Contribution to the study of the bird fauna of the Sutjeska National Park

Abstract

Previous faunistic researches of birds in Sutjeska National Park were periodically conducted by individual researchers from 1888 to 2001, but there is a lack of contemporary systematic bird research. Especially aquatic habitats, and their surroundings, are today under the growing threat of destruction. In this study, we researched the 12 km of the Sutjeska river, 8.1 km of the Hrčavka river and five glacial lakes (Donje bare, Gornje bare, Orlovačko jezero, Crno jezero and Bijelo jezero). Study was conducted from 25 June to 2 July 2015 and from 12 to 14 July 2016. The methods used were: line transect, point counting, “free” method, teritorry mapping, playback method and capturing and marking method. Total registered number of birds is 78. Except of Larus michahellis, all registered species are possible, probable or confirmed breeding species of the study area. There are the 9 new nesting species, and these are: European Honey-buzzard (Pernis apivorus), Short-toed Snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus), Booted Eagle (Aquila pennata), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus), Stock Pigeon (Columba oenas), Raven (Corvus corax), Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) and Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra). Merged with existing data, the bird fauna of the national park “Sutjeska” is now presented with 118 species, of which 108 are possible, probable or confirmed nesting species. The results indicate the presence of rare species on national level, and they are birds of prey (P. apivorus , C. gallicus, A pennata, Aquila chrysaetos, F. peregrinus), Corncrake (Crex crex), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), Long Eared Owl (Bubo bubo), and White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos), which is the indicator of the old and preserved mountain forests. From songbirds significant nesting species of rocks, shrubbery, and rockeries in the canyons is Rock.