there were

40,000 in 1993 and Razelm Northwest where 30,000 were counted in 1994. The

Limans and Bays of the Ukrainian Black Sea coast include seven sites where more

than 10,000 Common Pochards have been counted, including 43,000 in 1995 at

Dzansheisky (Shagany, Alibey and Burnas Limans), Skadarsko Jezero in Serbia-

Montenegro and Albania is a crucial site where 55,000 were counted in 1994, and in

Greece, of 5 sites where counts exceeding 10,000 have been made, Amvrakikos

Wetlands recorded the highest peak count, 22,850 in 1996.

The most important site in central and western Europe is the Bodensee in Germany-

Switzerland-Austria where 46,897 were counted in 1997, and three more sites in

Germany and three in Switzerland have recorded between 10,000 and 25,000

Common Pochards. Further north, Loughs Neagh and Beg in The UK recorded a peak

count of 38,998 in 1992, (but numbers decreased markedly in the 2000s) and in The

Netherlands, two sites recorded peaks of 20,000, Veluwemeer in 1999 and Ijsselmeer

in 1992. In France, peaks of between 10,000 and 16,000 Common Pochards have been

counted at six sites, the highest of which was 15,882 at Lac du Bourget in 2002. The

West Mediterranean region holds a number of important concentrations in Tunisia,

where Lac Ichkeul recorded 35,000 in 1998 and Lac de Bizerte 25,280 in 1994, in

Spain, where Laguna de Gallocanta recorded 38,960 in 1992, and in Italy where there

were 13,988 at Oristano in 1995.

183

Table 2.36: Common Pochard Aythya ferina: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe,

Africa, West and Central Asia where 3,500 or more have been recorded.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Albania Lake Skadar 2004 5920 J 17

Algeria Lac Tonga 1994 7264 J 17

Algeria Lac Oubeira 1996 4500 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 197000 J 17

Azerbaijan Kirov Bay 1991 93300 J 17

Azerbaijan Sarysu Lake (Sarasuy) 35515 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Pyrallahy Island 12750 J 17

Azerbaijan Mahmud-Chala Lake (Third Chala) 1996 11500 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Alyat Bay 9034 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Factory Shelf 7014 J 17

Azerbaijan Pyrallahy Island 1997 4109 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gobustan Bay 3650 J 17

Belgium Liège Pont De Fragnée - Pont Atlas + Dér 1997 6629 J 17

Belgium Netevallei Lier-Duffel 1996 3823 J 17

Bulgaria Mandra Lake Complex 1993 16720 J 17

Bulgaria

Varna Lake Complex: Varnensko, Beloslavsko, Iatata

Yatata 1993 10621 J 17

Bulgaria Burgas Lake (Vaya) 1992 9918 J 17

Bulgaria Black Sea Coast: Kamchia Estuary-Obzor 1996 5090 J 17

Bulgaria Black Sea Coast: Daliana-Vlass Coast 1996 4800 J 17

Bulgaria Black Sea Coast: Kraimorie- 1995 4515 J 17

Bulgaria Black Sea Coast: Marsh Alepu (Including Adjacent Sea) 1997 3970 J 17

Bulgaria

Black Sea Coast: Slanchev Briag Slunchev Bryag-Camp.

Acheloy 1996 3530 J 17

Czech Republic Vltava: Liben-Podbaba 1995 3750 J 17

Egypt Lake Burullus 1990 7357 J 17

France Lac Du Bourget 2002 15882 J 17

France La Camargue 1992 13700 J 17

France Complexe De L'Etang De Berre 1996 12559 J 17

France Haut Rhône (01 / 73 / 74) 2003 12035 J 17

France Dombes-Vallée De L'Ain 2000 11834 J 17

France Etangs De La Brenne 2001 10995 J 17

France Bas Rhône-Basse Isère 1990 6266 J 17

France Cours Du Rhin (67 / 68) 1990 6212 J 17

France

Bassin Du Leman (Lac Léman+Rhône+Plans D'Eau

Annexes) 1999 4912 J 17

France Etang De Biguglia 1995 4800 J 17

France Lac De Grandlieu 1999 4600 J 17

France Val De Seine De Vernon A Pont De L'Arche 1990 4510 J 17

France Résèrve De La Grande Noe 1998 4252 J 17

France Lac Du Der-Chantecoq (51 / 52) 1998 3723 J 17

Germany Donau: Km 2246-2405 1991 12075 J 17

Germany Barther Strom 1990 10000 J 17

Germany Rhein Bei Wiesbaden-Amöneburg (Rhein-Km 501.3-502;5) 1995 8200 J 17

Germany Ahrenshoop-Meiningen 1991 8100 J 17

Germany Ribnitz-Dierhagen 1992 5000 J 17

Germany Kleiner Jasmunder Bodden 1991 4733 J 17

Germany Main: Dettingen-Oberrad 1993 4593 J 17

Germany Seehof-Wittower Fähre-Breetzer Bodden 1996 4200 J 17

Germany Unterwarnow Und Breitling 1993 3900 J 17

Germany Steinhuder Meer 2000 3564 J 17

Germany /

Switzerland /

Austria

Bodensee Gesamt 1997 46897 J 17

Greece Amvrakikos Wetlands 1996 22850 J 17

Greece Kerkini 2001 15900 J 17

Greece Evros Delta 1998 15000 J 17

184

Figure 2.44: Common Pochard Aythya ferina: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia where 500

or more have been recorded.

185

Table 2.36 continued: Common Pochard Aythya ferina

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Greece Volvi 1990 14800 J 17

Greece Vistonis (Bourou) 1995 14050 J 17

Greece Karla Reservoirs (Former L.Karla) 1996 7529 J 17

Greece

Messolonghi Lagoon (From River Evinos To River

Acheloos) 1990 5850 J 17

Greece Koronia (Langada) 1994 3849 J 17

Greece Doirani (Secondary) 1998 3700 J 17

Iran

Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs:

Damgah Fereydoon Ke

1993 31200 J 17

Iran Gomishan Marsh 1991 17000 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Marsh East 2003 16800 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Siakeshim Protected Region 2003 13500 J 17

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Miankaleh Protected Region 1998 12500 J 17

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Kuh-I-Khajeh 1997 11740 J 17

Iran Govater Bay & Hur-E-Bahu: Bahookalat River 1994 9620 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Selkeh Protected Region 2003 8700 J 17

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Astara – Hashtpar 2003 5700 J 17

Iran Caspian Coast: Ashuradeh-Khazarabad(Farahabad) 2003 5296 J 17

Iran Anar Marz Ab-Bandan 1998 5000 J 17

Iran Shadegan Marshes Protected Region: Total 1990 4928 J 17

Iran Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Mars West (Main Lagoon) 2003 4850 J 17

Iran Caspian Sea Coast (Mazandaran): Ramsar - Babolsar 1992 4656 J 17

Iran Amirlayeh & Sheikh Ali Kol: Amirlayeh Lake 2003 4600 J 17

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Gorgan Bay 1998 4470 J 17

Iran Aras River: Bralan - Aras Dam 1997 4000 J 17

Iran Dasht-E-Arjan Marsh 1994 3928 J 17

Iran Ala Gol Marshes: Ulma Gol 1995 3500 J 17

Iran Chookam Ab-Bandan 2003 3500 J 17

Ireland Lough Corrib: Total 1997 4240 J 17

Italy Oristano 1995 13488 J 17

Italy Laghi Di Lesina E Varano 1996 10917 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Caorle E Valli Di Bibione 1999 4916 J 17

Italy Lago Di Garda 2002 4672 J 17

Italy Orbetello E Burano 1999 4264 J 17

Kazakhstan Kurgaldjinskyi Reserve 1995 48569 J 17

Kazakhstan Caspian Coast. O-Va Durneva-Turmenia Border (300Km 1991 20000 J 17

Kazakhstan Chuchkakol Lakes 2004 5045 J 17

Kazakhstan Chardara Vdchr 1992 5000 J 17

Kazakhstan North Caspian Coast total 2002 12395 S 13

Macedonia Lake Dojran 1990 5600 J 17

Macedonia Lake Ohrid-Macedonian Part 1998 4407 J 17

Morocco Barrage Al Massira: Settat 1995 4430 J 17

Netherlands Veluwemeer 1999 20040 J 17

Netherlands Ijsselmeer 1992 19792 J 17

Netherlands Limburgse Maas 1997 14310 J 17

Netherlands Wolderwijd 1998 12750 J 17

Netherlands Gooimeer 1995 9355 J 17

Netherlands Markermeer 1990 8432 J 17

Netherlands Eemmeer. Nijkerkernauw En Nuldernauw 1995 5872 J 17

Netherlands Ketelmeer 1992 5476 J 17

Netherlands Ijssel 2000 4724 J 17

Netherlands Tjeukemeer 1998 3621 J 17

Oman Barr Al Hikman 1999 4029 J 17

Romania Portile De Fier Reservoir (Romanian Part) 1998 60600 J 17

Romania Chituc (Vadu-Periboina) 1993 40000 J 17

Romania Razelm NW 1994 30000 J 17

186

Table 2.36 continued: Common Pochard Aythya ferina

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Romania Agigea-N.Eforie 1997 18000 J 17

Romania Periteasca-Portita (244402911 + 244402912) 1990 15000 J 17

Romania Delta Dunarii (Danube Delta) 1994 13283 J 17

Romania Gura Portitei-Gr.Periboina 1997 12250 J 17

Romania Lake Sinoe (= Sinoie) 1990 10000 J 17

Romania Portita-Bisericuta 1994 10000 J 17

Romania Lake Razelm 1991 8000 J 17

Romania Razelm Ne 1994 8000 J 17

Romania Gr. Buhazu (Vadu) 1997 7800 J 17

Romania Razelm Se (Bisericuta-Periteasca) 1991 7000 J 17

Romania Sf. Gheorghe-I. Sacalin 1990 6000 J 17

Romania Black Sea Coast. 12 Sîtes(30 Km) 1996 5090 J 17

Romania Island Sahalin-Melea (= Sahalin I.- Mainland) 1990 5000 J 17

Romania Sf. Eforie-Costinesti 1999 4800 J 17

Romania Techirghiol 1993 4500 J 17

Romania N. Eforie-S. Eforie 1997 4300 J 17

Romania Leahova-Periteasca 1991 4000 J 17

Russia Pskovsko-Chudskaya Lowland 8000 J 17

Russia Neman River delta 42000 S 35

Russia Kyzlyar Bay 5000 S 7

Slovakia Podunaji (Danube Floodplain) 1993 9209 J 17

Slovakia Hrusov Dam From Dunaj'S Mouth To Cunovo 1999 8950 J 17

Spain Laguna De Gallocanta (Z) 1992 38960 J 17

Spain Parque Natural De El Hondo (A) 1999 9811 J 17

Spain Gravera Del Porcal (M) 1995 5700 J 17

Spain Embalse De Ullivarri (Vi) 1993 5512 J 17

Spain Delta Del Ebro (T) 1995 3928 J 17

Spain Embalse De Buendía (Cu) 2001 3921 J 17

Spain Laguna Chica - Villafranca De Los Caballeros (To) 1998 3788 J 17

Switzerland Lac De Neuchâtel 1996 24095 J 17

Switzerland Lac Léman-Ch 2000 17391 J 17

Switzerland Bielersee 1996 5734 J 17

Syria Qattine 1995 8000 J 17

Tajikistan Kairak-Kumsk Reservoir (Kairakkum Res.) 2004 4320 J 17

Tunisia Lac Ichkeul 1998 35000 J 17

Tunisia Lac De Bizerte 1994 25280 J 17

Tunisia Sebkha Sidi Mansour 1991 4950 J 17

Turkey Beysehir Golu 1996 47833 J 17

Turkey Uluabat Golu (Apolyont Golu) 1996 45200 J 17

Turkey Egridir Golu 1999 40740 J 17

Turkey Burdur Golu 1992 37083 J 17

Turkey Bafa Golu 1996 27085 J 17

Turkey Marmara Golu 1996 18690 J 17

Turkey Isikli Golu [Civril Golu] 1993 18370 J 17

Turkey Akyatan Golu 1992 16801 J 17

Turkey Meric Delta 1996 15528 J 17

Turkey Kizilirmak East (Balik) 1996 14952 J 17

Turkey Sapanca Golu 1999 14392 J 17

Turkey Buyuk Cekmece 1996 14036 J 17

Turkey Hirfanli Baraji 1996 13430 J 17

Turkey Kizilirmak (Karabogaz+Balik) 1995 8367 J 17

Turkey Terkos Golu 1995 7700 J 17

Turkey Hoyran Golu(+Egridir Since '86 1990 6344 J 17

Turkey Salda Golu 1993 6067 J 17

Turkey Cavuscu Golu 1993 5550 J 17

Turkey Yesilirmak Delta 1996 5400 J 17

187

Table 2.36 continued: Common Pochard Aythya ferina

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Turkey Koca Delta (W Part)(= Kocacay) 1995 5270 J 17

Turkey Goksu Delta (Silifke) 1990 5110 J 17

Turkey Koycegiz Golu 1996 3845 J 17

Turkmenistan Krasnovodsk & North-Cheleken Bays 1991 33700 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Sarykamysh 1991 31430 J 17

Turkmenistan Krasnovodsk Gulf (Convention Mar)(Turkmenbasti) 2003 20730 J 17

Turkmenistan Zeid Reservoir 2004 15303 J 17

Turkmenistan Kelif Floodlands (Formerly Kelif Lakes) 1994 15200 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Ketdeshor (Kattashor) 1995 11200 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Guyjuk-Okarem 1998 9124 J 17

Turkmenistan Khauzkhan Reservoir 2000 9100 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Dengizkul 1993 9000 J 17

Turkmenistan Soltandzhar Reservoir 1997 8300 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Chikishlyar Shore 2004 8002 J 17

Turkmenistan North Cheleken Gulf 2003 6302 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Karabogazgol Strait-Bekdash 2004 6017 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Sea North Of North-Cheleken Spit 2003 5013 J 17

Turkmenistan Kopetdag Reservoir 1998 3962 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Kuulimayak-Karabogazgol 1998 3783 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Ayim Shore At Kenejy Islands 2003 3503 J 17

Ukraine Dzansheisky. Shagany; Alibey; Burnas Limans 1995 43000 J 17

Ukraine Budaksky + Gribovsky Limans 1991 20100 J 17

Ukraine Gebriianov Bay 1995 13500 J 17

Ukraine Secondary Delta Of The Kiliya Channel (Danube) 2000 11625 J 17

Ukraine Dnester Delta + Liman 1996 10500 J 17

Ukraine Sasyk Liman + Adjacent Sea Area 1999 10000 J 17

Ukraine Budaksky Liman 2000 8000 J 17

Ukraine Danube Delta 1993 7900 J 17

Ukraine Black Sea State Biosphere Reserve 1990 6882 J 17

Ukraine Odessa Bay 1995 5000 J 17

United Kingdom Loughs Neagh & Beg 1992 38998 J 17

United Kingdom Ouse Washes 1999 5383 J 17

Uzbekistan Karakir Lakes System 2004 34050 J 17

Serbia&Montenegro

-Albania Skadarsko Jezero 1994 55000 J 17

Yugoslavia Dunav: Ram 1990 6860 J 17

Yugoslavia Dunav: Donji Milanovac 1998 5000 J 17

188

2.20.2 Common Pochard movements

The Pochard breeds in the Palearctic,

from western Europe to north-eastern

China between 45°N and about 60°N. In

western and southern Europe, it is

present throughout the year, but

otherwise highly migratory. Wintering

areas spread out from western and

southern Europe through southern Asia

to Japan. In winter, it is relatively

widespread across central and north-

western Europe with major

concentrations in Germany, France, The

Netherlands and the UK. Other notable

concentrations occur in Switzerland, and

in countries around the Black and

Caspian Seas. Only small numbers are

found during winter in north Africa and

very few south of the Sahara.

Fairly low numbers of Pochard have been ringed in most countries and the largest

numbers of recoveries are from birds ringed in Switzerland, Britain and Russia. Most

of the recoveries during the period December to February are reported in western and

southern Europe, including Denmark and southern Sweden, as well as in northwest

Africa. A general decrease in recoveries from Western and Mediterranean Europe is

recorded between January and February, becoming more intense in March; return

migration continues in Russia in the east until May. Recoveries from the breeding

season (May – June) are spread out from west Europe to about 75°E in Russia. A

strong concentration of recoveries is found in the Ob-Irtysh basin, east of the Urals

and north of Kazakhstan. The autumn migration starts in August and small numbers

of birds are still present in Russia in October. Pochards breeding in northern and

central Europe migrate to wintering areas in west Europe. Birds breeding in Britain &

Ireland are resident or move to the continent, as far south as Spain. West and central

Russian breeders move W to west Europe and Britain and birds breeding in southwest

Siberia and Kazakhstan migrate to the Caspian Sea, Black Sea and west to Italy.

Pochards breeding further east in Siberia and Central Asia winter in southwest Asia.

Moult migration in males occurs, but many of them remain and moult near breeding

sites. Several ringing recoveries of Pochards have shown that complex and aberrant

movements regularly take place.

Figure

2.45:

Map depicting the movements of

Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) based on

published information and ring recoveries in

the EURING Data Bank.

189

Common Pochard Aythya ferina

Distribution: Palearctic, southeastern Russia to northeastern China, western Europe, 120°E, between 45°N and 70°N; northern populations highly migratory, in

western and southern Europe present throughout the year

Moult: early June and late August/September in or close to breeding ground

Population

(or part of population)

Autumn Migration

Wintering / Non-breeding Grounds

Spring Migration References

direction / via during location during direction / via during

(no defined populations) West to South Sep-Oct (Nov) from W- and S-Europe to North Africa Feb-April 1, 5

Central Asia West Western Eurasia, Netherlands 2, 8

Finland WSW Britain, Netherlands, Belgium, Poland,

Denmark, France, Spain, Albania

6, 7, 8

Northwest Europe, Baltic states, Poland WSW, via Germany, West

Germany, Italy, Britain, Netherlands,

Denmark

3, 5, 8, 12

England & Scotland SSW to E Spain, France, Switzerland, Netherlands 2, 3

(Eastern) Denmark NNW to SSW Sep-Nov Britain, Netherlands, N-France, Spain,

Germany, Switzerland, smaller groups

occasionally to Gambia, Uganda, Tanzania,

Poland, Estland, Lettland, Lithuania

2, 3 ,5, 6, 8

(Eastern) Sweden W to SW Sweden, Germany, France, Netherlands,

Denmark

Mar-Apr 2, 4, 5, 8

Czech Republic Germany Aug France 13

Russia WSW Britain, Netherlands, Denmark 2, 5, 8

Southern Russia S to SW Black Sea, Mediterranean 8

Southern and Central Europe SW to SE Sep-Oct Black Sea, Mediterranean 8

Southern West and Central Siberia W to SW Black Sea, Mediterranean, Turkmenistan,

Uzbekistan, Tadjikistan, India, Pakistan,

Western Europe along Mediterranean,

Caspian Sea, Italy

8, 11, 12

Kazakhstan, other central Asian republics Black Sea, Mediterranean, Italy 8, 12

Central Asian republics, western and central

Siberia

Southwest Asia, Poland, Belarus, Central

Europe to Britain

8

Iran India 8

NW Europe (350,000)

Sep-Nov Mar-Apr 8

Central Europe, Black Sea/Mediterranean

(1 million)

crossing Sahara West Africa, e.g. Senegal, Mali, Nigeria,

Chad

8

Southwest Asia (350,000)

via Azerbaijan (?) Northeast Africa, most Sudan and Ethiopia,

smaller troups occasionally to Gambia,

Uganda, Tanzania

Mar-May 1, 8

Table 2.37: Summary of the movements of Common Pochard Aythya ferina ) from the literature based on published information and ring recoveries in the EURING Data Bank.

190

Finding locations of all dead birds

January February

March April

May June

191

July August

September October

November December

Figure 2.4

6:

Finding locations of all Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) in the EURING

data bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month.

192

2.21 Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

2.21.1 Numbers and distribution

Tufted Duck has a similar distribution to Common Pochard, but is more concentrated

in Europe and less numerous in southern parts of the range around the Mediterranean

and in Iran (Figure 2.47). The biggest concentration of key sites is in the eastern

Baltic region including Denmark, eastern Germany, Poland and Sweden. Large

concentrations are found north of the Alps in France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria

and the Czech Republic, and The Netherlands and UK also hold large numbers.

Further East, the western and northern Black Sea regions are important, with large

numbers in Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. The Caspian coast is

also extremely important with especially high numbers in Russia, Azerbaijan and

Turkmenistan. A concentration exceeding 450,000 mixed Tufted Ducks and

Common Pochards has been recorded in the Volga Delta.

Table 2.38 shows that the most important site in Europe is the Bodensee in Germany-

Switzerland-Austria where 82,542 were counted in 1996, and thirteen more sites in

Germany and five in Switzerland have recorded January counts between 10,000 and

60,000 Tufted Ducks. These counts include 58,912 at Lac de Neuchatel in 1994,

37,032 at Lac Léman in 1990, and in Germany, 50,000 at Wismar-Hohen

Wieschendorfer Huk, where 50,000 were counted in 1993, and the Grosser Plöner See

where 23,660 were counted in 1995. There were 28,931 at Cours du Rhin (France) in

January 1990, and two sites in The Netherlands recorded peak counts of around

28,700: Markermeer in 2000 and Ijsselmeer in 1992. A peak January count of 25,340

was made at Loughs Neagh and Beg in the UK in 1996 (but numbers decreased

markedly there in the 2000s).

The biggest concentration of important sites is in the eastern Baltic Sea where key

sites in Denmark include Roskilde Fjord, where 53,920 Tufted Ducks were counted in

1995, Maribo Soerne where there were 31,200 in 2000 and Sydfynske Hav where

20,992 were counted in 1994. Further east in the Baltic, the Neman river Delta in

Russia has recorded a peak count of 50,000, and in Poland there were 33,275 at

Jez.Dabie in 1993 and 17,898 at Zat. Gdanska in 1996. In southeast Europe, 80,000

were counted at Chituc (Vadu – Periboina) in Romania in 1993 and there were 40,000

at Skadarsko Jezero on the border between Montenegro and Albania in the same year.

Peak counts were made of 20,000 at Sasyk Liman, Ukraine in 2000 and 15,803 at

Burgas Lake, Bulgaria in 1992. The Turkish lakes hold fewer of this species than

Common Pochard, and the highest peak count was 14,550 at Hirfani Baraji in 1996.

Numbers are also lower in West and Central Asia than for Common Pochard, but

there are a number of key sites around the Caspian Sea. Gyzylagach Nature Reserve,

Azerbaijan is the most important of these, and a peak count of 81,000 was recorded

there. Peak January counts at five additional sites in Azerbaijan exceeded 10,000, and

there were six such counts in Turkmenistan, the highest at Lake Sarykamysh in 2003,

when 22,190 were counted. In Iran there were 16,744 at Lake Uromieh in 1997.

193

Table 2.38: Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe,

Africa, West and Central Asia where 5,000 or more have been recorded.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 81000 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Yashma Is. and Gilazy Spit 24753 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Sangachal Bay 24500 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Shakdilli Spit 15043 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Alyat Bay 11097 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Pirsagat Cape 10450 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gobustan Bay 9720 J 17

Azerbaijan Aggel (Ah Gol) Lake 1991 9000 J 17

Azerbaijan Sangachal Cape 1997 8000 J 17

Azerbaijan Narimanabad Coast 1996 7712 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Pyrallahy Island 7156 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Seashore Turkan-Hovsan 6650 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Baku-Shakdilli Spit 1998 5500 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Factory Shelf 5309 J 17

Azerbaijan Alyat Bay and nearest islands 1996 10300 S 34

Belgium Rodenhuizedok Terdonk 1997 8900 J 17

Bulgaria Burgas Lake (Vaya) 1992 15803 J 17

Bulgaria Mandra Lake Complex 1994 6458 J 17

Denmark Roskilde Fjord 1995 53920 J 17

Denmark Maribo Soerne 2000 31200 J 17

Denmark Sydfynske Hav 1994 20992 J 17

Denmark Gavno 1992 15300 J 17

Denmark Guldborgsund 1992 10080 J 17

Denmark Mariager Fjord 1991 8550 J 17

Denmark Fynske Soer 1995 8225 J 17

Denmark Tystrup-Bavelse So 1999 8150 J 17

Denmark Skaelskor + Borreby 1993 7500 J 17

Denmark Sandbjerg Soer + Grasten 1998 6200 J 17

Denmark Helnes Bugt 1992 6010 J 17

Denmark Nakskov Inderfjord 1995 5500 J 17

France Cours Du Rhin (67 / 68) 1990 28931 J 17

France Bassin Du Leman 1993 19823 J 17

France La Camargue 1991 8100 J 17

France Haut Rhône (01 / 73 / 74) 2002 7266 J 17

France Complexe De L'Etang De Berre 1998 6309 J 17

Georgia Black Sea Coast: Ureki – Poti 7150 J 17

Germ./Switz./Aust. Bodensee Gesamt 1996 82542 J 17

Germany Wismar-Hohen Wieschendorfer Huk 1993 50000 J 17

Germany Donau: Km 2246-2405 1992 25567 J 17

Germany Großer Plöner See 1995 23660 J 17

Germany Seehof-Wittower Fähre-Breetzer Bodden 1996 19000 J 17

Germany Wendisch Langendorf-Barth 2002 12200 J 17

Germany Rassower Strom Und Wieker Bodden 1994 12097 J 17

Germany Sehlendorfer Binnensee 1996 11500 J 17

Germany Usedomer Brücke-Lassan 1992 10890 J 17

Germany Rhein: Nonnenweier-Kehl 1991 10826 J 17

Germany Neuendorfer Wiek 1991 10810 J 17

Germany Stralsund-Barhöft 2000 10391 J 17

Germany Salzhaff 2002 10150 J 17

194

Figure 2.47: Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia where 500

or more have been recorded.

