Nestsite characteristics of the European Beeeater (Merops apiaster L.) in the Gödöllő Hills

Kerényi, Zoltán and Ivók, Emília (2014) Nestsite characteristics of the European Beeeater (Merops apiaster L.) in the Gödöllő Hills. ORNIS HUNGARICA, 21 (2). pp. 23-32. ISSN 1215-1610

Preview

Text Nestsite-characteristics-of-the-European-Beeeater-Merops-apiaster-L-in-the-Gdll-Hills.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

According to our surveys carried out in the Gödöllő Hills between 2009–2012, a relatively high proportion (39-57%) of the known 36-40 Bee-eater nesting sites can be found in natural habitats, on hillsides as opposed to nests excavated into man-made artificial walls. 51.8% of the nesting population breeds under such natural circumstances in loess and sandy hillsides, and the nests are excavated into the soil covered by vegetation. We have shown that 61.9% of the nests were built in loess, 28.4% in sandy and 9.7% in mixed type of substrate. Bee-eaters nesting on hillsides prefer the slopes between 11-30°. The slope of the hill is higher on loess grounds (average: 24.67°) as opposed to the sandy ones (average: 13.97°). The length of the nesting cavities differs significantly between the two substrate, those built in sandy areas being longer. The cavities in loess are deeper underground. The Bee-eaters nesting on hillsides prefer places with low vegetation cover.

Actions (login required)

Edit Item