WINTER BIRDS OF THE “ORHEIUL VECHI” CULTURAL-NATURAL RESERVE, 2024 – 2025

Nicolai ROMANOVICI,Universitatea de Stat din Moldova

Abstract

The article presents the results of a study on the winter avifauna of the “Orheiul Vechi” Cultural-Natural Reserve during the 2024 – 2025 season. The aim of the study was to determine the species composition, abundance, and spa- tial distribution of birds in the terrestrial and riparian habitats of the protected area. Surveys were conducted using the transect method in forest, open, and floodplain ecosystems, covering a total distance of 14.6 km over 13 days during the cold season. A total of 59 bird species were recorded, of which 48 were observed in terrestrial habitats and 11 belonged to the group of limnophilous species. Dominant and subdominant species were identified based on the dominance index. Additionally eight species listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Moldova were recorded. Keywords: winter avifauna, species composition, numerical abundance, dominance index, limnophilous species, ornithological monitoring, protected natural area, Orheiul Vechi.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59295/sum1(191)2026_12