195

Table 2.38 continued: Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Germany Brodtener Ufer: Niendorf-Travemünde 1996 9960 J 17

Germany Strahlbrode-Stralsund 1992 9272 J 17

Germany Schweriner See Außensee (W) 2001 9160 J 17

Germany Unterwarnow Und Breitling 1993 9100 J 17

Germany Rhein: Breisach – Nonnenweier 1990 8700 J 17

Germany Starnberger See 1996 8682 J 17

Germany Prora-Saßnitz 1993 8586 J 17

Germany Einzugsgebiet Ammer: Ammersee 1991 8310 J 17

Germany Königsstuhl-Glowe 1996 8200 J 17

Germany

Ostbucht Des Fehmarnsundes: Sundbrücke-Großenbroder

Kai 1997 8109 J 17

Germany Schlei: Maasholm-Kappeln 1996 7250 J 17

Germany Rhein Bei Wiesbaden-Amöneburg (Rhein-Km 501.3-502;5) 1995 7176 J 17

Germany Neustädter Bucht: Neustadt-Scharbeutz 2002 6800 J 17

Germany Rhein: Weil-Breisach 2002 6537 J 17

Germany Küste Der Probstei: Laboe-Bottsand 2002 6500 J 17

Germany Meiningen-Neuendorf 1991 6350 J 17

Germany Ost- Und Südostküste Fehmarns: Puttgarden-Staberhuk 1997 6123 J 17

Germany Greifswalder Bodden: Neu Reddewitz-Klein Zicker 2000 6050 J 17

Germany Plauer See 1990 6000 J 17

Germany

Großer Jasmunder Bodden (E): Lietzow - Sagard -

Spyckerscher & Mi 1991 5824 J 17

Germany Insel Hiddensee (O) 1995 5781 J 17

Germany Westensee 1992 5650 J 17

Germany Ostbucht Des Fehmarnsundes: Burger Binnensee 1996 5450 J 17

Germany Traveförde: Priwall (Pötenitzer Wiek) 2002 5250 J 17

Germany Traveförde: Dassower See 1993 5176 J 17

Germany Schweriner See (SW) 2002 5140 J 17

Germany Meiningen-Pramort 1994 5120 J 17

Germany Boddengewässer Waase - Gingst – Seehof 1995 5000 J 17

Germany Saßnitz-Königsstuhl 1997 5000 J 17

Greece Lakes Mikri And Megali Prespa (Greek Part) 1995 7008 J 17

Greece Volvi 1990 5490 J 17

Iran Urmiyeh (Uromiyeh) Lake:: Total 1997 16744 J 17

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Anzali- Astara 1998 5327 J 17

Iran Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Miankaleh Protected Region 2003 5050 J 17

Israel Valley Of Yesreel 2000 10478 J 17

Kazakhstan North Caspian Coast total 2003 7200 S 17+23

Macedonia Lake Prespa (Greek Part) 1990 5500 J 17

Netherlands Markermeer 2000 28745 J 17

Netherlands Ijsselmeer 1992 28734 J 17

Netherlands Gooimeer 1995 15235 J 17

Netherlands Waterland 1990 15068 J 17

Netherlands Ketelmeer 1995 12370 J 17

Netherlands Hollands Diep 1996 11072 J 17

Netherlands Biesbosch 1996 10366 J 17

Netherlands Haringvliet 2001 9630 J 17

Netherlands Fluessen En Heegermeer 2000 9076 J 17

Netherlands Wolderwijd 2000 8143 J 17

Netherlands Nieuwe Waterweg / Calandkanaal 1997 7349 J 17

196

Table 2.38 continued: Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Netherlands Veluwemeer 2000 6955 J 17

Netherlands Volkerakmeer 1996 6941 J 17

Netherlands Eemmeer. Nijkerkernauw En Nuldernauw 2001 5935 J 17

Netherlands Gelderse / Brabantse Maas 1996 5291 J 17

Netherlands Noordzeekanaal 2002 5054 J 17

Poland Jez. Dabie 1993 33275 J 17

Poland Zat. Gdanska 1996 17898 J 17

Poland Zalew Szczecinski 1993 8890 J 17

Poland Wisla: Ujscie (Mouth) 1994 7122 J 17

Romania Chituc (Vadu-Periboina) 1993 80000 J 17

Romania Gr. Buhazu (Vadu) 1997 10600 J 17

Romania Periteasca-Portita (244402911 + 244402912) 1990 8000 J 17

Romania Gura Portitei-Gr.Periboina 1997 6650 J 17

Romania N. Eforie-S. Eforie 1997 6200 J 17

Romania Black Sea Coast. 12 Sîtes(30 Km) 1996 5810 J 17

Romania Delta Dunarii (Danube Delta) 1994 5468 J 17

Romania Portile De Fier Reservoir (Romanian Part) 1998 5076 J 17

Romania Mamaia 1997 5000 J 17

Russia Kiziltashsky Liman Complex 47218 J 17

Russia Caspian Sea: Manas Sea-shore 11542 J 17

Russia Sea of Azov: Tamansky Bay 11515 J 17

Russia Caspian Sea: Derbent Sea-shore 10000 J 17

Russia Volga Delta 1991 7100 J 17

Russia Neman River delta 50000 S 35

Russia Kyzlyar Bay 5000 S 7

Slovakia Hrusov Dam From Dunaj'S Mouth To Cunovo 1999 11618 J 17

Sweden Väderön.35 1994 10500 J 17

Sweden S. Knösö153 2000 10050 J 17

Sweden Tromtöviken.102 1998 9750 J 17

Sweden Almöfjärden.99 2001 8445 J 17

Sweden Storgrundet.325 1991 8000 J 17

Sweden Äspö.293 1997 7500 J 17

Sweden Muskö: Åsvik.15 2002 7400 J 17

Sweden I. Grankullavik.28 2002 7200 J 17

Sweden Elleholm.3 1996 7000 J 17

Sweden Östra Himmerfjärden. 1994 7000 J 17

Sweden S. Torö.8 1996 7000 J 17

Sweden Rosenholmsviken.97 2000 6900 J 17

Sweden Järnaviks Hamn.66 1997 6690 J 17

Sweden Falsterbo Kanal.16 2002 6200 J 17

Sweden Karlskrona.9 2001 6090 J 17

Sweden Fittjö-Saltvik.305 1996 6000 J 17

Sweden Inre Kapellhamnsviken.5 1996 6000 J 17

Sweden Klintehamnsviken.8 2000 6000 J 17

Sweden Nötefjärden.321 1998 6000 J 17

Sweden Y. Grankullavik.27 1998 6000 J 17

Sweden N. Drag.97 1994 5400 J 17

Sweden Aspan.107 1996 5035 J 17

Sweden N. Kvalmsö.94 1993 5030 J 17

197

Table 2.38 continued: Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Sweden Kapellskär.37 1997 5000 J 17

Sweden Nynäshamn.9 1996 5000 J 17

Sweden V. Torö. 1997 5000 J 17

Switzerland Lac De Neuchâtel 1994 58912 J 17

Switzerland Lac Léman-Ch 1990 37032 J 17

Switzerland Rhône: En Aval De Genève 2002 14910 J 17

Switzerland Vierwaldstättersee 1994 12388 J 17

Switzerland Hochrhein: Rheinklingen-Aaremündung 1993 12227 J 17

Switzerland Bielersee 1996 8868 J 17

Switzerland Zürichsee 1994 7833 J 17

Switzerland Hochrhein: Aaremündung-Basel 1993 6052 J 17

Syria Qattine 1995 10000 J 17

Turkey Hirfanli Baraji 1996 14550 J 17

Turkey Uluabat Golu (Apolyont Golu) 1996 13600 J 17

Turkey Egridir Golu 1999 12470 J 17

Turkey Giresun-Ünye Black Sea 1997 10775 J 17

Turkey Hoyran Golu 1990 9920 J 17

Turkey Sapanca Golu 1995 5670 J 17

Turkmenistan Lake Sarykamysh 2003 22190 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Keymir Shore 2004 22000 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Guyjuk-Okarem 1998 21220 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Okarem-Cheleken 1998 17317 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Guyjuk Shore 2004 15000 J 17

Turkmenistan Caspian Coast: Chikishlyar Shore 2004 10132 J 17

Turkmenistan Krasnovodsk & North-Cheleken Bays 1991 6820 J 17

Ukraine Sasyk Liman + Adjacent Sea Area 2000 20000 J 17

Ukraine Dzansheisky. Shagany; Alibey; Burnas Limans 1995 14000 J 17

Ukraine Budaksky Liman 2000 10000 J 17

Ukraine Unknown 1993 10000 J 17

Ukraine Area Northeast Of Odessa 1998 7000 J 17

Ukraine Black Sea State Biosphere Reserve 1990 5300 J 17

United Kingdom Loughs Neagh & Beg 1996 25340 J 17

Uzbekistan Tuyabuguz Reservoir 2004 7016 J 17

Yugoslavia Skadarsko Jezero 1993 40000 J 17

198

2.21.2 Tufted Duck movements

The Tufted Duck breeds across northern

Eurasia from Iceland to the Bering Sea,

between 45°N and 70°N. A large

proportion (probably more than 60%)

breed in Russia (600,000 to 800,000

pairs) and neighbouring Fennoscandia

(147,000 to 220,000 breeding pairs). It is

mainly migratory, but some populations

in Europe are resident or perform only

short-distance movements. Wintering

areas are found in northwestern and

south Europe, around the Caspian and

Black Seas, northern Africa and across

Asia to Japan in the east.

The ringing of Tufted Ducks in Europe has not been widespread and the largest

numbers of recoveries available are from Britain, Switzerland and Denmark. During

December – February recoveries are concentrated in west and central Europe,

including the southern and western part of the Baltic. A decrease in recoveries from

Iberia and SW France is recorded between January and February, with a tendency

which becomes more intense between February and March. The most intense phases

of return migration take place mainly during April and May. Recoveries during the

breeding season (May – June) are spread out in northern Europe and eastward to the

River Ob, east of the Urals, at about 70°E. Some recoveries are also found during the

breeding season in west and central Europe as well as in Iceland. Autumn migration

continues until October and most Tufted Ducks have left the Russian breeding areas

by November.

Tufted Ducks are broad front migrants. Birds breeding in Fennoscandia, the Baltic

States and northwest Russia migrate to the Baltic and western and central Europe, a

few also to southwestern Europe. Central Russian and western Siberian populations

migrate to central and eastern Europe, the Black Sea, east Mediterranean and Caspian

Seas. Birds breeding in Siberia and in the eastern part of the breeding range winter in

the Caspian region, Pakistan, northern India, and southeast China to Japan.

Male Tufted Ducks from the east of the range begin arriving in western Europe to

moult shortly after breeding and return quickly after moulting. A second-year male

ringed at Abberton Reservoir, Essex, on 28 May 1969 was shot on 14 April 1971 in

Pakistan (6,153km). Such a record is probably not exceptional, and is almost certainly

an example of moult migration. Of 54 adult birds ringed at Abberton in the period

May-July and subsequently found in the same period, 50 were males. Of these, 34

were later found in Russia, with seven in Finland and only six found in Britain.

Figure 2.4

8:

Map depicting the movements of

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) based on published

information and ring recoveries in the

EURING Data Bank.

199

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Distribution: Palaearctic, across northern Eurasia from Iceland to the Bering Sea, between 45°N and 70°N. No discrete breeding populations defined but more

separation in wintering areas: NW Europe (centred on the Baltic), central European lakes, the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea. Continuous

distribution from central Europe through the Danube in Hungary to the Black Sea region

Moult: males end of June-Sep, female while breeding

Population

(or part of population)

Autumn Migration

Wintering / Non-breeding Grounds

Spring Migration References

direction / via during location during direction / via during

Western Eurasian populations south to North Africa and the Gulf, few in West

and East Africa

8

W-Europe

(mainly sedentary) 8

Iceland Denmark, Netherlands, Great Britain Mar-Apr 2, 5

Fennoscandia, Baltic region, Russia

east to 65°E, Poland, Denmark

Baltic, around North Sea and Atlantic coasts,

Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands,

Great Britain, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal,

Italy, SE-Denmark, archipelagos of eastern

Sweden

Nov 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,

8, 9, 12

Sweden Sweden, Denmark

Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Great

Britain, Ireland, N-Mediterranean

1, 4

NW European population

in mild winters Baltics, northeast coast of Germany, W-

Poland, Switzerland, Netherlands

2, 3, 8

Britain and Ireland NW-France, Netherlands, Denmark abmigration to

Scandinavia and Russia

1, 3

Belgium, Netherlands France, Netherlands, Great Britain, NW-Africa,

Spain, Austria, Italy

1, 7, 12

Central Europe, Germany

Netherlands, Great Britain, Ireland and further

SW through Mid Europe; few Baltic birds stay

in the Baltics

1

NE of European Russia, NW-Siberia Danube Delta in Romania,

Ob River Russia

Central Europe, Baltic Sea, Black Sea, east

Mediterranean, Caspian coast of Iran

1, 3, 8, 11

Czech Republic Switzerland, Germany, as far as Spain 13

W-Siberia, Central Asia, Eastern part

of breeding sites

Volga Delta, SW Caspian Region, as far as Egypt, Pakistan,

Northern India, southeast China to Japan, Italy

1, 3, 8, 11, 12

birds usually wintering in the Baltics in cold winters move to Netherlands, Britain, Ireland 8

Table

2.

39:

Summary of the movements of

Tufted Duck (

A

ythya fuligula

)

from the literature based on published information and ring recoveries in the EURING Data Bank.

200

Finding locations of all dead birds

January February

March April

201

May June

July August

September October

November December

Figure 2.4

9:

Finding locations of all Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) in the EURING data

bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month.

202

2.22 Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

2.22.1 Numbers and Distribution

Northern Lapwings concentrate outside the breeding season in Ireland, the UK,

France and The Netherlands (Figure 2.50). Important numbers also winter further

south in Iberia, Italy, Albania and Greece, especially in hard winters. The Caspian

coast of Iran and Azerbaijan, and a number of sites in Iran and along the south and

east Mediterranean coast are less important wintering areas.

Peak January counts of Northern Lapwing exceeding 5,000 birds have been made at

37 sites in The UK, 33 in France, 20 in Ireland, 11 in Spain, 10 in The Netherlands,

four in Italy, two each in Russia, Albania and Iran, and at single sites in Greece and

Azerbaijan (Table 2.40). The highest counts were recorded at The Somerset Levels,

UK, where 78,762 were counted in 1995, and at the Etangs De La Brenne, France,

where 71,500 were counted in 2001. Additional sites in The UK where between

23,000 and 36,000 have been recorded are The Wash, Breydon Water and Berney

Marshes, Humber Estuary, Arun Valley, Ribble Estuary, Morecambe Bay, and

Thames Estuary. Equivalent sites in France where between 21,000 and 43,000 have

been counted were La Camargue, Marais Poitevin, Loire Amont, Etangs Argenton –

Chateau, Sud Loire and Estuaire Seine. The highest count in Ireland, at the Shannon

and Fergus Estuary in 1995 was 27,924, and in Spain at the Riá De Villaviciosa in

1997 was 16,075.

Table 2.40: Nothern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in

Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia where 5,000 or more have been recorded.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Albania Karavasta Complex 1997 10579 J 17

Albania Narta Complex 2001 9376 J 17

Azerbaijan Caspian Coast: Gyzylagach Nature Reserve 5307 J 17

France Etangs De La Brenne 2001 71500 J 17

France La Camargue 1994 43625 J 17

France Marais Poitevin 1998 40550 J 17

France Loire Amont 2000 29500 J 17

France Etangs Dans Region Argenton-Château 2004 23700 J 17

France Sud-Loire 1996 21360 J 17

France Estuaire Seine 1998 21348 J 17

France Rétenue Du Cebron 1998 19500 J 17

France Etangs Du Montmorillonnais (4) 1992 19292 J 17

France Lacs: Orient. Amance Et Temple-Auzon 1998 18000 J 17

France Etangs Du Nord Loire Atlantique 1998 17016 J 17

France Loire: De Beaugency A Chaumont / Loire 1998 14850 J 17

France Presqu'Ile Guérandaise Dont Traicts Du Croisic 1998 12890 J 17

France Etangs De La Region Centre 1998 12000 J 17

France Lac De Rille 1995 11000 J 17

France Communal Du Poire Sur Velluire 1996 10000 J 17

France Vallée De L'Oise: De Compiegne A 95 2004 9354 J 17

France Etangs Nord Dans Region De Bressuire 2004 8995 J 17

France Baie Des Veys 2001 8731 J 17

France Résèrve Naturelle De Moeze (Charente-Seudre) 1998 8544 J 17

203

Figure 2.50: Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus. Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, Africa, West and Central

Asia where 500 or more have been recorded.

204

Table 2.40 continued: Nothern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

France Résèrve Naturelle De St. Denis Du Payre 1996 8000 J 17

France Baie De St-Brieuc-Yffiniac-Morieux 1996 8000 J 17

France Baie De Douarnenez 1990 7800 J 17

France Loire: De Beaulieu A Beaugency 2004 7398 J 17

France Rivière De Pont L'Abbé 1996 7000 J 17

France Loire Aval 1998 6235 J 17

France Golfe Du Morbihan 1996 6106 J 17

France Lac De Puydarrieux 2003 6000 J 17

France Marais Breton 2003 5767 J 17

France Baie D'Audierne 1998 5550 J 17

France Etangs De Sologne 1996 5511 J 17

France Lac Du Der-Chantecoq (51 / 52) 1998 5310 J 17

France Marais Cotiers De Vendée 2001 5000 J 17

France Etang De Paintourteau 1992 5000 J 17

Greece Messolonghi Lagoon (From River Evinos To River Acheloos) 1998 6938 J 17

Iran Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud Damgahs: 1998 16000 J 17

Iran Sayed Mahali & Zarinkola Ab: Zarinkola Ab-Bandan 1998 8000 J 17

Ireland Shannon And Fergus Estuary 1995 27924 J 17

Ireland Wexford Harbour And Slobs 1997 16655 J 17

Ireland Shannon Callows 1995 15400 J 17

Ireland Cork Harbour 1995 15204 J 17

Ireland The Cull And Killag 1997 15000 J 17

Ireland Lough Ree 1998 10535 J 17

Ireland Little Brosna Callows 1993 8500 J 17

Ireland Dundalk Bay: Soldiers Point 1994 8112 J 17

Ireland Blackwater Estuary 1997 7824 J 17

Ireland Boyne Estuary 1996 7500 J 17

Ireland Southern Roscommon Lakes 1997 7052 J 17

Ireland Tralee Bay. Lough Gill & Akeragh 1997 6960 J 17

Ireland Inner Galway Bay 1997 6945 J 17

Ireland Cahore Marshes 1996 6800 J 17

Ireland Dundalk Bay 2002 6435 J 17

Ireland Ballymacoda 1997 6100 J 17

Ireland Tramore Back Strand & Bay 1997 6000 J 17

Ireland Outer And Inner Rogerstown Estuary 1994 5778 J 17

Ireland Tacumshin Lake 1995 5660 J 17

Ireland Dungarvan Harbour 1997 5420 J 17

Italy Oristano 1997 6747 J 17

Italy Orbetello E Burano 1998 5733 J 17

Italy Stagno Di Cagliari 1998 5363 J 17

Italy Laghi Di Mantova 1998 5000 J 17

Netherlands Gelderland. Except Rivers Rhine; Waal; Maas; And Ijssel 1994 23708 J 17

Netherlands Beneden Rivièrengebied / Zoete Delta 2000 15646 J 17

Netherlands Noord-Holland. Except Coast 2000 11744 J 17

Netherlands Utrecht. Except River Rhine 2000 10700 J 17

Netherlands Friesland. Except Coast 1994 8352 J 17

Netherlands Westerschelde 2000 6612 J 17

Netherlands Noord Brabant 2000 6541 J 17

Netherlands Veerse Meer 1995 6453 J 17

Netherlands Afsluitdijk-Balgzand (Meltofte 29) 1995 5224 J 17

205

Table 2.40 continued: Nothern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Netherlands Flevoland (Excluding Separation Lakes) 2000 5084 J 17

Russia Neman River delta 11000 S 35

Russia Kargapol area 5000 S 24

Spain Ría De Villaviciosa (O) 1997 16075 J 17

Spain Aiguamolls De L'emporda (Gi) 2001 15320 J 17

Spain Delta Del Ebro (T) 2001 13579 J 17

Spain Lucios De Beta La Palma-Isla Mayor (Se) 2000 8446 J 17

Spain Río Arakil. Villanueva-Asiaín (Na) 2003 8437 J 17

Spain Arrosars Alcarràs (Ll) 1998 7500 J 17

Spain Marismas De Santoña (S) 1997 7035 J 17

Spain Arrozales De La Violada-N. Monegros (Hu) 1997 6760 J 17

Spain Baix Ter-Pals (Gi) 2003 5466 J 17

Spain Desagües De Alcázar En Vegas Del Cigüela (Cr) 1997 5222 J 17

Spain Bahía De Santander (S) 1997 5000 J 17

United Kingdom Somerset Levels 1995 78762 J 17

United Kingdom The Wash 2003 36232 J 17

United Kingdom Breydon Water & Berney Marshes 1994 32000 J 17

United Kingdom Humber Estuary 1990 30892 J 17

United Kingdom Arun Valley 1995 29863 J 17

United Kingdom Ribble Estuary 1992 26552 J 17

United Kingdom Morecambe Bay 1990 24171 J 17

United Kingdom Thames Estuary 1998 23475 J 17

United Kingdom Blackwater Estuary 1998 19377 J 17

United Kingdom Walland Marsh 1999 19000 J 17

United Kingdom Carmarthen Bay 1995 16873 J 17

United Kingdom Swale Estuary 1999 16241 J 17

United Kingdom Severn Estuary (English Counties) 1995 16025 J 17

United Kingdom Strangford Lough 1997 13547 J 17

United Kingdom Colne Estuary 1998 12440 J 17

United Kingdom Mersey Estuary 1992 12400 J 17

United Kingdom Hamford Water And Naze Combined 1994 11635 J 17

United Kingdom Loughs Neagh & Beg 2000 10968 J 17

United Kingdom Medway Estuary 1998 10940 J 17

United Kingdom Poole Harbour 1994 10454 J 17

United Kingdom Crouch-Roach Estuary 1994 9970 J 17

United Kingdom Welsh Dee 1995 8485 J 17

United Kingdom Solway Estuary (English Counties) 1992 8420 J 17

United Kingdom Nene Washes 1998 8100 J 17

United Kingdom North Norfolk Coast 1990 7922 J 17

United Kingdom Alde Complex 1999 7558 J 17

United Kingdom Lower Derwent Ings 1998 6700 J 17

United Kingdom Rye Harbour & Pett Level 1995 6364 J 17

United Kingdom Thanet Coast 1994 6050 J 17

United Kingdom Pegwell Bay 1994 6020 J 17

United Kingdom Taw-Torridge Estuary 2000 5895 J 17

United Kingdom Tees Estuary 1990 5775 J 17

United Kingdom Forth Estuary 1992 5657 J 17

United Kingdom Ouse Washes 2002 5588 J 17

United Kingdom Inner Firth Of Clyde 1993 5570 J 17

United Kingdom Cleddau Estuary 1995 5405 J 17

United Kingdom St Benet'S Levels 1996 5000 J 17

206

2.22.2 Northern Lapwing movements

The Lapwing breeds in a large part of

Europe and in a band across Asia to

eastern China. The species is

migratory in most of its breeding

range, except western and

southwestern Europe and Turkey. It

seems to avoid areas where the winter

temperature falls below zero.

Large numbers of recoveries are

available from birds ringed in the

Netherlands, Britain, Belgium and

Sweden. Recoveries reported during

the period December to February are

strongly concentrated in western and

southwestern Europe as well as in

northwestern Africa. A decrease in

North African recoveries takes place

between January and February. The

distribution of recoveries in March shows further and stronger movements out of

North Africa and Iberia, and a higher concentration of recoveries in Italy. While

disappearing from North Africa, in March recoveries appear also in eastern Europe

and southern Scandinavia. In April recoveries are reported further north and east and

fewer recoveries are reported in France, Spain and Italy during this month. Recoveries

during the period May and June are spread out in central and northern Europe and a

few are also reported eastwards to Siberia and Kazakhstan. In this period large

numbers of recoveries are also found in Britain, northern France, Belgium, The

Netherlands, Germany and Denmark and they can be a result of summer movements

of adult birds directed westward from central and eastern Europe. The autumn

migration starts late and the number of recoveries in southwestern Europe and North

Africa is still increasing in December. Birds breeding in northern Europe and western

Russia migrate SW to western and southwestern Europe and North Africa. Lapwings

from breeding areas in western Europe are resident or move south, as far as North

Africa. Central European birds winter in western Europe, but also in the

Mediterranean. Birds breeding in central Russia and southwest Siberia can move to

southwestern Europe, but probably mainly to Turkey, Nile delta and western Asia.

Abmigration from western Europe to far east in Russia have been shown from

recoveries of birds ringed as chicks. Several recoveries show aberrant movements

westwards to islands in the Atlantic as well as to North America.

Figure 2.51:

Map depicting the movements of

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) based on

published information and ring recoveries in the

EURING Data Bank.

207

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Distribution: whole Eurasia, main wintering area west of 0°C January isotherm. Short distance migrant

.

Population

(or part of population)

Autumn Migration

Wintering / Non-breeding Grounds

Spring Migration References

direction / via during location during direction / via during

Central Europe W-NW / S-SW Netherlands, Britain & Ireland / France, Italy, NE-

Greece

1, 2, 3, 12

Great Britain, Ireland France, Spain, as far as N-Africa, Italy 1, 12

Denmark SW Sep Netherlands, Great Britain, France, Spain, N-

Africa

Dec-Jan same route as autumn Jan-Mar 2, 5

Fennoscandia, Estonia, Latvia, Russia via Denmark (Aug) Aug-Oct Great Britain, Netherlands, Belgium, France,

Spain, Italy, Greece, Mediterranean basin, N-

Africa, Poland, Germany, few Sweden, Norway,

Denmark, Finland, as far as SW-Siberia

Mar-Apr 2, 3, 6, 9, 11,

12

Netherlands Great Britain, Denmark, Belgium, France, Spain,

Italy, Mediterranean islands, N-Africa

2, 12

SW-Siberia Caspian Sea, Syria, WSW Oct France, Spain, as far as N-Africa, Western

Europe; lower Nile delta, W-Asia, S- and E-Asia

Mar-Apr 11

Table 2.41: Summary of the movements of Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) from the literature based on published information and ring recoveries in the EURING Data Bank.

208

Finding locations of all dead birds

January February

March April

209

May June

July August

September October

November December

Figure 2.52:

Finding locations of all Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) in the EURING

data bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month.

210

2.23 Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus)

2.23.1 Numbers and distribution

This is a very numerous species throughout western and southern Europe and it occurs

in high numbers deep into central Europe (Figure 2.53). The southeast Mediterranean

from Egypt to Israel and the southern Persian Gulf are also important centres of the

population in January. A number of concentrations in Central Asia and Iran are less

numerous than those found in Europe. Distribution extends to the West African coast

of Senegal, and in East Africa to Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.

Table 2.42 shows that a total of 33 sites in 11 countries have recorded January peak

counts of more than 20,000 Black-headed Gulls. Of these peak counts, 14 were in

France and Spain, where the highest was at Gravera Del Porcal, Spain, in 2000, where

96,000 were counted, followed by 80,000 in France at the Etangs Montpellierains in

1999. Other high counts in France included 70,180 at Etangs et Lacs du Bocage

Vendéen in 1998, 60,000 at Baie du Mont Sant Michel in 2003, and 38,500 at Baie de

Morlaix and Penze in 1997. Other high counts in Spain included 58,287 at Parque

Natural de la Albufera in 1993, 55,000 at Embalse de el Vicario in 1990 and 27,000 at

Embalse de Santillana in 1998. In Italy, seven sites recorded peak counts in excess of

20,000, the highest being 30,000 at Biviere di Lentini in 2002. In The UK, peak

January counts of more than 20,000 Black-headed Gulls were made at four sites,

including 50,000 at Tring Reservoirs in 1994, 35,410 in the Thames Estuary in 2001

and 31,300 at Lower Derwent Ings in 1996. Further East, single sites in Georgia and

Turkey recorded peak counts within this range, with 40,500 on the Black Sea Coast

between Batumi and Kobuleti (Georgia ) in 2002, and 30,990 at the Camalti Salt Pans

in the Gediz Delta (Turkey) in 1999. In the Middle East, a series of high peak January

counts included 64,543 at Lake Manzala, Egypt, in 1990, 40,065 on the Southern

Coastal Plain of Israel in 2002, 49,000 at Khor Khan, UAE, in 1991, and 27,747 at

Seeb-Qurm, Oman in 1991.

