Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Species no. 56:

Redshank Tringa totanus

Distribution: The Redshank is breeding in temperate, boreal and steppe regions of Eurasia, from the Iberian Peninsula to northern Norway and from the British Isles to China. Two subspecies breed in Europe, nominate Tringa t. totanus from Ireland to European Russia and Tringa totanus robusta in Iceland and the Faeroes.

Movements: The birds of Southern Europe are largely sedentary. Those of the north are wintering from the North Sea to Northwest Africa, and those of Iceland winter mainly in the British Isles. The breeding population in British Isles are largely sedentary but some individuals disperse to Denmark and Portugal. In Greece, birds from Eastern Europe are passing on migration to Northeast Africa.

Population size: The European population has been estimated at 280,000 – 610,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The total population of the European Union is estimated to 100,000 to 140,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004B) and constitutes 30-40% of the total European population, Russia not included. The population underwent a moderate decline during 1970-1990 and the populations continued to decline in most of Fennoscandia, the Baltic Stetes and Middle Europe, resulting in an overall decrease during 1990-2000 (BirdLife Int. 2004A).

The population breeding in Fennoscandia, the Baltic States and West central Europe that winters in Britain, west Mediterranean south to West Africa has been estimated at 250,000 individuals with a stabile/decreasing trend (Delany & Scott 2006).

Biological and behavioural aspects: clutch size is usually 4 eggs (3-5); incubation: 24 (22-29) days; fledging period: variable, 25-35 days; independence: independent at fledging; broods: one brood.

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Movements

Redshank Tringa totanus

Member MIGRANT RESIDENT State Breeding Passage Wintering FI 9 9 SE 9 9 EE 9 9 Occasional LV 9 9 LT 9 9 PL 9 9 SK 9 9 CZ 9 9 DK 9 9 9 UK 9 9 9 9 IE 9 9 9 9 DE 9 9 9 NL 9 9 9 BE 9 9 9 LU 9 HU 9 9 AT 9 9 SI Few 9 FR 9 9 9 ES 9 9 9 PT 10-20 pairs 9 9 IT 9 9 9 MT 9 GR 9 9 9 CY 9 9 RO 9 9 9 BG 9 9 9 HR 9 9 9

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Definition of period of reproduction

Redshank Tringa totanus

Member Period of reproduction Comments References State begins with FI Occupation of breeding 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 sites SE Occupation of breeding 8, 11, 12 sites EE Occupation of breeding sites LV 1 LT Construction of the nest 7 PL Occupation of breeding 3 sites SK Occupation of breeding sites CZ Occupation of breeding sites DK Occupation of breeding 1, 2, 3, 4 sites UK Construction of the nest 2 IE Display 1, 2, 3 DE Occupation of breeding 4 sites NL Display 11, 12, 21 BE Occupation of breeding 1, 2, 3, 4 sites LU HU Occupation of breeding sites AT Occupation of breeding 13, 19 sites SI FR Construction of the nest 1, 4, 6 ES PT Occupation of breeding Small population sites IT Construction of the nest Scarce, localised breeder MT GR CY RO 3 BG Occupation of breeding 6 sites HR Occupation of breeding Small breeding 23 sites population

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Period of reproduction

Redshank Tringa totanus

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) Mainly migratory, though some resident in Western Europe and resident in Southern Europe. 2) The period of reproduction begins with the occupation of the breeding sites in northern countries (where it is mainly migratory), and the construction of the nest in western and southern countries (and LT). 3) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 3rd decade of June (PL) to the 3rd decade of August (SE, FI, BG). Full flight of young birds marks the end of the reproduction period.

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Prenuptial migration

Redshank Tringa totanus

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

Member YES NO References State FI X 1, 2, 3, 4 SE X 8, 11, 12 EE X LV 6 LT X 5,7 PL X 3 SK X CZ X DK 1, 2, 3, 4 UK Mixed population of residents & 1 migrants IE X 1, 3 DE Mixing of robusta & totanus 4, 10 NL Mixed population of residents & 37 migrants BE Presence of wintering birds 1, 2, 3, 4 LU Small numbers HU X AT SI X FR X 2, 4, 6 ES PT IT MT 5 GR CY RO 3 BG X 5, 6, 15, 21 HR Mixing of migrating and wintering 17, 18, 21 populations

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Prenuptial migration

Redshank Tringa totanus

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 1 DK 2 UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY ? RO BG HR 1 T. t. totanus 2 T. t. robusta NL, DE - T. t. totanus + T. t. robusta; BE - T. t. robusta is probably a regular visitor.

