Rose-coloured Starling in the Crimea. - S.Yu. Kostin, M.M. Beskaravayniy, Yu.A. Andryushchenko, N.A. Tarina. - Berkut. 8 (1). 1999. P. 89-97.
The literature and original data on migration, nesting and feeding of the Rose-coloured Starling in the Crimea are summarised. The spring migration occurs during 2 and 3 decades of May, proceeding sometimes prior to the beginning of June. Basic biotopes in this period are steppe, forest belts and open woodlands. The average date of the first meetings in Crimea mountains is 19.05, in plains - 15.05, maximal duration of the migration period is 28 days. Postbreeding meetings were mainly registered in the flat part of Crimea. Two nesting areas in natural biotopes, located on Kerch and Tarkhancut peninsulas are known, where two types of stations, rocky cliffs and large-stoned landslides are used. In 1992-1998 13 breeding points in anthropogenous biotopes, under roofs of the deserted farms and in heaps of a building stone have been registered. Three breeding areas situated on Kerch peninsula (7 colonies), Tarkhancut peninsula (6 colonies) and North Crimea (3 colonies) have been established in this period. The maximal number is noted in 1996 (11 colonies). The breeding period usually begins at 2-3 decades of May (sometimes earlier). Fluctuations of breeding dates at different pairs in the same colony occurs around one week, long-term fluctuations does around a month. Cereals are used for constructing nests in the natural biotopes. Coldproof material is used under roofs of farms. There are 4-5 eggs per clutch. The average size of eggs is 28,0 ? 20,7 mm. Orthoptera predominate in the diet. Juicy fruits are significant component in a diet of adult birds, and, in some areas, in a diet of nestlings, too. [Russian].
Key words: Rose-coloured Starling, Pastor roseus, the Crimea, ecology, distribution, migration, breeding, feeding.
Address: S.Yu. Kostin, Partisanskaya str. 23/108, 334270 Alushta, Crimea, Ukraine.