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Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008 no. 32:

Rock graeca

Distribution: This European endemic partridge inhabits both low-altitude rocky steppes and mountainous open heaths and grasslands. It occurs in the , the central and southern Apennines, Sicily and the Balkan Peninsula.

Movements: It is sedentary, but is known to make some local movements between high altitude summer quarters and lower altitude wintering quarters.

Population size and trends: The European breeding population numbers 40,000- 78,000 pairs with the largest population in Italy and (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The EU 27 population is estimated at 20,000-38,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A, 2004B).

Although certain populations-notably sizeable ones in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece were stable or increased during 1990-2000, the same species continued to decline across most of its European range and underwent a moderate decline (>10%) overall (BirdLife Int. 2004A).

The main cause of decline in areas is probably the loss, and change, of prime associated with decreasing rural low-intensity activities. The development of the tourist industry has also led to habitat destruction and, by opening up remote areas, increased disturbance during the breeding season. In Mediterranean regions, the decline seems due to increased human impact, especially and intensive .

Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size is 8-14 (6-21, highest numbers perhaps by 2 females); incubation: 24-26 days; fledging period: capable of precocious flight at 7-10 days, independence of young c. 6 decades after hatching. Broods: 1 or 2, clutches sometimes laid a few days apart and second clutch incubated by the male.

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Movements

Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca

Member RESIDENT State FI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT 9 SI FR 9 ES PT IT 9 MT GR 9 CY RO BG 9 HR 9

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Definition of period of reproduction

Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca

Member Period of reproduction Comments References State begins with FI SE EE LV LT PL SK In the 19th century, 4 unsuccessful attempt of introduction. The species was not accepted as part of the Slovak avifauna. CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT Continuous occupation 2, 9 of breeding territory SI FR Continuous occupation 1, 3, 9 of breeding territory ES PT IT Continuous occupation 26, 27 of breeding territory MT GR Continuous occupation 4 of breeding territory CY RO BG Courtship display 9 HR Continuous occupation 1, 16 of breeding territory

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Period of reproduction

Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca

J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E C FI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

Comments and conclusions

1) The period of reproduction starts with the continuous occupation of breeding territory (i.e. 4 decades before laying) and ends with the independence of young (c. 6 decades after hatching). 2) The beginning of the reproduction period ranges from the 3rd decade of February (IT-Sicily, GR-low-altitude , HR) to the 2nd decade of April (AT, FR, IT-Alps, GR-high-altitude habitats). 3) The end of the reproduction period occurs during the 1st decade of August (BG) to the 3rd decade of September (AT, FR, GR). In Sicily and low-altitude habitats in Greece it ends during the 3rd decade of August.

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Species no. 33:

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

Distribution: This European Union endemic partridge occurs in South Western (, Spain, Portugal, Corsica, northern Italy and Balearic Islands). While it has disappeared from Germany and northern France, it has been introduced successfully in England, Wales, Scotland, , the and the .

Movements: This is a sedentary species

Population size and trends: The population of this partridge is very large (>2,000,000 pairs)(BirdLife Int. 2004A). However, since the 1960s, the wild partridge stocks have declined throughout the range. The reasons for the decline include the intensification of agriculture (heavy use, mechanisation, irrigation, removal of hedges), the abandonment of farming in the hills and subsequent scrub encroachment and heavy shooting pressure exacerbated by the release of reared birds which encourages a level of exploitation that wild stocks cannot sustain. In many areas of Spain releases of hybrids threaten the genetic purity of wild stocks (EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds, 1997). The European populations have underwent a moderate overall decline (>10%) since 1970 (BirdLife Int. 2004A).

Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size: 10-16 eggs (7-20); incubation: 23-24 days; fledging period: capable of precocious flight at ca. 10 days; young birds are independent c. 6 decades after hatching. Young birds stay with parents through out the first winter. Broods: 1 or 2 simultaneous broods.

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Movements

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

Member RESIDENT State FI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK 9 IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR 9 ES 9 PT 9 IT 9 MT GR CY RO BG HR

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Definition of period of reproduction

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

Member Period of reproduction Comments References State begins with FI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK Construction of the nest Released birds and 2 wild breeders established from former introductions IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR Pair formation and 1, 3 occupation of breeding sites ES PT Pair formation 1, 5 IT Continuous occupation of 26, 27 breeding territories MT GR CY RO BG HR

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Period of reproduction

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E C FI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

Comments and conclusions

1) The period of reproduction starts with the continuous occupation of the breeding territory (i.e. 4 decades before egg laying) and ends with the independence of young birds (c. 6 decades after hatching). 2) The beginning of the reproduction period ranges from the 1st decade of March (UK, PT) to the 1st decade of April (ES). 3) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 2nd decade of August (IT) to the 2nd decade of September (UK, FR). In central France, the period of reproduction begins and ends ca. 2 weeks later than in south.

