To the ecology of the Blackbird in Podolia. - V.S. Talposh. - Berkut. 7 (1-2). 1998. P. 64-69.
Data were collected in Ternopil region of Ukraine in 1963-1995. The Blackbird is a breeding, migrating and sometimes wintering species of Podolia. In spring first birds arrive in March. Nest building is begun in the second half of April. Nests were found in 13 species of trees and shrubs, sometimes on the ground. Height of nest placing fluctuates from 1,0 to 10,0 m, mean height is 2,56 +- 0,18 (n = 91). There are two clutches in the breeding period. The full clutch has 3-6 eggs, mean size is 4,77 +- 0,07 (n = 107). Brooding lasts 13 days. It is begun mainly after laying of the third egg. Chicks stay in the nest 12-14 days. First fledged youngs were observed since 17.05. Death of eggs and chicks makes about 60 %. Measures of nests and eggs are given in Tables 1-7. Main food objects for chicks are annelides and arthropods (Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, Diptera, etc.). Autumn departure takes place in the second half of October - beginning of November. [Russian].
Key words: Blackbird, Turdus merula, Ternopil region, ecology, migration, breeding, nest, egg, chick, feeding.
Address: V.S. Talposh, S. Bandera street, 80/86, 282011 Ternopil, Ukraine.