Table 2.42: Common Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at

sites in Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia where 6,000 or more have been recorded.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Bahrain Askar Rubbish Dump 1992 17238 J 17

Belgium Virelles (Étang) 2000 10000 J 17

Belgium Obourg (Carrières) 1999 7030 J 17

Egypt Lake Manzala 1990 64543 J 17

Egypt Lake Idku 1990 14300 J 17

Egypt Lake Burullus 1990 13889 J 17

Egypt Nile Valley Cairo-Aswan(850Km) 1990 8003 J 17

France Etangs Montpellierains (34+30) 1999 80000 J 17

France Etangs Et Lacs Du Bocage Vendéen 1998 70180 J 17

France Baie Du Mont Saint Michel 2003 60000 J 17

France Baie De Morlaix + Penze 1997 38500 J 17

France Etang De Châtillon En Vendelais 2002 26000 J 17

France Lac De Grandlieu 1999 21000 J 17

France Lacs: Orient. Amance Et Temple-Auzon 1996 21000 J 17

France Littoral Du Pas De Calais 1995 20040 J 17

France Presqu'Ile Guérandaise Dont Traicts Du Croisic 1994 19340 J 17

211

Figure 2.53: Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus. Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, Africa, West and Central

Asia where 500 or more have been recorded.

212

Table 2.42 continued: Common Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

France Rance 1997 19000 J 17

France Etangs Du Nord Loire Atlantique 2001 16177 J 17

France Lac Du Der-Chantecoq (51 / 52) 1994 15250 J 17

France Complexe De L'Etang De Berre 2002 13986 J 17

France Etang De Paintourteau 2003 13930 J 17

France Flandre Interieure. Region De Lille 1996 13360 J 17

France Estuaire Seine 2003 12992 J 17

France Loire Amont 1999 12000 J 17

France Etangs Est De La Mayènne 2000 11500 J 17

France Region De Lens Et De Bethune 2001 10661 J 17

France Saône: D'Allerey A St. Symphorien D'Ancelles 1996 10200 J 17

France Littoral De Courseulles A Arromanches 1998 10125 J 17

France Bassin D'Arcachon 2000 10100 J 17

France Lac Du Verdon 1996 10000 J 17

France Plan D'Eau De Pont L'Eveque 1994 9530 J 17

France Etangs De Thau Et De Bagnas 2003 9500 J 17

France Littoral Picard 1993 9385 J 17

France Val De Seine De Vernon A Pont De L'Arche 1998 9220 J 17

France Etang Au Duc De Ploermel 2004 9000 J 17

France Etangs D'Hede (Nord De Rennes) 2004 9000 J 17

France Marais D'Olonne 1995 9000 J 17

France Rétenue Du Cebron 2001 7800 J 17

France Rade De Brest 2000 7750 J 17

France Etangs De La Region Centre 2001 7000 J 17

France Sud-Loire 1994 6923 J 17

France Plan D'Eau De Saint Cyr 2003 6500 J 17

France Littoral Dunkerquois 1998 6100 J 17

Georgia Black Sea Coast: Batumi – Kobuleti 40500 J 17

Germany Bodensee-Obersee-D 1996 10037 J 17

Germany Dümmer 1995 6711 J 17

Germany Alfsee und Haseniederung 1991 6523 J 17

Greece Axios, Loudias & Aliakmon Deltas 1997 11975 J 17

Greece Kerkini 1997 10000 J 17

Greece Amvrakikos Wetlands 1997 7320 J 17

Greece Volvi 1999 6128 J 17

Iran Maharloo Lake 2003 13700 J 17

Iran Persian Gulf Coast (Kuzhestan): Mahshahr Surroundings 1997 10350 J 17

Ireland Dundalk Bay: Soldiers Point 1994 10000 J 17

Ireland Dublin Bay: North Bull Island 1994 7000 J 17

Ireland Wexford Harbour And Slobs: Wexford Harbour 1993 6555 J 17

Israel Southern Coastal Plain 2002 40065 J 17

Israel Jezreel Valley 2002 16519 J 17

Israel Kinnrot Valley 1994 11364 J 17

Israel North Lower Jordan Valley 2001 10484 J 17

Israel Galilee Coastal Plain 2002 10099 J 17

Israel Southern Coastal Plain 1994 9386 J 17

Israel Central Coastal Plain 1993 6233 J 17

Italy Biviere Di Lentini 2002 30000 J 17

Italy Lago Di Garda 1997 23333 J 17

213

Table 2.42 continued: Common Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Italy Laghi Di Mantova 2000 22450 J 17

Italy Pialasse E Valli Ravennati 2002 21384 J 17

Italy Delta Del Po - Parte Veneta 2003 21260 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Venezia 2003 20983 J 17

Italy Foce Simeto 1998 20000 J 17

Italy Laguna Di Grado E Marano 2000 15317 J 17

Italy Manfredonia 1999 12327 J 17

Italy Laghi Como. Garlate; Olginate 2000 10254 J 17

Italy Lago D'Iseo 1993 10050 J 17

Italy F. Brenta. Santa Margherita - Ca' Pasqua 2002 10032 J 17

Italy Viverone 2002 10000 J 17

Italy Litorale Romano 2001 7508 J 17

Italy Trani 2002 6847 J 17

Italy Milano Sud – Lambro 2000 6715 J 17

Italy Rada E Porto Di Molfetta 2003 6119 J 17

Kazakhstan North Caspian Coast total 2003 11340 S 13

Netherlands Gelderse / Brabantse Maas 1999 20379 J 17

Netherlands Limburgse Maas 1997 11700 J 17

Netherlands Ijssel 1998 11635 J 17

Netherlands Waal 2000 6036 J 17

Oman Seeb – Qurm 1991 27747 J 17

Oman Shnass – Sohar 1995 6800 J 17

Oman Batinah Coast: Sohar-Seeb 1991 6357 J 17

Russia Wetlands of Upper Volga, Tver region 17800 B 30

Russia Area between the Kudepsta and Matsesta Rivers 30000 J 17

Spain Gravera Del Porcal (M) 2000 96000 J 17

Spain Parque Natural De La Albufera (V) 1993 58287 J 17

Spain Embalse De El Vicario (Cr) 1990 55000 J 17

Spain Embalse De Santillana (M) 1998 27000 J 17

Spain Embalse Vega Del Jabalón (Cr) 1999 20000 J 17

Spain Embalse De Orellana 1993 16780 J 17

Spain Aiguamolls De L'emporda (Gi) 1991 16000 J 17

Spain Gravera De Las Madres (M) 1992 15000 J 17

Spain Etrsu Toledo 2001 12800 J 17

Spain Embalse De Castrejón (To) 2001 11600 J 17

Spain Embalse De Cazalegas (To) 1997 10120 J 17

Spain Marismas P.N. Bahía De Cádiz 2000 9511 J 17

Spain Bahía De Gijón 1991 9315 J 17

Spain Embalse De La Breña 1992 8000 J 17

Spain Laguna De Sariñena (Hu) 1993 8000 J 17

Spain Embalse De Rosarito (Av) 1998 7680 J 17

Spain Gravera Del Campillo (M) 1993 7500 J 17

Spain Lucios De Beta La Palma-Isla Mayor (Se) 1991 7500 J 17

Spain Marjal De Almenara (Cs) 2000 7453 J 17

Spain Arrozal Isla Menor 1991 7000 J 17

Spain Desagües De Alcázar En Vegas Del Cigüela (Cr) 1997 6956 J 17

Spain Saco Interior De La Bahía De Cádiz 1996 6791 J 17

Spain Parque Natural De El Hondo (A) 1997 6448 J 17

Spain Delta De La Tordera (Gi) 2001 6000 J 17

214

Table 2.42 continued: Common Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Switzerland Zürichsee 1990 8651 J 17

Switzerland Lac De Neuchâtel 1994 6308 J 17

Switzerland Lac Léman-Ch 2001 6112 J 17

Turkey Camalti Salt Pans; Gediz Delta 1999 30990 J 17

Turkey Seyhan Baraji 1992 7500 J 17

Turkey Uluabat Golu (Apolyont Golu) 1996 6200 J 17

U.A.E. Khor Khan 1991 49000 J 17

U.A.E. Khor Dubai 1992 19200 J 17

U.A.E. Ramtha Tip 1997 17000 J 17

U.A.E. Mussafah Mudflats 1998 8125 J 17

U.A.E. Fujeirah-Dibba Coastline 1997 7910 J 17

U.A.E. Rams 1998 6000 J 17

Uganda Lutembe Bay 2004 12037 J 17

United Kingdom Tring Reservoirs 1994 50000 J 17

United Kingdom Thames Estuary 2001 35410 J 17

United Kingdom Lower Derwent Ings 1996 31300 J 17

United Kingdom Hilfield Park Reservoir 1996 25000 J 17

United Kingdom Forth Estuary 2001 16521 J 17

United Kingdom The Wash 2000 15716 J 17

United Kingdom Inner Firth Of Clyde 2001 15356 J 17

United Kingdom Church Wilne Reservoir 1998 15000 J 17

United Kingdom Hurleston Reservoir 1995 15000 J 17

United Kingdom Eccup Reservoir 2002 14000 J 17

United Kingdom Portsmouth Harbour 2000 13530 J 17

United Kingdom Chasewater 1999 12000 J 17

United Kingdom Pitsford Reservoir 1999 12000 J 17

United Kingdom Poole Harbour 1994 11283 J 17

United Kingdom Pegwell Bay 2001 10235 J 17

United Kingdom Doddington Pool 1994 10000 J 17

United Kingdom Rutland Water 1997 10000 J 17

United Kingdom Tophill Low Reservoirs 1999 9000 J 17

United Kingdom Farmwood Pool 1999 8400 J 17

United Kingdom Lackford Gravel Pits 2003 8000 J 17

United Kingdom Deben Estuary 1994 7873 J 17

United Kingdom Derwent Reservoir 1999 7800 J 17

United Kingdom Ouse Washes 2000 7390 J 17

United Kingdom Morecambe Bay 1994 7271 J 17

United Kingdom Irvine To Saltcoats 1995 7000 J 17

United Kingdom Tamar Complex 1994 6978 J 17

United Kingdom Alde Complex 2003 6901 J 17

United Kingdom Ribble Estuary 2001 6793 J 17

United Kingdom Cheddar Reservoir 1994 6600 J 17

United Kingdom Belfast Lough 2001 6571 J 17

United Kingdom Longnewton Reservoir 2002 6500 J 17

United Kingdom Wintersett & Cold Hiendley Reservoirs 2003 6000 J 17

United Kingdom Wroxham Broad 2000 6000 J 17

Yugoslavia Skadarsko Jezero 1993 6750 J 17

215

2.23.2 Common Black-headed Gull movements

This species breeds in a large area of the

Palearctic, from Iceland in the west to

Kamchatka Peninsula in the east and

north to about 65

o

N. The Black-headed

Gull is largely migratory, but winters

within the breeding range of western

Europe. The wintering range also covers

the Mediterranean, the area of the Black

Sea and Caspian Sea and coastal areas of

southwestern Asia and northeast Africa.

The species also winters in coastal areas

of eastern Asia and regularly in

Newfoundland and southeast Greenland.

The Black-headed Gull has been widely

ringed in Europe and large numbers of

recoveries are available from several

countries, among them Britain, the

Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Belgium. A large part of western and

southern Europe is covered by recoveries during

the period December to February.

The area includes Denmark and southern Sweden and the area of the Black Sea.

Winter recoveries are also found along the coast in North Africa and in the Middle

East. The return migration starts already in February and in March recoveries are

spread northward. In April recoveries are spread out around the Baltic and also further

east in Russia. During breeding season (May – June) large numbers of recoveries are

found in western, central and northern Europe, most of them west of 45

o

E. In July –

August, an increasing number of recoveries are found in southern Russia and Ukraine

and at the same time recoveries are also increasing in southwestern Europe. In

November, most Black-headed Gulls have left Finland and Russia, but in the east

recoveries are still reported in Ukraine. Birds breeding in Iceland are partial migrants,

moving to western Europe or to Greenland and northeastern United States, where two

recoveries were found. Birds breeding in northern Europe and northwestern Russia

winter in western Europe and south to North Africa. Western European birds and

birds breeding in central Europe are mainly sedentary or move south. Some Black-

headed Gulls breeding in Germany and Switzerland move south to the Adriatic Sea.

Birds from breeding areas in Russia winter in eastern Mediterranean and the Black

Sea area, while birds from southwest Siberia move south to the area of the Black and

Caspian Seas as well as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan and India.

Figure 2.

54:

Map depicting the movements of

Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) based on

published information and ring recoveries in

the EURING Data Bank.

216

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Distribution: NW- to S-Europe as far as E-Siberia and Kamchatka

Population

(or part of population)

Autumn Migration

Wintering / Non-breeding Grounds

Spring Migration References

direction / via during location during direction / via during

Iceland (partially migratory); Great Britain,

Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, SW-

Greenland, Newfoundland

1

Ireland, Great Britain (mainly sedentary); inland, few as far as

France, Spain, Portugal, N-Africa

1, 3

Russia SW Eastern Mediterranean, Italy, Black Sea,

Transcaucasia

3, 12

SW-Siberia SW Caspian region, Black Sea, Kazakhastan,

Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, India

11

Fennoscandia along North Sea shore or

Atlantic coast or inland

Denmark, as far as Mediterranean, Italy 1, 2, 5, 12

Norway Aug mainly North Sea and Great Britain,

Denmark, Netherlands, few to France, Spain

Oct-Dec/Jan Apr 1, 2, 3, 5

Finland via Baltic Sea to North Sea and to France

, Spain; overland

to Central Europe as far as S-France,

former Yugoslavia, Algerien, as far as N-

Africa, Black Sea region

1, 2, 3, 6

Denmark SW from Denmark, Netherlands, N-Germany,

W-SW-Europe to NW-Africa

1, 2, 3, 5

Baltic countries via Denmark, Netherlands

June-Aug Western European shores, Mediterranean,

Italy, as far as N-Africa

1, 2, 3, 5, 12

Belgium, Netherlands (partly sedentary); Central Europe to SW-

Europe, some NW-Africa

1, 2, 3, 12

Germany, Switzerland Partially S-SW, along

rivers, some cross N-Italy,

along Po-Valley

end June-Aug (mainly sedentary) Adriatic Oct-Dec/Jan Feb-Mar 1, 3

other Central European countries SW, WSW, along rivers to North Sea region 1

S-France, Spain (mainly sedentary) 1

Central to E-France Mediterranean coasts, as far as NW-Africa 1, 3

Table 2.43: Summary of the movements of Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) from the literature based on published information and ring recoveries in the EURING Data Bank.

217

Finding locations of all dead birds

January February

March April

218

May June

July August

September October

November December

Figure 2.5

5:

Finding locations of all Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) in the

EURING data bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month.

219

2.24 Black Tern (Chlidonias niger)

2.24.1 Numbers and Distribution

Russian and European breeding populations migrate almost entirely to sub-Saharan

Africa, where distribution is predominantly coastal (Figure 2.56). January counts are

concentrated along the west African seaboard from Senegal to South Africa and the

highest concentrations have been recorded in Namibia. Important breeding and

staging areas have been identified in Russia.

The highest January peak counts have been recorded in Namibia at Walvis Bay,

where 61,015 were counted in 2004, and Sandwich Harbour where 24,500 were

counted in 1998. In Russia, 15,000 have been recorded staging at the Neman River

Delta (Svazas et al. 2003) and 5,000 at Kyzlar Bay (Djamirzoyev et al. 2004). The

highest peak count in West Africa was recorded at Lac Nokoue, Benin, where 4,227

were counted in 1998. A total of 3,198 at Hadejia-Nguru, Nigeria, in 1999 is the

highest total from an inland site in Africa. Peak counts exceeding 1,000 were made at

four sites in Ghana, four in Benin and two in Gabon. The highest of these were at the

Densu Delta and at Keta Lagoon (both in Ghana) where totals around 2,400 were

counted in 1997 and 2002.

Table 2.44: Black Tern Chlidonias niger: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe,

Africa, West and Central Asia where 10 or more have been recorded.

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Azerbaijan Sangachal Cape 1997 24 J 17

Benin Lac Nokoue 1998 4227 J 17

Benin Bas Delta Du Mono 2001 1650 J 17

Benin Lac Sele 1996 1170 J 17

Benin Lagune De Porto Novo 1996 1010 J 17

Benin Lac Aheme 1998 477 J 17

Benin Complexe Aho 1996 380 J 17

Benin So 1998 372 J 17

Benin Lagune Cotière 1996 250 J 17

Benin Cotonou 1996 242 J 17

Benin Fleuve Oueme 2004 70 J 17

Benin Sea And Beach Near Togbin Daho 1996 50 J 17

Benin Oueme - So: Nw Depression Valley 1996 30 J 17

Benin Mono District 1996 15 J 17

Cameroun Rio Del Rey 1994 200 J 17

Gabon Gabon Sud 1992 1694 J 17

Gabon Baie De Corisco 1992 1082 J 17

Gabon Baie Du Cap Lopez 1992 195 J 17

Gabon Estuaire Du Gabon 1992 108 J 17

Gabon Baie De Mondah - Pointe Moka 1998 50 J 17

Gambia Tanbi Wetland Complex: Bund Road Estuary & Ponds 1993 29 J 17

Gambia Bao Bolong Wetlands Réserve 2004 20 J 17

Ghana Densu Delta Ramsar Site 1997 2440 J 17

Ghana Keta Lagoon Complex Ramasar Site 2002 2422 J 17

Ghana Songhor Lagoon 1997 1700 J 17

Ghana Muni Lagoon 1998 1350 J 17

220

Figure 2.56: Black Tern Chlidonias niger. Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia where

100 or more have been recorded.

221

Table 2.44 continued: Black Tern Chlidonias niger

Country Sitename Year Count Type Ref.

Ghana Sakumo Lagoon 2001 586 J 17

Ghana Korle Lagoon 1999 209 J 17

Ghana Esiama Beach 2002 50 J 17

Guinee Rio Kompony Ouest 2000 31 J 17

Guinee Iles Tristao Ouest 2000 30 J 17

Guinee Rio Kompony Est 2000 30 J 17

Guinee Khonibombe 2003 13 J 17

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Hamoun-E-Saberi 1993 707 J 17

Iran Hamoun Lakes Complex: Kuh-I-Khajeh 1993 607 J 17

Iran Govater Bay & Hur-E-Bahu: Bahookalat River 1993 240 J 17

Iran Shaheed Parsa Dam: 2 2003 121 J 17

Iran Oman Sea Coast (Western Part): Pozm Khoor & Bay 2003 29 J 17

Iran Hoor Al-Azim Marshes 1997 25 J 17

Iran Caspian Coast (Gilan): Hashtpar – Anzali 1997 21 J 17

Mauritanie Mahmouda 2004 11 J 17

Morocco Embouchure De L'Oued Moulouya: Nador 1992 200 J 17

Morocco Sebkha Bou Areg = Mar Chica: Nador 1994 25 J 17

Morocco Dayet Al Hafs (Jorf Lasfar) 1992 20 J 17

Namibia Walvis Bay Ramsar Site 2004 61015 J 17

Namibia Sandwich Harbour: Southern Wetlands 1998 24500 J 17

Namibia Sandwich Bay, Namib-Naukkuft Park 2004 15000 J 17

Namibia Mile 4 (Swakopmund) Saltworks 1997 1200 J 17

Namibia Swakop River Mouth 1992 52 J 17

Niger Karandi 1994 15 J 17

Nigeria Hadejia-Nguru, All Quadrats 1999 3198 J 17

Russia Wetlands of Upper Volga, Tver region 1540 B 30

Russia Kuban Delta 1340 B 11

Russia Neman River delta 1000 B 35

Russia Lake Lacha 300 B 24

Russia Neman River delta 15000 S 35

Russia Kyzlyar Bay 5000 S 7

Senegal Ile De Ngor 1999 400 J 17

Senegal Ile Et Plage De Yoff (Ile Jusqu'A La Cite Djily Mbaye) 1999 260 J 17

Senegal Parc National Des Oiseaux De Djoudj 1996 72 J 17

Senegal Niaye De Pikine (Technopole) 1999 55 J 17

Senegal Lagunes De St.Louis (Total) 2002 20 J 17

South Africa Vaal Dam (East) 2004 45 J 17

South Africa De Hoop Vlei 2002 24 J 17

Spain Del Palacio A La Algaida (H) 2001 23 J 17

Tchad Bahi (Bongor) Lifi 2001 25 J 17

The Gambia Tanji Bird Reserve (Bijol Island) 2001 144 J 17

The Gambia Baobolong Wetland Reserve (Illiassa To Conteh Dunoa) 2001 13 J 17

Togo Lente 2001 48 J 17

Togo Nangbeto Aval 2004 48 J 17

Togo Koumongou 2004 31 J 17

Togo Nangbeto Amont 2004 31 J 17

Togo Ognabe 2004 16 J 17

Togo Tambigou 2001 16 J 17

Togo Domaine Gravioux 2004 12 J 17

Togo Pont Koumongoukan 2001 12 J 17

222

2.24.2 Black Tern movements

The Black Tern breeds locally in

continental Europe and eastward to eastern

Mongolia, between about 45°N and 55°N

and also in North America. The species is

migratory and birds breeding in the

Palearctic winter mainly along the coast in

West Africa, but also along the Nile in

Egypt and Sudan.

This species is ringed only in small

numbers in Europe and it is only ringing

carried out in Italy and the Netherlands

that has resulted in more than a few

recoveries. Recoveries from the winter

(November – February) are reported

mainly from West Africa in Benin, Togo,

Ghana, Ivory Coast, Gabon and Senegal.

In April, birds are found in Italy and the

Netherlands and in May further east in Europe and in Siberia. During the breeding

season (June – August) birds are spread out in central and eastern Europe, southern

Russia, southwestern Siberia and in northern Kazakhstan. In June, recoveries start to

appear in the Netherlands and in August also in southwestern Europe and

northwestern Africa. In October only a few recoveries of Black Terns are reported in

Europe. The migration mainly follows the West African coast, both in autumn and

spring, and only small numbers are believed to pass inland over the Sahara desert.

Birds from a large breeding area pass through the Netherlands during summer and

autumn and include birds from breeding areas as far east as southwest Siberia. During

spring, larger numbers seem to pass through Italy on their way to breeding sites in

central Europe and eastward to Siberia, indicating a loop migration.

Figure 2.5

7:

Map depicting the movements

of Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) based on

published information and ring recoveries in

the EURING Data Bank.

223

Black Tern Chlidonias niger

Distribution: from SW-Europe to E-Mongolia

Population

(or part of population)

Autumn Migration

Wintering / Non-breeding Grounds

Spring Migration References

direction / via during location during direction / via during

along Atlantic coast, via

Mediterranean

Aug-Sep Mar-mid May along coasts, W-

Mediterranean, SW-Europe,

loop migration

Mid April, Mid

May (Central

Europe)

1

S-Sweden as far as tropical West-Africa 1, 4

Netherlands S-France, S-Italy W-Africa 2

Denmark (rare) W-Africa 5

Finland W-Africa, (Ivory coast) 1

SW-Siberia via Caspian region, Italy;

passage via Egypt by birds

heading to South Africa (?;

although only vagrants

recorded in East Africa)

Italy, Mediterranean, probably also Southern

Africa, Namibia

1, 11

Table 2.45: Summary of the movements of Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) from the literature based on published information and ring recoveries in the EURING Data Bank.

224

Finding locations of all dead birds

January February

March April

225

May June

July August

September October

November December

Figure 2.58:

Finding locations of all Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) in the EURING data

bank. All birds are presented and also broken down by month.

226

2.25 Discussion: Outbreaks of HPAI in Europe and beyond in 2005-2006

The data provided in this report can be used in a number of ways. For example, they

can be used for locating high risk concentration and mixing areas of Higher Risk

species, and for interpreting, explaining and even possibly predicting outbreaks of

HPAI. In this Discussion we outline the outbreaks of H5N1 HPAI in Europe in early

2006, and use the Mute Swan Cygnus olor as an example. This was a key species in

outbreaks of HPAI H5N1 in Europe in 2005-2006 and a discussion of outbreaks

affecting this species sheds light on the role of wild waterbirds in the spread of the

disease in the winter of 2005-2006 and the following spring.

Numbers and distribution

There are two metapopulations of Mute Swan Cygnus olor in western Eurasia, divided

for the purposes of conservation management into five populations, as follows:

Population Population estimate Population trend

Mainland NW & Central Europe 250,000 Increasing

Britain 37,500 Increasing

Ireland 10,000 Unknown

Total, NW & Central Eurrope 297,500 Increasing

Black Sea 45,000 Increasing

W & Central Asia, Caspian 250,000 Increasing

Total, Central Asia & SE Europe 295,000 Increasing

Nearly all populations have been increasing for many years, although there are

indications of a decrease in numbers of birds wintering around the Baltic since around

1990, which may be related to reductions in numbers breeding in Sweden and

Lithuania. Recent information on the status of the Central Asia and SE Europe

population is lacking, and the estimates for these populations have not been changed

since 1996. Increasing numbers are wintering in the south of the range, for example,

the number of Mute Swans wintering in Italy in normal winters increased from fewer

than 500 in the early 1990s to nearly 2,500 in the early 2000s.

Most important countries and sites

The European country with the highest breeding population of Mute Swans is Russia

with 15,000-20,000 pairs. The following countries (in rough order of importance)

have an estimated 1,000-10,000 pairs: Germany, UK, Ireland, Finland, Netherlands,

Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, France and Lithuania. Romania has an estimated

750-1,000 pairs and all other countries are estimated to hold fewer than 1,000 pairs.

Mute Swans form some sizeable congregations during the winter months (See 2.8

above). The largest recorded by the International Waterbird Census (IWC) are on the

northern Black Sea coast of Ukraine, where 14,510 individuals were counted in the

eastern Sivash in January 2000, and on the Baltic coast of Denmark where 14,565

were counted at Lolland Northwest in January 1994. Counts in the Baltic have

decreased in recent years and 7,626 were counted at Lolland Northwest in January

2003. Between 1990 and 2004, 12 counts higher than 10,000 were submitted to the

IWC database, of which seven came from sites in Denmark and five from sites in

Ukraine. A count of 8,900 at the Meric Delta in Turkey in the cold weather of

227

January 1999 indicates how some birds from the Black Sea region migrate south in

response to abnormally cold winters.

Movements

The north-west and central European population is largely sedentary, except in the

east, where birds breeding in the Baltic region may move to the Baltic coast for the

winter, and may be pushed further west by unusually cold winters. Some Polish birds

move south and west into Central Europe for the winter.

The population found in Central Asia, southern and south-eastern Europe is more

migratory, but again, movements are strongly influenced by the severity of winter

weather. In most years, the bulk of the population breeding in the Black Sea region

migrates short distances from inland breeding sites to the northern Black and Azov

Sea coasts, although a small number of birds usually migrate further south to the

Danube Delta, Turkey, the Balkan Peninsula and southern Italy. Birds breeding in the

Caspian Sea region show a similar pattern of movement and most of the population

stays close to the Caspian shore throughout the year. In hard winters, large

movements of swans south to Azerbaijan and Dagestan have been recorded.

The outbreak of HPAI H5N1 in Mute Swans in southern Europe February 2006

The outbreak of HPAI H5N1 in Mute Swans appeared more-or-less simultaneously in

early February in Italy, in the southern regions of Puglia, Calabria and Sicily, in

northern Greece near Thessaloniki, and in Bulgaria in the northwestern Province of

Vilin and probably also Varna, on the Black Sea. The outbreak involved small

numbers of birds, but was confirmed as involving H5N1on 11 February. On 12

February, Slovenia also reported a suspected case of H5N1 in a swan on the border

with Austria.

Previous outbreaks in South & East Europe

Outbreaks of H5N1 were reported between October and December 2005 from Russia,

Romania, Croatia, Ukraine and Turkey. A majority of outbreaks in all these countries

involved domestic poultry, but wild waterbirds, especially swans were also involved.