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Species no. 34:

Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara

Distribution: This partridge is mainly a of North , but it is also known from Sardinia, the Canary Islands and a tiny population in Gibraltar.

Movements: This is a sedentary species.

Population size and trends: The European/EU breeding population numbers 7,500- 20,000 pairs of which 5,000-10,000 in Italy and 2,500-10,000 on the Canary Islands (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The trend for the Sardinian population is unknown (BirdLife Int. 2004A)

Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size is 10-14 eggs (8-18); incubation: probably c. 25 days; fledging period: presumably capable of precocious flight at 7-10 days. Young birds are independent c. 6 decades after hatching.

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Movements

Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara

Member RESIDENT State FI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES 9 (Canaries ) PT IT 9 (Sardinia) MT GR CY RO BG HR

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Definition of period of reproduction

Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara

Member Period of reproduction Comments References State begins with FI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT Continuous occupation of 26, 27 breeding territories MT GR CY RO BG HR

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Period of reproduction

Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara

J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E C FI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

Comments and conclusions

1) The period of reproduction starts with the continuous occupation of the breeding territory (i.e. 4 decades before egg laying) and ends with the independence of young birds (c. 6 decades after hatching). 2) The beginning of the reproduction period ranges from the 2nd decade of February (ES) to the 2nd decade of March (IT). 3) The end of the reproduction ranges from the 2nd decade (IT) to the 3rd decade of August (ES).

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Species no. 35:

Grey Partridge perdix

Distribution: The was originally a bird of the steppe, distributed from Central Europe to Mongolia. It has become adapted to arable land and has consequently been able to colonise most of Europe, from the Mediterranean regions to 65°N in Scandinavia.

Movements: This is a sedentary species.

Population size and trends: The European population numbers 1.6 – 3.1 million pairs including 580,000-800,000 pairs in Russia (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The population in EU 27 is estimated at 840,000-1,900,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A, 2004B).

The species increased in many countries in eastern Europe but decline in western Europe and overall the European population underwent a large decline during 1990- 2000 (BirdLife Int. 2004A).

Changes in farming practices in recent decades have altered its habitat adversely. The traditional mosaic of mixed farming has disappeared or has declined severely in many countries, causing a reduction in abundance of prey for chicks, loss of nesting cover and increased . Large-scale releases for hunting purposes (e.g. in Belgium) results in genetic, demographic and sanitary problems. In some regions it is even on the verge of extinction, and two races have been included in Annex I. The race hispaniensis is restricted to the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula and the northern slopes of the Pyrenees (France). Its population is estimated at 2,000-6,000 breeding pairs in Spain, and is decreasing because of habitat changes, over-hunting and disturbance by tourism (Atlas de las Aves de España, 1997). The race italica is limited to central and southern Italy, where it is currently very rare and probably extinct or on the verge of extinction. Both the hispaniensis and the italica are included in Annex I of Directive.

Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size: 10-20 eggs (4-29, often stated that clutches of c. 24 or more from 2 females but this certainly not always so); incubation: 23-25 days; fledging period: capable of precocious flight at ca. 15 days; independence of young birds at c. 6 decades; broods: 1.

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Movements

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

Member State RESIDENT

FI 9 SE 9 EE 9 LV 9 LT 9 PL 9 SK 9 CZ 9 DK 9 UK 9 IE Very few* DE 9 NL 9 BE 9 LU 9 HU 9 AT 9 SI 9 FR 9 ES 9 PT Very few IT 9 MT GR 9 CY RO 9 BG 9 HR 9

* Very few (<50?) wild individuals left but game stocking takes place with 1,000 or more released annually.

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Definition of period of reproduction

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

Member Period of reproduction Comments References State begins with FI Pair formation and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 occupation of territories SE Construction of the nest 11, 12, 13 EE Construction of the nest LV 1 LT Courtship display 7 PL Pair formation and 1, 3 occupation of territories SK Pair formation and In mild weather pair 1, 2 occupation of territories formation begins in February CZ Occupation of breeding sites DK Construction of the nest UK Construction of the nest Released game birds & wild breeders IE Construction of the nest 1, 4 DE Courtship display 4 NL Occupation of territories 23 BE Permanent occupation of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 territories LU Permanent occupation of territories HU Construction of nest Replacement clutch 1 possible even in Aug- Sep AT Continuous occupation Pairing often already in 1, 2 of territories winter; young stay in families until winter. SI Both natural and feral SI1, SI2 populations FR Occupation of territories Presence of the two sub- 8 and first laying species ES PT IT Continuous occupation 26, 27 of breeding territory MT GR CY RO 6 BG Continuous occupation 9, 14, 19 of breeding sites HR Continuous occupation 1 of breeding territory

