Ornithological observations (2003-2007) from Albania
Ornitološka opazovanja iz Albanije (2003-2007)
Konrad Sachanowicz1, Mateusz Ciechanowski2 & Alek Rachwald3
1	Museum & Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Wilcza 64, 00-679 Warszawa, Poland, e-mail: chassan@poczta.onet.pl
2	Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, University of Gdansk, al. Legionów 9, 80-441 Gdansk, Poland
3	Department of Forest Ecology and Game Management, Forest Research Institute, ul. Braci Lesnej 3, S^kocin Stary, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland
1.	Introduction
The avifauna of Albania belongs to the least surveyed among the European countries. One of the reasons is that foreign ornithologists had limited access to that country during 45 years of isolation. In the beginning of the 20th century several visits resulted in the first qualitative descriptions of Albanian avifauna, with valuable distributional data (e.g. Ticehurst & Whistler 1932, Thorpe et al. 1936, Whistler 1936). After the second World War, mainly water birds, at the most attractive sites (e.g. coastal lagoons, Shkoder Lake), were investigated by native ornithologists, who published a number of papers in Albanian (reviewed by Nowak 1980). This author also compiled the checklist of Albanian birds supplemented with the general status of their occurrence (Nowak 1989). Recently, the state of knowledge of breeding birds has been presented in the European Atlas (Hagemeijer & Blair 1997). The deficiency in distributional data is evident throughout most of Albania, even for the commonest passerine birds, in contrast with relatively well-studied surrounding countries.
2.	Material and methods
Birds were recorded during five field trips to different parts of Albania (Figure 1) in the years 2003-2007 (spring 2004, summer 2003, 2006, 2007 and summer / autumn 2005). For species identification we used Collins Bird Guide (Mullarney et al. 2001). Taxonomic nomenclature has been updated according to recent recommendations (Stawarczyk 2004 &
2005). For general comparison with our data we used principally the historical observations given by Ticehurst & Whistler (1932), Thorpe et al. (1936) and Whistler (1936). Below, we note and comment on 89 selected bird species.
3. Observations
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
Numerous on 8 Aug 2006, Gollomboc.
Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
One on 17 Apr 2004, Shkoder Lake near Hani i Hotit.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
One heard and seen on 17 Apr and 2 May 2004, Shkoder Lake near Hani i Hotit; 1-2 on 8 Aug 2006, Gollomboc; 2 on 11 Aug 2006, near Zagradec.
Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus
One on 2 Oct 2005 and 5 birds on 8 Aug 2006, Gollomboc. The species has been listed as rare in Europe. Recently, the Albanian breeding population has been estimated as 19 pairs, with 91-186 wintering birds (BirdLife International 2004).
Pelecanus sp.
One on 2 Oct 2005 and approx. 50 birds far from the shore on 8 Aug 2006, Gollomboc.
Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
One on 17 Apr 2004, Shkoder Lake near Hani i Hotit.
Pygmy Cormorant Phalacrocorax pygmeus
Several on 17 Aug 2003 and 17 Apr 2004, Shkoder Lake near Hani i Hotit; several on 26 Apr 2004, Vrine; several on 2 Oct 2005, near Memelisht; 50-80 birds on 8 Aug 2006, Gollomboc; several on 9 Aug 2006; near Zagradec. Noted as breeding and fairly common in spring on Shkoder Lake by Ticehurst & Whistler (1932).
Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Three adults and 5-10 in juvenile/lst-winter plumage on 8 Aug 2006, Gollomboc; 3 on 10 Aug 2006, near Zagradec.
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
One on 2 May 2004, Shkoder Lake near Hani i Hotit; several on ll Aug 2006, near Zagradec. Single pairs recorded also on Shkoder Lake by Ticehurst & Whistler (1932).
Figure 1: A map of Albania with observation sites* Slika 1: Zemljevid Albanije z označenimi območji opazovanj*
*Sites / Območja opazovanja: 1. Gomsiqe (Gomsiqe River valley), 2. Kolsh area, 3. Qaf Mali, 4. Koman, 5. Lac area, 6. Vau i Dejes area (Vau i Dejes reservoir shore), 7. Domen area (Kir River valley), 8. plain between Gradec and Zagore, 9. Gril, 10. Dames (Pavlit River valley), 11. Zhulaj, 12. Tepelene area (floodplain wood of Vjoses River valley), 13. Humelice, 14. Picar, 15. Goranxi, 16. Vanister, 17. area between Libohove and Bulo, 18. Syri i Kalter (Bistrice River valley), 19. Sarande, 20. Butrint (area between the lake Butrint and the Jonian Sea), 21. Cuke, 22. Vrine, 23. Shkalle, 24. Kullurice, 25. Caparo (Porto Palermo Bay), 26.
