German Ornithological Society

Three decades of breeding bird population changes in a pristine Danish forest: climate-driven shifts and biodiversity loss compared to national trends - Journal of Ornithology Climatic changes are causing general ecosystem changes and species-specific range shifts. To increase our understanding of climate change effects on avian trends and range shifts, this study investigates long-term breeding bird population trends in the pristine Høstemark Forest, Denmark, from 1991 to 2024, in the context of climate change and biodiversity loss. Using territory mapping data from unmanaged pristine forest and national point count data, we examined whether climate-group classifications (leading-edge, neutral, trailing-edge) predict population trends and how a high-quality habitat buffers against climate-driven shifts. Results show significant declines in total bird territories since 1991, while forest-specific bird species abundance remained stable in the Høstemark Forest. Trailing-edge species declined both locally and nationally, while leading-edge species increased locally but not significantly at the national level. Climate-neutral species exhibited local declines despite stable national trends. Species turnover rate appeared to occur more rapidly in the Høstemark Forest compared to the national scale, with both losses of trailing-edge species and gains in leading-edge species. However, despite its ecological quality and stability, the Høstemark Forest experienced a decline in overall bird abundance, suggesting that even pristine habitats can be vulnerable to biodiversity loss, potentially driven by climate change, isolation, and edge effects.

Now online in Journal of #Ornithology

Three decades of breeding bird population changes in a pristine Danish forest: climate-driven shifts and biodiversity loss compared to national trends

Open access

link.springer.com/article/10.1...

Assignment of wintering Barnacle Geese (Branta leucopsis) to breeding populations using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms - Journal of Ornithology Migratory birds often traverse thousands of kilometers, yet some individuals may abandon migration and form sedentary populations—a process termed ‘migratory drop-off’. A key limitation in studying this phenomenon is the inability to distinguish between individuals from different populations, particularly when they share part of their range. We aimed to solve this problem for the Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis), a species with both migratory and sedentary breeding populations along its flyway. We developed a genetic tool aimed at distinguishing individuals from migratory and sedentary populations. Using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we assigned geese wintering in the Netherlands to their breeding populations (i.e., the Netherlands and Russia). While complete assignment accuracy is likely unachievable—with potentially up to 20% of individuals misassigned due to ongoing gene flow and limited genetic differentiation—our results suggest that this error can be managed by focusing on high-confidence assignments or by studying traits with pronounced ecological or physiological differences. In the end, we refined a dataset of over 400,000 SNPs to approximately 1000 candidate markers for potential use in a diagnostic tool. Integrating these genetic markers with other methods, such as stable isotopes or morphological traits, may enhance assignment accuracy and offer novel insights into the ecological and evolutionary consequences of migratory drop-off.

Now online in Journal of #Ornithology

Assignment of wintering Barnacle Geese (Branta leucopsis) to breeding populations using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms

Open access

link.springer.com/article/10.1...

Using social media to document the persistence of the Peregrine Falcon and the Lanner Falcon across South Africa - Journal of Ornithology Social media and networking platforms are growing in their usefulness in research through citizen science. We used diverse online data sources and methods to generate insight into the distribution, ecological interactions and any additional information on the Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) and Lanner Falcons (F. biarmicus) in South Africa. We used social media, specifically Facebook®, eBird®, and iNaturalist®, to collect posts/observations, images and any additional information on the two falcon species in South Africa. We collected and analysed 5070 images from 2702 observations/posts in South Africa that were sourced from social media up to the 31st of August 2024. Both falcons were observed/posted in all nine provinces of South Africa. Peregrine Falcons were observed 1154 times (2404 images), whilst Lanner Falcons were observed 1548 times (2666 images) in all 9 provinces of South Africa. After 2017, there was a significant rise in posts/observations for both falcon species. Lanner Falcons were observed/posted more in most provinces, except Gauteng and the Western Cape, where Peregrine Falcons dominated the observations/posts. The Western Cape Province dominated image observations and posts/observations for the Peregrine Falcon, whilst the Northern Cape Province was notable for the Lanner Falcon. The differences in images and post/observation contributions between Peregrine Falcons and Lanner Falcons highlighted varying levels of visibility and engagement for reporting sightings amongst the different species, as well as behaviours of the two species. Future research can focus on optimising data collection strategies across multiple platforms to ensure citizen scientists can effectively contribute to our understanding of the dynamics of these species of falcons in South Africa.

