Ecologia Balkanica

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https://doi.uni-plovdiv.bg/handle/store/4
p-ISSN: 1314-0213 / e-ISSN: 1313-9940

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Browsing Ecologia Balkanica by Author "Angelov, Evlogi"

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    Breeding density and habitat preferences of the European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Linnaeus, 1758 (Columbiformes: Columbidae) in Bulgaria: preliminary results
    (Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2026-01-15) Gruychev, Gradimir; Stoyanov, Stoyan; Angelov, Evlogi; Mihaylov, Hristo
    We conducted country-wide surveys from 15 May to 31 July 2022 to quantify singing males’ population size and habitat-specific density of Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur). We applied point counts at survey stations situated in 11 plot locations systematically distributed across the country. The average Turtle Dove’s density was estimated as 10.1 singing birds per 1 km2 (λ = 10.084, SE = 0.674, 95% CI: 8.846 – 11.496). The mean detection probability (p) was 0.115 (95% CI: 0.105 – 0.126), and the scale parameter of half-normal detection function was 120 m (σ = 119.74 m, SE = 3.53, 95% CI: 113.03 – 126.86). The effective radius was 169.33 m (95% CI: 159.84 – 179.37). The Turtle Dove densities were influenced by altitude with lower densities in higher elevations. The number of singing males increased from May to July. The abundance was influenced by habitat type and land cover, and it was positively correlated with tree height and shrub height measured around sampling points. The highest densities were recorded around stubbles, sunflower crops, and in a mixture of agricultural land cover, although their importance was insignificant. The density of singing males was higher in open areas, in oak and mixed deciduous forests, and in Paliurus communities as well.