New Data Regarding the Spatial Distribution of White-Tailed Eagle (Aves: Haliaeetus Albicilla) and their Breeding Ecology between 2009 and 2018 within the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and its Surroundings (Romania)

Abstract

In this work we present some of the data about the nesting ecology of the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) collected during 2009-2018 in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and its surroundings. A total of 144 different nests (occupied, unoccupied and destroyed) were recorded in this period. We also recorded 7 breeding pairs (territories) whose nests could not be identified. The preferred tree species for nesting were Salix alba with 63% of all identified nests, 17% were in Populus alba, Populus x canadensis hibrid 15%, 3% in Alnus glutinosa, 1% in Tilia tomentosa and 1% in Quercus robur. The nests were located in the tallest trees available on the site and were placed at heights between 5 and 24 meters. 67% of these were above 13 m of the ground, while 33 % below. The White-tailed Eagle nest site selection may be a response both to tree availability in the foraging habitat as well as food supply.

Keywords

• White-tailed Eagle
• nest
• Haliaeetus albicilla