At least 250 Mute Swans died of HPAI H5N1 in the Volga Delta on the north coast of

the Caspian Sea in November 2005 and considerable numbers (probably hundreds,

widely reported as being Whooper Swans) also died in the Danube Delta region of

Romania. Small numbers of Mute Swans also died at fish ponds in Romania and

Croatia in November 2005, where the use of infected poultry manure for fertilisation

was suggested as being a possible cause.

Possible causes of the February 2006 outbreak in swans in southern Europe

January 2006 was exceptionally cold throughout Eastern Europe and there is little

doubt that this caused cold-weather movements of Mute Swans to the southern and

western extremities of their normal wintering range. These outbreaks added to the

evidence that infected birds may be capable of migration. This population of swans

had already been infected with H5N1 earlier in the winter and it seems probable that

they then transported the disease to the secondary outbreak sites. Another possible

explanation is that the disease was spread by a different species, and that the swans,

being highly susceptible to HPAI and conspicuous when they die, and in these cases

weakened by unusually long migratory flights, acted as sentinels of the disease.

228

Development of further outbreaks

Later in February 2006, a Pochard near Lyons in France, and several dozen Mute

Swans in the East Baltic in Northern Germany, died of H5N1 whose origin was

impossible to explain. The spread to small numbers of Tufted Ducks in Sweden in

March seems likely to have originated from these infected wild birds in the nearby

southeast Baltic, an area where large numbers of these two species mix extensively.

Outbreaks in Africa

In Africa, the first outbreaks of H5N1 occurred in northern Nigeria in January 2006.

The spread to West Africa was attributed by some to wild waterbirds, with Garganey

Anas querquedula and Northern Pintail Anas acuta being suggested as likely vectors

because they migrate from areas of Western Siberia and west Russia affected by

earlier H5N1 outbreaks to West Africa, including wetlands in northern Nigeria. An

alternative explanation was that the outbreaks in Nigeria originated from trade in

poultry and poultry products. The origin of these outbreaks was not successfully

explained. By the end of April, cases had been reported in Burkina Faso, Cameroon,

Egypt, Niger, Nigeria and Sudan. These cases all involved domestic poultry, except in

Burkina Faso where only wild birds were affected, and Egypt and Nigeria where both

wild and domestic birds were involved.

The situation in Europe in May 2006

Figure 2.59 is a summary of the outbreaks of HPAI in wild birds in Europe between

January and early May 2006.

Figure 2.59: Source: http://ec.europa.eu/comm/food/animal/diseases/adns/index_en.htm#

By early May 2006, H5N1 HPAI had caused the deaths of wild birds in 13 Member

States of the EU. These countries were Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France,

229

Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and The UK.

In France, Germany and Sweden, domestic birds were also involved. All outbreaks

were relatively small in scale, and all quickly died out or were quickly brought under

control.

The pattern of outbreaks involved most of the regions identified as holding

particularly important concentrations of sites with high numbers of wintering

waterbirds: The Black Sea-East Mediterranean region, The Southwestern Baltic, and

lakes north of the Alps. Beyond Europe, one of the biggest outbreaks among wild

birds was recorded in Azerbaijan, a country where extremely high numbers of

wintering waterbirds are counted. Subjective assessment suggests that H5N1 HPAI

outbreaks in wild birds were more prevelant in early 2006 in regions with a high

density of sites holding large numbers of waterbirds in winter. An exception to this

observation was the southern North Sea region, particularly The Netherlands and The

UK, which hold high numbers of wintering waterbirds, but where only one case of

H5N1 HPAI was recorded, in a Whooper Swan washed ashore in eastern Scotland.

The migration of millions of waterbirds from Africa and Europe, through Europe in a

northerly and easterly direction to Russia in March and April 2006 was predicted by

some to be a likely cause of an accelerated spread of outbreaks involving more

European countries. At the time of writing (early May 2006) the migration is almost

over, but the disease remains apparently rather dispersed in isolated parts of Europe.

Future risks

• Swans are large, conspicuous birds living in open habitats, and dead birds stand a

relatively high chance of being found. If other species were affected by this

outbreak, the chances of finding corpses would be lower. The chances of an

outbreak being undetected might be quite high for some species, especially

inconspicuous ones which use densely vegetated habitats, such as Common Teal

Anas crecca.

• Some Mute Swans associate closely with man, and the risk of infection of poultry

by this species and vice versa is probably higher than for most waterbird species.

The population of Mute Swans in eastern and southern Europe is usually wilder

than its northern and western European counterpart, however, and this risk

probably increased once the disease spread north into this population.

• Mute swans are not highly migratory, but the populations affected by the

exceptionally cold 2005-2006 winter in eastern Europe will have migrated back to

the areas where some may have picked up the disease, and to their breeding range

further east and north in Europe, mainly in Ukraine and Russia. Most infected

birds would be expected to die, and the extent to which returning migrants will

take the disease with them depends on the proportion of the population that can

carry the disease without showing symptoms. This is currently unknown.

• Another possibility is that waterbirds of at least 30 species, which will have

migrated north and east through infected parts of southern Europe in March and

April 2006 might have mixed with infected Mute Swans and become infected

themselves. It seems possible that these infected waterbirds of other species could

then have migrated to many parts of Europe, taking the disease with them. If this

230

had happened to a great extent during the spring migration in 2006, it is likely that

evidence in the form of dead birds would have been found. Unfortunately, the

extent to which this mixing of species might cause onward transmission, and the

species and sites that pose the greatest risk are not yet understood.

• Even though the scale of the outbreaks during the spring migration of 2006 was

smaller than some experts predicted, it seems possible that the disease may persist

in some wild waterbird populations, and that these populations will continue to be

affected in future. The wetlands in the north European and Siberian breeding

grounds of many of these species apparently provide conditions favourable to the

survival and spread of HPAI viruses, and immature birds are thought to be more

susceptible to the disease than adults. It therefore seems possible that outbreaks of

HPAI in wild waterbirds will continue in the years to come.

231

3. Rapid assessment of ornithological data

at site level

3.1. Introduction

Outbreaks of H5N1 among wild birds usually occur at the level of wetland sites. They

often occur unexpectedly, confronting site managers with an emergency situation,

which demands quick action. Managers, together with local and national authorities

will have to take decisions with respect to restricting human use of the site,

monitoring bird mortality and sampling for virus prevalence. Any outbreak of H5N1

in a wetland site will also lead to a series of questions, which necessitate quick

answers.

Such questions include:

- How many birds are infected and which species are involved?

- Are there Higher Risk species present and in what numbers?

- Is there a special risk for transmission of the virus to poultry in the neighbourhood

and if so, which species can be expected to be involved?

- Are there endangered species present which might need special attention and/or

protection?

- Are there any neighbouring sites to which the virus might spread because they are

commonly used by the same birds?

- What is the position of the site in the flyways of migratory waterbirds and can any

prediction be made with respect to spread of the disease at a larger geographical

scale?

- What is the timing of migration for higher risk species occurring at the site?

Answering these questions makes it necessary to quickly analyse ornithological data

which might be managed by different organizations and/or individual ornithologists.

This chapter deals with the development of a Rapid Assessment Format for

Ornithological Data in case of an Outbreak of H5N1. Its aim is to give some guidance

to site owners and site managers to help them prepare for an outbreak of H5N1 in

their wetland area. Since wetland sites vary greatly with respect to size, habitat

characteristics, ornithofauna, human use and other aspects, the format provided is of a

very general nature. Its main purpose is to guide and stimulate site managers to

seriously consider possible future events, to prepare for an outbreak of HPAI, and to

develop a strategy in anticipation of the possible spread of the disease to their site.

3.2 Procedure followed

We first developed a draft Assessment Format by listing the following site-related

information and attributes which are considered to be fundamental in preparing for an

H5N1 outbreak:

1. General information on the site (location, size, ownership)

232

2. Short description of the general and ecological characteristics of the site

(accessibility, habitat characteristics, human use)

3. The occurrence of vulnerable bird species (status, numbers and seasonal presence

of higher risk species, species with a high “contact risk with poultry” and

endangered species)

4. Places with high concentrations of vulnerable bird species within the site

5. Local movements of vulnerable bird species to neighbouring sites

6. Position of site in flyway and consequences of bird movements for further spread

of H5N1

7. Human use of the site and its disturbance effects

8. The existence of poultry farms within a radius of 10 km of the site

9. Measures to be considered in case of an outbreak

10. Data sources

After the assessment format had been developed and guidelines for its use added, it

was tested for the following sites (Figure 3.1):

- National Park Schiermonnikoog (Island in the Wadden Sea in the north of the

Netherlands)

- The Camargue (Delta of the river Rhône in the south of France)

- Djoudj National Park (part of the delta of the Senegal river in the north of

Senegal)

- Eastern Sivash (system of lagoons and lakes bordering the Sea of Azov, Crimea,

Ukraine)

Figure 3.1: sites where the Assessment Format was tested, and for which

results are presented in this chapter.

233

The sites were selected on the basis of their different geographical locations on the

flyways of waterbirds migrating through Europe, as well as their different sizes,

abiotic and biotic characteristics. Further differences were that National Park

Schiermonnikoog and the Djoudj National Park were not under direct threat of an

outbreak of H5N1. In the Camargue, however, H5N1 had been recorded at a distance

of 50 km from the park in February 2006, and a series of outbreaks had taken place in

the Eastern Sivash in the period October 2005-February 2006.

The site assessments were compiled by Wetlands International staff from the offices

in Wageningen, Kiev and Dakar, in collaboration with the managers of the sites, and

by staff of the Biological Station at Tour Du Valat in The Camargue. Finally, the draft

format (presented as Annex 3.1) was adapted on the basis of the experience gained

with the different sites tested.

Ornithological data are often spread over different organizations and a variety of

“owners” may need to be approached in order to obtain all relevant data for a

particular site. In general, site managers will know best where relevant data can be

found. A number of international organizations manage large ornithological

databases, sometimes dealing with information about bird populations at a global

scale. Besides, in many EU member states some larger organizations either manage

national databases or might give guidance as to where relevant information might be

found.

234

3.3 Site assessments

3.3.1 National Park Schiermonnikoog, the Netherlands

1. General information

Name of site: National Park Schiermonnikoog

Country: The Netherlands

Coordinates: “53° 28’ N – 06° 11’ E

Size: 6800 ha

Managing organization: Vereniging Natuurmonumenten, Noordereinde 60,

1243 JJ ’s-Graveland, The Netherlands,

Tel: +31 (0)35-6559933

2. Short description of the site

Topography

The National Park Schiermonnikoog consists of the island of Schiermonnikoog and

parts of the North Sea and Wadden Sea adjacent to the island (see Figure 3.2). The

island measures 15 x 3 km. There is one village at the western end of the island with

approximately 1000 inhabitants. There are several houses in the dunes NW of the

village and in the Banckspolder, mainly used for recreational purposes. The island can

be reached from the mainland by ferry (3-5 times/day).

Schiermonnikoog is one in a chain of islands forming a barrier between the North Sea

and the shallow Wadden Sea. The Dutch Wadden Sea (total length 120 km) is

characterized by extensive tidal flats, intersected by numerous creeks and channels. In

the east the area is connected with the ecologically similar German and Danish

Wadden Sea together forming the International Wadden Sea.

Figure 3.2: Topography of the Island of Schiermonnikoog with national park boundaries and main

habitat types indicated

235

Habitat types

The main habitat types of the site are (see Figure 3.2):

- sandy beaches (along North Sea coast and at western and eastern tips of island)

- dunes (forming the central part of the island and situated in ridges parallel to the

North Sea coast (younger dunes) as well as directed from NW to SE (older

dunes))

- salt marsh with creeks (Oosterkwelder and Strandvlakte)

- grassland polder protected by dike in the south (Banckspolder, not included in

National Park)

- freshwater lakes (Westerplas, Kooiplasjes)

- duck decoy (Eendenkooi, at eastern edge of polder)

- pine forest (1e dennen and 2e dennen, north of village),

- tidal flats with creeks and channels (Wadden Sea, south of island).

Water depth, water temperature and hydrology

Water depth of the North Sea gradually increases in a northward direction with the 20

m depth line at 3 - 4 km from shore. The incoming tide enters the Wadden Sea

through channels east and west of the island. The Wadden Sea is intersected by

numerous creeks and channels of varying depth (maximum 10 m). About 70-80% of

the area consists of tidal flats which are submerged during high tide. Relatively high

water temperatures can be reached in shallow pools with stagnant water.

3. Occurrence of vulnerable bird species in site

Numbers and seasonal presence of higher risk species

Table 3.1: Numbers and seasonal presence of higher risk species occurring in relatively large numbers

in Nationaal Park Schiermonnikoog. Mean numbers are based on counts carried out on the high tide

roosts in the period 1961-2004; maximum numbers are given for the period 1966-2004. For more

details see Table 3.2.

Migration and/or wintering period

Species

Breeding

pairs 2001

period

mean

number

maximum

number

Greylag Goose

Anser anser

32 Oct-Febr 70-200 1300

Barnacle Goose

Branta leucopsis

0 Oct-Apr 800-5000 13012

Brent Goose

Branta bernicla

0 Sept-May 500-2500 6411

Eurasian Wigeon

Anas penelope

1 Sept-Febr 1000-9000 27100

Common Teal

Anas crecca

6 Sept-Febr 200-3200 19190

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

250 June-Febr 200-700 2790

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

1 Sept-Febr 300-1200 4080

Northern Shoveler

Anas clypeata

34 July-Febr 20-70 400

Common Pochard

Aythya ferina

9 Oct & Jan 20-30 45

Northern Lapwing

Vanellus vanellus

174 July-March 10-130 640

Eurasian Golden Plover

Pluvialis apricaria

0 Aug-April 50-450 2000

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa

42

July-August,

March-April

20-40 300

Black-headed Gull

Larus ridibundus

6921 June-Oct 500-8000 18139

Common Gull

Larus canus

839 July-Febr 300-5000 18745

236

237

Table 3.2: Occurrence of higher risk species in Nationaal Park Schiermonnikoog

English name Latin name Status Breeding Migration and/or wintering period

Breeding B

Migrating M

Wintering W

Breeding

pairs 2001

Period Occurrence

Mean numbers

1961-2004

Maximum

numbers

1966-2004

Maximum numbers

autumn-winter-spring

1961-2003

M

Bewick's Swan Cygnus columbianus M 0 Oct-May occasional 40

Mute Swan Cygnus olor B,M,W 1 unclear regular 24

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhnchus M,W 0 Oct-April irregular, passing 600

Bean Goose Anser fabalis M 0 Oct-April irregular, passing 200

Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons albifrons M,W 2 Dec-Febr irregular, passing 700

Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus M,W 0 Nov-Febr rare 1

Greylag Goose Anser anser B, M, W 32 Oct-Febr regular 70-200 1300

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis M,W 0 Oct-April regular 800-5000 13000 7370-9554-13012

Brent Goose Branta bernicla M,W 0 Sept-May regular 1000-2500 6000 3583-2925-6411

Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis M,W 0 Sept-May regular 4

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope M,W 1 Sept-Febr regular 2000-9000 22000 27100-8390-1969

Common Teal Anas crecca B,M,W 6 Sept-Febr regular 500-3200 19000 2055-2412-377

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos B,M,W 250 June-Febr regular 300-600 2800

Northern Pintail Anas acuta B,M,W 1 Sept-Febr regular 400-1000 4000 4080-3567-67

Garganey Anas querquedula B 1 unclear scarce

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata B,M,W 34 July-Febr regular 20-50 400 241-420-44

Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris no records

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina M 0 May-June rare 1

Common Pochard Aythya ferina B,M, W 9 Oct & Jan regular 20-30 45

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula B,M,W 11 unclear regular 10 few tens

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus B,M,W 174 July-March regular 50-120 640 640-150-428

Eurasian Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria M,W 0 Aug-April regular 200-400 2000 1185-1600-2000

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa B,M 42

July-August,

March-April

regular 20-40 300

Ruff Philomachus pugnax M 0

March-April,

July-Aug

regular up to few tens 45

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus B,M,W 6921 June-Oct regular 1000-7000 18139 18139-528-13081

Common Gull Larus canus B,M,W 839 July-Febr regular 1000-4000 18745 14600-10974-1862

238

Presence of other waterbird species which occur in large numbers:

Table 3.3: Numbers and seasonal presence of other waterbird species occurring in relatively large

numbers in National Park Schiermonnikoog. Mean numbers are based on counts carried out on the high

tide roosts in the period 1961-2004; maximum numbers are given for the period 1966-2004.

Migration and/or wintering period

Species

Breeding

pairs 2001

period

mean

number

maximum

number

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

2943 year round 300-4000 10130

Common Shelduck

Tadorna tadorna

337 Sept-March 1000-4000 9900

Eurasian Oystercatcher

Haematopus ostralegus

1294 July-April 6000-23000 55602

Eurasian Curlew

Numenius arquata

74 July-April 2000-9000 15480

Bar-tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica

0 July-May 600-4500 12246

Grey Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

0 Aug-May 300-3000 13611

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

0 July-May 600-3000 55230

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

0 Jan-Oct 7000-16000 50050

Herring Gull

Larus argentatus

10302 Jan-April 1000-6000 28288

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

10679 March-Oct 20-500 21358

Occurrence of bird species identified as posing a special “contact risk with poultry”:

Table 3.4: Occurrence of species identified on Schiermonnikoog as posing

a special contact risk with poultry. All species mentioned occur on the island year round.

Species

breeding

pairs 2001

maximum

number

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

250 2790

Collared Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

91 ?

Jackdaw

Corvus monedula

381 ?

Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

97 10000

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

230 ?

Occurrence of species of high conservation concern:

- Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia (200 pairs breeding in 2001)

- Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus (12 pairs breeding in 2001)

4. Places with high concentrations of vulnerable bird species

Breeding colonies

There are breeding colonies of Eurasian Spoonbill, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull,

Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Common Tern in dunes and saltmarsh

(see Figure 3.3).

239

Figure 3.3: Location of main breeding colonies of Common Gull Larus canus, Herring Gull Larus

argentatus and Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus (combined), Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea

leucorodia and Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus on Schiermonnikoog (period 2001-2005).

Concentrations of resting, foraging or roosting birds

Geese and herbivorous ducks may forage in large groups in the polder and the salt

marsh Oosterkwelder. Geese spend the night on the Wadden Sea. Ducks also

concentrate at the fresh water lake Westerplas. Especially noteworthy are the

concentrations of hundreds of ducks (mainly Mallard) permanently present in the

duck decoy. Some of these ducks are (semi)-domesticated.

Species foraging on the tidal flats (mainly Shelduck, shorebirds and gulls) aggregate

in numbers up to more than 100,000 individuals on the various high tide roosts of the

island (see Figure 3.4).

Figure 3.4: Location of high tide roosts and main foraging areas for Common Shelduck Tadorna

tadorna and shorebirds and gulls Charadriiformes on Schiermonnikoog and the adjacent tidal flats of

the Wadden Sea.

5. Local movements of vulnerable bird species

Shelduck, shorebirds and gulls typically spread over the tidal flats at low tide, often

covering distances of 5 km or more from the high tide roosts. In the non-breeding

240

season, individuals of most species easily move to other parts of the Wadden Sea,

depending on food conditions. In this respect the Wadden Sea should be regarded as

an open system in which these species may freely move from one place to another,

using high tide roosts on different islands (or on the mainland), see Figure 3.5.

Geese (mainly Barnacle Geese) staging or wintering on the island may perform

foraging flights to preferred grazing areas on the mainland (areas inside and near the

embanked area Lauwersmeer, and the polder Anjumer Kolken, see Figure 3.5).

Figure 3.5: Location of main foraging areas on Schiermonnikoog as well as on the

mainland, commonly used by the same local population of Barnacle Geese Branta leucopsis.

In the period March-May Spoonbills which belong to the local breeding population

may forage in ditches in agricultural land in the provinces of Friesland and

Groningen, often covering distances of up to 25-30 km.

6. Position of site in flyway and consequences of bird movements for further

spread of H5N1

General position in flyway

The National Park Schiermonnikoog is situated in the East Atlantic Flyway which

connects arctic breeding grounds of waterbirds in Northern Europe, Siberia,

Greenland and East Canada with staging and/or wintering grounds in temperate

Europe and sub-tropical and tropical regions (North, West and South Africa). Most

waterbird species on Schiermonnikoog follow the coastline, moving in W-SW (205-

215 degrees) direction in autumn and in NE-E (25-35 degrees) direction in spring.

241

Ring recoveries

The EURING database has been searched for direct and indirect ring recoveries for

the 17 species analysed in detail in Chapter 2, the results being given in Table 3.5.

Maps are presented for Lapwing and Black-headed Gull (see Figure 3.6).

Figure 3.6: Finding locations of Northern Lapwing and Black-headed Gull ringed and recovered at

Schiermonnikoog

Table 3.5: Number of direct and indirect ring recoveries for

Schiermonnikoog for higher risk species analysed in detail in Chapter 2.

(EURING data base).

English name Latin name Recoveries

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

2

Greylag Goose

Anser anser

2

Eurasian Wigeon

Anas penelope

5

Common Teal

Anas crecca

14

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

13

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

9

Garganey

Anas querquedula

1

Northern Shoveler

Anas clypeata

2

Lapwing

Vanellus vanellus

55

Black-headed Gull

Larus ridibundus

82

Total

185

Recoveries for Greater White-fronted Goose and duck species are few and all situated

in NW Europe with five recoveries in autumn and winter from southern UK

(Common Teal (1), Mallard (3) and Northern Shoveler (1)). Recoveries for Lapwing

and Black-headed Gull are more numerous and fit well with the known main

directions of movement within the East Atlantic Flyway (Figure 3.6). For both

species, nearly all recoveries are in NE (spring and summer) or SW (autumn and

242

winter) directions. Again, a number of Black-headed Gulls have been recovered from

southern England.

Consequences of bird movements for further spread of H5N1

Shorebird species typically follow the Wadden Sea and any outbreak of H5N1 among

these species can be expected to spread within the international Wadden Sea,

presumed direction of spread to be determined by species ecology and season.

Shelducks perform moult migration and concentrate in numbers up to 100.000

individuals in the German Wadden Sea in July/August. Eider ducks moult in loose

groups more spread out in the Wadden Sea area.

Being rather opportunistic feeders, gulls may visit a variety of habitats, including

open sea, beaches, harbours, agricultural fields, open garbage dumps and urban areas

(mainly Black-headed Gull). This group may pose a special risk for spreading H5N1

to human settlements, but it is extremely difficult to predict any direction of possible

spread by this group.

Geese and herbivorous ducks could probably spread H5N1 to agricultural field or salt

marsh areas on other Wadden Sea islands or on the mainland. During severe weather

conditions geese may show “frost migration”. Barnacle geese usually migrate to the

south of the Netherlands and/or Belgium, whereas Brent Geese may move to southern

England (Kent) and France (Cote Picardy and Morbihan).

7. Human use of site and disturbance effects

Access to the public

Schiermonnikoog is a popular destination for tourists, with about 300,000 visitors

each year. From 15 April – 15 July the dunes and salt marsh (whole area east of

Banckspolder) is closed to the public with the exception of the beaches along the

North Sea. Outside the above mentioned period the whole island is open to the public

with the exception of part of the dune habitat which is especially vulnerable to

erosion.

Hunting regimes

Hunting (mainly Rabbit, Brown Hare, Mallard and Pheasant) is limited to the polder

area (260 ha.) and the ridge of dunes nearest to the North Sea, which has a special

status for coastal defence (100 ha.). Hunting pressure is low.

Other human usage of site

The Banckspolder is used for farming (7 farms). In part of the Oosterkwelder,

extensive cattle, sheep and horse grazing occurs as a vegetation management measure.

There is small scale fishing in the creeks of the Oosterkwelder as well. Scientists of

Groningen University run several ecological projects on birds, observations focusing

on Oosterkwelder and tidal flats. There are two bird ringing stations, the duck decoy

(catching of ducks in October-January) and Groenglop (catching of passerines in July

- November).

243

8. Existence of poultry farms within a radius of 10 km of site

Density, location and nature of poultry farms

There are no (semi-) commercial poultry farms on the island, but a number of farms

and households keep small numbers of chickens and a few ducks and turkeys. These

are partly free roaming although they usually stay in the vicinity of human habitation.

At the edge of the village and the polder there is a small public farm which has been

especially created for children. The animals present (a dozen chicken, ducks and

geese) roam freely within a fenced area and are fed by the public.

Presence of other domesticated animals vulnerable to H5N1

There are numerous domestic cats on the island, some of which have escaped and now

live in the wild. A small number of pigs is kept by the municipality in the “children’s

farm” referred to above. A small number of inhabitants keep domestic goats, sheep or

horses.

9. Measures to be considered in case of an outbreak

Monitoring bird mortality

In case of an outbreak of H5N1 monitoring for dead and moribund birds should take

place at regular internals (preferably twice a week) and with a focus on higher risk

species.

Places to be inspected are:

- preferred foraging areas of geese (Banckspolder, Oosterkwelder)

- preferred foraging/resting areas of ducks (special attention to duck decoy)

- high tide roosts of shorebirds and other species foraging in the marine and littoral

zone (inspection of roosting places as well as the high tide line along the dike

south of the Banckspolder and the North Sea beach).

Monitoring activities should take place in such a way that disturbance of

concentrations of birds is kept to a minimum, i.e. visiting high tide roosts and high

tide lines at low tide.

Sampling wild birds for the occurrence of AI

The duck decoy, which is well equipped for catching ducks (ringing program) offers a

unique possibility to catch and sample Mallard and to a lesser extent also Northern

Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon and Common Teal for AI virus analysis. The duck decoy is

already involved in the Dutch AI sampling program.

Restrictions with respect to human activities in and near site

Restrictions should aim at minimizing the risk of further spread of H5N1, inter alia

through avoiding disturbance of wild birds.

Measures to be considered are:

- closing parts of the island to the public (Oosterkwelder, Westerplas, beaches, part

of Wadden Sea area)

244

- closing Berkenplas (fresh water pool in dunes) for swimming

- ban on hunting and bird catching/ringing activities

- ban on collecting eggs of Northern Lapwing (March-April)

- closing of the children’s farm

- keeping cats indoors

- keeping racing pigeons indoors

- ban on feeding birds in the village (it often attracts Black-headed Gulls)

- avoiding access of gulls to garbage (transhipment dump and garage barrels in

national park)

- restrictions with respect to the keeping and transport of poultry (conform

national/EU guidelines)

- restrictions with respect to the keeping of other vulnerable domesticated animals

(conform national/EU guidelines)

- informing the public (announcements on ferry, in hotels, on concentration points

for recreation and information leaflets distributed to all inhabitants).

A surveillance system should be put in place as well for some neighbouring sites, such

as the islands of Ameland and Rottumerplaat, the Lauwersmeer and surrounding

polders (concentrations of geese) and part of the Wadden Sea coast of Groningen and

Friesland.

10. Data sources

- Stuurgroep Avifauna Schiermonnikoog 2005 (redactie). Vogels van

Schiermonnikoog. Uniepers, Abcoude.

- SOVON (databases waterbird monitoring Wadden Sea)

- Wetlands international (International Waterbird Census database)

- Vereniging Natuurmonumenten (management plans, databases breeding and

migratory birds)

- Stichting Nationaal Park Schiermonnikoog

- Ebbinge, B.S., G.J.D.M. Müskens, J.G. Oord, A.J. Beintema & N.W. van den

Brink; Stuurbaarheid van ganzen door verjaging en flankerende jacht rondom het

ganzenopvanggebied Oost-Dongeradeel (Friesland) in 1999-2000.; gepubliceerd:

05 okt 2000; 99 pp.

- Otto Overdijk, manager Nationaal park Schiermonnikoog on behalf of

Natuurmonumenten.

