Gyps fulvus

The Griffon Vulture nests colonially (up to 10–12 pairs) in large rock complexes, periodically changing nests. Single nests (including next to roads) are also known. Lays 1 egg in January. Carnivorous, dependent on free-range domestic animals and veterinary services. Dozens of birds can gather in one feeding place.

Typical habitats for the species are rocky areas in the valleys of large rivers, often in the presence of wolves.

Negative factors on the species are poisoning, shooting, lack of food, collisions in the power grid. The most significant are the reduction of livestock (especially after 1985-1989), the placement of poisonous baits and the deterioration of habitats as a result of mining, afforestation, disturbance and others. Since 2004, 40 wind turbines have been threatened in Greece near the Bulgarian border, in an area where birds cross.

The species breeds in Southern Europe, Asia Minor, the Sinai Peninsula, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, India.

Neophron percnopterus

The species nests in niches on rocks. Couples use up to 4-5 different nests. The distance between them is 3-4 km. About 30% of the pairs change their nests from the previous year. Carnivorous, rarely eats turtles, snails, etc.

Typical habitats for the species are rocky areas, gorges, gorges, in the past loess walls, settlements and others. up to 400, less often up to 900 m above sea level

Negative factors on the species are the use of poisons in agriculture and for large predators, deratization of landfills. Reducing the food base. Power surges from the power grid. Anxiety during construction activities, mining, etc.

Indo-African species, whose nesting area covers Southern Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, Turkestan and India.

Aquila heliaca

Nesting-migratory, transient and partly wintering species. The breeding season occurs in March with the strengthening of the old or the construction of a new nest, with synchronous flights of the pair. In the first half of April it lays 2, rarely 1 or 3-4 eggs. The young take off from the nests in late July and early August. The main ingredient in food is laluger.

Typical habitats for the species are mainly margins of deciduous and coniferous forests, meadows or pastures, but always close to running water at a distance of 300-350 m.

Adverse factors on the species are disturbance caused by fires and afforestation activities, felling of nesting trees, poisoning by dead rodents after spraying crops, etc.

The species breeds in Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia and China. Winters in the Nile Valley, the Arabian Peninsula, India, South and East Asia. Some of the birds in Europe winter in Greece and Turkey, and in milder winters in Bulgaria.

Ciconia nigra

Nesting-migratory, transient and partly wintering species. Spring migration is from early March to early April. The young (2–4) remain in the nest until the second half of July or the beginning of August. Autumn migration is from the second half of August to the end of October. Late autumn and winter wanderings are from early November to late February. It feeds mainly on fish.

The characteristic habitats for the species are plain and mountain deciduous forests, rock complexes, river gorges, dams, micro-dams, fishponds, rice fields, etc. Most nesting sites (31%) are recorded at altitudes of 600 to 800 m, and the least (0.5%) - from 1200 to 1300 m above sea level

Negative factors on the species are wetland pollution, fishery persecution, etc.

The species breeds in almost all European countries (excluding Finland, Norway, Great Britain, Ireland, Iceland, Switzerland and Cyprus), Asia (south to the Persian Gulf, east to Sakhalin Island) and South Africa.

Buteo rufinus

Permanent, nesting-migratory, transient and wintering species. It nests on rocky sites, less often on deciduous and coniferous trees. The construction of a new nest or repair of the old one is in the beginning of March, and in case of prolonged warming at a lower altitude - at the end of February. The closest distance between two inhabited nests is about 1200 m. It is tolerant of other birds of prey nesting in the area. Egg laying begins from the first ten days of March to mid-April, and hatching - around the laying of the last egg from the brood. In favorable years, the number of eggs and reared chicks is higher, reaching 4-5, and as a big exception - 6. At about 50 days of age, young birds leave the nest (usually in early July) and stick around it for week.

The characteristic habitats for the species are rocks in gorges and gorges of rivers, separate rock complexes, stone quarries with open spaces around them (arable land, pastures), which birds use for hunting. Inhabits open hilly terrain in the foothills near gorges, gorges and gorges of rivers.