Now online in Journal of #Ornithology

Using social media to document the persistence of the Peregrine Falcon and the Lanner Falcon across South Africa

Open access

link.springer.com/article/10.1...

Foraging behavior of the Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) and the Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocoptes medius) during breeding season in the Białowieża National Park, Poland - Journal of Ornithology The Great Spotted Woodpecker and the Middle Spotted Woodpecker during the breeding season in the Białowieża National Park forage mainly on the same tree species: European hornbeam, small-leaved lime, pedunculate oak and Norway maple. Therefore, it seems that they should forage in different sites on a given tree species or use different foraging techniques to minimize competition for food. Our research aimed to find out if this is in fact the case. Foraging observations of woodpeckers were carried out between 1999 and 2011 in April, May, and June. We found no differences between both woodpecker species in the choice of foraging sites on lime, hornbeam, and maple trees. In contrast, a significant difference was observed for oak trees, where the Middle Spotted Woodpecker foraged mainly on trunks, whereas the Great Spotted Woodpecker mostly on branches. Significant differences in the frequency of foraging techniques between the two woodpecker species were observed for lime, hornbeam, and oak, whereas no such differences were found in the case of maple. The differences in the foraging techniques of the woodpecker species on individual tree species is a factor that minimizes competition for food between them, while allowing them to forage at sites with similar parameters. The exception is oak, where foraging sites are spatially separated. This finding, and, at the same time, the difference in foraging techniques between the two species of woodpeckers, may suggest that oaks are an important source of food resources for which individuals of both species compete.

Now online in Journal of #Ornithology

Foraging behavior of the Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) and the Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocoptes medius) during breeding season in the Białowieża National Park, Poland

Open access

link.springer.com/article/10.1...

... and what her everyday life in ornithology looks like.

She told us how she got into ornithology...

We are happy to introduce you to another member of our society, María Jesús García Bianco!

Another excursion led us to the museum 'Brehm's world'. Due to the enthusiasm of our guide, everyone was caught up in the interesting stories.

We concluded our 158th annual meeting with excursions to the Plothener lakes, which is located in the East of Thuringia and where we went birdwatching.

We had a wonderful social evening with nice conversations, delicious food, and the award ceremony for the early career oral presentations as well as for the poster presentations.

We went through the history of the DOG by listening to stories, diaries, and letters that were sent by DOG members throughout the last 175 years.

Last night we were invited to the old town hall of Erfurt, which was mainly built between 1870 and 1875. It is an impressive building and we are thankful to the town of Erfurt for welcoming us.

📸 Aus der Vogelperspektive ausgezeichnet: @tannebergerf.bsky.social ( @greifswaldmoor.bsky.social / @unigreifswald.bsky.social ) wird Ehrenmitglied der @dornitholges.bsky.social für ihr Engagement für den Seggenrohrsänger & den Moorschutz! 🥳👏 #ornithologie #moorschutz #artenvielfalt

Furthermore, our long-standing DOG members Prof. Dr. Katrin Böhning-Gaese, Prof. Dr. Franz Bairlein, and Dr. Karl Schulze-Hagen approached the anniversary from very different perspectives. Prof. Bairlein, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Ornithology, presented the 172 years of the journals history.

We are thankful for greetings and congratulations that we received, such as from NABU president Jörg-Andreas Krüger. @nabu.de

During this year's conference we are celebrating the 175th anniversary of the German Ornithological Society! Today, we honored this event with a special session.

The first day of the annual conference ends with nice chats, drinks, and snacks at our fledglings meeting. Here, our early career researchers can ask established scientists all their questions that they are curious about.

During the poster session we are enjoying to hear about interesting research, get to know more about the history of the DOG, and have conversations with former collegues and friends.

Welcome to the 158th meeting of the German Ornithological Society! We're starting with welcoming words by our president, Dr. Dorit Visbeck-Liebers @dorit-vlh.bsky.social. In the coming days, we'll have interesting talks, posters, as well as events for the 175th anniversary of our society.