245

3.3.2 Camargue (Rhône delta), France

1. General information

Name of site: Camargue (Rhône Delta)

Country: France

Coordinates: 43° 20’- 43° 43’ N / 04° 06’- 04° 51’ E

Size: 145,300 ha

Managing organizations: Conseil Général des Bouches-du-Rhône, Conseil Général du

Gard, SNPN, Conservatoire du Littoral, Parc Naturel Régional

de Camargue, Station Biologique de laTour du Valat, Les

Salins

2. Short description of the site

Topography

The Camargue, situated in the south of France, extends over an area of 145,300

hectares, between the gulfs of Aigues-Mortes in the west and Fos-sur-Mer in the east

(see Figure 3.7). The base of the delta is formed by 80km of sandy beach. The central

artery, the Rhône, divides into two arms near the town of Arles; the Grand Rhône,

which drains 85% of the land, and the Petit Rhône, which only drains the remaining

15% and tends to silt up at its mouth. These two arms divide the Camargue into three

sectors (from west to east, see Figure 3.7): the Petite Camargue, the Grande Camargue

(or Ile de la Camargue) and the Plan du Bourg. There is a network of roads connecting

the many farms, small villages and towns in the area. The town of Arles (50.000

inhabitants) is situated at the head of the delta.

Figure 3.7: Topography of the Camargue

246

Habitat types

The Camargue is of recent alluvial origin, gently sloping from north to south. The

northern part of the area (north of the Étang du Vaccarès) is characterized by a series

of alluvial ridges of riverine origin with fresh water marshes situated between the

ridges. The central part is largely covered by lagoons of varying salinity. The

southern part, which is periodically flooded, is characterized by saline lagoon

systems, formed by the sea. Habitat types are largely determined by hydrological

regime (degree of flooding) and salinity.

The following types can be distinguished:

- salt marshes and brackish lagoons

- freshwater marshes

- woodland

- meadows

- sandy beaches

- reed beds

- bare ground or salt-steppe, dry in summer and flooded in winter

- cultivated areas

The area under cultivation covers ca. 50.000 ha and consists mainly of rice and wheat

fields, vineyards, horticulture and arboriculture. In large parts of the area there is

extensive grazing by cattle, horses and sheep.

Water depth, water temperature and hydrology

The Ile de Camargue, which is situated between the two arms of the Rhône, is

completely surrounded by dikes, both along the course of the river and along the sea

coast. To serve the needs of agriculture, hunting and nature protection water levels are

managed by a combination of irrigation and drainage: each year about 400 million m3

of river water is pumped into to the area and distributed through a system of channels,

whereas about 200 million m3 is drained away. The area is divided into six

compartments in order to facilitate water level regulation.

3. Occurrence of vulnerable bird species at the site

Numbers and seasonal presence of higher risk species

Generalized figures of higher risk species in all months of the year are given in Table

3.6, showing that several duck species, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff and Black-headed

Gull may occur in numbers exceeding 10,000 individuals. For a long period of time,

aerial counts have been made of swans, geese, ducks, coot and Black-tailed Godwit in

the period September-March. The results of the most recent count (season 2005-2006)

are presented in Table 3.7, showing that the total number of ducks, most of which are

higher risk species, may exceed 100,000 individuals.

247

Table 3.6: Numbers of higher risk species occurring in the Camargue in all months of the year. Numbers are generalized and

based on counts over a period of several decades. They should be read as follows: 1 = 1-10, 10 = 10-100, 100 = 100-1000, etc.

For more information on recent counts of swans, geese and ducks, see Table 3.7.

English name Latin name Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Bewick's Swan Cygnus

columbianus

10 10 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 10 10

Mute Swan Cygnus olor 100 100 100 100 10 10 10 100 100 100 100 100

Greylag Goose Anser anser 100 100 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 100 100 100

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope 1000 1000 1000 10 0 0 0 10 100 1000 1000 1000

Common Teal Anas crecca 10000

1000 1000 10 1 1 100 1000 1000 10000

10000 10000

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 10000

1000 1000 1000 1000

1000 1000 10000

10000 10000

Northern Pintail Anas acuta 1000 1000 100 10 0 0 0 10 100 100 1000 1000

Garganey Anas querquedula 0 10 1000 1000 10 1 1 1000 1000 10 0 0

Northern Shoveler

Anas clypeata 1000 1000 1000 1 1 1 1 100 1000 1000 1000 1000

Red-crested

Pochard

Netta rufina

1000 1000 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 1000 1000

Common Pochard Aythya ferina 1000 1000 100 1 1 1 1 1 1000 10000

10000 1000

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 1000 1000 100 1 0 0 0 0 10 10 100 1000

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 1000 1000 1000 10 10 10 10 10 10 1000 1000 1000

Eurasian Golden

Plover

Pluvialis apricaria

100 100 100 1 0 0 0 10 10 10 100 100

Black-tailed

Godwit

Limosa limosa

1 1000 10000 1000 10 10 10000

10000

100 10 1 1

Ruff Philomachus

pugnax

10 100 1000 10000

1000

1 10 100 100 100 10 10

Black-headed Gull

Larus ridibundus 10000

10000

10000 1000 1000

1000 1000 1000 1000 10000

10000 10000

Common Gull Larus canus 10 10 10 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 10

248

Table 3.7: Number of ducks counted in winter in the Camargue by aerial census: A. Number of ducks per

month in the winter 2005-2006, B-D respectively show mean, minimum and maximum numbers per month

for the period 1964-2001.

A. Census results 2005-2006

Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March

2005 2005 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006

Bewick's Swan Cygnus columbianus

81 101 80

Mute Swan Cygnus olor 950 560 720 570 690 500 480

Greylag Goose Anser anser 85 1 100 1 350 1 800 2 950 1300 4

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope 701 5700 6500 10700 13300 10250 4100

Common Teal Anas crecca 12100 42500 38940 35200 25700 19000 11400

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 31600 36300 36600 26400 36300 24500 7400

Gadwall Anas strepera 4400 9200 10400 15400 18600 23600 10400

Northern Pintail Anas acuta 70 500 1800 1700 730 700 400

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 3100 10450 10100 10800 9300 13500 10500

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufina 1100 1100 1500 2100 4500 3600 2200

Common Pochard Aythya ferina 450 13500 11100 10400 8900 5600 1000

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 0 0 50 400 1000 900 1000

Ducks (unidentified) 1500 2300 9000 1800 2400 1800 1000

B. Mean number 1964-2001

Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope 200 3 400 9 200 12 700 11 400 9 100 1 900

Common Teal Anas crecca 13 500 25 500 33 600 34 500 25 000 12 600 3 900

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 30 000 27 300 26 800 25 100 19 400 11 700 3 500

Gadwall Anas strepera 1 100 3 300 8 600 9 200 8 600 5 100 1 700

Northern Pintail Anas acuta 50 650 1 590 1 600 1 600 1 200 420

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 2 500 5 400 8 000 8 200 7 600 7 000 5 600

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufina 400 400 2 100 2 900 2 900 2 800 1 500

Common Pochard Aythya ferina 1 300 4 100 9 100 8 200 7 100 4 800 1 600

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 0 10 500 1 300 2 600 3 600 1 500

Ducks total (incl. non-identified) 49 000 74 500 104 300 108 000 90 300 60 600 22 800

C. Minimum number 1964-2001

Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope 0 370 3600 4700 150 4100 50

Common Teal Anas crecca 4700 11300 18800 11200 250 2900 1200

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 12700 8200 7000 10700 1900 4700 500

Gadwall Anas strepera 0 300 800 1700 0 1000 400

Northern Pintail Anas acuta 0 0 0 170 0 50 0

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 0 950 2500 3100 50 2400 1700

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufina 100 20 0 300 250 700 200

Common Pochard Aythya ferina 10 100 1100 3000 0 500 0

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 0 0 0 0 0 300 110

Ducks total (incl. non-identified) 25000 37300 ? 56700 3100 30300 9000

249

D. Maximum number 1964-2001

Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope 1700 10200 23500 22800 22700 17200 5800

Common Teal Anas crecca 28000 45300 53900 66100 47600 33000 7000

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 74000 62500 50500 47700 43200 23700 10600

Gadwall Anas strepera 5200 8200 19600 17100 16000 10100 5300

Northern Pintail Anas acuta 400 5900 5100 9400 6300 4100 2800

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 5900 15600 15900 18500 15800 13600 11600

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufina 2400 3600 7450 6900 5500 5900 4200

Common Pochard Aythya ferina 4700 37000 27900 20800 20200 13100 5900

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 5 195 6500 7100 7500 13300 5300

Ducks total (incl. non-identified) 89800 121900 ? 168700 142800 112700 45000

Presence of other waterbird species which occur in large numbers

Generalized figures of other waterbird species occurring in the area in numbers exceeding

1000 (in any month of the year) are given in Table 3.8. Especially abundant (more than

10,000 individuals) are Greater Flamingo, Common Coot, Little Stint, Dunlin and Yellow-

legged Gull.

250

Table 3.8: Numbers of other waterbird species occurring in the Camargue in numbers exceeding 1000

individuals in any one month of the year. Numbers are generalized and based on counts over a period of several

decades. They should be read as follows: 1 = 1-10, 10 = 10-100, 100 = 100-1000, etc.

English name Latin name Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Great Crested

Grebe

Podiceps cristatus

1000 1000 1000 1000 100 100 100 100 100 1000 1000 1000

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

1000 1000 1000 10 1 1 1 10 10 1000 1000 1000

Cattle Egret

Bubulcus ibis

1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000

Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000

Purple Heron

Ardea purpurea

0 0 100 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 10 0 0

Greater Flamingo

Phoenicopterus

ruber

1000 1000 10000

10000

1000 1000

Shelduck

Tadorna tadorna

100 1000 1000 100 100 100 100 1 100 1000 1000 100

Gadwall

Anas strepera

1000 1000 1000 1 1 1 1 10 1000 1000 1000 1000

Water Rail

Rallus aquaticus

1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000

Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus

1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000

Common Coot

Fulica atra

10000

1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 10000

10000

10000 10000

Little Ringed

Plover

Charadrius dubius

1 1 1000 1000 100 1 1000 1000 1000 100 1 1

Great Ringed

Plover Charadrius hiaticula

10 10 100 1000 1000 10 10 1000 1000 1000 10 10

Kentish Plover

Charadrius

alexandrinus

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 1000 1000 100 100 100

Grey Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

100 100 100 1000 100 100 100 100 1000 100 100 100

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

0 0 0 1000 1000 10 1000 1000 1000 10 0 0

Little Stint

Calidris minuta

100 100 100 100 1000 10 10 10000

10000

1000 1000 100

Sanderling

Calidris alba

10 10 10 1000 1000 100 10 10 10 10 10 10

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

1000 1000 10000

10000

1000 100 100 100 1000 10000

1000 1000

Common Snipe

Gallinago gallinago

1000 1000 1000 100 1 0 0 1 1000 1000 1000 1000

Common

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

1 1 10 1000 1000 10 100 1000 1000 100 10 1

Spotted

Redshank

Tringa erythropus

10 10 10 1000 1000 1 100 1000 1000 100 10 10

Green Sandpiper

Tringa ochropus

10 10 10 100 10 100 1000 1000 100 100 10 10

Common

Sandpiper

Actitis hypoleucos

1 1 1 100 100 1 1000 1000 100 1 1 1

Wood Sandpiper

Tringa glareola

0 0 10 1000 100 10 1000 1000 1000 100 1 0

Yellow-legged

Gull Larus cachinnans

10000

10000 10000

Mediterranean

Gull

Larus

melanocephalus

100 100 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 100 100 100 100

Sandwich Tern

Sterna sandvicensis

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 1000 100 100

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

1 1 1 1000 1000 10 1000 1000 1 1 1 1

Occurrence of bird species identified as posing a special “contact risk with poultry”

Generalized figures of species posing a “special contact risk with poultry” and occurring in

numbers exceeding 1000 (in any month of the year) are given in Table 3.9. Wood Pigeon,

Eurasian Jackdaw, Common Starling, Tree Sparrow and House Sparrow occur in numbers

exceeding 10,000 individuals.

251

Table 3.9: Occurrence of species suspected of posing a special “contact risk with poultry” in the Camargue in

all months of the year. Numbers are generalized and based on counts over a period of several decades. They

should be read as follows: 1 = 1-10, 10 = 10-100, 100 = 100-1000, etc. For more information on recent counts of

swans, geese and ducks, see Annex 1.

English name Latin name Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Cattle Egret

Bubulcus ibis

1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

10000

1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 10000

10000

Black-headed Gull

Larus ridibundus

10000

1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 10000

10000

Yellow-legged

Gull

Larus cachinnans

10000

Common

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

1000 1000 100 100 100 100 100 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000

Wood Pigeon

Columba palumbus

1000 1000 1000 100 100 100 100 100 1000 10000

10000

1000

Feral Pigeon

Columba livia

1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000

Collared Dove

Streptopelia

decaocto

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

Magpie

Pica pica

1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000

Carrion Crow

Corvus corone

1000 1000 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 1000 1000 1000

Eurasian Jackdaw

Corvus monedula

10000

Common Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

10000

Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

10000

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

10000

Occurrence of species of high conservation concern

Greater Flamingo breeds in the Camargue in numbers up to 15.000 pairs, which is about 50%

of the European population. Any outbreak of H5N1 in the breeding colony could be

disastrous for the European population. Breeding colonies of Eurasian Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis

and Squacco Heron are regarded of special conservation concern as well.

252

4. Places with high concentrations of vulnerable bird species

Breeding colonies

The Camargue hosts large numbers of colonially breeding waterbirds, such as Greater

Flamingo, herons, egrets, Pied Avocet, gulls and terns (see Table 3.10). During the

past decades Greater Flamingos have bred in Etang du Fangassier. Most other species

show less site fidelity and often change breeding places between years. Such

movements depend on environmental conditions such as flooding, food situation and

disturbance. Locations of breeding colonies and breeding numbers are assessed each

year by the Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat.

Table 3.10: Colonial breeding birds (in pairs) of the Camargue in 2001 and 2002

English name Latin name 2001 2002

Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

380 525

Cattle Egret

Bubulcus ibis

5100 3700

Squacco Heron

Ardeola ralloides

338 312

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

4750 3700

Great white Egret

Egretta alba

16

Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

1163 1867

Purple Heron

Ardea purpurea

900 >600

Greater Flamingo

Phoenicopterus ruber

10.000 13.000

Avocet

Recurvirostra avosetta

301 186

Black-headed Gull

Larus ridibundus

968 1276

Slender-billed Gull

Larus genei

877 659

Mediterranean Gull

Larus melanocephalus

1932 1719

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus cachinnans

>6000 >6000

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

563 619

Sandwich tern

Sterna sandvicensis

1130 1294

Little Tern

Sterna albifrons

83 183

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

337 418

Concentrations of resting, foraging or roosting birds

In the non-breeding period, large numbers of ducks and Common Coot (up to more

than 100,000 individuals, see Table 3.7) concentrate in daytime in the various lake

systems within the area (especially Ligagneau-Vigueirat marshes in Plan du Bourg,

Tour du Valat (St. Seren), the Vaccarès and Consécanière in the Ile de Camargue).

Greater Flamingos winter in all of these areas and in the lower salinity saltpans. The

exact locations where major concentrations of waterbirds are found may change from

year to year and even from month to month. Greater Flamingos, swans, geese, ducks

and Common Coot are counted by aerial census on a monthly basis by staff members

of the Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat.

5. Local movements of vulnerable bird species

There are many local movements of waterbirds within the area which, however, very

much depend on food availability and thus change from year to year and between

seasons. Most prominent are movements of swans and geese between foraging areas

(agricultural fields and natural land habitat) and night roosts (on water bodies). Ducks

have a reversed diurnal rhythm, often being present on and alongside the lakes by day,

253

and performing foraging flights at night to feeding grounds (agricultural fields and

marshes) as far as some tens of km away. Herons and egrets spread over marshes and

water bodies in daytime, usually roosting together in trees. Gulls spread over a variety

of habitats, including urban areas (refuse dumps) and spend the night on open water.

The Greater Flamingo performs foraging flights from the colony up to 50 km away to

the Petit Camargue and Languedoc.

6. Position in flyway and consequences of bird movements for further spread

H5N1

General position in flyway

The Camargue is host to large numbers of birds throughout the year, most species

being migrants. The area is quite centrally-placed within the African-Eurasian region.

Ducks and shore-birds come from Northern Europe and Asia to winter in the

Camargue and elsewhere in the western Mediterranean, more than 30 species of

shorebirds transit the area twice a year moving between destinations as far apart as

Siberia and southern Africa while others, such as the Greater Flamingo, move around

the Mediterranean and West Africa, making the Camargue the most northerly part of

their range.

Consequences of bird movements for further spread of H5N1

The migrant species occurring in the Camargue cross the European continent in spring

on their way north and in autumn, on their way south, they either cross the

Mediterranean Sea or the Iberian Peninsula. Any outbreak of H5N1 among migrant

species could be expected to spread to other areas, these depending on the species’

ecology and season.

Shelducks from the Camargue perform moult migration (June-August) to the German

Wadden Sea, returning south again in winter.

Being rather opportunistic feeders, gulls may visit a variety of habitats, including

open sea, beaches, harbours, agricultural fields and urban areas, in particular rubbish

dumps. Waste from the city of Marseille is deposited at Entressen, close to the

Camargue, this being the largest open air dump in Europe. Gulls may pose a special

risk for spreading H5N1 to human settlements.

Ring recoveries

The EURING database has been searched for direct and indirect ring recoveries for

the 17 species analysed in detail in Chapter 2, the results being given in Table 3.11.

Maps are presented for Gadwall, Common Teal, Common Pochard and Black-headed

Gull (see Figure 3.8).

254

Figure 3.8: Direct and indirect ring recoveries for Gadwall Anas strepera, Common Teal Anas crecca,

Common Pochard Aythya ferina and Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus ringed or found in the

Camargue (EURING database).

255

Table 3.11: Number of direct and indirect recoveries involving the Camargue

for higher risk species analysed in detail in Chapter 2. (EURING data base).

English name Latin name Recoveries

Mute Swan Cygnus olor 20

Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons 1

Greylag Goose Anser anser 1

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope 5

Gadwall Anas strepera 104

Common Teal Anas crecca 198

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 31

Northern Pintail Anas acuta 18

Garganey Anas querquedula 16

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 46

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina 25

Common Pochard Aythya ferina 43

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 18

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 15

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus 94

Black Tern Chlidonias niger 1

Total

636

For nearly all species (also those not depicted in Figure 3.8) recoveries are widespread

but restricted to Europe, with a relatively small number of recoveries from European

Russia (Greater White-fronted Goose (1), Mallard (1), Common Teal (9), Eurasian

Wigeon (2), Northern Pintail (2), Northern Shoveler (2) and Tufted Duck (1)). Three

data points (Eurasian Wigeon (2) and Northern Pintail (1)) are situated in the well-

known moulting areas for ducks in the Volga Delta, northern Caspian Sea.

The data for Gadwall, Common Teal, Common Pochard and Black-headed Gull

(Figure 3.8) nicely demonstrate the connections between the Camargue and a large

number of sites all over Europe.

It should be noted that ring recoveries depend very much on human population

density and the likelihood that rings found will be reported. This might explain the

absence of recoveries for ducks from well-known wintering sites in North Africa,

especially the southern Mediterranean Coast, as well as from arctic and boreal

breeding grounds in Asia.

7. Human use of site and disturbance effects

Over one million tourists visit the Camargue each year, mainly from Easter through to

the end of summer. During the summer, visitors are concentrated on the beaches

wherever there is access to the sea. There is considerable leisure activity related to the

cattle and horses of the Camargue and the area is also a mecca for naturalists. Several

parks and reserves allow the public to approach wildlife.

256

Access to the public

Much of the Camargue is out of bounds to the public being situated within reserves.

Furthermore, there are private estates or properties not accessible to the public.

However, visitor facilities are available in various places with nature trails, hides etc.

Hunting regimes

Hunting pressure is high outside of the reserved areas (waterfowl, wild boar, rabbits).

Other human usage of site

Reed cutting

Fishing

Ricefields

Cattle and horses

8. Existence of poultry farms within a radius of 10 km of the site

Density, location and nature of poultry farms

No poultry farms. Few farms for ducks and pheasants to be released for hunting.

Households may keep small numbers of chicken (and a few ducks and turkeys).

Hunters use domestic ducks as decoys to attract wild ducks.

Presence of other domesticated (and wild) animals vulnerable to H5N1

Dogs (especially hunting dogs), cats in villages, Wild boar, Coypu are abundant and

tame.

9. Measures to be considered in case of an outbreak

Monitoring bird mortality (when and where)

In case of an outbreak of H5N1 monitoring for dead and moribund birds should take

place at regular intervals (preferably twice a week) and with a focus on higher risk

species. Monitoring activities should take place in such a way that disturbance of

concentrations of birds is kept to a minimum. If an outbreak occurs in summer, places

to be inspected should include the flamingo colony in the Salins de Giraud which

could only be done by the Tour du Valat team in association with the salt company,

and the colonies of tree-nesting herons which are all on private land. In winter,

inspections should focus on concentrations of swans, geese, ducks and common Coot,

places to be chosen on the basis of the most recent aerial survey.

Sampling wild birds for the occurrence of AI (where, which species)

The duck traps on the Tour du Valat are already being used to sample for AI virus and

for ringing surface-feeding ducks. This should be continued and intensified in case of

an outbreak.

Restrictions with respect to human activities in and near site (hunting ban, closed

areas, restrictions for keeping domesticated animals, etc.)

Restrictions should aim at minimizing the risk of further spread of H5N1, inter alia

through avoiding disturbance of wild birds.

257

Measures to be considered include:

- Closing part of the area to the public and minimizing other human use as far as

this may disturb bird concentrations

- Ban on hunting

- Restrictions with respect to the keeping and transport of poultry (conform with

national/EU guidelines)

- Restrictions with respect to the keeping of other vulnerable domesticated animals

(conform with national/EU guidelines)

10. Data sources

- Ornithological databases of the Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat.

- Isenmann P. 2004/ Les Oiseaux de Camargue et leurs habitats. Une histoire de

cinquante ans 1954-2004. Buchet-Chastel, Paris.

- Tamisier, A. & Dehorter, O. 1999. Camargue Canards et Foulques:

fonctionnement et devenir d’un prestigieux quartier d’hiver. C.O.Gard, Nimes.

- Rocamora, G. 1994. Les Zones Importantes pour le Conservation des Oiseaux en

France. Ministère de l’Environnement, BirdLife International, LPO.

258

3.3.3 Eastern Sivash, Crimea Autonomous Republic, Ukraine

1. General information

Name of site: Eastern Sivash (part of Sivash Lake)

Country: Crimea Autonomous Republic, Ukraine

Coordinates: N 45.255754 - 46.184015° – E 34.389325 - 35.470045°

Size: 1 650 km

2

(165 000 ha)

Managing organization: none

2. Short description of the site

Topography

The Eastern Sivash is the largest part of the Sivash Lake (Figure 3.8). It lies to the

south of the town of Genichesk and includes parts of Novotroitsky and Genichesk

Rayons (Kherson Oblast), and parts of Dzhankoy, Nyzhnyogirsky, Sovetsky,

Kirovsky and Leninsky Rayons (Crimea Autonomous Republic). The Eastern Sivash

covers much of the west coast of the Azov Sea on the north-eastern coast of the

Crimean Peninsula. All the different parts of the Eastern Sivash are joined together by

a system of narrow straits, and one strait in the east unites it with the Azov Sea. The

bay is shallow, saltwater, with an indented, mostly low-lying shoreline and numerous

spits and islets, as well as a large number of saline lowlands and peninsulas. It is

separated from the Azov Sea by a large, low-lying peninsula (Arabatska Spit), and has

only one narrow connection to the Azov Sea.

Habitat types

The main habitat types found in the Eastern Sivash are:

- Shallows and mud flats (situated along the coast line; mud flats are frequently

flooded or exposed under the influence of strong winds);

- Reed beds (mainly in shallow bays with constant or seasonal inflow of fresh

water);

- Sandy (or shell) banks, beaches and islets that cut smaller lagoons and bays off

from the main water area of the Sivash;

- Salt marshes in the depressions around the shallows and mud flats;

- Pastures, which generally surround fields or salt marshes;

- Agricultural fields (winter wheat, various crops) situated on the highest patches of

the terrain, most of them irrigated;

- Rice fields with dense network of irrigation canals make a distinctive artificial

habitat type.

Water depth, water temperature and hydrology

Waters of the Sivash Lake are generally shallow and rarely reach depths of 1.5- 2 m,

but water level varies considerably, depending on the season (in spring it is generally

higher) or time of day and/or wind force and direction. Fluctuations of water level

may range up to 1 m. Extensive areas are intermittently flooded or exposed under the

influence of strong winds. Just within several hours water is brought from one part of

the water body to another. Some shallows totally dry up during the hot season. Canals

259

Figure 3.8: Topography and location of the Eastern Sivash, and locations and sizes of

principal waterbird colonies

bring irrigation or drainage water to most bays. Salinity of water is generally lower at

the outlets of the canals. In summer, water temperatures may rise in shallows up to

27-30 degrees C. In extremely severe winters the water area becomes totally frozen,

while normally it stays clear of ice. Water temperatures in normal winters are around

0 - + 5 degrees C.

260

3. Occurrence of vulnerable bird species at the site

Numbers and seasonal presence of higher risk species:

Table 3.12: Numbers and seasonal presence of higher risk species occurring in relatively large

numbers in the Eastern Sivash. Numbers were derived from all available complete counts carried out in

the period 1991-2005. For species that were likely to be undercounted, an upper limit estimate of

numbers is provided (W – winter(ing), M - migration).

Migration or wintering (individuals)

Species

Status

Breeding

1998

(pairs)

Period Average Min Max Upper

estimate

Mute Swan B M W 42

Aug-

March 3104 205 14510

30000 (W)

Greater White-

fronted Goose

M W 0 Oct-Febr

23940 1784 80000

200000 (M)

Greylag Goose B M W 30-50 Oct-Febr

946 20 3135

22000 (M)

Red-breasted

Goose

M W 0

Nov-

March 4066 2 17070

22000 (W)

Eurasian Wigeon M W 0 Oct-March

2129 15 6810

65000 (M)

Common Teal M 0

Aug-Nov

March-Apr

9736 679 35593

Mallard B M W 438-633 Sept-Apr

23966 657 52649

65000 (W)

Northern Pintail M W 0 Oct-Apr

2799 4 16596

35000 (M)

Garganey M 0

Aug-Nov

March-Apr

19785 1527 42893

Northern Shoveler B M 13-20

Aug-Nov

March-Apr

7183 99 39890

Red-crested

Pochard

B M W 72-128 Aug-April

2796 53 10000

Common Pochard B M W 304-901 Aug-April

10730 26 78433

120000 (W)

Tufted Duck M W 0 Oct-March

25400 11 139189

Northern Lapwing B M W 303-369

Aug-Nov

March-Apr

722 59 1425

Black-tailed Godwit M 0

Aug-Sept

Apr-May

2163 250 6584

Ruff M 0

March-

May Aug-

Oct

68355 39 181770

Black-headed Gull M 0

March-Apr

Aug-Oct

11200 343 35372

Common Gull M W 0 Oct-Apr

1097 210 2221

261

Presence of other waterbird species which occur in large numbers:

Table 3.13: Numbers and seasonal presence of other waterbird species occurring in relatively large

numbers in the Eastern Sivash. Numbers were derived from all available complete counts carried out in

different seasons in 1991-2005. For species that were likely to be undercounted an upper limit estimate

of numbers is provided. B = breeding, M = migrating, W = wintering. Only species that yield a total of

over 1000 on at least one seasonal count are included.