Comments and conclusions

1) Departure of first migrants from wintering grounds, in southern and western regions, or arrival of first migrants, in other regions, corresponds to the beginning of the prenuptial migration. 2) Beginning of prenuptial migration ranges from the 1st decade of February (IE, BG) to the 1st decade of April (FI, EE, LU).

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Species no. 57:

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Distribution: Greenshank inhabits marshes and wet clearings in taiga, from Scotland and Scandinavia to Kamchatka.

Movements: Migratory. This wader winters in small number in coastal Atlantic Europe (mostly from the Scottish breeding population) and more commonly from the Mediterranean to South Africa.

Population size and trends: The European breeding population amounts to 75,000- 160,000 breeding pairs, including 14,000 – 65,000 pairs in Russia (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The total population in the European Union can be estimated at 46,000- 67,000 breeding pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004B). Because of the Greenshank’s secretive nature and its generally low breeding density, it is extremely difficult to census accurately. Like many other wader species, it may suffer considerable fluctuations in breeding numbers from year to year, but the population seems to have remained stable during 1970-1990 and also during 1990-2000 except for the relatively small population in UK, that declined (BirdLife Int. 2004A).

The population breeding in Scotland and Scandinavia and wintering in west and southwest Europe, NW Africa south to South Africa is estimated at 190,000 – 270,000 individuals and is considered stable (Delany & Scott 2006).

Biological and behavioural aspects: clutch size is 4 eggs (sometimes 3); incubation: 23-26 days; full flight of young birds at 25-31 days; independence: at or soon after fledging; broods: one brood.

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Movements

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

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

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Definition of period of reproduction

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Member Period of reproduction Comments References State begins with FI Occupation of breeding 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 sites SE Occupation of breeding 10, 11 sites EE Occupation of breeding Rare breeder sites LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK Occupation of breeding 2 sites IE Occupation of breeding occasionally 1-2 3 sites breeding pairs DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

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Period of reproduction

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

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 occupation of the breeding sites. 2) The end of the period of reproduction ranges from the 3rd decade of June (EE) to the 1st decade of decade of August (FI, SE). Full flight of young birds marks the end of the period of reproduction.

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Prenuptial migration

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

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

Member YES NO References State FI X 1, 2, 3, 4 SE X 8, 10, 11 EE X LV 6 LT X 5,7 PL X 3 SK 1, 15 CZ X DK 5 UK X 1 IE X 1, 3 DE X 4, 8 NL X 37, 44 BE X 3, 5 LU HU X AT 13, 19 SI X FR X 6 ES PT Present in small numbers 9 IT X MT 5 GR CY RO 3 BG X 5, 6, 15 HR X 17, 18, 21

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Period of prenuptial migration

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

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) Migratory with small numbers of wintering birds in coastal Atlantic Europe. 2) The prenuptial migration period begins with the arrival of the first migrants. 3) The beginning of the period of prenuptial migration ranges from the 3rd decade of February (FR) to the 3rd decade of April (FI, EE).

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Species no. 58:

Common Black-Headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Distribution: This gull inhabits the major part of the temperate and boreal regions of Eurasia, from the Atlantic coast to Kamchatka.

Movements: Mainly migratory in the eastern and northern part of the range, dispersive or partially migratory elsewhere. Birds from Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea region winter in North Western Europe.

Population size and trends: The European population is being estimated at 1.5-2.2 millions of breeding pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The population breeding in EU 27 numbers 990,000 – 1,300,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004B).

Since the beginning of the century the Black-headed Gull has extended its distribution considerably and has colonised Italy and Spain. However, in recent years the increase has stopped and during 1990-2000 the European population underwent a moderate decline (BirdLife Int. 2004A).

The birds breeding in Europe can be divided into two subpopulations on the basis of their wintering areas (from Delany & Scott 2006):

• Birds breeding in north and west Europe and wintering in south west Europe. This population is estimated at 3,700,000 – 4,800,000 birds and with a decreasing trend.

• Birds breeding in east Europe and wintering in Bulgaria, south to turkey and east to Ukraine: This population numbers 770,000 – 1,800,000 birds. The trend of this population is unknown.

Biological and behavioural aspects: clutch size is 2-3 eggs (1-4); incubation: 23-26 days; full flight of young birds at c. 35 days; broods: one.