Rrapsh, 27. Hot, 28. Kulumri area, 29. Rreth Kale area, 30. Hurdhe Muhur area, 31. Su^ area, 32. Kruje, 33. Gollomboc (Macro Prespa Lake), 34. Memelisht (Ohrid Lake), 35. Elbasan, 36. Bilisht (a river ca 3 km W of the town), 37. Zagradec area (westernmost part of Micro Prespa Lake), 38. Bistrice (Bistrice River valley), 39. Ashte, 40. area between Velce and Ramice, 41. Mezhgoran (Vjoses River valley), 42. Gjorm (Shushices River valley), 43. Pertran, 44. Tresove (Devoll River valley), 45. Gjonomadh (small river),
46.	Leskovik and forest ca 7 km NE of the town,
47.	area between Leshnje and Vithkuq (Deshnices River valley), 48. Benje-Novosele area, 49. Lojme area (Lumes River valley), 50. Koderlume (rocky slopes above the Lumes valley), 51. Bardhoc i Ri (bunkers near the road), 52. Malesia e Hasit, ca 2 km N of Fshat-Krume, 53. Rreze-mali area, 54. Shoshan (Valbone River canyon), 55. between Shoshan and Dragobi (Valbone River canyon), 56. Valbone, ca 3 km behind the village, near the road to Ragam, 57. Breglumi (tunnels on the rocky slope), 58. Miliske, 59. between Reps and Mashterkor (Fani i Vogel River valley), 60. Rubik (Fanit River valley), 61. Prekal (Kir River valley), 62. Boge area, 63. Hani i Hotit (Shkoder Lake and its shore), 64. Puke area, 65. Golaj area. The local names are based on the maps / Lokalna imena so osnovana na zemljevidih: Republika e Shqiperise -harta administrative 1:200 000, 1999, GCC, Tirana, Albania and Albania 1:220 000, 2004, Reise Know-How Verlag, Bielefeld.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Approx. 20 birds on 24 Apr 2004, Butrint; ca 50 birds on 8 Aug 2006, Gollomboc; singles on 11 Aug 2006, near Zagradec; several on 10 Aug 2007, Fanit River valley near Rubik; several on 2 May 2004 and 12 Aug 2007, Shkoder Lake near Hani i Hotit. Once Ticehurst & Whistler (1932) found it fairly common on Shkoder Lake and Whistler (1936) noted it from Butrint.
White Stork Ciconia ciconia
Three on 8 Aug 2006, Gollomboc. Once noted as a locally common breeder (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932) but Thorpe et al. (1936) noted it as sparse and rather irregular throughout the Ohrid and Prespa lakes area. Recently, the species has been considered as extinct. In 1995 only two pairs (both without breeding success) survived in Albania where, even as a non-breeding visitor, it is now becoming very rare (Peja and Bego 1999).
Gadwall Anas streperà
Five on 8 Aug 2006, Gollomboc. The species is observed infrequently on passage and stays in Albania for winter (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932, Nowak 1980).
Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus
One adult on 24 Apr 2004, Sarande; 2 adults on 26 Aug 2006, between Velce and Ramice. A pair or two were observed in the same region (between Vlora and Tepelene) and a pair recorded also from near Sarande (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932, Whistler 1936). The species is in great decline throughout Europe and recently has been classified as endangered. The Albanian population is estimated as 30-60 pairs (BirdLife International 2004).
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
One subadult on 22 Apr 2004, Vanister; 2 on 10 Aug 2007, near Prekal.
Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus
One on 24 Apr 2004, Cuke; 2 on 27 Apr 2004, Kullurice; 1 on 8 Aug 2006, Gollomboc.
Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
A female on 9 Aug 2006, near Zagradec. The species was observed there by Thorpe et al. (1936).
