Habitat preferences and dynamic of number of the magpie (Pica pica) in Minsk
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33581/2957-5060-2026-1-%25pKeywords:
urban birds, bird ecology, bird assemblage, corvids, synurbisation, magpie, Pica pica, BelarusAbstract
The distribution, habitat preferences and breeding density of the magpie in the urban landscape of Minsk from 2020 to 2025, were analysed. A quantitative census of birds was conducted on an urban territory of 42 km2 in different habitats: large and small tree and shrub spaces, green areas along water bodies and water flows, roadside plantings, different urban residential blocks, and industrial areas. The breeding density of the magpie in these habitats varied from 0 pairs to 2.72 pair per 1 ha and, as a rule, decreased from individual residential blocks to industrial areas. On average, the breeding density in tree and shrub spaces (parks, squares, gardens, etc.) was higher than in urban residential blocks ((0.30 ± 0.48) and (0.20 ± 0.21) pair per 1 ha, respectively). It was established that over the last decade, the total number of synurbised magpie population in Minsk has increased by almost 20 %, primarily due to a rise in the number of breeding pairs in urban residential blocks. Currently, the estimated magpie population in Minsk is 5.0 –5.4 thsd breeding pairs. The data obtained are of significant general theoretical importance, and required in order to develop measures for managing the magpie population in urban landscape.
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