Migration or wintering (individuals)

Species

Status

Breeding

1998

(pairs)

Highest numbers

recorded in:

Minimum Maximum Estimated

(migration)

Black-necked Grebe

M Aug-Sept 31 2720

Great Crested Grebe

M Aug-Oct 6413 13665

Great White Pelican

M rarely 5534 5534

Great Cormorant

B M 4185 Aug-Sept 4625 63515

Great White Egret

M Aug 1539 1539

Little Egret

M Aug 1572 7927

Grey Heron

M Aug-Sept 1245 2715

Purple heron

M Aug-Sept 283 2065

Greater Scaup

M W Jan 80000 80000

Common Goldeneye

M W Jan 1 5070

Common Shelduck

M W Aug 2393 14336

Common Crane

M Oct 56 4194

Common Coot

B M W 4350 Aug-Nov 2500 247000 350000

Kentish Plover

B M Aug 870 4218

Avocet

B M 1917 Aug 2586 12297

Wood Sandpiper

M Aug, April 792 2875

Common Redshank

B M 1418 Aug 2528 10702

Marsh Sandpiper

M Aug 1908 3082

Little Stint

M May, Aug-Sep 530 5148 26000

Curlew Sandpiper

M May, Aug-Sep 4101 36870 120000

Dunlin

M April-May, Aug-Sep 3295 34668 127000

Broad-billed

Sandpiper

M May, Aug 507 1958

Mediterranean Gull

B M 12165 April-May, Aug-Sep 6492 19593 14000

Black-headed Gull

M April, August 35372 35372

Slender-billed Gull

B M 5382 April-May, Aug-Sep 4655 22839

Yellow-legged Gull

M Aug-Sept 1607 21397

Black Tern

M Aug 104 21492

White-winged Black

Tern

M Aug 12687 36318 42000

Gull-billed Tern

M Aug 1820 1820

Caspian Tern

M Aug 1115 1115

Common Tern

B M 6371 Aug 1276 7928

Sandwich Tern

B M 5103 Aug 5663 9534

Little Tern

M Aug 1946 3573

262

Table 3.14: All available complete counts of higher risk species in the Eastern Sivash (migration and wintering periods) 1991-2005.

Numbers by counting period and year Statistics

Species

April - 2003

April - 2005

August 1998

August 2004

October

2003

January

1991

January

1998

January

2000

January

2001

January

2002

January

2003

January

2004

January

2005

Average

Min

Max

Mute Swan Cygnus olor 523 6606 559 1227 3500 3041 14510 1194 1429

205

3194 1260

3104 205 14510

Greater White-fronted

Goose

Anser albifrons albifrons 3518 80000 40702 9366 52484 6879 14780 1784 5950

23940 1784 80000

Greylag Goose Anser anser 3135 1214 53 800 2552 330 87 20 320

946 20 3135

Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis 500 203 630 17070 2 30 10028

4066 2 17070

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope 700 1095 106 4590 15 329 4663 850 6810

2129 15 6810

Common Teal Anas crecca 679 1863 9702 35593 844

9736 679 35593

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 657 52649 30975 41805 40000 18404 34967 16522

1305

21102 5243

23966 657 52649

Northern Pintail Anas acuta 525 162 26 16596 4 187 2096

2799 4 16596

Garganey Anas querquedula 1527 9229 42893 25490

19785 1527 42893

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 99 536 864 1583 39890 128

7183 99 39890

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina 800 1720 1104 2063 10000 53 3834

2796 53 10000

Common Pochard Aythya ferina 3295 7684 15583 8506 78433 1000 508 200 291 26 2500

10730 26 78433

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 14700 139189 472 106 220 11 23100

25400 11 139189

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 332 1425 1073 59

722 59 1425

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa 250 1225 6584 592

2163 250 6584

Ruff Philomachus pugnax 181770 22834 59324 77808 39

68355 39 181770

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus 343 4557 35372 4527

11200 343 35372

Common Gull Larus canus 210 1078 600 871 1679 661 1668

885

2221

1097 210 2221

TOTAL HIGHER RISK

SPECIES 202341 189379 197943 194110 225953 126415 66501 72015 94195 10024 17175 56877 33445 220117 764140

263

Table 3.15: Occurrence of bird species identified as posing a special “contact risk with poultry”:

B = breeding, M = migrating, W = wintering

Migration or wintering

Species

Status

Breeding

1998

Period Average Min Max Upper

estimate

Mute Swan B

M W

42 Aug-

March 3278 205 14510

30000

(W)

Greater White-

fronted Goose M W

0 Oct-Febr

20372 1784 80000

200000

(M)

Greylag Goose B

M W

30-50 Oct-Febr

1053 20 3135

22000

(M)

Eurasian Wigeon M W

0 Oct-

March 1812 15 6810

65000

(M)

Common Teal M

0 Aug-Nov

March-

Apr

11959 679 35593

Mallard B

M W

438-633 Sept-Apr

24711 657 52649

65000

(W)

Northern Lapwing B

M W

303-369 Aug-Nov

March-

Apr 722 59 1425

Ruff M

0 March-

May

Aug-Oct 68355 39

18177

0

Black-headed Gull M

0 March-

Apr Aug-

Oct

11200 343 35372

Ring-necked

Pheasant B

W

common

all year

round

Great Cormorant B

M W

4185 Aug-Sept

4625 63515

Grey Heron B

M Aug-Sept

1245 2715

Common Coot B

M W

Aug-Nov

2500

24700

0

350000

(M)

Feral Pigeon

common

all year

round

House Sparrow B

W

common

all year

round

Eurasia Tree

Sparrow B

M W

common

all year

round

Black-billed Magpie B

W

common

all year

round

Jackdaw B

W

common

all year

round

Carrion Crow B

M W

common

all year

round

European Starling B

M W

common

March-

Apr, July-

Oct

very

numerou

s

500000

(M)

264

Occurrence of species of high conservation concern:

Species of International Conservation concern (IUCN, European Red List)

- Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis (W) - Up to 17,000 birds migrate/winter

- White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala (M) - Single birds on migration

- Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca (M) - Single birds on migration

- White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla (W) - Tens wintering

- Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus (W) - Hundreds of wintering birds

- Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni (B) - Tens breeding

- Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni (B) - Single pairs breeding

- Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris (M) - Single birds on migration

Species of national conservation concern (Red Book of Ukraine)

- Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides (M) - 179 on migration

- Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus (M) - Maximum 5,534 birds counted

- Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia (B M) - 113 pairs breeding

- Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (B M) - 830 pairs breeding

- Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula (W) - Up to 5,000 birds winter

- Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus (M) - Single birds on migration

- Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus (W) - Hundreds of wintering birds

- Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (B) - Several pairs breed

- Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola (B M) - 573 pairs breed

- Common Crane Grus grus (M) - About 10,000 stop over on migration

- Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo (B M) - 10 pairs breeding

- Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus (B M) - 143 pairs breeding

- Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus (B) - 30 pairs breeding

- Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus (B M) - 934 pairs breeding

- Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus (B M) - 710 pairs breeding, 4218 on

migration

- Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata (M) - 690 birds on migration

- Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus (M) - 52 birds on migration

- Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (M) – 3,082 birds on migration

- Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus (B M) - 2 pairs breeding

- Caspian Tern Sterna caspia (B M) - 360 pairs breeding

265

4. Places with high concentrations of vulnerable bird species

Breeding colonies

Most colonially breeding birds settle on the low-lying spits and islets in the northern

part of the Eastern Sivash (Figure 3.8), which is richer in aquatic feeding resources

than the southern part. Depending on the water level, colonies fluctuate in size and

species composition, but the most important ones are located in the same places every

year.

Table 3.14: Numbers of colonially breeding birds (in pairs) at the most important colonies in the

Eastern Sivash in 1998. For codes of colonies see Figure 3.8

Colony code

Species

SE 21 SE 31 SE 32 SE 35 SE 50 SE 51 SE 53 SE 65 SE 81

Great Cormorant 1700 2485

Avocet 100 86 10 25 807 20 15

Common Redshank 157 30 10 268 11

Yellow-legged Gull 307 109 850 70 551 300

Mediterranean Gull 618 3000 8159 380

Slender-billed Gull 16 3 250 2973 2100

Gull-billed Tern 28 12 490 1420 30

Caspian Tern 360

Common Tern 280 850 128 1500 136 2600 100 400

Sandwich Tern 1400 2200 1500

Little Tern 142 18 34 18 2 300 60 10 80

Total 2817 3159 372 7858 107 16169 6891 155 1980

Concentrations of resting, foraging or roosting birds

The Eastern Sivash is a large area. It is therefore difficult to count all waterbirds in the

area on a regular basis. Altogether 13 (near-)complete counts are available for the

period 1991-2005, carried out in January (8), April (2), August (2) and October (1)

(Table 3.14). These counts, together with other available data for the area, have been

used for an analysis of the integrated density of waterbirds (breeding, migrating and

wintering birds taken together) in the area in different seasons. Analysis used a spatial

database and involved creating a raster model and performing analyses with GIS

software. A summary of the results (integrated density all year round) is given in

Figure 3.9. The figure shows that most waterbird concentrations occur along the

coastline. High concentrations appeared to be related to food abundance and the

absence of hunting. The analysis has been used for identifying high risk areas for the

introduction and transmission of Avian Influenza as far as wild waterbirds are

concerned (see below).

266

Figure 3.9: Density of waterbirds at the Eastern Sivash in all seasons

5. Local movements of vulnerable bird species

Geese (White-fronted and Red-breasted) and to a lesser extent Mallards staging or

wintering in the area perform daily foraging flights to preferred grazing areas inland,

some of which are as far as 10-15 km distant. Distribution of shorebird gatherings

(especially Dunlin and Curlew Sandpiper) strongly depends on the water level at the

foraging sites in lagoons. They quickly move from flooded to exposed mudflats,

which are often situated at a distance of 10-15 km. Ruffs, which forage mostly on the

fields adjacent to the wetland, intensively move between feeding areas and

roosting/drinking sites on the coast. Gulls from breeding colonies or staging birds

(Slender-billed Gull Larus genei, Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus) make

rather distant foraging flights to the fields and over shallows in various directions.

267

6. Position on flyways and consequences of bird movements further spread

H5N1

General position in flyway

The Sivash is a rather important staging area for arctic and boreal breeding species,

many of which use the Black Sea/Mediterranean Flyway both in spring and autumn.

This flyway connects the northerly breeding grounds with winter quarters in the

Mediterranean basin and Western Africa. For some species (White-fronted Goose,

some ducks) the Eastern Sivash is not only a staging, but also a wintering area.

Waterbirds passing the Eastern Sivash in spring head in E or ENE directions, many of

them stopping over in the Caspian Sea region and the extensive wetlands in Northern

Kazakhstan, SW and W Siberia before reaching their breeding grounds. During

autumn migration, waterbirds arriving from these regions concentrate in the Eastern

Sivash, some of them preparing for a long-distance flight in a southerly direction (as

far as South Africa), others undergoing primary wing moult (ducks) or taking a rest

before moving in SW-WSW direction to the Mediterranean basin or further into

western Africa.

Ring recoveries

The EURING database has been searched for direct and indirect ring recoveries for

the 17 species analysed in detail in Chapter 2, the results being given in Table 3.15.

Maps are presented for Mute Swan, Greylag Goose and Mallard (see Figure 3.10).

Table 3.15: Number of direct and indirect recoveries for the Sivash

for higher risk species analysed in detail in Chapter 2. (EURING data base).

English name Latin name Recoveries

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

120

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

9

Greylag Goose

Anser anser

36

Red-breasted goose

Branta ruficollis

1

Eurasian Wigeon

Anas penelope

4

Gadwall

Anas strepera

3

Common Teal

Anas crecca

21

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

192

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

18

Garganey

Anas querquedula

10

Northern Shoveler

Anas clypeata

1

Common Pochard

Aythya ferina

17

Black-headed Gull

Larus ridibundus

54

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

2

Total

488

268

Figure 3.10: Direct and indirect ring recoveries for Mute Swan Cygnus olor, Mallard, Anas

platyrhynchos, and Greylag Goose, Anser anser ringed or found in the Eastern Sivash (EURING

database).

269

For most species the data available are few. Nevertheless a general pattern can be

distinguished which largely confirms the position of the Sivash described above.

The ringing data show migratory connections with:

- wintering areas in Western and Southern Europe (Greater White-fronted Goose,

Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Garganey and Common Pochard)

- spring and autumn staging areas as well as presumed moulting areas along the

Black and Caspian Seas (Greylag Goose, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler and

Common Pochard)

- a large area situated NW-NE of the Sivash where most species of geese and ducks

can be expected either to breed or to pass on the way to/from their breeding areas

(most prominent in Greylag Goose and Mallard (see Figure 3.10).

Rather detailed information is available for Mute Swan Cygnus olor, which completes

its life cycle around the Black, Caspian and Aegean Seas. Breeding probably takes

place to a large extent in smaller inland wetlands, whereas staging and wintering is

concentrated along the shores of the Black and Aegean Seas. Wintering locations are

probably dependent on weather conditions, with cold weather movement taking place

in a SW direction when conditions are severe. This probably was the case when the

species unexpectedly appeared in the south of Greece and Italy, where it was

involved in outbreaks of H5N1 in the winter of 2005-2006

.

Consequences of bird movements for further spread of H5N1

There are well-known connections between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea with

waterbirds moving from the former to the latter in reaction to cold weather.

Furthermore, there is an exchange of waterbirds between the Sivash and other

wetlands in the Black Sea area. Also in this case, waterbirds tend to move westwards

in reaction to cold weather. It is therefore believed that wetlands along the Black Sea

coast are directly at risk in case of an outbreak in the Sivash. In fact the Eastern

Sivash did already face a series of outbreaks of H5N1 in the winter of 2005-2006.

These outbreaks, which occurred in October, November and January were all related

in time with similar outbreaks in wetlands situated in the western part of the Black

Sea (Turkey and Romania). Although there is no firm proof that waterbirds spread the

disease in the area, there is a marked coincidence with their migratory movements.

Arctic shorebirds occurring in the Sivash (e.g. Dunlin and Curlew Sandpiper) might

potentially spread H5N1 to other wetlands in the Mediterranean basin and into Africa.

Ducks, Northern Pintail and Garganey in particular, might be involved in the spread

the disease to wetlands in sub-Saharan West Africa.

Frequent changes of water level in the Eastern Sivash facilitate mixing of different

species of waterbirds and their movements to the small freshwater ponds on the coast,

where they can easily come into contact with domestic birds. In mild winters White-

fronted and Red-breasted geese move daily between roosts and grazing areas,

increasing the risk of spreading the disease inland in the radius of 10-15 km of the

roosts. As everywhere else, gulls may play a linking role in the spread of disease

carrying the virus from concentrations of waterbirds to various water bodies

frequented by domestic birds, but their movements in search of food are hardly

predictable. In August, when their numbers reach a maximum, many gulls and terns

270

forage over agricultural fields and come close to the settlements, roost on the ponds in

the villages or nearby. In winter, during severe weather conditions, parts of the

Eastern Sivash with low salinity may freeze up and then waterbird concentrations

move to the hypersaline water areas in the southern part of Eastern Sivash and Central

Sivash. In the extremely severe winter of 2006 the Sivash became totally frozen and

all wintering waterbirds concentrated along the southernmost coast of the Crimean

peninsula.

Occurrence of outbreaks of H5N1 in the winter of 2005-2006: predicting areas of

special risk

A series of outbreaks of H5N1 occurred in the Eastern Sivash in the winter of 2005-

2006. The first outbreak was recorded in October in the village of Nekrasovka which

is located next to one of the most important waterbird concentration areas in the

Sivash. Many of these waterbirds (especially Greater White-fronted Geese and

Mallards) forage on the agricultural fields near the village where they mingle with

domestic ducks. A second outbreak occurred in November, shortly after a cold spell

had brought thousands of waterbirds to the area, among which were 15.000 Greater

White-fronted Geese. A third outbreak took place in mid January. At that time the

Volga delta had become totally frozen. This resulted in large numbers of waterbirds

leaving the Caspian Sea area, visiting the Eastern Sivash, after which they were forced

further westwards by freezing conditions.

It follows from the above that the onset of outbreaks could in all cases be related to

the existence of waterbird concentrations or major migratory movements of these

birds. After a “new outbreak” had started, there was usually a series of “satellite

outbreaks” which were often away from the larger concentrations of wild waterbirds.

An analysis of the chronology of the outbreaks, their distribution and the

circumstances under which they took place led to the hypothesis that three major

environmental factors might be involved: (1) the presence of wild waterbird

concentrations; (2) the presence of irrigation canals and other small freshwater bodies

near human settlements which might be a source of contact between wild and

domestic birds, and (3) the density of the human population, as a reflection of the

distribution of free roaming poultry.

Shortly after the second outbreak had taken place, an attempt was made to indicate

areas with varying degree of “outbreak risk” on the basis of the above factors using

spatial modelling as applied for the integrated bird density (see Figure 3.9). This time

all three factors mentioned above were integrated. The analysis resulted in a map

indicating areas of medium, high and very high risk which is indicated in Figure 3.11.

The figure shows that most outbreaks were indeed located in the areas of highest and

high risk. Two outbreaks which appeared after the analysis had been made (indicated

as “predicted” in the figure) were also in or next to a high risk area. The analysis

shows that spatial modelling might be a useful tool for indicating areas at risk for

outbreaks of H5N1.

271

Figure 3.11 Estimated outbreak risk and actual outbreaks of H5N1 HPAI in the Eastern

Sivash in early 2006

7. Human use of site and disturbance effects

Access to the public

The coast of Eastern Sivash has a low human population density. Most villages are

concentrated along the North Crimean Canal and its branches, although some

populated places are situated right on the coast close to places of seasonal

concentrations of waterfowl. There is no public access limitation over most of the

area, except for some hunting grounds during the season, and private fish-ponds. The

Crimean coast of the Eastern Sivash is visited by a small number of local people who

work on the adjacent fields, and also by hunters and fishermen. In the northern part of

Arabatska Spit (south of Genichesk) there are some resorts, which are gradually

recovering after the post-Soviet period and enjoy increasing numbers of visitors each

year. Roads over most of the Eastern Sivash coast lack any paving and many areas are

rather difficult to access.

Hunting regimes

Hunting (waterfowl, Pheasant, Quail, Grey Partridge, Brown Hare, Red Fox) is

allowed in autumn (according to Ukrainian hunting law only on Tuesdays and at

weekends). Waterfowl are hunted from mid-August till December; mammals - during

winter. Hunting areas are divided among local hunters’ associations and clubs. Access

to the hunting grounds in leasehold of private hunting clubs is limited. Hunting

pressure is medium, but poaching is rather widespread.

Other human usage of site

The local agriculture is primarily horticultural. Eighty per cent of the area is occupied

by arable land; the remainder is occupied by orchards (2.2%), vineyards (1.2%) and

fallow land (1.2%). Almost half of the cultivated land is under irrigation. Pastures

272

comprise more than 13% of the area. Mostly cattle and sheep are bred. Commercial

fisheries have lost their importance over the last decade and only amateur fishermen

catch fish in the Sivash and some small rivers that flow into it. Some bays of the

Sivash have been turned into fishponds where carps are bred.

8. Existence of poultry farms within a radius of 10 km of site

Density, location and nature of poultry farms (chickens, ducks, turkeys)

An ostrich farm (300 birds) is located south of Strelkovoe village. Ostriches are kept

in a fenced area under the open sky and are at risk of exposure to wild birds.

Villagers throughout the Eastern Sivash commonly keep chickens, ducks geese and

turkeys. Official statistics were shown to underestimate the numbers of poultry in the

private sector. During the epizooty of H5N1 in winter 2005-2006 a total of 29,135

birds were culled in 2,228 households in infected villages. This gives an average of

around 13 birds per household, which is 5 times lower than figures reported by the

veterinary service. Free roaming used to be a widespread practice throughout the

region; poultry and other domestic animals are often kept together. Domestic geese

and ducks also used to visit ponds, rivers, canals and artesian wells in the vicinities of

villages. As the number of freshwater sources is limited, birds from different

households often concentrated in these places, which were frequently visited by wild

birds as well. Currently, the local veterinary service is making efforts to ensure that

people keep poultry indoors and maintain basic rules of biosecurity.

Presence of other domesticated animals vulnerable for H5N1 (cats, pigs)

In the villages around Eastern Sivash cats and dogs are kept in nearly every

household. Villagers also keep pigs, sheep, cows and horses. There are commercial

herds of sheep and cows.

9. Measures to be considered in case of an outbreak

Monitoring bird mortality

In case of an outbreak of H5N1, monitoring for dead and moribund birds should take

place at selected parts of the coast (Dzhankoi bay, sea side of Arabatska Spit) and

several islands and spits (Tup-Tarkhan peninsula, Koyanly Islands, Cjongar Islands)

with a focus on higher risk species. Staff of the Azov-Black Sea Ornithological

Station should be involved. As the distances to walk along the muddy coast-line are

rather large, bird mortality monitoring is feasible on a weekly basis only.

Sampling wild birds for the occurrence of AI

Staff of the Azov-Black Sea Ornithological Station in Melitopol have extensive

experience of catching waders in this area. Mist-netting of shorebirds (Ruff, Curlew

Sandpiper, Dunlin, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Little Stint) can be easily organised at the

known suitable localities in April, May, August, September and October. Possibilities

for catching ducks and other species have yet to be investigated. Fresh faeces from

cormorants, gulls and terns can be collected in sufficient numbers at roosts and on the

colonies. In winter, fresh droppings can be collected from White-fronted Goose at

grazing sites.

273

Restrictions with respect to human activities in and near site

Restrictions should aim at minimizing the risk of further spread of H5N1, inter alia

through avoiding disturbance of wild birds.

Measures to be considered are:

- ban on hunting and control of bird catching/ringing activities

- keeping cats and dogs indoors

- ban on collecting Nereis worms (local fishermen commonly collect Neris

diversicolor on the mudflats, where waterbirds forage)

- restrictions with respect to the keeping and transport of poultry (conform with

national/EU guidelines)

- restrictions with respect to the keeping of other vulnerable domesticated animals

(conform with national/EU guidelines)

- informing the public (local press, on the road upon entering Crimea, information

leaflets distributed in the villages).

10. Data sources

- [Distribution of waterbirds in the Sivash in summer-autumn period.]/

Andryushchenko Yu.A., Chernichko I.I., Chernichko R.N., Dyadicheva E.A.,

Garmash B.A., Gorlov P.I., Grinchenko A.B., Khomenko S.V., Kinda V.V.,

Kirikova T.A., Kostyushin V.A., Nilsen S.O., Nobel P. de, Popenko V.M.,

Roomen M. van, Siokhin V.D., Vinokurova S.V., Winden J.der.//Chernichko I.I.

(ed.). Branta: Melitopol - Sonat: Simferopol, 1999. - 90 p. (in Russian)

- [Numbers and distribution of breeding water birds in the wetlands of Azov-Black

Sea region of Ukraine]/ Siokhin V.D., Chernichko I.I., Andryushchenko Yu.A.,

Anosova I.V., Ardamatskaya T.V., Bagrikova N.A., Belashkov I.D.,

Beskaravainyi M.M., Garmash B.A., Dyadicheva E.A., Zhmud M.E., Zalevski

V.D., Kinda V.V., Kirikova T.A., Kolomichuk V.P., Korzukov A.I., Kostin S.Yu.,

Kostyushin V.A., Koshelev A.I., Matsura A.V., Molodan G.N., Piluga V.I.,

Poluda A.M., Popenko V.M., Rudenko A.G., Rusev I.T., Stoilovski V.P., Tarina

N.A. Chernichko R.N., Yaremchenko O.A.//Siokhin V.D. (ed.). – Branta:

Melitopol-Kiev, 2000. – 476 p.

- International Waterbird Census Database. – Wetlands International, 1991-2004

- GIS on seasonal distribution of water birds in the Sivash area. – Wetlands

International Black Sea Program, 2003-2006

274

3.3.4 Djoudj National Park, Senegal

1. General information

Name of site: Djoudj National Park

Country: Senegal

Coordinates: 16° 30’N and 16°10’W

Size: 16000 ha

Managing organisation: Direction des Parcs Nationaux du Sénégal

National Parks Department P.O. Box 5135, Dakar-Fann, tel.

+221 832 2309

2. Short description of the site

Topography

Djoudj National Park is a large wetland in the Senegal River Delta (Figure 3.12).

Some dunes with Tamarix vegetation lie in the North-east and in the south of the park.

There is also a small dune system in the centre. There is no settlement inside the park

but 7 villages are located in the buffer zone with a total population estimated at 3,800

individuals.

Djoudj national Park is one element of the complex of wetlands in the Senegal River

delta (e.g. Diawling National Park, Mauritania, and Les Trios Marigots, Djeuss

Marigot, Ndiaël Ramsar Site and Guembeul Reserve, Senegal). Djoudj is regularly

flooded by fresh water coming mainly from the Senegal River through two dams, the

Djoudj and Crocodile infrastructures.

Djoudj can be reached by car from Saint-Louis, regional Capital after 60km and from

Ross Béthio at a distance of 15 km. Djoudj is a tourist destination and in some

seasons, light aircraft can land at the small airport. Djoudj is open for tourism during 8

months from October to the end of May.

Figure 3.12: Topography and Vegetation types in the Djoudj national park

275

Habitat types

The main habitat types of the site are indicated on the vegetation map (Figure 3.12).

About 80% of the total area is permanently flooded, providing excellent habitat for

waterbirds for resting, foraging and nesting. The vegetation is mainly Typha on the

western side, Phragmites in the centre and widely, Sporobolus sp. In the open water,

there are two species of Water lilies, an important source of food for ducks and geese.

The dunes are located in the south covered mainly by Tamarix vegetation.

Water depth, water temperature and water hydrology

The main river, called Djoudj, is 1.8 m deep between November and January. The

water level decreases from February to June and the surrounding wetlands become

completely dry.

The minimum temperature between January and August varies from 13° to 25°C,

and the maximum from 30°C to 39°C between February and March.

The Flood gates of the Djoudj River and Crocodile River control the water level in the

park with the aim of maintaining optimal breeding success and feeding conditions for

waterbirds.

The water level determines the quality and the quantity of food available to

waterbirds, and also determines the ecological character of the park

3. Occurrence of vulnerable bird species at the site

Numbers and seasonal presence of higher risk species

Table 3.16 shows the Higher Risk species identified in Chapter 1 that occur regularly

at the Djoudj. The most numerous of these are (in order of abundance) Garganey,

Ruff, Northern Pintail and Northern Shoveler. Two species in Table 3.16 are Globally

Threatened according to IUCN Criteria: Marbled Teal, which is Vulnerable and

Black-tailed Godwit which has recently been classified as Near-Threatened.

Table 3.16: Numbers and seasonal presence of higher risk species occurring regularly in Djoudj

National Park. Numbers are based on January counts carried out in the period 1990-2006.

Species

Status Occurrence period Mean

number

Maximum

number

Eurasian Wigeon

Anas penelope

M Regular Oct_March 73 420

Common Teal

Anas crecca

M Regular Oct_March 183 1418

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

M Regular Oct_March 76256 119460

Garganey

Anas querquedula

M regular Oct_April 101638 221840

Northern Shoveler

Anas clypeata

M Regular Oct_April 10718 15665

Marbled Teal

Marmaronetta angustirostris

M Irregular Nov-March 2 2

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa

M Regular Oct_April 1653 2155

Ruff

Philomachus pugnax

M Regular Oct_May 62867 190000

Presence of other waterbird species which occur in large numbers:

Table 3.17 summarises the other waterbird species that occur in high numbers at the

Djoudj. Most of these are resident or inter-African migrant species, but Eurasian

Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, the five wader species and both tern species migrate to

and through Europe.

