Wintering Waterfowl of Serbian portion of Danube River: counts 1999-2003

Abstract

IWC (International Water Bird Census) represents the greatest survey program of biodiversity in the world that deals with the birds of wetland habitats. Information that is gathered by census method of IWC in six Eurasian regions is used in order to estimate the size of winter populations of wetland birds, also changes in size and distribution of these populations. Danube represents an important economic and trade connection of Eastern and Middle Europe. Besides, Danube freezes over either not at all or very rarely, and as such represents an important stop for the winter migrants, as during the winter it provides them food and shelter. Natural History Museum in Belgrade counts birds on the Serbian part of Danube since 1982. The results processed for this report were collected in the standardized period 1999-2003. Most birds were recorded on 1999, 203635 individuals from 36 species (least recorded number). The greatest number of species (43) was recorded in 2003. During the administering of IWC, on the Serbian part of the Danube most ducks were recorded, both diving ducks and surface feeding ducks. In last several years there is a recorded increase in numbers of Eurasian Coots (Fulica atra) and Mute Swans (Cignus olor).