Negative factors on the species are degradation of biotopes; afforestation of large areas; accidental deaths from transmission lines, use of drugs.

The species is found in Asia (Syria, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Northwest China and Mongolia) and Europe (Balkan countries). Stray or migratory birds have been registered in Italy, France, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Dryocopus martius

Permanent view. Couples do not break up for the winter. The breeding season begins from mid-February to mid-March. Lays in April (3-6 eggs), lays 12-14 days, the young take off 24-31 days after hatching; re-nests in case of hatchery loss. The food includes bark beetles, their larvae and ants. The plots of the pairs in old coniferous forests are about 300 ha, in beech - 400 and in oak 500-600 ha.

Typical habitats for the species are extensive old coniferous, beech and mixed forests (up to 2100 m).

Negative factors on the species are deforestation and sanitary felling, reduction of the food base, in particular the red ant, competition from the gray, white-backed and green woodpecker, close specialization in food and habitat.

A species that inhabits the taiga and deciduous forest area of ​​Eurasia. Relatively rare on the Balkan Peninsula.

Hippolais olivetorum

Migratory species. Hatching of eggs (3-4) in southwestern Bulgaria begins in early May. Sometimes the couple has 2 hatchers.

The characteristic habitats for the species are dry stony slopes, valleys and gorges with bushy vegetation and light low forests of the Mediterranean type in the hilly and foothill belt, as well as along the coast.

Adverse factors on the species are habitat destruction and change (coastal development and tourism disturbance, agricultural clearing, fires, logging), limited range and low world population (minimum 11,000 pairs) presuppose significant changes in the number of the species.

Lanius nubicus

Monogamous, territorial species. In suitable habitats it forms up to 6 pairs. The nest is small, located at a height between 0.95 and 18 m above the ground. They lay 4-6 eggs. Only the female lays for about 14-16 days. The food of the species consists mainly of insects.

The characteristic habitats for the species are xerothermic oak forests of sub-Mediterranean type, riparian plantations of hybrid poplar, less often thickets of willow, ash and acacia, orchards, walnut plantations, almond trees, city parks. Occupying forest plantations that have replaced natural forests is an adaptation of the species with potential long-term conservation benefits.

Negative factors on the species are habitat change and degradation: deforestation, fires, etc. Forestry activities have the potential to have a negative impact on the use of chemicals and anxiety during the breeding season.

Mediterranean species nesting in the Balkans, Cyprus, Asia Minor, the Middle East to Turkmenistan and possibly Afghanistan.

Aegypius monachus

Permanent and wandering species. It nests in loose colonies or singly, building its nests mostly in the crown of trees, rarely on rocks. Puberty occurs at 6-7 years. The female lays one egg, which lays 50-55 days. The little one takes off at 3-3.5 months. It feeds on carrion (mainly medium and large carcasses of domestic and wild animals).

The characteristic habitats of the species are valleys of large rivers or dams with shrub or grass communities, most characteristic of the Eastern Rhodopes.

Negative factors on the species are habitat loss, nutrient depletion, anxiety, poisoning, poaching.

In Europe, the species nests in isolated habitats - a total of about 1800 pairs.

Milvus migrans

Nesting-migratory, transient and partly wintering species. Nests up to 30 pairs singly or in sparse colonies. Gathers in groups during meals, wandering, rest and migration. It feeds on carrion, often takes prey from other birds, hunts insects and small vertebrates.

Typical habitats for the species are flat and hilly areas of the country, without the mountainous area above 1000 m above sea level. There is a preference for places near wetlands, even with increased anthropogenic pressure.

Negative factors on the species are intensive agriculture, as well as collisions with power lines, extraction of aggregates and timber along rivers, poisoning, poaching, industrial and domestic pollution of soil and water.