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
Single birds or pairs frequently seen at different sites. Formerly noted as widespread in wooded areas (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932).
Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
One on 9 Aug 2006, near Bilisht; 1 on 8 Aug 2007, Miliske.
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Apparently the commonest bird of prey; single birds or pairs frequently seen at different sites. Some observations — pairs or colonies near rocky walls with cavities — may suggest breeding character, e.g. 1-2 pairs on 21 Apr 2004, Goranxi; 2 pairs on 11 Aug 2006, near Zagradec; several birds on 26 Aug 2006, near Ramice. Once Ticehurst & Whistler (1932) considered it as the most abundant and widespread of raptors and their opinion still appears actual.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
One on 22 Apr 2004, Vanister; 1 carrying a prey on 7 Aug 2007, near Valbone.
Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus
One, hunting birds, on 3 Oct 2005, near Elbasan. Its status in Albania remains completely unknown. Only two recent observations were published: from Valamara Mts in SE part (1993) and from Theth area in northern mountains (1999), (BirdLife International 1999).
Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca
Approx. 7 birds on 19 Sep 2005, near Kulumri; 4 on 24 Sep 2005, near Hurdhe Muhur; 3 on 6 Aug 2007, Rreze-mali area; 2-3 on 8 Aug 2007, near Miliske.
Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
An adult with a juvenile on 8 Aug 2006, Gollomboc; 2 on 11 Aug 2006, near Zagradec.
Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus
One heard on 23 Apr 2004, between Libohove and Bulo.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Two on 8 Aug 2006, Gollomboc.
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida
Several on 17 Aug 2003, Shkoder Lake near Hani i Hotit.
Rock Dove Columba livia
Two on 21 Apr 2004, Goranxi; several on cliffs on 3 Aug 2007, Lojme area.
Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur
Common on summer passage when seen frequently at many sites. In spring only 3 birds on 25 Apr 2004, Butrint. Formerly recorded as numerous throughout the country (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932).
Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
One on 1 May 2004, Rrapsh.
Tawny Owl Strix aluco
One heard on 24 Aug 2006, near Bistrice. The species appears to be rare throughout the country due to the deficiency of suitable breeding habitats (mature forests).
Eagle Owl Bubo bubo
One heard on 22 Aug 2006, near Mezhgoran.
Little Owl Athene noctua
One on 21 Apr 2004, Goranxi; 1 on 22 Apr 2004, Vanister; 1 on 24 Apr 2004, Cuke; 1 on 26 Apr 2004, Butrint; 1 in a bunker on 27 Aug 2006, Ashte. Noted as fairly common throughout the country by Ticehurst & Whistler (1932).
Scops Owl Otus scops
Mostly heard: 1 on 14 Aug 2003, Domen area; 1 on 18 Apr 2004, Dames; 4 birds on 19 Apr 2004 and several heard on 19-21 Aug 2006, near Tepelene; 1 on 20 Apr 2004, Picar; 1-2 on 23 Apr 2004, Syri i Kalter; 1-2 on 27 Apr 2004, Kullurice; 1 on 22 Aug 2006, near Mezhgoran.
Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus
One calling on 10 Aug 2003, Qaf Mali; 1 on 22 Sep 2005, Rreth Kale area; 1 on 24 Aug 2006, near Bistrice; 1 on 4 Aug 2007, ca 2 km N of Fshat-Krume;
I	on 7 Aug 2007, near Valbone; 1 on 9 Aug 2007, between Reps and Mashterkor.
Pallid Swift Apus pallidus
Ca 15 birds on 25 Apr 2004, Butrint. The species has been listed as not recorded in Albania, but its sporadic occurrence is highly probable (Nowak 1989).
Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba
Numerous on passage on 18 Apr 2004, near Gril; several on 24-25 Apr 2004, Butrint; several on 27 Apr 2004, Kullurice; several on 6 Aug 2007, Rreze-mali area. Once migrating birds were also recorded in Butrint (Whistler 1936).
Hoopoe Upupa epops
One singing on 27 Apr 2004, Kullurice; 1 heard on 1 May 2004, Rrapsh; 1 on 9 Aug 2006, near Bilisht.
Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
One on 12 Aug 2003, Koman; 1 on 22 Sep 2005, Rreth Kale area; 1 on 9 Aug 2006, near Bilisht; 1 on
II	Aug 2006, near Tresove; 1 on 19 Aug 2006, near Tepelene; 1 on 26 Aug 2006, ca 2 km N of Gjorm.
Bee-eater Merops apiaster
One on 9 Aug 2006, near Bilisht; ca 10 birds on 16 Aug 2006, near Pertran.
Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius
One heard on 12 Aug 2007, Boge area. Apparently a very rare and local species in Albania due to the deficiency of suitable breeding habitats — a common reason of scarcity of woodpeckers. Ticehurst &
Whistler (1932) quoted two former uncertain observations from northern Albania. The presence of this woodpecker in the country was definitely confirmed by Whistler (1936), who observed it in Logara forest (SW Albania).
Green Woodpecker Picus viridis
One on 22 Sep 2005, Rreth Kale area; 1 heard on 11 Aug 2006, near Tresove.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor
One calling and drumming on 20 Apr 2004, in a suitable breeding habitat near Tepelene.
Wryneck Jynx torquilla
One on 21 Apr 2004, Goranxi.
Crested Lark Galerida cristata
Apparently still common, frequently seen and heard at different sites in towns, villages and along roads (e.g. Hani i Hotit, plain between Gradec and Zagore, Vanister, between Libohove and Bulo, Butrint). Formerly distributed throughout Albania wherever there was cultivation (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932).
Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Several on 22 Sep 2005, Rreth Kale area; 5-10 birds with nests on cliff on 8 Aug 2006, Gollomboc; several with nests on a rocky wall on 9 Aug 2006, near Zagradec; several in breeding habitats on 3 Aug 2007, Lojme area as well as near Koderlume. Its occurrence near Zagradec was recorded by Thorpe et al. (1936).
Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica
Apparently common, frequently seen at different sites (e.g. Gomsiqe, Qaf Mali, Koman, Domen, plain between Gradec and Zagore, Vanister, between Libohove and Bulo, near Bilisht, near Zagradec, near Valbone and in Prekal). Also frequently observed, from a car, along roads, in towns and villages. Its characteristic nests were often found inside bunkers and abandoned buildings. Some breeding sites: several pairs on 19 Apr 2004, Dames; several pairs building under a bridge on 26 Apr 2004, Shkalle; several pairs inside bunkers on 27 Apr 2004, Kullurice; 2 with a nest in a tunnel on 25 Sep 2005, near Su^; 2 with a nest in a bunker on 2 Aug 2007, Bardhoc i Ri; birds with a nest in a bunker on 3 Aug 2007, near Koderlume; a nest in an abandoned building on 6 Aug 2007, Rreze-mali area. The species appears to be widespread and common throughout Albania, although formerly it was regarded as a very local breeding bird (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932).
House Martin Delichon urbicum
A colony with nests on rocky wall on 11 Aug 2006, near Zagradec; ca 20 near an abandoned building on 8 Aug 2007, Valbone.
Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris
One singing and 2 birds seen on 23 Apr 2004, between Libohove and Bulo.
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava feldegg
Male on 27 Apr 2004, Kullurice; a male on 9 Aug 2006, near Bilisht.
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Single birds on 6 Aug, Gomsiqe; 8 Aug, Kolsh area; 10 Aug, Qaf Mali; 15 Aug 2003, Domen area; 1 on 20 Apr 2004, ca 5 km south of Tepelene; several males and a breeding pair on 23 Apr 2004, Syri i Kalter; 1 on 22 Sep 2005, Rreth Kale area; 1 on 3 Oct 2005, near Kruje; 1 on 13 Aug 2006, near Gjonomadh; single birds on 19-21 Aug 2006, near Tepelene; 1 on 26 Aug
2006,	ca 2 km N of Gjorm; several birds on 7 Aug
2007,	near Valbone and Dragobi. The species appears to be widespread throughout Albania in suitable habitats along streams and small rivers.
