Breeding ecology of the Night Heron in region of the Ukrainian Carpathians. - I.V. Skilsky, B.I. Godovanets, V.V. Buchko. - Berkut. 9 (1-2). 2000. P. 12-22.
Literature and original materials collected mainly in the 2nd half of XX cent. are summarized. The Night Heron is a breeding and migrating species in region of the Ukrainian Carpathians (the Carpathians, the Transcarpathian lowland and the Prut-Dnestr interfluve). Colonies were found in the Prut-Dnestr interfluve and the upper Dnestr valley. Some birds during the breeding period and especially during migrations can penetrate deeply in mountains. In total the Night Heron was discovered in 70 points of the region. In 78,6 % cases birds were found during the breeding period, 18,6 % – during migrations, 2,8 % – vagrants. During the breeding period birds were observed in 24 (43,6 % cases) points of the Prut-Dnestr interfluve, in 20 (36,4 %) points of the Precarpathians and in 11 (20,0 %) points of the Transcarpathian lowland. Spring migration goes almost since middle of March and up to the end of the second decade of April. Average arrival date for the region is 6.04 ± 2,58 days (n = 14). About autumn migration data are practically absent. It is probable, that the basic amount of birds leaves nesting grounds during first half of September. Description of colonies, data about nest placing, parameters of nests and eggs, building material of nests, breeding phenology are given in tables. Current situation of the species in the region is satisfactory. Majority of colonies are protected in ornithological reservations. [Russian].
Key words: the Carpathians, Night Heron, Nycticorax nycticorax, distribution, ecology, migration, breeding, nest, egg, phenology.
Address: I.V. Skilsky, PO Box 532, 58001 Chernivtsi, Ukraine.