Abstract:

Eleven vegetation variables were measured in willow (Salix), poplar (Populus) and mixed willow-poplar riparian forests in the Szigetkoz region, N. Hungary around the song perches within the territories of the Robins (Erithacus rubecula) and the Dunnocks (Prunella modularis). Stepwise and multiple discriminant analyses revealed only minor differences between the habitat selection of the two species in the study area. While Robins prefer closed forest stands where the understory and the bush layers are well-developed, Dunnocks prefer more open stands where willow trees dominated over the poplar trees. The drying process in the Szigetkoz region, caused by altering the main branch of the River Danube towards the new Slovakian hydroelectric power station, will possibly alter the riparian habitats in the area. If the level of the water table drops, this will alter the structure of the riparian forests which are characterized by high trees, dense shrub level and understory. The area covered ,by the willow forests, which occupy the wet places, will possibly be reduced. Bird populations are expected to respond to these changes of the habitat in a speciesspecific manner.