MATERIALS FOR STUDYING INSULAR BIOTAS OF THE GULF OF TAUYSK: HABITAT STRUCTURE AND BIRD FAUNA OF SPAFARYEV ISLAND
Habitat structure of Spafaryev island (33,3 km 2) supports reproduction of a modest but distinctive bird fauna, which includes 12-16 species. Prevailing among them are the passerines inhabiting mountain tundra and coastal meadows (Anthus rubescens, Philloscopus fuscatus, Luscinia calliope, Locustella ochotensis, Leucosticte arctoa, Acanthis flammea). Among 5 nesting seabird species Larus schistisagus prevails (2100-2500 birds). For majority of other species, the island provides either moulting (Histrionicus histrionicus) or resting and feeding site (charadrides and alcides). Migrating passerines (Motacilla taivana, Prunella collaris, Locustella lanceolata, Ocyris aureola) widely use the island as a transit stop-over.