Scientific Journal of the BirdLife Hungary

A Magyar Madártani és Természetvédelmi Egyesület tudományos folyóirata

Ornis Hungarica. vol.2. (1992) p.25-31.

Structure of avian communities in the forests of Szigetköz, Hungary
Waliczky Zoltán

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Abstract:

Bird density estimations were carried out in the Szigetköz in 1990. Three forest habitats were studied: natural willow-woodland, semi-natural oak forests, and poplar-plantations.The cluster analysis showed that these habitats clearly segregated from each other. The willow-woodland had the most diverse bird community and we also found the highest number of species there. The poplar plantations were the poorest habitat measured by diversity and number of species. From a nature conservationist's point of view the potential of willow- and oak forests to harbour forest avifaunas is very high. However, especially the willow-woodland is seriously threatened by the enormous dam-construction efforts in the area and the converting of natural habitats into more economical poplar wood. The highest importance of the poplar forests is that they give home to a significant portion of the Hungarian Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina) population.