The species is widespread in Europe, Asia, Africa, Fr. Madagascar, Australia and the Indo-Malay Archipelago.

Emberiza hortulana

Medium bunting - body length is 15-17 cm. It has a relatively long pink beak and a rounded head. The color of the head is olive-gray in males, and in females the colors are generally paler and pastel. The young look like the females. It nests singly or in loose groups. The breeding season for the garden bunting begins in mid-April-early May. The female lays between 4-5 eggs. The nests are most often located on the ground and are covered with tuff of grass or other vegetation, stone or others. The chicks hatch after 11-12 days of laying eggs. The young leave the nest after 10 days.

The species feeds mainly on insects, but also on various seeds, especially outside the breeding season.

Typical habitats for the species are open spaces with scattered shrubs and low trees, which it uses for shelter and nesting. It is also found in arable land with peripheral shrubs and shrubs, old vineyards and other arable land, meadows and pastures with shrubs and deciduous trees.

Negative factors on the species are changes in agricultural practices in Europe and especially the use of pesticides and the removal of shrubs and single trees in arable land, which have led to the extinction of the species from many parts of the Old Continent. The biggest threats facing the species in Bulgaria in the next decade are the intensification of agriculture and especially the entry of crops for the production of biofuels such as rapeseed. With them, the restrictions on the use of pesticides and fertilizers are greatly reduced. This leads to the creation of huge areas of monocultures with extremely low biodiversity.

Widespread species. It breeds in Europe without the British Isles and northern France, in the east to Western Siberia, Mongolia to the Altai and the Kyrgyz steppes, reaches the Caucasus, and nests in Asia Minor and northern Iran. It is a relatively widespread species in Bulgaria.

Sylvia nisoria

The neck and abdomen have hawk-like transverse stripes that are more pronounced in males. The plumage on the top is completely gray. Males have a clearly visible lemon-yellow iris. The females are less contrasting, in paler tones and the "hawk" pattern on the underside is less pronounced. It feeds on insects and spiders. It nests in dense bushes. Lays 4-5 eggs, has one generation per year during the period May-July.

Typical habitats for the species are hot and dry places with shrubs and single trees.

The negative factor on the species is the removal of strips of trees and shrubs in the plains.

Nests in Eastern Europe and temperate areas of Asia. A migratory bird that winters in East Africa. In Bulgaria the species is found scattered in a large part of the country.

Bubo bubo

Permanent view. The breeding season is from February to August. The female lays 2–4 white eggs. Hatching lasts 34-36 days. During this time it feeds on the male. The young take off at 7 weeks of age. It feeds mainly on small mammals (lalugers, hedgehogs, rabbits, stray cats). Birds are also common prey - domestic pigeons, doves, thrushes, magpies, ducks, partridges, etc.

The species' characteristic habitats are hard-to-reach places, mainly in rock massifs and screes, caves, forest edges, sparse old forests, often in river valleys near the river.

Negative factors on the species are poaching, destruction and habitat change, anxiety, poisoning with rodenticide-treated victims (rodents).

Occurs in Western and Central Europe, the Apennines and the Balkans, the Caucasus, the European and Asian parts of Russia, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Israel, North Indochina, Fr. Sakhalin.

Pernis apivorus

Nesting-migratory species. The pairs occupy the nesting areas in April. It nests only in trees, 10–22 m high, or uses the nests of other birds of prey. In April-May it lays 2, very rarely 1, 3 or 4 eggs. Hatching lasts 28-35 days, and the young remain in the nest for 40-45 days. It feeds mainly on earthworm and bee larvae, hornets and other insects, small birds, reptiles and rodents. Compared to other birds of prey, it spends relatively little time in Bulgaria and starts flying south in August.

Typical habitats for the species are tall deciduous forests, but they also nest in mixed and coniferous forests up to 1600–1700 m above sea level near open spaces.

Negative factors on the species are the massive deforestation and disturbance, poaching and pesticide use in agriculture.