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Period of reproduction

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E C FI SE EE LV- B LT PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR 1 2 ? ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

FR - 1) P. p. perdix; 2) P. p. hispaniensis

Comments and conclusions

1) The period of reproduction starts with the continuous occupation of the breeding territory (i.e. 6 decades before egg laying) and ends with the independence of young birds (c. 6 decades after hatching). 2) The beginning of the reproduction period ranges from the 1st decade of February (CZ) to the 2nd decade of May (LV). 3) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 3rd decade of May (NL) to the 3rd decade of September (ES, IT, FR-P. p. hispaniensis?).

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Species no. 36:

Common coturnix

Distribution: Western , Northern , North Africa, Southern and Eastern Africa, Madagascar, Comoro Islands and Mascarenes. In the Palearctic, the species has a wide breeding distribution across temperate Europe, Western and Northern Africa. The main wintering areas are in Africa south of the Sahel and in India. About 10-25% of its global range occurs in Europe, where it is widespread south of 60°N.

Movements: The European population is highly migratory with most of the birds moving to Africa in winter, though small number remains in Southern Europe. The long distance migrant population decrease, whilst the number of birds wintering north of the Sahel has increased. The return migration to the breeding grounds in Europe occurs in late April – early May.

Population size and trends: The European breeding population of Quail is very large (2,800,000-4,700,000 pairs) and fluctuates, but underwent a large decline during 1970-1990, especially in central and eastern Europe (BirdLife int. 2004A). The EU 27 population numbers 810,000-1,540,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A, 2004B).

Although the species increased in northern and central Europe during 1990-2000, declines continued in south-eastern Europe, and the total population size probably remains below the level that preceded its decline (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The large populations of France and Spain have appeared to be variable but stable.

Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size: usually 8-13 eggs (7-18, more than 18 probably by 2 females); incubation: 17-20 days; fledging period: c. 19 days, but can flutter off grounds at c. 11 days.

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Movements

Common Quail Coturnix coturnix

Member MIGRANT RESIDENT State Breeding Passage Wintering FI 0-10 pairs Few SE 9 9 EE Few Few LV 9 9 LT 9 9 PL 9 9 SK 9 9 CZ 9 9 Accidential DK 9 9 UK 9 9 IE 15-70 pairs DE 9 9 NL 9 9 BE 9 9 LU 9 9 HU 9 9 AT 9 9 SI 9 9 FR 9 9 ES 9 9 PT 9 9 9 9 IT Sardinian birds 9 9 Very few may be sedentary GR Cretan birds may 9 9 Very few be sedentary CY 9 9 9 9 MT Few 9 RO 9 9 BG 9 9 Occational HR 9 9

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Definition of period of reproduction

Common Quail Coturnix coturnix

Member Period of reproduction Comments References State begins with FI Occupation breeding sites Little data available 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 SE Occupation breeding sites EE Occupation breeding sites LV 1 LT Courtship display 7 PL Occupation breeding sites 2 SK Occupation breeding sites CZ Occupation of breeding sites by singing males DK Occupation breeding sites UK Occupation breeding sites 2 IE Occupation breeding sites 1, 2, 3 DE Occupation breeding sites 4 NL Occupation breeding sites 16, 38 BE Occupation breeding sites 1, 2, 3, 4 LU Occupation breeding sites 1 HU Occupation of breeding Replacement clutch sites possible in July-Aug AT Occupation of breeding Mating 2, 13 sites SI FR Occupation breeding sites by singing males 6 ES Occupation breeding sites 1 PT Occupation breeding sites 1, 3, 4 IT Occupation breeding sites Egg laying 1, 4, MT 5 GR Occupation breeding sites 1, 2, 3 & nuptial parade CY Occupation of breeding sites RO 6 BG Occupation breeding sites 2, 9 HR Occupation of breeding 1 sites by singing males

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Period of reproduction

Common Quail Coturnix coturnix

J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E C FI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR FR - some years there are exceptionally late broods in September

Comments and conclusions

1) Its reproductive strategy is not fully known. Occupation of breeding sites by singing males is considered to be the beginning of the period of reproduction. 2) End of period of reproduction ranges from 3rd decade of June (CY, MT) to the 1st decade of October (CZ, UK, DE, BG). 3) The reproduction period ends c. 3 decades after hatching (independence of young birds), but since sighting of birds is difficult, the end of the period of reproduction may be extrapolated from the end of the nuptial parade (singing males).