276

Table 3.17: Numbers and seasonal presence of other waterbirds species occurring in relatively in large

number in Djoudj National Park. All species regularly occur in the area. Numbers are based on counts

carried out in January in the period 1990-2006. M = migrant, B = breeding.

Species status Mean

number

Maximum

number

Little Grebe

Tachybaptus ruficolis

M 85 361

Great White Pelican

Pelecanus onocrotalus

B 9696 25190

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

B 2438 5936

Long-tailed Cormorant

Phalacrocorax africanus

B 795 2421

African Darter

Anhinga rufa

B 264 785

Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

B 348 840

Great White Egret

Egretta alba

B 522 3413

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

B 122 245

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nyctocorax

B 3999 10052

Yellow-billed Stork

Mycteria ibis

M 197 456

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

M 278 633

Sacred Ibis

Threskiornis aethiopicus

M 124 293

Eurasian Spoonbill

Platalea leucorodia

M 622 1965

Greater Flamingo

Phoenicopterus ruber roseus

M 13150 28200

Lesser Flamingo

Phoenicopterus minor

M 3741 11655

White-faced Whistling Duck

Dendrocygna viduata

B 36223 120683

Fulvous Whistling Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

B 2672 16093

Knob-billed Duck

Sarkidiornis melanotos

B 1560 8993

Spur-winged Goose

Plectropterus gambensis

B 863 1807

Egyptian Goose

Alopochen aegyptiacus

B 74 86

Black-Crowned Crane

Balearica pavonina

B 125 35

Black-winged Stilt

Himantopus himantopus

M 735 5501

Pied Avocet

Recurvirostra avosetta

M 819 5501

Little Stint

Calidris minuta

M 426 3655

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

M 16 172

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

M 62 102

Caspan Tern

Sterna caspia

M 63 182

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

M 08 29

Occurrence of bird species identified as posing a special “contact risk with poultry”:

The following species which occur at the Djoudj have been identified as also

frequently occurring in the neighbourhood of human habitation and free roaming

poultry:

- Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

- Black Kite Milvus migrans

- Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus

- Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis

- Blue-naped Mousebird Urocolius macrourus

- Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus

- Pied crow Corvus albus

- Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus

- Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus

- Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala

277

Occurrence of species of high Conservation concern:

- Black-crowned Crane Balearica pavonina: 150 breeding pairs

- Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia: 600 non-breeding individuals (January

count)

- African Pygmy Goose Anas auritus: 40 non-breeding individuals (January count)

- Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris Irregular non-breeding visitor in small

numbers.

4. Places with high concentrations of vulnerable bird species

Breeding colonies

There are extensive colonies of Great White pelican, Wood Ibis, Knob-billed Goose,

White-faced Tree Duck, Egyptian Goose, Spur-winged Goose, African Spoonbill,

Sacred Ibis , Black-crowned Night Heron, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Great White

Egret, Great Cormorant, Long-tailed Cormorant and African Darter (see also Figure

3.13).

Concentrations of resting, foraging or roosting birds

Northern Pintail, Garganey and Northern Shoveler may rest or forage in large groups

at Grand Lac, Khar marsh and on Thieguel River and in its surroundings. During

night time, they leave the park to visit Senegal River Marshes for feeding.

The White-faced Whistling Ducks aggregate in numbers up to 10,000 on the Djoudj

river, at Grand Lac and at Khar river and lake (see Figure 3.13).

Ruffs and Black-tailed Godwits aggregate in large groups in Grand Lac and

surroundings for resting and roosting.

Figure 3.13: Areas of concentration for some waterbirds in the Djoudj

278

5. Local movements of vulnerable bird species

Pintails, Shovelers, Garganeys, Ruffs and Black-tailed Godwits often move locally

between Djoudj marshes and surrounding wetlands. Ruffs and Black-tailed Godwits

usually forage in the rice fields in the northern part of the park as well as elsewhere

along the Senegal river. At a local scale, a number of wetlands in the lower Senegal

delta are often used by the same bird populations for feeding and roosting. The

distribution of these birds appears to be primarily determined by the presence of food,

water (flooding) and safety (hunting, predators). See also under 6.

6.

Position of site in flyway and consequences of bird movements for further spread

H5N1

General position in flyway

The Djoudj National Park is situated in the East Atlantic Flyway in the Sub-Saharan

zone. It connects breeding grounds of waterbirds situated in Greenland, Europe,

Western and Central Asia with West African wintering grounds as far south as South

Africa. Most northerly breeding waterbirds staging or wintering in the Djoudj make

use of additional staging areas situated along the Atlantic coast of Europe and North

Africa, or in the Mediterranean basin. Migratory waterbirds visiting the Djoudj

usually follow the coastline, moving in N-S directions. However, there are also

migratory movements in E-W directions, between the Djoudj and other West African

flood plain systems, such as the Inner Niger Delta and Lake Chad. Some species like

Garganey and Ruff may perform so-called loop migrations, flying southward through

the western Mediterranean in autumn, and returning northward through the Central or

Eastern Mediterranean in spring.

Ring recoveries

The EURING database has been searched for direct and indirect ring recoveries for

the 17 species analysed in detail in Chapter 2, the results being given in Table 3.18.

The data are sparse and only those for Garganey have been depicted (Figure 3.14).

Table 3.18: Number of direct and indirect recoveries for the Djoudj

for higher risk species analysed in detail in Chapter 2. (EURING data base)

English name Latin name Recoveries

Northern Pintail Anas acuta 4

Garganey Anas querquedula 15

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 3

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 1

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus 3

Total

26

279

Figure 3.14: Direct and indirect ring recoveries for Garganey Anas querquedula ringed or found in the

Djoudj (EURING database).

For the species mentioned recoveries are spread over Europe and Russia as far east as

SW Siberia (Northern Pintail). There is one exception of a Garganey being recovered

in the Inner Niger delta (Figure 3.14). These data are in line with the position of the

Djoudj in the East Atlantic Flyway and the existence of a connection with West

African flood plains.

Consequences of bird movements for further spread of H5N1

Waterbird movements connect the Djoudj National Park with several other wetlands

in the West African region.

The following connections are highly relevant with respect to threat spreading H5N1:

- Shorebirds, Eurasian breeding ducks and African ducks aggregating in the Djoudj

frequently use other wetlands in the lower Senegal Delta for feeding. There is also

a regular exchange of birds between these wetlands depending on water level,

food abundance and safety.

280

- Movements of Greater Flamingo, Northern Shoveler, Garganey and Northern

Pintail have been shown to connect the Djoudj with Mauritania (Diawling and

Banc d’Aguin), The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea and Mali.

- Outside the breeding season, Great White Pelicans breeding in the Djoudj often

visit other Senegalese wetlands as well as wetlands in Mauritania (Banc d’Arguin

National Park, Diawling National Park, Chott Boul Reserve).

- White-faced Whistling Ducks breeding in the Djoudj spread to other wetlands in

the Senegal Delta, Mauritania and Mali after breeding.

- Knob-billed Ducks perform moult migration and may gather in the Djoudj in large

numbers (maximum number 8993). After moult has been completed these ducks

may be found foraging in rice fields along the Senegal river and the Niger river.

- It may be concluded from these data that any outbreak of H5N1 can potentially be

spread by wild waterbirds within the West African region, especially in the lower

Senegal Delta (Senegal-Mauritania).

7. Human use of site and disturbance effects.

Access to the public

Djoudj National Park is a popular and international destination for tourists with

15,000 visitors per year. The park is open From October to the end of May.

Hunting regimes

Hunting is mainly organised in the surrounding zone to the north-east and in the

south. Shovelers, Pintails, Gargeneys and African ducks can be hunted. Shooting of

these species is allowed in the morning and in the evening. These limitations restrict

hunting pressure.

Other human usage of site

The local human populations have access to the park throughout the year to find lost

domestic animals and to gather materials to make hats or carpets. In the buffer zone,

the rice fields are the main livelihood of the local population. Fishing is forbidden in

the park but from time to time poachers are arrested inside the park. Cattle grazing is

not controlled.

8. Existence of poultry farms within a radius of 10 km of site

Density, location and nature of poultry farming

There are no commercial poultry farms within a radius of 10 km. The inhabitants of

the Djoudj area keep small numbers of chickens and a few ducks which stay in the

vicinity of human habitation.

Presence of other domesticated animals vulnerable to H5N1

There are few domestic cats or dogs in the eight villages surrounding the park, and

pigs are not kept.

281

9. Measures to be considered in case of an outbreak

Monitoring bird mortality (when and where)

- In case of an outbreak of H5N1 monitoring for dead birds and moribund birds

should take place at regular intervals (three times a week) and with a focus on

higher risk species.

- Places to be inspected are:

- Preferred foraging/ resting areas of ducks (more attention for national committee

for Avian Influenza: CONAGA).

- Preferred foraging/ resting areas of shorebirds and other birds foraging in the

lower flooding areas.

- Monitoring activities should take place in such a way that disturbance of

concentrations of birds is kept to a minimum.

Sampling wild birds for the occurrence AI

CONAGA in partnership with the ACTS (the Senegalese association of hunting and

shooting) should ensure the catching of ducks, to sample Shovelers, Pintails,

Garganeys, and Ruffs for AI virus analysis.

CONAGA is already involved in the AI sampling programme with CIRAD.

Restrictions with respect to human activities in and near the site

- Closing the park to the public (visitors and local inhabitants).

- Ban on hunting.

- Restrictions with respect to keeping and transport of poultry(conform national and

international guidelines).

- Restrictions with respect to the keeping of other vulnerable domesticated animals

(conform national and international guidelines).

- A surveillance system should also be established for neighbouring sites, such as

the rice fields, the Trois Marigots, Diawling National Park and Djeuss area.

10. Data sources:

- Djoudj National Park Management Plan 2005

- Wetlands International IWC database 1990-2006.

- National committee for Avian Flu reports February and March 2006.

- Djoudj National Park staff,

- Wetlands International staff,

- Idrissa Ndiaye cp.

282

4. Future Work

The bulk of interpretation in this report is from two major databases, the International

Waterbird Census (IWC) and the EURING database. In this preliminary assessment,

we have provided an overview of the available data and have described the broad

patterns in the abundance and movements of a selection of the higher risk species. In

addition we have provided examples of the kind of information that can be rapidly

brought together to describe the risk of an outbreak in a site spreading to other areas.

With such a broad analysis, it is inevitable that there will be gaps in our knowledge.

These gaps can be filled in three ways: by more specific analysis of the existing data,

by adding to or modifying the way the data are collected, or by developing novel

techniques to determine with confidence how wild birds might spread the H5N1

throughout Europe.

•

••

• The species dealt with in this report cover only a proportion of the species

that are at risk of spreading H5N1. To fill this gap it would be necessary to

expand the current analysis to other species, including short-distance intra-

European, Asian and African migrants and also to other taxonomic groups.

•

••

• IWC counts have traditionally concentrated on wintering sites but large

concentrations of birds can gather at different sites in spring and autumn.

Collecting more detailed information on stop-over sites used in autumn and

spring, in particular the timing of occurrence and the numbers of higher risk

species present at any one time. For example, do species X and Y overlap in time

and space? This can be achieved by further analysing the IWC database and

identifying gaps, which could be included in the IWC program in future.

•

••

• Establish a system for mortality monitoring and assessing ‘normal mortality’.

Baseline data need to be gathered to pick up exceptional mortality as different

from ‘normal mortality’. Little is known about this at present. Existing data

gathering networks can be engaged in gathering this type of information.

•

••

• At the current level of analysis only broad patterns in migration routes have

been identified and not the precise routes or timing of migration. We propose

analysing the EURING data to understand better the direction and movements

from individual regions within Europe. For example, the current analyses indicate

a general direction of movement but contained within this is probably more than

one migration route. We would develop smoothing techniques to identify the main

directions of movement on a regional basis (e.g. one degree grid cells) and

describe the phenology of migration. This could involve detailed analysis of

ringing and count data for one, two or more Higher Risk species, in order to

describe movements in space and time.

•

••

• One of the major gaps in our knowledge is identifying which sites and species

are the most likely to be involved in the spread H5N1 between flyways.

Identifying sites that bridge the gap between flyways can be done from ringing

recoveries. For example in this report, it has been shown that different populations

of several species mix in the eastern Sivash (Greater White-fronted Goose,

Mallard, Eurasian Wigeon, Pintail, Teal, Garganey and Pochard) linking the East

Atlantic flyway with the Black Sea/Mediterreanean flyway, whereas analysis of

283

the recovery data from Schiermonnikoog indicated that only one population of

each species was involved.

•

••

• Strategies for long-distance migration are poorly understood for many

wildfowl species. Migration strategy may also impact the ability of a wild bird to

spread H5N1. Some species may migrate in short-hops whereas others migrate in

long-distance jumps. We would aim to identify migration strategies for the high

risk species and determine length of flights and stopover-times where possible

from the literature. We would also specifically analyse EURING data to identify

those species that undergo moult migrations and, in conjunction with IWC count

data, determine the important moulting areas for particularly ducks, geese and

swans, with the longer-term aim of developing the survey program to provide

better count coverage of these sites at appropriate times.

•

••

• Analysis of "contact risk with poultry" for "bridge species". We know little

about this for Europe and virtually nothing for Africa. This would involve survey

work around poultry farms to identify the species that come into contact with

poultry and determine the kind of behaviour that determines risk. Included within

this would be survey work around outdoor pig farms as pigs can be a carrier as

well.

•

••

• In relation to trans-European migrants, we know very little about European-

Afrotropical migration systems, which is important as it is a key potential

source of H5N1 reaching Europe. Knowledge is limited in part due to low

ringing effort in Africa and also a low reporting rate of hunted birds. Initiation of a

wildfowl ringing programe in key sites, e.g. Djoudj, where major passerine

ringing activities have taken place before (but also sites in Mali, Nigeria & Chad

and along the rift valley and coastal east Africa) would greatly improve our

knowledge of movements of birds to and from these areas. The IWC data could be

used to determine concentrations of waterbirds and sites, which may be suited for

catching activities. In conjunction with the point above, collation of recovery data

generated from within Africa (using data from the various African Ringing

Schemes under the auspices of AFRING) would be necessary to describe

movements of intra-African migrants.

•

••

• Identify the degree to which individual species deviate from the general

migration patterns identified in this report. The major directions of movement

have been identified for the species covered by this report. However it is

important for tracking the potential spread of H5N1 to specifically look for

species that show exceptions to these general movements, e.g. movement between

flyways between years, exceptional movements, etc. To determine which species

are more or less likely to show unusual movements, will require the development

of statistical methods to objectively analyse the degree of abnormal movements

using EURING data.

•

••

• To determine the linkages between wintering, breeding and moulting areas

may require other novel techniques to be used. A method using stable isotopes

in flight feathers has been used to successfully track shorebird migration in South

and North America (Atkinson et al. 2005) and trace element analysis has been

used in Sand Martins. Satellite tracking is now available for many waterbird

species and could be a valuable tool to fill in gaps in our knowledge of bird

movements.

284

References

Alexander, D.J., 2000. A review of avian influenza in different bird species. Vet.

Microbiol., 74: 3-13.

Andreev V.A. 2003. Stopovers of Anseriformes during spring migration in North

Dvina delta. In: Management and conservation of waterfowl populations in Northern

Eurasia (with special focus on the White Sea-Baltic Flyway). Petrozavodsk, Russia.

Pp. 6-8.

Andryushchenko Yu.A., Chernichko I.I., Chernichko R.N., Dyadicheva E.A.,

Garmash B.A., Gorlov P.I., Grinchenko A.B., Khomenko S.V., Kinda V.V., Kirikova

T.A., Kostyushin V.A., Nilsen S.O., Nobel P. de, Popenko V.M., Roomen M. van,

Siokhin V.D., Vinokurova S.V., Winden J.der.//Chernichko I.I. (ed.). Branta:

Melitopol - Sonat: Simferopol, 1999. - 90 p. (in Russian)

Artyukhov A.I. 2003. Migration and status of geese in Bryansk region during last 25

years. Management and conservation of waterfowl populations in Northern Eurasia

(with special focus on the White Sea-Baltic Flyway). Petrozavodsk, Russia. Pp. 8-9.

Avdanin V.O., P.M. Glazov, V.A. Grabovsky & M.G. Sinitsyn. 2005. Principal places

of goose concentration during spring migration in Kostroma Region. In: Waterfowl of

Northern Eurasia. Third International Symposium Abstracts. Saint-Petersburg. Pp. 7-

8.

Bakken, V., Runde, O. & Tjørve, E. 2003. Norsk Ringmerkings Atlas. Lommer -

Alkefugler. [Norwegian Bird Ringing Atlas]. Ringmerkingssentralen, Stavanger

Museum.

Bauer, H.G., Bezzel, E. & Fiedler, W. (eds.) 2005. Kompendium der Vögel

Mitteleuropas. Aula-Verlag, Wiebelsheim.

Bianki, V.V. & Dobrynina, I.N. 1997. Anseriformes, Dabbling ducks. In: Pavlov, D.S.

(series ed.): Migrations of Birds of eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Nauka,

Moscow.

BirdLife International (2004). Birds in Europe, population estimates, trends and

conservation status. Cambridge, U.K: BirdLife International. (BirdLife Conservation

Series No. 12).

Bønløkke, J., Madsen, J.J., Thorup, K., Pedersen, K.T., Bjerrum, M. & Rahbek, C. in

press. Dansk Trækfugleatlas. The Danish Bird Migration Atlas (to be published spring

2006). Rhodos International Science & Art Publishers Ltd., Holtegaard, Humlebæk,

Denmark.

Bragina, T.M. and E.A. Bragin (Eds). 2002. The most important wetlands of North

Kazakhstan (Kostanai Oblast and west part of North-Kazakhstan Oblast). Moscow:

Russkiy Universitet Publishers. 156 pp. (In Russian).

285

Buzun V.A. 2005. Short review of waterbird migration and breeding in east part of

Finland Bay and on Ladoga Lake. Waterfowl of Northern Eurasia. Pp. 50-53.

Cramp, S., (ed.) 1977. Handbook of the birds of Europe, the Middle East and North

Africa. Volume I. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.

Cramp, S., (ed.) 1983. Handbook of the birds of Europe, the Middle East and North

Africa. Volume III. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.

Cramp, S., (ed.) 1985. Handbook of the birds of Europe, the Middle East and North

Africa. Volume IV. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.

Czech Duck Ringing project. URL:

http://www.mujweb.cz/veda/aythya/menu/records.htm

Deibel, R., D.E. Emord, W. Dukelow, V.S. Hinshaw & J.M. Wood, 1985. Influenza

viruses and paramyxoviruses in ducks in the Atlantic Flyway, 1977-1983, including

an H5N2 isolate related to the virulent chicken virus. Avian Diseases, 29/4: 970-985.

Delany, S.N., Martakis, G. & Scott, D.A.. in review 2005. Report on the

Conservation Status of waterbirds in the Agreement Area, 2005. Information

Document for the Third Meeting of the Parties to the African-- Eurasian Migratory

Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), Dakar, Senegal, October 23-27 2005.

http://www.unep-aewa.org/meetings/en/mop/mop3_docs/mop3_info.htm

Djamirzoyev G., G. Magomedov, Yu. Pishvanov & L. Prilutskaya. 2004. Birds of

Dagestansky Nature Reserve. Makhachkala. 95 pp. (In Russian)

Fokin, S., Kuzyakin, V., Kalchreuter, and Kirby, J.S. 2000. The Garganey in the

former USSR. A compilation of life-history information. Wetlands International

Publication.

Dodman, T. & Diagana, C.H. 2003. African Waterbird Census / Les Dénombrements

d'Oiseaux d'Eau en Afrique. 1999, 2000 & 2001. Wetlands International Global Series

No. 16. Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Ebbinge, B.S., G.J.D.M. Müskens, J.G. Oord, A.J. Beintema & N.W. van den Brink;

Stuurbaarheid van ganzen door verjaging en flankerende jacht rondom het

ganzenopvanggebied Oost-Dongeradeel (Friesland) in 1999-2000.; gepubliceerd: 05

okt 2000; 99 pp.

Fransson, T. & Pettersson, J. 2001. Svensk ringmärkningsatlas (Volym 1 Lommar-

rovfåglar). [Swedish Bird Ringing Atlas (Volume 1 Divers-Raptors)].

Naturhistoriska riksmuseet & Sveriges Ornitologiska Forening, Stockholm. Including

preliminary printouts for volume 2 (unpublished, 2006).

.

Frolov V.V., S.A. Korkina, D.V. Gomzin & A.V. Frolov. 2003. Nesting Anseriformes

of the Penza Oblast. Casarca N 9. Moscow, pp. 344-361.

286

Gilissen, N., Haanstra, L. & Delany, S. Boere, G. & Hagemeijer, W. 2002. Numbers

and Distribution of Wintering Waterbirds in the Western Palearctic and Southwest

Asia in 1997, 1998 and 1999 - Results from the International Waterbird Census.

Wetlands International Global Series No 11.

Gineev A.M., V.P. Belik & B.A. Kazakov. 2002. Russia. Directory of Azov-Black

Sea Coastal Wetlands. Kyiv. Wetlands International. 229 p.

Gineev, Krivenko 1998 (Wetlands in Russia 1)

Gistsov A.P. 2004. Waterbird monitoring in North Caspian Sea in 2003. Kazakhstan

Ornitological Newsletter. Almaty, Kazakhstan. Pp. 19-20.

Golovnyuk, V.V. 2005. Distribution and numbers of geese in mouth of Upper

Taimyra River, Taymyr. Waterfowl of Northern Eurasia. Pp. 86-87.

Gordienko N.S. 2001. Current status of swans and geese in the Southern Zauralie (the

Chelabinsk region). In: Problems of waterbird study and conservation in Eastern

Europe and Northern Eurasia. Moscow, Russia.

Gurtovaya E., P. Tolvanen, T. Eskelin, I. Olsen, T. Bragina, T. Aravak, G. Eichhorn,

A. Arkiomaa & S. Timonen. 1999. Preliminary results of the Lesser White-fronted

Goose monitoring in Kazakhstan in October 1999. Casarca, N 5, Moscow, Russia. Pp.

145-154.

Hagemeijer, W.J.M. & Blair, M.J. (eds). (1997). The EBCC Atlas of European

Breeding Birds: Their Distribution and Abundance. T. & A.D. Poyser, London.

Isenmann P. 2004/ Les Oiseaux de Camargue et leurs habitats. Une histoire de cinquante

ans 1954-2004. Buchet-Chastel, Paris.

Kaleta, E.F., G. Hergarten & A. Yilmaz, 2005. Avian influenza A viruses in birds – an

ecological, ornithological and virological view. Dtsch. Tierärztl. Wschr., 112/12: 441-

480.

Kazakov, B.A., N.H. Lomadze, V.P. Belik et al. 2004. Birds of the Northern

Caucasia. Volume 1: Gaviiformes, Podicepediformes, Procellariiformes,

Ciconiiformes, Phoenicopteriformes, Anseriformes. Rostov-on-Don. 398 p. (In

Russian).

Kear, J. (ed.) 2005. Ducks, Geese and Swans. Oxford University Press, Oxford. 908

pp. Two volumes.

Keller, V. (in press, 2006): Population size and trend of the Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufina in southwest/central Europe: an update. in: Proceedings Conference

Waterbirds around the World, Edinburgh 2004.

Kellomaki E., T. Khohlova, A. Lehtinen, N. Ripatti, P. Rusanen & P. Uronen. 2003.

Stop-over sites of migrating geese in Kargopol district, Arkhangelsk region, NW-

Russia. In: Management and conservation of waterfowl populations in Northern

287

Eurasia (with special focus on the White Sea-Baltic Flyway). Petrozavodsk, Russia.

Pp. 194-195.

Kondratyev A.V. & V.A. Buzun. 2003. Autumn migration of geese and other

waterfowl on Il'men' Lake in 2002. In: Management and conservation of waterfowl

populations in Northern Eurasia (with special focus on the White Sea-Baltic Flyway).

Petrozavodsk, Russia. Pp. 77-78.

Krivenko V.G. & V.G. Vinogradov. 2001. Current status of waterfowl resources in

Russia and issues of its conservation. On: http://www.biodat.ru/chm/vbu/index.htm.

Krivenko V.G. (Ed.). 1999. Wetlands in Russia. Volume 1: Wetlands of International

Importance. Wetlands International - AEME Publ. 52, 194 pp.

Krivenko V.G. (Ed.). 2000. Wetlands in Russia. Volume 3: Wetlands on the Ramsar

Shadow List. Wetlands International Global Series No 6, 409 pp.

Kuchin A.P. 1998. Distribution and breeding of the Greylag Goose in the Altay

Steppe and forest plains. In: Casarca, N 4. Pp. 143-149.

Kuznetsov, E.A., N.V. Anzigitova. 2002. Nesting numbers and summer distribution

of the Mute Swan in the former USSR: A Review. In: Casarca, N 8. Pp. 199-232.

Kuznetsov, Anzigitova 2002, Krivenko, Moshonkin, Kamennova, 1998 (Wetlands in

Russia, 1).

Madsen, J., Cracknell, G. & Fox, A.D. (eds.) 1999. Goose populations of the

Western Palearctic: a review of status and distribution. Wetlands International

Publication No. 48/NERI, Denmark. 343 pp.

Mishchenko A.L., O.V. Sukhanova, S.P. Kharitonov, V.A. Zubakin & S.V. Volkov.

2002. Current status of rare, vulnerable and game birds in the Vinogradovo

floodplains, Moscow Region. In: Inventory, monitoring and conservation of Important

Bird Areas of Russia. Issue 4. Moscow, Russia. Pp. 87-107.

Moskvitin S.S., I.G. Korobitsyn, O.Yu. Tyutenkov & A.S. Panin. 2004. Wader

migration in the taiga zone of south-eastern West Siberia. In: Waders of the Eastern

Europe and Northern Asia: Studies and Conservation. Pp. 151-157.

Nikolayev V.I. 1998. Birds of swamp landscapes of the National Park "Zavidovo" and

Upper Volga. Tver'. Russia. 215 p.

Olsen, B., Munster, V.J., Wallensten, A., Waldenström, J., Osterhaus, A.D.M.E., &

Fouchier R.A.M. 2006. Global Patterns of Influenza A Virus in Wild Birds. Science

312: 384-388.

Pavlov, D.S. (ed.) 1985. Migrations of birds of Eastern Europe and northern Asia.

Gruiformes - Charadriiformes. Nauka, Moscow, Russia.

288

Pavlov, D.S. (ed.) 1989. Migrations of birds of Eastern Europe and northern Asia.

Anseriformes. Nauka, Moscow, Russia.

Pavlov, D.S. (ed.) 1979. Migrations of birds of Eastern Europe and northern Asia.

Anseriformes (Dabbling ducks). Nauka, Moscow, Russia.

Pavlov, D.S. (ed.) 1979. Migrations of birds of Eastern Europe and northern Asia.

Ciconiiformes – Anseriformes. Nauka, Moscow, Russia.

Recovery maps from the Italian Bird Ringing Scheme.

Rocamora, G. 1994. Les Zones Importantes pour le Conservation des Oiseaux en

France. Ministère de l’Environnement, BirdLife International, LPO.

Roggeman, W., Huisseune, D., Vangeluwe, D., Vandenbulch, P. & Vandousselare, P.

1995. Belgium Ringing Scheme Databank: Gavidae to Anatidae. Studiedocumenten

van het Koninklijk Belgisch Instituut voor Naturwetenschappen, Brussels, Belgium.