Nests in Western Siberia, Asia Minor and Europe (excluding the extreme northern and northwestern regions and the vast treeless plains). Winters in sub-Saharan Africa.

Circaetus gallicus

Nesting-migratory and transient species. It nests in trees, mainly deciduous. The construction of the nest is from the end of April to the beginning of May. Lays an egg. The young flew out in late July and early August. It feeds mainly on snakes, lizards and frogs, less often on small mammals and insects.

Characteristic habitats for the species are sparse deciduous and sparse coniferous forests near open terrains, pastures and meadows.

Negative factors affecting the species are large-scale afforestation, bare logging and fires, poultry production, mortality caused by collisions with electric poles and power lines, direct persecution, anxiety.

The species is found in Eurasia from the Iberian Peninsula, France, Italy, the Balkans, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, Poland, Belarus, Estonia, Ukraine, Russia, north to the St. Petersburg region, Asia Minor, western China and India; in Africa from Morocco to Egypt.

Aquila pomarina/h2>

Nesting-migratory, transient and partly wintering species. It nests mainly on deciduous trees, 6–25 m high. The female usually lays 2 eggs at the beginning of May, and the hatching lasts 38-41 days. The young leave the nests at about 55 days of age. In the food spectrum are found common vole, wagtail, lizard, woodpecker, water frog.

Typical habitats for the species are preserved forests of beech, oak or mixed plantations, old buffer zones and other forest areas, near large grasslands and near agricultural lands that birds use for hunting.

The negative factor on the species is the development of beech and mixed forests up to 1000 m above sea level for logging, infrastructural development for tourism and recreation.

Occurs from the Elbe Valley to Belarus and the Leningrad Region, Hungary, the Balkans, Asia Minor, the Caucasus, northern Iran, India and northern Burma. It winters mainly in Asia Minor and East Africa, with the main migration route passing through the Gulf of Burgas, the Bosphorus and the Gulf of Aqaba.

Aquila chrysaetos

Permanent view. The breeding season begins in the first half of March. The female lays 1-2 eggs in April. The chicks hatch at the end of May and take off from the nest around August 15. Land turtles are a favorite food. Remains of snipe, fox, rabbit, bird, snake and lizard were also found in the nests.

The characteristic habitats for the species are of two types: hard-to-reach rock complexes (85%) and deciduous forests.

Negative factors on the species are disturbance during the spawning and feeding of the young, shooting for personal collections and poisoning by lures for wolves, jackals and foxes.

Distributed in North Africa, East Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, Central Asia (Pamirs, Tien Shan, Himalayas), China, Korea, Japan; North America.

Haliaeetus albicilla

Permanent species, with wintering mostly young birds from more northern regions (Danube Delta). The pair has several nests, built mainly of white poplar, which they change in different years. In March, the female lays 1-3 eggs. Hatching lasts 38-42 days. The young remain in the nest for 80-90 days. It feeds on fish, waterfowl, small mammals, etc.

Typical habitats for the species are the coasts of seas, rivers and lakes, rich in fish and waterfowl, with tall and comfortable nesting trees. In winter it inhabits places around artificial reservoirs - dams, fishponds, etc.

Negative factors affecting the species in the past - direct pursuit and killing, betting on poisonous baits for predatory mammals. Tree felling on the Danube islands, which continues today.

The species has a fragmented nesting area in Europe and Asia.

Pandion haliaetus

Nesting-migratory and transient species. Reproduction begins at 3-6 years of age. It nests singly. It uses mainly trees, in some cases rocks, as well as artificial structures (including high-voltage poles). Lays 2-3 eggs from the second half of April to early May. Until the autumn migration, young birds are related to adults. It migrates to a wide front. It feeds on fish.

Typical habitats for the species are a variety of natural and artificial wetlands with standing or running water. The main requirement for the habitat is the availability of significant food resources (mainly fish) in combination with suitable nesting sites (old trees in floodplain forests, transmission line poles, etc.).

