Distribution, number and ecology of White-tailed Eagle in the North of West Siberia. - M.G. Golovatin, S.P. Paskhalny. - Berkut. 14 (1). 2005. - P. 59-70.
The distribution and number pattern of White-tailed Eagle in the North of West Siberia and in particular in the area contoured by administrative borders of the Yamal-Nenets autonomous region (Russia) are described in the article. The work is based both on the observations conducted during the period from 1970–2002 and the existing published information. Its subject is the possible nesting of the White-tailed Eagles on the ground in tundra at the northern border of the breeding range. Examples of such nests are taken from other tundra areas. The White-tailed Eagle has band disposition of its nests in woody areas. The article gives nesting density and occupancy of potential nesting sites in general on the rivers of West Siberia. The highest local density was 4 nests in 25 km length of the Sob river, i. e. 16 pairs per 100 km of river valley. Another high density was 6,7–8,3 pairs/100 km of the Voikar river valley. The Sob and the Voikar are the left-bank tributaries of the Ob river. Estimation of the White-tailed Eagle number has been made both in single areas and in the whole region. Total number of the White-tailed Eagle is estimated in 350–500 breeding pairs and 1500–2500 individuals (including non-breeding birds) in the North of West Siberia. Fishes, waterfowls, small mammals, carrion are the main food in the study area. Sufficient food supply is the main factor for the nesting. The arrival and departure times and interesting features of the feeding and nesting are described. Relationship between man and the White-tailed Eagle is analyzed. [Russian].
Key words: West Siberia, White-tailed Eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla, distribution, number, ecology, breeding, feeding, migration.
Address: M.G. Golovatin, Institute of plant and animal ecology, 8 Marta str, 202, 620144 Ekaterinburg, Russia; e-mail: golovatin@ipae.uran.ru.