On the Status of Stay and the Biology of Eagles in the Kharkov District, Ukraine
Regional Fauna includes 5 Eagles species. Also extremely rare within the region appear certain migratory birds of another kind - the Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis). This eagle has nested in some southern Steppe areas of the Kharkiv region in the late nineteenth century, but disappeared because of the total plowing steppes and gophers extinction in many areas. Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) - nesting species. The total number of the local population within the Kharkiv region can be estimated in 119-124 pairs. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is wintering species. Throughout the years, noted from 2-3 to 10 individuals. In the first half of the twentieth century, this species was very rare nesting species in the region. Wintering prefers mosaic landscapes where sections of open areas surrounded by forests. Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga) - very rare species, known irregular nesting pairs (2-3). The total number of summering birds can not be more than 5 pairs. Prefers moist alder and oak old-growth floodplain forest wide river valleys. Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) - common enough species, population trends are positive. New species in regional Fauna. The first authentic nesting noted in 2007, and the first territorial pairs in breeding habitats - from 2005. Prefers different floodplain forest and upland oak woods. Occupies the former land of Greater Spotted Eagle. Observed substitution spotted eagle small. The total number is about 7-8 pairs. Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) - the most common species of large birds of prey. This species prefers oak and pine forests of the steppe zone. Total population within the region is about 50-60 pairs. Density in the most favorable habitats reaches 2.16±0.39 pairs/100 km 2, and the average distance between occupied nests equals 10.5±5.5 km.