Dipper Cinclus cinclus
Single birds on 6 Aug, Gomsiqe; 2 on 12 Aug, Koman; 1 on 15 Aug 2003, Domen area; 1 on 23 Apr 2004, Syri i Kalter; 1 on 22 Sep 2005, Rreth Kale area; 1 on 13 Aug 2006, near Gjonomadh; single birds on 19-21 Aug 2006, near Tepelene; 2 on 3 Aug 2007, Lojme area; 1 on 6 Aug 2007, near Shoshan and in Valbone River canyon between Shoshan and Dragobi; 1 on 7 Aug 2007, near Valbone. Apparently widespread wherever there are mountain streams and rivers. Also noted as widespread by Ticehurst & Whistler (1932).
Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
Two males singing on 19 Apr 2004, near Tepelene; 1 on 23 Apr 2004, between Libohove and Bulo; 1 male on 1 May 2004, Rrapsh.
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
One on 3 Aug 2007, near Koderlume; single on 8 Aug 2007, near Valbone.
Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Apparently common in open rocky landscapes throughout as frequently seen (e.g. near roads) at different sites. In spring 1 male and a female on 18 Apr 2004, plain between Gradec and Zagore. Once noted as common by Ticehurst & Whistler (1932).
Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica melanoleuca
One on 13 Aug 2003, Vau i Dejes area; a male on
18	Apr 2004, between Gradec and Zagore; a male on
19	Apr 2004, Dames; 2 males and 2-3 females on 21 Apr 2004, Goranxi; 1 male on 22 Apr 2004, Vanister. Considered as common at lower altitudes (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932).
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
One on 24 Apr 2004, Butrint; 1 male on 27 Apr 2004, Kullurice.
European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola
A pair on 23 Apr 2004, between Libohove and Bulo; 2 males on 24 Apr 2004, Butrint; a breeding pair on 27 Apr 2004, Kullurice; 2 on 24 Sep 2005, near Hurdhe Muhur.
Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius
A female on 19 Apr 2004, Dames; 1 male on 28 Apr 2004, Caparo (Porto Palermo); 1 male and 2 females on 11 Aug 2006, near Zagradec; 1-2 males on 8 Aug 2007, Breglumi area. Also recorded in spring at Porto Palermo (Whistler 1936).
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
Two on 9 Aug 2006, near Zagradec.
Orphean Warbler Sylvia crassirostris
Single birds on 24 Apr 2004, Butrint; 1 male on 27 Apr 2004, Kullurice.
Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca
One singing on 19 Apr 2004, near Tepelene.
Whitethroat Sylvia communis
One male on 20 Apr 2004, near Humelice; 1 male on 21 Apr 2004, Goranxi; 1 male on 22 Apr 2004, Vanister; 1 male on 23 Apr 2004, between Libohove and Bulo. Noted as one of the commonest summer visitors to Albania (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932).
Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans
Singing male on 19 Apr 2004, Dames; 1 male on 22 Apr 2004, Vanister; 1 male on 24 Apr 2004, Butrint.
Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon
Single birds seen and heard on 11 Aug 2006, near Zagradec.
Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus
Two pairs feeding young on 11 Aug 2006, near Zagradec.
Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix
Several on 22 Aug 2006, ca 5 km S of Tepelene.
Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca
A male on 19 Apr 2004, near Tepelene. Noted as common throughout the country on spring passage (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932).
Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis
One singing and 1 male seen on 19 Apr 2004, in a suitable breeding habitat (floodplain forest) near Tepelene. Once regarded as fairly common on spring passage (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932). Nowak (1989) listed it as a breeding species.
Great Tit Parus major
Two on 20 Apr 2004, near Tepelene; 2 males on 21 Apr 2004, Goranxi.
Blue Tit Parus caeruleus
One on 20 Apr 2004, near Tepelene.
Coal Tit Parus ater
Heard on 18 Aug 2006, ca 7 km NE of Leskovik; heard on 9 Aug 2007, near Puke.
Crested Tit Parus cristatus
Heard on 18 Aug 2006, ca 7 km NE of Leskovik.
Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus
Several on 22 Aug 2006, ca 5 km S of Tepelene.
Nuthatch Sitta europaea
One on 23 Apr 2004, Syri i Kalter. Apparently much rarer in Albania, due to the deficiency of suitable breeding habitats (mature forests), than the next species. Once observed only in forests of Mamuras and Logara (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932, Whistler 1936).