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Movements

Common Black-Headed Gull Larus ridibundus

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

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Definition of period of reproduction

Common Black-Headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Member Period of reproduction Comments References State begins with FI Occupation of breeding 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 sites SE Occupation of breeding 8, 10, 11 sites EE Occupation of breeding sites LV 2 LT Occupation of breeding 7 sites PL Occupation of breeding 3 sites SK Occupation of breeding 1, 3 sites CZ Occupation of breeding sites DK Occupation of breeding sites UK Construction of the nest 2 IE Construction of the nest 1, 4, 5, 6 DE Occupation of breeding 4 sites NL Egg laying 36 BE Occupation of breeding 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 colonies together with nuptial parade LU HU Occupation of breeding 1 sites AT Occupation of breeding 4, 8 colonies SI FR 16 ES Occupation of breeding 1 sites PT Very small breeding numbers IT Courtship display at breeding sites MT GR CY RO 1 BG Occupation of breeding 5, 6, 13 sites HR Courtship display at 9, 17

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breeding colonies

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Period of reproduction

Common Black-Headed Gull Larus ridibundus

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 at breeding sites (i.e. 2 decades before egg laying). 2) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 2nd decade of June (DK) to the 1st decade of September (UK). The full flight of young birds marks the end of the period of reproduction.

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Prenuptial migration

Common Black-Headed Gull Larus ridibundus

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

Member YES NO References State FI X 1, 2, 3, 4 SE X 8, 10, 11 EE X LV 2 LT Mixing of wintering and breeding 5,7 birds during migration PL X 3 SK Mixing of migrants and wintering 1, 3 populations CZ Mixing of wintering and breeding birds DK X UK Mixed population of residents & 1 migrants IE Large numbers of resident 1, 3 breeding birds mixed with wintering birds DE Migratory and resident birds occur 4 together with non-breeders NL X 37 BE Mixing with wintering birds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 LU HU Mixing of wintering and breeding 1 birds during migration AT Mixing with wintering birds 8, 13 SI X FR ES PT IT Presence of local breeders, wintering and passage migrants MT 5 GR CY RO 3 BG Presence of local breeders, 6, 13, 15 wintering and passage migrants HR X 7, 8, 12

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Period of prenuptial migration

Common Black-Headed Gull Larus ridibundus

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) Mainly migratory in FI, SE and LT, dispersive or partially migratory elsewhere. 2) The mixed population of residents and migrants makes it difficult to determine the start of the prenuptial migration. 3) The start of the period of prenuptial migration ranges from the 1st decade of February (PT) to the 3rddecade of March (LV).

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Species no. 59:

Mew (Common) Gull Larus canus

Distribution: This species inhabits boreal, temperate and steppe regions of Eurasia and North America. Locally it also occurs in arctic regions.

Movements: Mainly migratory. Most of European birds are wintering on the coasts from the Baltic Sea to the British Isles, but small numbers reach the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean.

Population size and trends: The European breeding population amounts to 590,000- 1,500,000 pairs, including the large Russian population of 250,000 – 1,000,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The population of the European Union is estimated at 270,000- 420,000 breeding pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004B).

Following a marked and widespread population increases during the 20th century this species declined during 1990-2000 across much of North-west Europe (BirdLife Int. 2004A).

Biological and behavioural aspects: clutch size is 3 eggs (2-5); incubation: 22.5-28 days; full flight of young birds at c. 35 days; broods: one brood.

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Movements

Mew (Common) Gull Larus canus

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

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Definition of period of reproduction

Mew (Common) Gull Larus canus

Member Period of reproduction Comments References State begins with FI Occupation of breeding 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 sites SE Occupation of breeding 1, 2, 11 sites EE Occupation of breeding sites LV 2 LT Occupation of breeding 7 sites PL Occupation of breeding 3 sites SK Occupation of breeding sites CZ Occupation of breeding sites together with courtship display DK Occupation of breeding sites UK Construction of the nest 2 IE Construction of the nest 1, 4, 5, 6 DE Occupation of breeding 4 sites NL Occupation of breeding 38 sites together with courtship display BE Occupation of breeding 3 sites together with courtship display LU HU Occupation of breeding 1 sites AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

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Period of reproduction

Mew (Common) Gull Larus canus

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) In the EU, it breeds in northern countries: migrant breeder and resident (UK, IE). 2) The period of reproduction starts with courtship display at breeding sites (i.e. 2 decades before egg laying). 3) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 3rd decade of June (DK) to the 3rd decade of August (SE, UK, PL). The full flight of young birds marks the end of the period of reproduction.

