Rivista Italiana di Ornitologia

ERRATUM. Update on successful nesting of bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) in the Lanzo Valleys, Piedmont region (NW Italy)

Maurizio Chiereghin — 2024-03-25

This erratum corrects the article published in Research in Ornithology, 93 (2): 57-60, 2023 (DOI: 10.4081/rio.2023.690).

Breeding ecology, helpers presence, habitat use and trophic activity of the Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla: five years of study in Central Adriatic Italy

Marco Pantalone — 2023-12-14

The Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla is a migrant bird, considered of conservation concern, but poorly studied in Italy about his breeding ecology and habitat use. In this work, we aimed to study both of these components in the airfield of Fano (Central Italy, Marches, Pesaro-Urbino province). The study, relating to the 2018-2022 reproductive seasons, describes the nesting habitat used by the species, providing also data about the plants on which the species feed on. We hypothsized the importance of the choice of fenced areas for the less predation and we highlighted the presences of young helpers in the feeding of the second brood. Furthermore, we observed the formation of crèches for the young fledglings, controlled by some adult males. It’s confirmed here a semi-colonial condition that leading to the formation of extra-family groups before migration. The study area turns out to be the main reproductive colony of the species in the Marches region, with an average density of 1.5 pairs per 10 ha (maximum 2.4), one of the best know in central Italy.

The Red-throated pipit Anthus cervinus is a regular wintering in Sicily

Salvatore Surdo — 2023-11-09

We present a review of the phenology of the Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus and its wintering status in Sicily. We collected and analysed 91 different records related to a total of 280 individuals. Data were collected both through direct observations on the field and by consulting recent literature and ornithological databases. The species has been regularly found overwintering during the last 11 winters (December 2012-January 2023), with the only exception of the winter of 2014/2015, likely due to the lack of coverage and targeted research, with an estimated population of 180-190 individuals. The average value is 3.07 individuals/records observed in 18 different locations related to four Sicilian provinces (Caltanissetta, Catania, Siracusa, Trapani), mainly near wetlands and, more specifically, in Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophytic meadows and Mediterranean salt meadows. The number of wintering sites in the recent years appears to be increasing.

First Record of Leucistic Jungle Babbler (Turdoides striata) from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Ankit Sinha — 2023-11-09

Leucism is a genetic trait caused by a lack of melanin pigment in an animal’s skin, feathers, or fur. Unlike albinism, which is defined by a total lack of melanin synthesis, leucism is characterised by a partial loss of pigmentation. The definitions of leucism and various aspects of albinism are exceedingly vague. This very first documented report of a leucistic Jungle Babbler (Turdoides striata) in Northern India was made in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. More study is needed to look at the additional places of occurrence of these leucistic individuals, as well as the genetic basis of leucism in Jungle Babblers.

The European laurel Laurus nobilis berries in the diet of the blackbird Turdus merula

Fabrizio Bulgarini — 2023-11-09

The feeding activity of frugivorous birds is influenced by the selection criteria for berry size. European laurel (Laurus nobilis), a dioecious species with high lipid and protein content in its berries, is dispersed by blackbird (Turdus merula). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between berry size and feeding behavior of blackbird. Field data was collected in a botanical park near Rome (Italy) and included seed collection, observation of regurgitation events, and bird population surveys. The volume and shape index of berries and seeds were measured, and statistical analyses were performed. The results showed a positive linear correlation between berry and seed volume. Blackbird selectively consumed larger berries, resulting in a higher percentage of pericarp as an energy resource. The birds exhibited a bimodal strategy, feeding on both large ellipsoidal and large round berries, which had a higher percentage of pericarp. The shape index of berries and seeds showed a significant difference between the control collection and those consumed by blackbird. The findings suggest a case of coevolution, with the plant optimizing seed dispersal by offering berries of different sizes to accommodate the feeding behavior of blackbird. This study provides insights into the ecological relationship between frugivorous birds and plants, highlighting the role of berry size in seed dispersal strategies.

Update on successful nesting of bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) in the Lanzo Valleys, Piedmont region (NW Italy)

Maurizio Chiereghin — 2023-12-14

Since the first successful nesting of bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) in the Piedmont region, which took place in the Lanzo Valleys in the province of Turin during the 2018-2019 breeding season, with the fledging of the juvenile named “Belavrì” (W288), three other juveniles fledged in the following years at the same nesting site: “Maurich” (W365), “Chateaux” (W413) and “Eolo” (W490). Thus, the number of successful breedings in this area increased to 4 from the beginning of the international reintroduction project and we note the exceptional young age of the female during the first recorded breeding (4cy).

Interspecific feeding by Indian Robin (Copsychus fulicatus) to Brown Rock Chat (Oenanthe fusca)

Dipesh Kumar Jangir — 2023-12-14

Interspecific feeding is recorded in numerous bird species across the world, however, there are limited published observations from India. We provide the first documentation of a non-brood parasitic interspecific feeding between an Indian Robin (Copsychus fulicatus) and a Brown Rock Chat (Oenanthe fusca) fledgling from the Central Aravalli hill region of Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.

Breeding Bird Atlas of Ukraine

Flavio Ferlini — 2023-12-14

In November 2022 the Ukrainian Society for the Protection of Birds published the Ukrainian Breeding Bird Atlas.

Largest colony of Audouin’s Gull (Larus audouinii) in the Adriatic Sea and the increasing value of Apulia for the Central/Eastern Mediterranean population

Cristiano Liuzzi — 2023-11-21

Audouin’s Gull colonized Apulia region, SE Italy, around 1990. Regular surveys were performed since 2016, revealing an increase in the number of breeding sites and population size. The top value was reached in 2020, when a new colony, representing the most important settlement in the Adriatic Sea as well as in the entire eastern basin of the Mediterranean has been discovered near Brindisi. This settlement hosted a maximum of 222 breeding pairs. In 2020-2022, when the coverage was complete, the Apulian population of Audouin’s Gull fluctuated between 339 and 617 breeding pairs and occupied a total of five islands, with an overall production of 703 fledglings. Details are provided in order to enhance the designation of new or enlarged Natura2000 sites.

Successful December nesting of a pair of White-throated Dippers (Cinclus cinclus) in Northeast Italy: the earliest ever in Europe

Jessica Peruzzo — 2023-12-14

A remarkably early nesting of a pair of White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) in December 2021 in northeastern Italy is reported and discussed by considering factors that may have influenced the breeding onset.