Yesterday's Fedglings Conference was a big success! Thanks to all attendees, helpers and, especially, the Natural History Museum in Erfurt for hosting us!

The 6th DOG Fledglings Meeting is in full swing! We had fantastic presentations by experts of polar ecology as well as our participants. Now we are enjoying the poster session and will finish off with an exciting excursion!
@martysyposz.bsky.social

Keynote bei der Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Limnologie - so viele Parallelen zu "meiner" @dornitholges.bsky.social & so wichtig, dass sich die Communities besser kennen und wir über den Tellerrand gucken! Toll organisiert @goetheuni.bsky.social @sgn.one inklusive Moor am Weg 😉 Danke!

Morphological adaptations for migration in North American wood-warblers (Aves: Parulidae) - Journal of Ornithology Migration exerts a selective pressure for increased flight efficiency and reduced energy expenditure in long-distance migratory birds. In North America, eastern migratory flyways are longer and requir...

Now online in Journal of #Ornithology

Morphological adaptations for migration in North American wood-warblers (Aves: Parulidae)

link.springer.com/article/10.1...

Egyptian Nightjars are residents in the Dead Sea region, showing a high year-round roost fidelity - Journal of Ornithology We investigated the spatial behavior of a recently discovered breeding population of Egyptian Nightjars (Caprimulgus aegyptius) near the Dead Sea. While there is a prevalent migratory tendency in othe...

Now online in Journal of #Ornithology

Egyptian Nightjars are residents in the Dead Sea region, showing a high year-round roost fidelity

Open access

link.springer.com/article/10.1...

Heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio varies with habitat fragmentation and canopy cover in a tropical understory insectivore - Journal of Ornithology Habitat fragmentation and degradation are major problems in tropical forests, leading to a decline in biodiversity. However, it is often unclear which aspects of habitat change are responsible for the...

Now online in Journal of #Ornithology

Heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio varies with habitat fragmentation and canopy cover in a tropical understory insectivore

Open access

link.springer.com/article/10.1...

Timing shapes flyway selection in juvenile white storks at the European migratory divide - Journal of Ornithology Migratory divides are junctures where populations of the same species following different migratory routes intersect. In white storks (Ciconia ciconia), migration strategies differ between the western...

Now online in Journal of #Ornithology

Timing shapes flyway selection in juvenile white storks at the European migratory divide

Open access

link.springer.com/article/10.1...

Assessing honeydew consumption and bird–bird interactions in bird communities in Southern Brazil - Journal of Ornithology Here we investigated the consumption of honeydew by bird communities in southern Brazil. We observed birds feeding on honeydew produced by scale insects on Mimosa scabrella host-trees, to clarify bird...

Now online in Journal of #Ornithology

Assessing honeydew consumption and bird–bird interactions in bird communities in Southern Brazil

link.springer.com/article/10.1...

Density distribution of the charismatic Kagu to guide conservation of endangered endemic rainforest species in New Caledonia - Journal of Ornithology The Kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) is an endangered endemic bird and emblem of New Caledonia, thus an ideal flagship species for conservation management and planning of protected areas on Grande Terre, th...

Now online in Journal of #Ornithology

Density distribution of the charismatic Kagu to guide conservation of endangered endemic rainforest species in New Caledonia

Open access

link.springer.com/article/10.1...

Effect of proximity to ski slopes on nest predation risk of the Pyrenean Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus aquitanicus) - Journal of Ornithology Mountain tourism has shown a strong increase over the last decades. One of the most important activities is skiing, which has a great economic impact on these traditionally less developed areas. Howev...

Now online in Journal of #Ornithology

Effect of proximity to ski slopes on nest predation risk of the Pyrenean Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus aquitanicus)

Open access

link.springer.com/article/10.1...

First genetically confirmed record of a wild Marsh Tit × Willow Tit hybrid (Poecile palustris × P. montanus) - Journal of Ornithology Identifying inconspicuous hybrids in the wild can be challenging and might cause a low rate of detectability for phenotypically similar species. Here, we report on a record of a hybrid between Marsh T...

Now online in Journal of #Ornithology

First genetically confirmed record of a wild Marsh Tit × Willow Tit hybrid (Poecile palustris × P. montanus)

Open access

link.springer.com/article/10.1...