Rusanov G.M., N.N. Gavrilov, A.K. Gorbunov et al. 2003. Structural changes in

ecosystems of Astrakhan biosphere reserve caused by raising of the Caspian Sea level.

Astrakhan. (In Russian).

Sazonov S.V. 2003. Spring stop-over sites of geese on Shuya farmlands in vicinity of

Petrozavodsk. In: Management and conservation of waterfowl populations in

Northern Eurasia (with special focus on the White Sea-Baltic Flyway). Petrozavodsk,

Russia. Pp. 134-135.

Scott, D. A. & Rose, P. M. (1996). Atlas of Anatidae Populations in Africa and

Western Eurasia. Wetlands International Publication No. 41. Wetlands International.

Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Siokhin V.D., Chernichko I.I., Andryushchenko Yu.A., Anosova I.V., Ardamatskaya

T.V., Bagrikova N.A., Belashkov I.D., Beskaravainyi M.M., Garmash B.A.,

Dyadicheva E.A., Zhmud M.E., Zalevski V.D., Kinda V.V., Kirikova T.A.,

Kolomichuk V.P., Korzukov A.I., Kostin S.Yu., Kostyushin V.A., Koshelev A.I.,

Matsura A.V., Molodan G.N., Piluga V.I., Poluda A.M., Popenko V.M., Rudenko

A.G., Rusev I.T., Stoilovski V.P., Tarina N.A. Chernichko R.N., Yaremchenko

O.A.//Siokhin V.D. (ed.). – Branta: Melitopol-Kiev, 2000. – 476 p.

Snow, D.W. & Perrins, C.M. 1998. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. Volume 1:

Non-Passerines. Concise Edition. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK & New

York, USA. 1,008 pp.

Soloviev S.A. 2000. Potential IBAs of Omsk region. Inventory, monitoring and

conservation of Important Bird Areas of Russia. Moscow, Russia. Pp. 133-135.

SOVON Vogelonderzoek Nederland 2002. Atlas van de Nederlandse Broedvogels

1998-2000. Nederlandse Fauna 5. Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum Naturalis,

KNNV Uitgeverij & european Invertebrate Survey, Leiden, The Netherlands.

289

Speek, B.J. & Speek, G. (1984). Thieme’s vogeltrekatlas. Thieme, Zutphen.

Stroud, D.A., Davidson, N.C., West, R., Scott, D.A., Haanstra, L., Thorup, O., Ganter,

B. & Delany, S. (compilers) on behalf of the International Wader Study Group. 2004.

Status of migratory wader populations in Africa and Western Eurasia in the 1990s.

International Wader Studies 15: 1-259.

Stuurgroep Avifauna Schiermonnikoog 2005 (redactie). Vogels van

Schiermonnikoog. Uniepers, Abcoude.

Sultanov E. (Ed.). 2000. Potential Ramsar Sites of Azerbaijan. Baku, Wetlands

International-AEME Publ. 152 p. (in Azeri and Russian languages).

Svazas S., A. Kozulin, G. Grishanov et al. 2003. Important Transboundary

Belarussian-Lithuanian and Lithuanian-Russian Wetlands. Institute of Ecology of

Vilnius University & "OMPO Vilnius" Publishers. Vilnius. 96 pp.

Sviridova T.V. & V.A. Zubakin. 2004. The influences of agricultural methods to the

breeding waders (Moscow region). In: Waders of the Eastern Europe and Northern

Asia: Studies and Conservation. Pp. 173-180.

Tamisier, A. & Dehorter, O. 1999. Camargue Canards et Foulques: fonctionnement et

devenir d’un prestigieux quartier d’hiver. C.O.Gard, Nimes.

United States geological Survey, 2006. Overview of H5N1 infected bird species

(regular updates with references).

http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/avian_influenza/affected_species_cha

rt.jsp

Unpublished printout of recovery maps from the Helsinki Bird Ringing Scheme.

Veen J., Yurlov, A.K., Delany S.N., Mihantiev, A.I., Selivanova, M.A. & Boere, G.C.

2005. An atlas of movements of Southwest Siberian waterbirds. Wetlands

International, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Vinokurov, A.A. 2001. Red-breasted Goose. In: Red Data Book of Russian

Federation. Moscow. Pp. 397-399.

Webster, R.G., W.J. Bean, O.T. Gorman, T.M. Chambers & Y. Kawaoka, 1992.

Evolution and ecology of Influenza A viruses. Microbiological reviews 56: 152-179.

Wernham, C.V., Toms, M.P., Marchant, J.H., Clark, J.A., Siriwardena, G.M. &

Baillie, S.R. 2002. The Migration Atlas: Movements of the Birds of Britain and

Ireland. T. & A.D. Poyser, London, UK. 884 pp.

Wetlands International. In press, 2005. Waterbird Population Estimates - Fourth

Edition. Wetlands International Global Series Xx, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

290

Wetlands International., 2002. Waterbird Population Estimates – Third Edition.

Wetlands International Global Series 12, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Yakushev N.N & E.V. Zavialov. 2005. Dynamics of distribution and status of swans

in north part of Lower Volga Valley. Waterfowl of Northern Eurasia. Pp. 292-293.

Yerokhov S.N. & N.N. Berezovikov. 2004. Ornithological observations in Kustanay

region in autumn 2003. Kazakhstan Ornitological Newsletter. Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Pp. 46-49.

Yerokhov S.N. 2003. Greylag Goose in Kazakhstan: distribution, numbers, and the

main stages of the annual cycle. Casarca N 9. Moscow. Pp. 103-135.

Zimin V.B., N.V. Lapshin & A.V. Artemiev. 2001. Species composition and numbers

of geese at the Olonets spring stopovers. In: Problems of waterbird study and

conservation in Eastern Europe and Northern Eurasia. Moscow, Russia. Pp. 49-51.

291

292

ANNEXES

293

Annex 1.1

Evaluation of species considered to pose a high risk of carrying Asian

H5N1 lineage

Evaluation of migratory waterbird species which pose a relatively high risk of

spreading Asian lineage H5N1 to and within the European Union. Only species

belonging to the orders of the Anseriformes and Charadriiformes, which migrate from

outside the EU to within EU borders are included. Codes used for bahaviour/ecology

are explained in Section 1.3. Codes used for migration behaviour are Y (yes) and N

(no). Codes used for contact risk with poultry are 0 (no risk), L (low risk), M (medium

risk) and H (high risk). Higher risk species are indicated with green shading. Criteria

for not selecting the other species are indicated with yellow shading.

English name Scientific name Behaviour/ecology* Migration behaviour** ***

Main habitat during

migration/wintering

Gregariousness during

migration/winter

Degree of mixing during

migration/winter

Does species have a well-

defined flyway?

Potential direct migratory

linkage Black or Aegean Seas

to EU?

Potential direct migratory

linkage Southern Urals to EU?

Consolidated risk of contact

with poultry

Whooper Swan

Cygnus cygnus

FA SL M Y Y ? 0

Bewick's Swan

Cygnus columbianus

FA ML M Y N N 0

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

FA ML M N Y ? M

Pink-footed Goose

Anser brachyrhnchus

FA LH M Y N N 0

Bean Goose

Anser fabalis

FA LM H Y N N L

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons albifrons

FA LH H N Y Y L

Greenland White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons flavirostris

FA MH L Y N N 0

Lesser White-fronted Goose

Anser erythropus

FA LH M Y N N 0

Greylag Goose

Anser anser

FA LH H Y Y N M

Barnacle Goose

Branta leucopsis

FAL LH H Y N N 0

Brent Goose

Branta bernicla

FAL LH M Y N N 0

Red-breasted Goose

Branta ruficollis

AL MH H Y Y Y 0

White-headed Duck

Oxyura leucocephala

F SM M N Y Y 0

Ruddy Shelduck

Tadorna ferruginea

F SM ? N Y Y 0

Common Shelduck

Tadorna tadorna

LFA ML L N Y N 0

Eurasian Wigeon

Anas penelope

FAL LH H N Y Y H

Gadwall

Anas strepera

F SM H N Y ? L

Common Teal

Anas crecca

FAL MH H N Y Y? L

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

FAL MH H N Y N H

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

FAL MH H N Y Y? L

Garganey

Anas querquedula

F MM H N N Y L

Northern Shoveler

Anas clypeata

FL MH H N Y? Y L

Marbled Teal

Marmaronetta angustirostris

F MM H N N N 0

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufina

F MM ? N Y N L

Common Pochard

Aythya ferina

F MH H N Y Y L

Ferruginous Duck

Aythya nyroca

F OM ? N Y N 0

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

F MH H N Y Y L

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

MF LH H Y N N 0

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

M LH

Y N N 0

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

M SH L N N N 0

Steller's Eider

Polysticta stelleri

M SH L Y N N 0

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

M MM L Y N N 0

294

Common Scoter

Melanitta nigra

M LH M Y N N 0

Velvet Scoter

Melanitta fusca

M SM H Y N N 0

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

FM SM M N N N 0

Smew

Mergellus albellus

F MH L Y N? N 0

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

M MM M Y N N 0

Goosander

Mergus merganser

FM MM L N N N 0

Eurasian Oystercatcher

Haematopus ostralegus

LFA LH H N N? N 0

Black-winged Stilt

Himantopus himantopus

FLN SL M Y Y N 0

Avocet

Recurvirostra avosetta

LFN SM M Y Y N 0

Stone-Curlew

Burhinus oedicnemus

AN OO L 0

Collared Pratincole

Glareola pratincola

AN SL ? N? N? 0

Northern Lapwing

Vanellus vanellus

FA MH M N Y? Y M

Sociable Lapwing

Vanellus gregarius

AN ? L N N N 0

Eurasian Golden Plover

Pluvialis apricaria

AN LH M Y N N L

Grey Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

L MH H Y N N 0

Little Ringed Plover

Charadrius dubius

FN OL L ? Y? ? 0

Great Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula

LA SM H Y N N 0

Kentish Plover

Charadrius alexandrinus

L SM M Y Y N 0

Caspian Plover

Charadrius asiaticus

FAN SM L N N N 0

Eurasian Dotterel

Charadrius morinellus

AN OL L N N N 0

Eurasian Woodcock

Scolopax rusticola

O OL L N N Y? 0

Jack Snipe

Lymnocryptes minimus

FN OL L N ? ? 0

Great Snipe

Gallinago media

FAN OL L N N N 0

Common Snipe

Gallinago gallinago

FA SL L N Y Y L

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa

FAL MM H Y N N 0

Bar-tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica

L LH H Y N N 0

Whimbrel

Numenius phaeopus

FAL SL M Y N N 0

Slender-billed Curlew

Numenius tenuirostris

FN OL L N N N 0

Eurasian Curlew

Numenius arquata

LFA MM H N N N L

Spotted Redshank

Tringa erythropus

FL SL M N N N 0

Common Redshank

Tringa totanus

LFA MM H Y Y? N 0

Marsh Sandpiper

Tringa stagnatilis

FN SL M N N N 0

Common Greenshank

Tringa nebularia

LF SL M N N N 0

Green Sandpiper

Tringa ochropus

FN OL L N Y? N 0

Wood Sandpiper

Tringa glareola

FN OL L N N N 0

Terek Sandpiper

Tringa (Xenus) cinerea

FL OL M N N N 0

Common Sandpiper

Tringa (Actitis) hypoleucos

FL OL O N N N 0

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

L SM H Y N N 0

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

L LH H Y N N 0

Sanderling

Calidris alba

L MH M N N N 0

Little Stint

Calidris minuta

FN SL M N N N 0

Temminck's Stint

Calidris temminckii

FN SL M N N N 0

Purple Sandpiper

Calidris maritima

L SM M N N N 0

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

L LH H Y N N 0

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

L MM H N N N 0

Broad-billed Sandpiper

Limicola falcinellus

FL SL L Y N N 0

Ruff

Philomachus pugnax

FA MM M Y N N L

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

M SL L N N N 0

Grey Phalarope

Phalaropus fulicaria

M ML L N N N 0

Great Skua

Stercorarius skua

M OO L N N N 0

Pomarine Skua

Stercorarius pomarinus

M OO L N N N 0

Arctic Skua

Stercorarius parasiticus

M OO L N N N 0

Long-tailed Skua

Stercorarius longicaudus

M OO L N N N 0

Mediterranean Gull

Larus melanocephalus

MA SM H N Y N 0

Little Gull

Larus minutus

MF SL M N Y Y 0

Black-headed Gull

Larus ridibundus

FAL LM H N Y? N H

Audouin's Gull

Larus audouinii

ML SL L N Y N 0

Common Gull

Larus canus

FAL MM H N N N H

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

MA MM H N N N L

Herring Gull

Larus argentatus

LA MM H N N N L

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

ML SL M N N N 0

295

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

ML SL M N N N 0

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

ML SM H N N N 0

Kittiwake

Rissa tridactyla

M SL L N N N 0

Gull-billed Tern

Sterna nilotica

MF SL L N Y Y 0

Caspian Term

Sterna caspia

MF SL L N Y Y 0

Lesser Crested Tern

Sterna bengalensis

ML SL L N N N 0

Sandwich Tern

Sterna sandvicensis

ML SL L N N N 0

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

ML SL L N N N 0

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

MF SM L N Y Y 0

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

ML SL L N N N 0

Little Tern

Sterna albifrons

MF SL L N N N 0

Whiskered Tern

Childonias hybridus

F ? ? N Y Y 0

Black Tern

Childonias niger

FM SM L N Y Y 0

White-winged Tern

Chidonias leucopterus

F SM L N Y Y 0

Common GuIllemot

Uria aalge

M MM M N N N 0

Razorbill

Alca torda

M MM M N N N 0

Black Guillemot

Cepphus grylle

M SL L N N N 0

Atlantic Puffin

Fratercula arctica

M MM M N N N 0

* Information on behaviour and ecology has mainly been based on expert judgement (information of at

least three experts) and on ornithological handbooks, principally Cramp & Simmons 1986, 1993, 1994.

** Information on migration behaviour is drawn from Pavlov et al. 1979, 1985, 1989,1997, Roggeman

et al. 1995, Scott & Rose 1996, Snow & Perrins 1998, Madsen et al. 1999, Fransson & Pettersson

2001,Wetlands International 2002, Wernham et al. 2002, Bakken et al. 2003, Kear 2004, Stroud et al.

2004, Veen et al. 2005.

***Information on contact risk with poultry is based on expert judgement, provided by the members of

the Scientific Working Group of the EC Birds Directive’s Ornis Committee from the United Kingdom,

Ireland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, The Netherlands and Estonia.

296

Annex 2.1

Country of ringing and numbers of recoveries of birds featured in maps of finding locations

Mute Swan

ER - 241

SU - 45

SF - 61

SV – 3,065

GB – 20,690

FR - 5

NO - 110

DK - 25

ET - 3

NL – 3,594

LI - 281

DE – 3,910

PL - 522

IA - 11

UK - 137

HG - 44

HE - 190

AU - 80

BL - 76

YU - 11

297

Greater White-fronted Goose

ER - 270

BL - 3

SU - 28

SV - 7

GB - 211

DK - 1

NL – 4,691

DE - 70

UK - 1

298

Greylag Goose

ER - 8

SU - 82

SF - 36

SV - 893

GB – 1,826

FR - 6

ES - 59

NO - 105

DK – 2,127

NL - 109

LI - 8

DE - 355

PL - 347

UK - 62

HG - 3

AU - 119

BL - 87

299

Eurasian Wigeon

ER - 55

HE - 11

SU - 288

SF - 95

SV - 48

GB – 2,546

FR - 12

ES - 6

NO - 1

DK - 197

NL – 3,046

LI - 4

DE - 3

PL - 2

IA - 46

HG - 1

BL - 94

300

Gadwall

ER - 1

HE - 1

SU - 491

SF - 2

SV - 22

GB - 822

FR - 1

ES - 51

DK - 3

NL - 342

LI - 9

DE - 323

PL - 24

IA - 2

UK - 23

HG - 3

BL - 2

301

Common Teal

ER - 85

HE - 318

SU – 1,048

SF - 450

SV - 785

GB – 14,226

FR - 93

ES - 51

DK – 1,769

NL – 8,415

LI - 13

DE - 444

PL - 333

IA - 168

UK - 7

HG - 11

BL - 939

AU - 5

302

Mallard

ER - 431

HE – 1,585

SU – 4,077

SF - 395

SV – 5,111

GB – 25,260

FR - 29

ES - 428

NO - 48

DK – 13,843

CZ - 9

NL – 6,819

LI - 176

DE – 2,007

PL – 1,234

UK - 248

HG - 22

BL – 4,050

AU - 64

IA - 715 AU - 1

303

Northern Pintail

ER - 17

SU – 3,029

SF - 106

SV – 132

GB – 1,026

FR - 35

ES - 4

DK – 283

NL – 2,265

LI - 16

DE – 16

PL – 2

UK - 3

BL – 10

IA - 35

304

Garganey

ER - 4

HE - 11

SU – 1,158

SF - 9

SV - 22

GB - 75

DK - 33

ET - 21

NL - 830

LI - 2

DE - 25

PL - 14

UK - 8

HG - 2

BL - 118

IA - 63

305

Northern Shoveler

ER - 3

HE - 2

SU – 1,259

SF - 102

SV - 118

GB - 461

FR - 2

ES - 44

DK - 203

NL – 1,301

LI - 1

DE - 41

PL - 69

UK - 1

HG - 2

BL - 59

IA - 3

306

Red-crested Pochard

HE - 6

SU - 44

SV - 1

GB - 8

ES - 32

DK - 70

NL - 7

DE - 66

BL - 1

307

Common Pochard

ER - 19

HE – 1,396

SU – 2,716

SF - 13

SV - 32

GB – 1,708

FR - 43

ES - 112

NO -

DK - 358

CZ - 8

NL - 143

LI - 21

DE - 195

PL - 19

PO - 1

UK - 6

HG - 3

IA - 93

308

Tufted Duck

ER - 21

HE – 2,530

SU – 2,161

SF - 244

SV - 497

GB – 3,460

FR - 23

ES - 2

NO - 1

DK – 1,283

NL - 391

LI - 6

DE - 312

PL - 50

IA - 16

BL - 6

AU - 4

CZ - 34

309

Lapwing

ER - 11

HE - 96

SU - 49

SF - 594

SV – 1,163

GB – 3,305

FR - 11

ES - 6

NO - 18

DK - 932

NL – 5,103

LI - 15

DE - 402

PL - 121

IA - 254

UK - 6

HG - 172

BL – 1,786

AU - 96

YU - 1

310

Black-headed Gull

ER - 255

HE – 1,247

SU – 1,712

SF – 9,158

SV – 6,898

GB – 13,746

FR - 247

ES - 102

NO - 93

DK – 7,511

LV – 4,304

ET -

NL – 11,429

LI – 2,651

DE – 2,001

PL – 1,975

IA - 109

UK - 29

HG - 444

BL – 5,792

AU - 274

YU - 5

311

Black Tern

SU - 1

SF - 1

SV - 5

DK - 4

NL - 77

PL - 1

HG - 3

BL - 2

AU - 1

312

Annex 2.2

Published ring recoveries of the 17 High Risk species covered in

Chapter 2

Mute Swan

From Denmark (dead) To Denmark

To and from Finland

From Italy To Italy

313

From Sweden (mean monthly locations) From Sweden (mean monthly locations)

314

Greater White-fronted Goose

To and from SW England (albifrons only)

To Denmark

From Norway

315

From Sweden

316

Greylag Goose

To and from Britain & Ireland

From Denmark (mean monthly locations) To Denmark

To and from Finland

317

To Italy

From Norway (autumn recoveries with kernels at 50%

and 95%)

From Norway (winter recoveries with kernels at 50% and

95%)

From Sweden (mean monthly locations) From Sweden (mean monthly locations)

318

Eurasian Wigeon

To and from Britain & Ireland

Locations in May

to June

Locations in July

to August

Locations in

September to

October

Locations in March

to April

From Denmark (mean monthly locations) To Denmark

To and from Finland

319

From Italy To Italy

From Norway

From Sweden (excluding Ottenby) From Ottenby, Sweden

320

Gadwall

From Denmark To Denmark

To and from Finland

From Italy To Italy

321

From Sweden

322

Common Teal

To and from Britain & Ireland (May to June)

From Denmark (mean monthly locations) To Denmark

To and from Finland

323

From Italy To Italy

From Norway (autumn recoveries ) From Norway (winter and spring recoveries)

From Sweden (mean monthly locations) From Sweden (mean monthly locations)

324

Mallard

From Britain & Ireland (found in breeding season)

From Denmark (mean monthly locations for recoveries

>200km)

To Denmark

To and from Finland

325

From Italy To Italy

To and from Norway

From Sweden (mean monthly locations) To Sweden (mean monthly locations)

326

Northern Pintail

To and from Britain & Ireland (in July and August) To and from Britain and Ireland (in September and

October)

From Denmark (mean monthly locations) To Denmark

To and from Finland

327

To Italy

From Sweden (all recoveries and mean monthly locations)

328

Garganey

From Denmark To Denmark

From Italy To Italy

From Sweden

329

Northern Shoveler

To and from Britain & Ireland (locations in breeding season)

From Denmark (mean monthly locations) To Denmark

To and from Finland

330

From Italy To Italy

From Sweden (mean monthly locations) From Sweden (mean monthly locations)

331

Red-crested Pochard

From Sweden

332

Common Pochard

To and from Britain & Ireland (locations in breeding season)

From Denmark (mean monthly locations) To Denmark

To and from Finland

333

From Italy To Italy

From Sweden

334

Tufted Duck

To and from Britain & Ireland (locations in breeding season)

From Denmark To Denmark

To and from Finland

335

From Italy To Italy

From Sweden (all recoveries and mean monthly

locations in September to November)

From Sweden (recoveries in March to April)

336

Northern Lapwing

From Denmark To Denmark

To and from Finland

From Italy To Italy

337

From Norway (mean monthly locations of first year

birds)

From Norway (mean monthly locations of adult

birds)

From Sweden (mean monthly locations) From Sweden (mean monthly locations)

338

Black-headed Gull

To and from Britain & Ireland (locations in breeding season)

Present in

winter in the

northwest

Britain &

Ireland

Present in

winter in the

northeast

Britain &

Ireland

Present in

winter in the

southwest

Britain &

Ireland

Present in

winter in the

southeast

Britain &

Ireland

From Denmark (mean monthly locations) To Denmark

Ringed in

breeding

season

Ringed in

November to

March

To and from Finland

339

From Italy To Italy

From Norway (mean monthly locations)

To and from Sweden (locations in July to

November)

To and from Sweden (locations in December to

February)

340

Black Tern

From Sweden

341

Annex 3.1

Site Assessment Format

Rapid assessment format for wetland sites facing an outbreak

of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1

1. General information

Name of site:

Country:

Coordinates:

Size: (give size in ha)

Managing organization: (mention organization with full address details)

2. Short description of the site (refer to map)

Topography

Brieftly describe topographical features, including human habitation, main access to site, etc.

Refer to map. Describe wetland type in general terms (river system, lake, marshes,

coastal/tidal/marine area,etc.)

Habitat types

Describe main habitat types referring to map.

Water depth, water temperature and hydrology

Describe water depth, temperature ( mean in

0

C, for summer and winter), salinity and relevant

hydrological factors.

3. Occurrence of vulnerable bird species in site (summarize information and refer to

annexes)

Numbers and seasonal presence of higher risk species (list of EU Commission of xxxxxxx)

Summarize numbers and seasonal presence of higher risk species. If data are available, give

mean, range and maximum numbers, otherwise list census results. Details can be provided in

an annex. (A full list of higher risk species as adopted by the European Commission on xxxx

is available on the European Commission website.)

Presence of other waterbird species which occur in large numbers

Summarize data (numbers and seasonal presence) of other waterbird species which occur in

large numbers in the site and which might play a role in the spread of H5N1, because they

are abundantly present and/or because they often mix with other species.

Occurrence of bird species identified as posing a special “contact risk with poultry”

Summarize data (numbers and seasonal presence) of bird species with a presumed high risk

of coming in contact with poultry and which may form a “bridge” between infected waterbirds

and domestic animals. Examples of such birds are Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull and

Starling. A list of species with a high “contact risk with poultry” as identified for the European

Union is given as annex 2 to this format. However, the focus should be on the situation in or

near the site, which may result in a list with species other than those mentioned in the annex.

Occurrence species of high conservation concern

Mention any species of high conservation concern (red list species) occurring in the site in

significant numbers, which might be victim of an Avian Influenza outbreak.

342

4. Places with high concentrations of vulnerable bird species (refer to map)

Describe the occurrence of breeding colonies, places with large concentrations of foraging

birds, night roosts, high tide roosts, etc. Indicate places with significant concentrations on a

map.

5. Local movements of vulnerable bird species (refer to map)

Describe local movements of higher risk species and other vulnerable waterbird species as

far as relevant for the spread of Avian Influenza on a local/regional scale and within a time

frame of days or weeks. Indicate directions of movements of map, together with places of

concentration (see above).

6. Position of site in flyway and consequences of bird movements for further spread of

H5N1

General position in flyway

Describe general position of site in flyway (if relevant) with major directions of movements

during spring and autumn migration. If relevant, mention species which perform “frost

migration”.

Consequences of bird movements for further spread of H5N1

Describe consequences of major bird movements for the further spread of H5N1 at the

species level. Pay special attention to the higher risk species. Are there any sites where the

birds are likely to go after having left your area? Are ringing records available?

7. Human use of site and disturbance effects

Access to the public

Is site open or closed to the public (kind of arrangements)?

Hunting regimes

Describe hunting (intensity, species hunted, etc.)

Other human usage of site (agricultural, fishing, reed cutting, etc.)

Describe other ways in which the site is used by humans (where, intensity, periods).

8. Existence of poultry farms within a radius of 10 km of site

Density, location and nature of poultry farms (chcken, ducks, turkey)

Describe the occurrence of poultry farms inside and in the vicinity of the site. Also pay

attention to small scale privately kept poultry. What poultry keeping systems are practised? Is

poultry kept indoor, is it free roaming, may it easily come in contact with waterbirds, is there

any feeding of poultry outside? If possible, indicate poultry concentrations on map.

Presence of other domesticated animals vulnerable for H5N1 (cats, pigs)

Describe the occurrence of other domesticated animals in or near site which are vulnerable

for H5N1. Can any of these species roam freely in the site (contact risk with waterbirds)?

9. Measures to be considered in case of an outbreak of H5N1(refer to national and EU

guidelines)

343

Monitoring bird mortality

Describe how monitoring of dead and moribund birds should be carried out (where, when,

focus on particular species?). Try to minimize disturbance of birds in an outbreak area.

Sampling wild birds for the occurrence of AI

Are there any special opportunities for sampling apperantly healthy wild birds without causing

disturbance (when, where, which species?)

Restrictions with respect to human activities in and near site

Restrictions to be considered are: closing (parts of) the site for the public, ban on hunting,

restrictions with respect to keeping and transport of poultry. With respect to the latter, refer to

national/EU guidelines.

10. data sources

Mention data sources used as well as data sources which are available for more detailed

information.

Figures and Annexes

Urgent preliminary assessment of ornithological data relevant to the spread of Avian Influenza in Europe

Figures

Recommendations

India Checklist

Bird Ringing / Banding

Ornithological data relevant to the spread of Avian Influenza in Europe (phase 2): Further identific...

Urgent Preliminary Assessment of Ornithological Data Relevant to the Spread of Avian Influenza in Eu...

Evidence of avian influenza virus and paramyxovirus subtype 2 in wild-living passerine birds in Slov...

Avian Influenza Viruses in Water Birds, Africa