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Prenuptial migration

Mew (Common) Gull Larus canus

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

Member State YES NO References FI X 1, 2, 3, 4 SE X 1, 8 EE LV 2 LT Mixed population of wintering and 5,7 breeding birds during migration PL X 3 SK X CZ Mixing of wintering, migrating, and breeding birds. DK X UK Mixed population of residents & 1 migrants in north of UK IE X 1, 3 DE X 4 NL X 37 BE Mixed population of residents & 3 migrants LU HU X AT 13 SI X FR ES PT IT X MT GR CY RO 3 BG X 6, 15 HR X 7

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Period of prenuptial migration

Mew (Common) Gull Larus canus

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) Mainly migratory with most birds wintering on the coasts from the Baltic Sea to the British Isles. 2) The prenuptial migration starts with the departure from the wintering grounds. 3) The beginning of the period of prenuptial migration ranges from the 1st decade of February (HU) to the 1st decade of April (LT).

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Species no. 60:

Lesser Black-Backed Gull Larus fuscus

Distribution: This gull inhabits the coasts of northern and western Europe, from Iberia and the British Isles to northern Russia.

Movements: Mostly migratory. Western European birds (Larus f. graellsii and L. f. intermedius) are wintering in the Iberian Peninsula and North Western Africa, but increasing numbers remain in the North Sea. The birds of the North Eastern Baltic Sea (Larus f. fuscus) move to East Africa via eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.

Population size and trends: The European breeding population amounts to 300,000- 350,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The EU 27 population is estimated at 240,000- 260,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004B).

Overall, the European population has increased during 1990-2000, but declines were noted in a few countries in the northeast of its range (BirdLife Int. 2004A).

The size and trend of the individual subspecies has been estimated as follows (from Delany & Scott 2006):

• L. f. fuscus (breeding in North Norway, East Sweden, East Denmark, Finland, Estonia, West Russia east to White sea and wintering in Africa: 55,500 birds and decreasing.

• L. f. graellsii breeding in southwest Greenland, Iceland, Faeroes, Ireland, Britain, Belgium and France and wintering in West Europe to West Africa: 530,000 – 570,000 birds and increasing.

• L. f. intermedius breeding in south Norway, west Sweden, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands and Spain and wintering in West Europe to West Africa: 325,000 – 440,000 individuals and increasing.

Biological and behavioural aspects: clutch size is 3 eggs (1-4); incubation: 24-27 days; fledging period: 30-40 days; independence: independent soon after; broods: one brood.

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Movements

Lesser Black-Backed Gull Larus fuscus

Member MIGRANT RESIDENT State Breeding Passage Wintering FI 9 9 SE 9 9 EE 9 9 Occasional LV 9 LT 9 9 PL Few 9 Occasional SK Rare Rare CZ 9 Rare DK 9 9 UK 9 9 9 IE 9 9 9 9 DE 9 9 NL 9 9 9 BE 9 9 9 LU Very few HU Irregular AT 9 SI FR 9 9 9 ES 9 9 9 PT 9 9 9 IT 9 Few MT 9 9 GR 9 Few CY Few Few RO 9 BG Few Few HR 9

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Definition of period of reproduction

Lesser Black-Backed Gull Larus fuscus

Member Period of reproduction Comments Reference State begins with s FI Occupation of breeding sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 SE Occupation of breeding sites 8, 10, 11 EE Occupation of breeding sites Rare breeder LV LT PL Occupation of breeding sites Small breeding population 3 SK CZ DK Occupation of breeding sites L. f. fuscus: breeding birds occur each year but reproduction is not confirmed. UK Occupation of breeding sites 2 IE Occupation of breeding sites 1, 4, 5, 6 DE Occupation of breeding sites 4, 10 NL Occupation of breeding sites 38 together with courtship display BE Occupation of breeding sites 3 LU HU AT SI FR ES PT Small breeding population IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

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Period of reproduction

Lesser Black-Backed Gull Larus fuscus

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 L. f. fuscus: FI, EE, SE; L. f. graellsii: UK, IE, FR, ES, DK; L. f. intermedius: DK, NL.

Comments and conclusions

1) The period of reproduction starts with courtship display at breeding sites (i.e. 3 decades before egg laying). 2) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 3rd decade of July (NL, BE, EE) to the 3rd decade of September (PL). The full flight of young birds marks the end of the period of reproduction. 3) The end of the reproduction period in Poland which is in September, is an approximation.