Adverse factors on the species are: destruction and / or degradation of its habitats; poaching - shooting during migration and during the breeding season (in fish farms); anxiety from fishermen, hunters, tourists, etc. (particularly sensitive to human presence). Reduction of fish stocks (in the largest reservoirs in the country). Felling of old trees near water bodies. High risk of collision and / or short circuit with high voltage power lines.

The White-tailed Sea Eagle nests in Europe, Asia, America, North Africa, Australia.

Hieraaetus pennatus

Nesting-migratory and transient species. The pairs occupy the nesting territory at the end of March, the beginning of April. Honeymoon flight is a characteristic, wavy dive. The nest is located in old deciduous or mixed forests, rarely nests on rocks. Lays 2 eggs. The hatching lasts 36-39 days, and the young remain in the nest for about 50 days. It feeds on woodpeckers and other rodents, birds (pigeons, thrushes, larks, tits), reptiles, etc., which hunt in forests and open spaces.

Typical habitats for the species are old deciduous forests in semi-mountainous and hilly areas up to about 2000 m above sea level and the lower parts of the higher mountains.

Negative factors on the species are the massive deforestation and disturbance, destruction of valuable habitats by fires in southeastern Bulgaria in the early XXI century, as well as direct persecution by poachers.

The species is widespread in Europe. Southwest and Central Asia, North Africa, New Guinea and Australia. Winters in Africa and India, Fr. Ceylon and Burma. It is permanent in the southern parts of the range and migratory in the northern parts.

Egretta alba

Nesting-migratory, transient and wintering species. It breeds singly, in small individual colonies or on the periphery of mixed colonies, in lakes and swamps with extensive reed massifs. Separate tree nests are also known. He raises 2-3 young, which start flying from the beginning of July. It feeds mainly on fish, spoons, aquatic insects and their larvae.

Typical habitats for the species are freshwater lakes and swamps, dams and micro-dams, fishponds and fish farms. During migrations and wintering it is also found in coastal brackish reservoirs, non-freezing dams, irrigation canals, arable land (mostly alfalfa), etc.

A negative factor on the species in the past was the mass shooting for feathers used for decoration (late 19th century) as a pest (1950s), and possibly drying and degradation in wetlands, which is still considered a threat.

Great Egret nests in Asia, Africa, Fr. Madagascar, New Zealand and America; in Europe - the Danube basin and the southeastern part of the continent.

Aquila clanga

Transient, wintering and probably nesting species. A very well-adapted predator, it hunts its prey in all possible ways, chasing it by flying, diving from above and including running on the ground. It feeds on all types of small and medium-sized animals, such as hares, mice, birds, reptiles, amphibians and large insects. Monogamous birds. Nesting begins in April when they return from wintering. They use the same nest every year, repairing it beforehand. It lays most often one, very rarely two eggs, in the latter case the weaker or later hatched little one dies. Hatching lasts about 42-45 days. Both parents are mating. The young leave the nest after about 45-60 days, but stay with their parents until the end of autumn.

Characteristic habitats for the species are wetlands with concentrations of waterfowl and tall trees around, floodplains and other deciduous forests, shores of reservoirs, open southeastern slopes with upward air currents along the migration route.

Negative factors on the species - little known; hunting press in the main wintering grounds (Shabla and Durankulak lakes), possible competition from the small bald eagle / Aquila pomarina /.

The species is found in Europe, Asia and Africa.

Ixobrychus minutus

Nesting-migratory species. It is found almost all over the country, mainly below 600 m above sea level and in some mountains. Inhabits overgrown ponds. Lays 2-9 eggs, which incubate for 16-21 days. There are 1-3 generations per year. It feeds on insects, spiders, crustaceans, fish and small amphibians and their larvae.

Characteristic habitats for the species are freshwater reservoirs in the lower parts of the country. It prefers extensive reedbeds and shrubs in freshwater marshes and spills and in the lower reaches of large rivers. In the off-season it is also found in habitats that are not typical for the species, such as desolate terrains and forest edges in the lower parts of the mountains.