Rock Nuthatch Sitta neumayer
Single birds on 6 Aug, Gomsiqe; on 13 Aug, Vau i Dejes area; 15 Aug 2003, Domen area; several calling on 21 Apr 2004, Goranxi; 1-2 on 22 Apr 2004, Vanister; several on 25 Apr 2004, Butrint; 2 on 3 Oct 2005, near Kruje; 2-3 on 8 Aug 2006, Gollomboc; common on 9-11 Aug 2006, near Zagradec; 1 on 11 Aug 2006, near Tresove; 1 on 13 Aug 2006, near Gjonomadh; 1 on 14 Aug 2006, near Leshnje; 1 on
16 Aug 2006, ca 2 km S of Benje-Novosele; single birds on 17 Aug, near Leskovik; on 19-21 Aug, near Tepelene; on 22 Aug, near Mezhgoran; on 26 Aug 2006, near Ramice. The species appears common in suitable rocky habitats throughout Albania. Reported as very common in the limestone hills near Sarande (Whistler 1936). Near Zagradec observed by Thorpe et al. (1936).
Short-Toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla
Several males singing on 19 Apr 2004, near Tepelene.
Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio
Apparently common as frequently seen at different sites (e.g. Golaj area, Gollomboc, near Bilisht, near Zagradec, between Dragobi and Valbone). Birds perching near roads were often watched also from a car. Recorded as locally abundant on spring passage by Ticehurst & Whistler (1932) and as extremely common throughout by Thorpe et al. (1936).
Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator
A male on 19 Apr 2004, near Tepelene; 1 on 26 Aug 2006, near Velce.
Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor
One on 13 Aug 2003, Lac area. Noted as very abundant throughout the lower parts of the country by Thorpe et al. (1936).
Raven Corvus corax
Two on 21 Apr 2004, Goranxi; 1 on 18 Aug 2006, ca 7 km NE of Leskovik; 2 on 26 Aug 2006, near Ramice; 1 on 4 Aug 2007, Golaj area. Once noted as commonly seen throughout Albania (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932).
Hooded Crow Corvus cornix
One carrying material for a nest on 19 Apr 2004, Dames. Noted as very common by Ticehurst & Whistler (1932).
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
Several males singing on 20 Apr 2004, near Tepelene. The scarcity of records has been pointed already by Thorpe et al. (1936).
Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus
Heard on 22 Aug 2006, ca 5 km S of Tepelene.
Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
One on 11 Aug 2006, near Zagradec.
Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis
Breeding colony (nests in abandoned buildings) on 19 Apr 2004, Dames; a male on 19 Apr 2004, Zhulaj; ca 20 birds on 21 Apr 2004, Goranxi; several on 22 Apr 2004, Vanister; common on 23 Apr 2004, between Libohove and Bulo; common on 24-25 Apr 2004, near Cuke and in Butrint; common on 27 Apr 2004, Kullurice. Once regarded as a local bird (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932).
Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia
Five on 19 Apr 2004, Dames. Formerly considered as locally common in the south of the country (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932).
Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana
One singing on 20 Apr 2004, near Humelice. Nowak (1989) listed it as a breeding species.
Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus
A male on 6 Aug 2003, Gomsiqe; pair on 19 Apr 2004, Dames; a male on 21 Apr 2004, Goranxi; l male on 23 Apr 2004, between Libohove and Bulo.
Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala
A male on 2 May 2004, near Hot.
Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra
Frequently heard and seen at different sites in Apr 2004, e.g. l on 19 Apr 2004, Dames; l on 20 Apr 2004, near Tepelene and near Humelice; l on 22 Apr 2004, Vanister; l on 23 Apr 2004, between Libohove and Bulo; l on 24 Apr 2004, Butrint. Formerly noted as common in valleys and plains throughout the country (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932).
4. Discussion
According to our observations the characteristic common birds of the Albanian countryside are: Kestrel, Crested Lark, Red-rumped Swallow, Wheatear, Rock Nuthatch and Red-backed Shrike. Most of them are typical for open farmland and anthropogenic areas and for the open hilly and rocky habitats that dominate the country. Some of them were noted as common birds 70 years ago (Ticehurst & Whistler 1932, Thorpe et al. 1936, Whistler 1936). Since then, Red-rumped Swallow has also become common and apparently extended its range.