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Prenuptial migration

Lesser Black-Backed Gull Larus fuscus

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

Member YES NO References State FI X 1, 2, 3, 4 SE X 8, 10, 11 EE Mixing of breeders & migrants LV 6 LT PL X 3 SK CZ X DK X UK Mixing of breeders & migrants 1 IE X 1, 3 DE In springtime the arrival of 4, 10 breeders covers the start of prenuptial migration of wintering populations from Norway (L. f. intermedius) and the British Isles (L. f. graellsii) NL X 22 BE Mixing of wintering and migrating 3 birds LU HU AT 13 SI FR ES PT IT X MT 5 GR CY RO 3 BG Very small numbers of birds 5, 6, 15 HR X 6, 7

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Period of prenuptial migration

Lesser Black-Backed Gull Larus fuscus

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 1 ) 2 ) 3 ) UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

FS E L L P S C D U I D N B L H A S F E P I M G C R B H I E E V T L K Z K K E E L E U U T I R S T T T R Y O G R 1. L. f. fuscus 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 2. L. f. 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 intermedius 3. L. f. graellsii 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Comments and conclusions

1) Mostly migratory with 3 sub-species in the EU: L. f. fuscus - north-eastern Baltic Sea, wintering in east Africa; L. f. graellsii and L. f. intermedius - western Europe, wintering in the Iberian Peninsula and north-western Africa, but increasing numbers remain in the North Sea.

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2) The beginning of the prenuptial migration period ranges from the 3rd decade of January (PT) to the 1st decade of April (SE).

Species no. 61:

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Within the last few years a number of subspecies of this species have gained full species status. This includes the Yellow-legged Gull (Larus cachinnans) and the Siberian Gull (Larus heuglini).

Distribution: The Herring Gull inhabits North America, north eastern Asia and north western Europe, from south western France and the British Isles to North Western Russia. Most of these birds breed in coastal habitats, but in some regions the species also breeds far inland.

Movements: Mainly migratory in northern Europe. The birds generally move in a south-westerly direction in winter. Elsewhere the species is either resident or dispersive to a varying degree.

Population size and trends: The European breeding population amounts to 760,000- 1,400,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The population in the European Union has been estimated at 500,000 – 590,000 breeding pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004B).

The species has increased in numbers and range since the beginning of the century, so much that in many regions control programmes have been designed. This overall increase continued during 1970-2000 (BirdLife Int. 2004A).

Two sub-populations winter occur in Europe (from Delany & Scott 2006):

• Birds breeding in Denmark and Fennoscandia to east Kola Peninsula in Russia and wintering in north and west Europe, in total 1,700,000 – 3,600,000 individuals and increasing.

• Birds breeding in Iceland, Ireland, Britain, NW France to Germany and wintering in NW Europe to North Iberia, in total 520,000-620,000 birds and decreasing.

Biological and behavioural aspects: clutch size is 3 eggs (2-4); incubation: 28-30 days; fledging: at 35-40 days; independence: soon after fledging; broods: one brood.

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Movements

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

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

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Definition of period of reproduction

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Member State Period of reproduction Comments References begins with FI Occupation of breeding 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 sites SE Occupation of breeding 1, 2 sites EE Occupation of breeding sites LV LT Occupation of breeding 7 sites PL Occupation of breeding 3 sites SK CZ DK Occupation of breeding sites UK Construction of the nest 2 IE Construction of the nest 1, 4, 5, 6 DE Occupation of breeding 4, 10 sites NL Occupation of breeding 38 sites together with courtship display BE Occupation of breeding 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 colonies together with courtship display LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

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Period of reproduction

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

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 at breeding sites (i.e. 3 decades before egg laying). 2) The end of the reproduction period ranges from the 3rd decade of July (FI, EE, DK, NL, LV) to the 3rd decade of September (DE, PL). The full flight of young birds marks the end of the period of reproduction.

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Prenuptial migration

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

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

Member State YES NO References FI Partial migrant. Over-winters in sea- 1, 2, 3, 4 areas and coastal cities. SE X 1, 8 EE Mixing of migrants & residents LV 2 LT X 5,7 PL X 3 SK CZ CZ Mixing of migrants & residents DK X UK Mixing of migrants & residents 1 IE Mixing of migrants & residents 4 DE X 4, 10 NL Dispersive BE High mobility of species LU HU AT SI FR ES Difficult to differentiate from L. 1 cachinnans PT IT X MT GR CY RO BG Small numbers of birds. Difficult to 5, 6, 15 differentiate from L. chachinnans. HR X 7, 12

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Period of prenuptial migration

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

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) Mainly migratory in northern Europe. 2) Mixed population of migrants and residents makes it difficult to identify the beginning of the prenuptial migration. 3) The beginning of the prenuptial migration period ranges from the 3rd decade of January (DK) to the 3rd decade of March (LV).

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