Negative factors on the species - little known; most likely habitat destruction, pollution, poaching.

The little water bull nests in Europe, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Israel, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Myanmar, sub-Saharan Africa, Australia. Winters from Africa (sub-Saharan Africa) to India.

Ciconia ciconia

Nesting-migratory, transient and exceptionally wintering species. The breeding season is from late March to early August. In the past, the preferred substrate for nesting were trees, and now - electric poles (46.4%), trees (29.8%), buildings (24.1%) and others. There are also colonial nesting birds in areas with a rich food base. His food is from frogs, snakes, mice, etc.

Typical habitats for the species are mainly settlements in the lower parts of the country and near rivers, rice fields, wet meadows, dams, etc.

A negative factor on the species is the location of the sockets on electric poles, dry trees, chimneys, monuments, etc., which makes them risky.

The species breeds in Europe (excluding Finland, Norway, England, Ireland, Iceland and Cyprus), Asia and Africa.

Caprimulgus europaeus

The goat is also known as the Night Swallow or the Dark One. It is a nocturnal migratory bird, the only member of the goat-like order in Europe and the western half of Asia. It is also found in Bulgaria.

The beak is short and the mouth is very wide with tactile bristles in the corners. The eyes are large and black. The color is brownish with many dark spots, stripes and strokes, resembling cracked bark. There is a weak sexual dimorphism. The goat is a solitary nocturnal bird with fast and silent flight, which catches insects in the air, but sometimes feeds on the ground, diversifying with worms, snails, small frogs and more. During the day it lies motionless on the ground or perched on a thick horizontal branch and, thanks to its excellent camouflage, is almost invisible.

Typical habitats for the species are forests, open areas with bush vegetation, even semi-desert areas. It is a migratory bird almost everywhere, flying to Bulgaria in April-May from Central and South Africa, where it winters and flies south in October.

The female does not build a nest; lays directly on the ground or in a small hollow two elongated white eggs, dotted with dark brown spots, which the pair hatches in shifts for 18 days. The young hatch at night. They grow quickly and, if necessary, leave the nest before learning to fly.

Falco biarmicus

Permanent view. It feeds mainly on small and medium-sized birds. He hunts in flight close to the ground. In early March it lays 3 (2-5) eggs. The parents breed 32-35 days and feed the young 35-47 days. They leave the nest at the end of May. In winter, some birds descend to the plains. Food - mostly birds.

Typical habitats for the species are rocky areas adjacent to forests, rarely - and to river valleys. It also inhabits dry areas, Mediterranean-type shrublands, high mountains (and over 2000 m above sea level).

Negative factors on the species are habitat destruction and change; anxiety; illegal trade and shooting; hybridization with the peregrine falcon.

The species breeds in Africa (excluding forest areas and southern Somalia), the Middle East, Asia Minor and southern Europe.

Tetrao urogallus

A permanent species that nests on land. It usually lays 6-9 eggs, which the female incubates for about 26 days. It feeds on insects, fresh buds and leaves, mainly coniferous leaves, mainly Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris).

Characteristic habitats for the species in the southern periphery of the area, which includes Bulgaria, inhabits coniferous and mixed forests in the mountains. Prefers old forests. It has also inhabited forested hilly landscapes in the past.

Negative factors on the species are sport hunting, loss and degradation of habitats due to logging, fires and others. Violated sexual relations as a result of selective shooting of male individuals due to their trophy value. Limited area, disturbance in logging, mountain construction, etc., import of capercaillies of foreign origin.

The range of the species is highly fragmented and divided into 3 parts - Iberian, Alpine-Balkan-Carpathian and Scandinavian-Siberian. The natural range includes: Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Macedonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Northern Greece . In the Eastern Palearctic, the range is complete and reaches Siberia, the Altai in Russia and Mongolia. Introduced in Scotland.