Several species appear to be very rare and local in Albania and doubtless they have been considered as such in Europe (Hagemeijer & Blair 1997): Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Egyptian Vulture, Lanner
Falcon and Moustached Warbler. Others appear to be uncommon and scarce breeders throughout the country and their observation may be notable: Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Stone Curlew, Eagle Owl, Collared Flycatcher and probably also Rock Sparrow. Pallid Swift should be seen at least on passage, but its status in Albania needs elucidation.
There is an interesting group of birds associated with mature forests, e.g. Tawny Owl, Black Woodpecker and Nuthatch, which appear to be rare and patchily distributed due to the scarcity of suitable breeding sites. Huge extents of deforestation, accounting for the situation, have been noted by Ticehurst & Whistler (1932) and are still actual. The largest concentration of probably breeding woodland birds was recorded in the floodplain forest in Vjoses River valley, south of Tepelene. The forest, marked with several brooks, consists mainly of mature Platanus orientalis and Populus sp. trees. It appears to be a suitable habitat for e.g. Scops Owl, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Whitethroat, Pied Flycatcher, Collared Flycatcher, Short-Toed Treecreeper and Chaffinch i.e. mostly species rarely encountered in Albania.
In the Balkans, there are large distributional gaps for many bird species in Albania (Hagemeijer & Blair 1997). Doubtless, in many cases the data deficiency is a result of the absence or insufficiency of field studies. For some species (e.g. Rock Nuthatch) we can confirm much wider and commoner occurrence, throughout the country, than was thought previously. Acknowledgements: We gratefully thank Dr Eugeniusz Nowak who kindly provided us with articles on Albanian birds and Agnieszka Wower who made the Figure.
5. Povzetek
Avtorji podajajo rezultate priložnostnih popisov ptic v Albaniji v letih 2003-2007 (pomlad 2004, poletje 2003, 2006, 2007 and poletje/jesen 2005). Ornitoloških podatkov iz Albanije je zelo malo, za nekatere v okolici običajne vrste, za Albanijo manjkajo. Zabeležili so zelo malo podatkov o gozdnih vrstah, ker je habitat izkrčen, razen na nekaterih redkih območjih (dolina reke Vjoses). Nekatere vrste so glede na popise v prvi polovici prejšnjega stoletja razširile svoj areal, denimo rdeča lastovka Cecropis daurica.
6. References
BirdLife International (1999): International Species Action Plan Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus. - [http:// ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildlife/ action_plans/docs/falco_biarmicus.pdf].
BirdLife International (2004): Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and conservation status. BirdLife Conservation Series 12. - BirdLife, Wageningen.
Hagemeijer, E.J.M. & Blair, M.J. (eds.) (1997): The EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds: Their Distribution and Abundance. - T&AD Poyser, London.
Mullarney, K., Svensson, L., Zetterström, D. & Grant, P.J. (2001): Bird Guide. - HarperCollins Publishers, London.
Nowak, E. (1980): Wasservögel und Feuchtgebiete Albaniens (Status, Veränderungen, Nutzung und Schutz). - Beiträge zur Vogelkunde 26: 65-103.
Nowak, E. (1989): Provisorische Artenliste der Vögel Albaniens. - Privates Manuscript, Mehlem.
Peja, N. & Bego, F. (1999): On the situation of the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) in Albania 1995. In: Schulz, H. (ed.): Weißstorch im Aufwind? - White Storks on the up? Proceedings of the International Symposium on the White Stork, Hamburg 1996. - NABU, Bonn.
Stawarczyk, T. (2004): Changes in the taxonomy of the Western Palearctic birds. - Notatki Ornitologiczne 45: 101-108. (in Polish with English summary)
Stawarczyk, T. (2005): Further changes in the taxonomy of Polish birds. - Notatki Ornitologiczne 46: 241-243. (in Polish with English summary).
Ticehurst, C.B. & Whistler, H. (1932): On the ornithology of Albania. - Ibis 2: 40-93.
Thorpe, W.H., Cotton, P.T. & Holmes, P.F. (1936): Notes on the birds of lakes Ochrid, Malik, and Prespa and adjacent parts of Yugoslavia, Albania, and Greece. - Ibis 6: 557-580.
Whistler, H. (1936): Further observations from Albania. - Ibis 6: 335-356.
Arrived / Prispelo: 30.4.2008
Accepted / Sprejeto: 5.12.2008