Wintering of Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) and Coot (Fulica atra) in Central Bohemia (1995-2007) and Prague (1970-2007)
Abstract
Wintering of Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) and Coot (Fulica atra) was analysed on base of data of wintering waterbird census in Prague (Vltava) and Central Bohemia (Vltava, Labe, Berounka, other rivers and important waterbodies). Seasonal dynamic was studied in Prague in 9 controls from the beginning of December to the end of February.
On the rest of the study area the census was carried three - times, since 2003/04 five-times, a winter in month intervals. Inter seasonal changes of Moorhen are dramatic in Prague as well, as on Vltava and Labe rivers.
The midwinter count depend negatively on the temperature of the first half of winter. Important wintering sites of this species are on Vltava River, Labe near Kolín, Jizera near Mladá Boleslav and fish ponds near Stehelčeves.
Seasonal dynamic of Moorhen has no clear pattern. Numbers of Coot were decreased since the beginning of the 1980ties.
Midwinter count on Vltava and Labe Rivers depends on the temperature of first half of winter. Main wintering sites are Labe (45-60 % of wintering population), Vltava (30-40 %) and in November and during mild winters sand-pit lakes (15-23 %).
Seasonal dynamic of Coot has clear pattern with maximum in January and hight numbers in December and February.