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Prenuptial migration

Common Quail Coturnix coturnix

 Difficulty in identifying the beginning of the period of return to the rearing grounds?

Member YES NO References State FI Low numbers and irregular 1, 2, 3, 4 presence SE Few observations; uncommon 19 EE X LV 1 LT X 5,7 PL X 2 SK X CZ X DK X UK X 1 IE No information DE X 4 NL X 21 BE X 1, 2, 3, 4 LU X 1 HU X AT X 2, 9, 13 SI X FR X 2, 6 ES X 1 PT IT X 1, 4, MT X 5 GR Mixing of resident and migrating 1, 2, 3 populations CY X RO 6 BG X 2, 8, 22 HR Mixing of breeding and migrating 1, 12 birds

IT - Not difficult since only few wintering birds; while the species winters in Africa and the arrival of the first birds from the winter quarters indicates the start of the return movements.

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Period of prenuptial migration

Common Quail Coturnix coturnix

J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E C FI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

Comments and conclusions

1) The European population is highly migratory, with most birds wintering in Africa. 2) Arrival of the first migrants corresponds to the beginning of the prenuptial migration. 3) Beginning of prenuptial migration ranges from 3rd decade of February (MT) to the 1st decade of June (FI).

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Species no. 37:

Common colchicus

Distribution: The natural breeding distribution of this species extended from the to , and . It was introduced in Western Europe in Roman times, but in Greece it was perhaps already present as early as 1300 BC. It was introduced in many regions of Europe only at the end of last century or even at the beginning of the twentieth century.

Movements: This is a sedentary species.

Population size and trends: The European breeding population amounts to 3,400,000- 4,700,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The population in EU 27 numbers 3,100,000 – 4,200,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A, 2004B). In northern Greece there is still a small population of nominate race colchicus which origin goes perhaps back to Antique times. It amounts to only a few hundreds of individuals (Handrinos & Akriotis, 1997).

The European population declined in parts of north-central Europe during 1990-2000, while the key in the was stable or increasing. However, the status of the wild population is obscured by confusion with introduced birds. Regional densities vary according to the release of captive-bred birds.

Biological and behavioural aspects: Incubation: 23-28 days; fledging period: capable of precocious flight at ca. 12 days; broods remain with female for 70-80 days before becoming independent; broods: 1.

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Movements

Common pheasant Phasianus colchicus

RESIDENT RESIDENT Member Wild Feral State populations populations FI 9 SE 9 EE LV Few LT 9 PL 9 SK 9 CZ 9 DK 9 UK 9 IE 9 DE 9 NL 9 BE 9 LU 9 HU 9 AT 9 SI 9 FR 9 ES Very few PT Very few IT 9 MT GR 9 9 CY RO 9 BG Extinct 9 HR 9

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Definition of period of reproduction

Common pheasant Phasianus colchicus

Member Period of reproduction Comments References State begins with FI Occupation of territory 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and harem formation SE Construction of the nest 13 EE LV LT Courtship display 7 PL Courtship display Released game birds & wild breeders established from former introductions SK Courtship display 1, 2 CZ Courtship display DK 5 UK Construction of the nest Released game birds & 2 wild breeders established from former introductions IE Construction of the nest Released game birds & 1, 2, 3, 6 wild breeders established from former introductions. DE Courtship display 4 NL Courtship display Remain with female c. 3 7, 8, 9, 10 months BE Courtship display 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 LU Courtship display 1 HU Courtship display 1 AT Construction of the nest 1, 2 SI FR Two weeks before laying 100 small natural 1, 3 populations ES PT Occasional breeding of released birds IT Courtship display 26, 27 MT GR CY RO 6 BG Courtship display 8, 9, 19 HR Courtship display 1

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Period of reproduction

Common pheasant Phasianus colchicus

J A N F E B M A R A P R M A Y J U N J U L A U G S E P O C T N O V D E C FI SE EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

Comments and conclusions

1) The period of reproduction starts with courtship display (i.e. 2 decades before egg laying) and ends with the independence of young birds (c. 6 decades after hatching). 2) The beginning of the reproduction period ranges from the 1st decade of February (SI) to the 2nd decade of May (LV). 3) The short duration for LU is explained by a present lack of data. 4) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 3rd decade of July (LT, HU, RO, BG) to the 3rd decade of September (DE). 5) It is not breeding in the wild in CY.

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