Report on

Russian publications of Common Swifts in Volzhsko-Kamskiy ornithologicheskiy vestnik [Volga-Kama ornithological newsletter], Issue 2, Cheboksary, 2008. 112 p.

(APUSlist Nos. 5828, 5829, 5830, 5831, 5832, 5833 and 5834)

by IGOR FEFELOV

1. Zavyalov, E.V., Tabachishin, V.G.,Yakushev, N.N. & Mosolova, E.Yu.: Distribution, number, biology and ecology of Cuculiformes, Caprimulgiformes, Apodiformes, Coraciiformes, Upupiformes and Piciformes birds of Saratov Region, p. 6-37

(APUSlist No. 5828)

The species accounts on biology and ecology of 18 species of Cuculiformes, Caprimulgiformes, Apodiformes, Coraciiformes, Upupiformes and Piciformes birds of regional ornithofauna are compiled on the basis of original field observations and summarizing of literature data. Data on status, distribution, number and distribution of birds in the territory of Saratov Region are included in it. Habitats and nesting microhabitats are described, migration data are summarized, the main flyways and dates of bird passage in the region are indicated. Breeding biology and feeding of the majority of breeding species are characterized, the forecast of population trends of taxa with dynamic structure of ranges is given.

Common Swift: p. 9-10. A common nester in towns and villages, and in shore cliffs of rivers, in the west of the region (along Khopyor river), it also breeds in tree holes. Arrives usually in the 2^nd half of May, sometimes in early May; the first record in 2002 was on 4 May, in 2003 – 10 May, 2004 and 2008 – 8 May, 2005 – 3 May, 2006 – 9 May. The latest records in Saratov were on 19 August 2003 and 17 August 2004.

Average numbers in Saratov in the areas of high houses in the breeding time are 89 ind. /km², rising to 120-165 ind. /km² after raising chicks. The number of CS in the region tends to increase, and estimate numbers for the region are 85-90 thousand pairs.

A clutch contains 2–4, average 3.2 ± 0.11 eggs. Chicks hatch usually in the 2^nd half of June but may be earlier, e.g. adults bringing food in nests were seen and a dead chick 2-3 days old was found on 8 June 2005.

On 19 Jun 2003, on 3^rd-5^th days after the arrival of cool rainy weather, swifts were observed flying southward in flocks of 15-50 ind.; c. 500 ind. flew over in 30 min.

2. Isakov, G.N. & Yakovlev, V.A.: Cuculiformes, Caprimulgiformes, Apodiformes, Coraciiformes, Upupiformes of Chuvashian Republic, p. 38-47

(APUSlist No. 5829)

Materials on biology, ecology, distribution and number of birds of orders Cuculiformes, Caprimulgiformes, Apodiformes, Corcaciiformes, Upupiformes in the territory of Chuvashian Republic are represented in this review. Material was collected in 1993–2008. All existing information on these bird groups in territory of Chuvashia is analysed during compilation of the species accounts.

Common Swift: p. 41-43. A numerous nester in villages and towns, where its number is roughly 50 thousand nesting pairs; lesser number breeds in forests in tree holes (2-5 thousand pairs), usually close to the forest margin but not deeply in the forest.

Arrival falls on early May. In 2000-2008, in the north of Chuvashia the arrival date was on 7 May (2.05.2004 – 10.05.2003), n=9. After breeding, the main part of swifts depart between 20-25 August. The latest records fall on 22.08.2007 – 3.09.2000 (1998-2008, n=7).

In the National Park "Chavash Varmane", the average clutch size was 2.0 (n=16): 2 clutches contained one egg, 12 – with two eggs, and 2 – with three eggs). The number of chicks was on average 1.78 (n=9 nests). The egg size is 23.0- 26.3 x 14.7-16.8 mm, in average 24.6 x 15.8 (n=26). The egg mass at the beginning of incubation is 3.1-3.6 g, in average 3.39 (n=11).

3. Shepel, A.I., Kazakov, V.P., Lapushkin & V.A., Fisher, S.V.: Cuckoos, Nightjars, Swifts and Woodpeckers in Perm Territory, p. 72-76

(APUSlist No. 5830)

Species accounts on distribution, habitat preference, phenology of 11 bird species of orders Cuculiformes, Caprimulgiformes, Apodiformes, Piciformes in Perm Territory are derived from the materials of literature sources and from our own observations. Special attention is paid to the census data in different parts of the territory under consideration and also to the extent to which these species taken as prey by raptors.

Common Swift: p. 73-74. It nests over all the region but it is much less common in the NE part of the region It breeds in towns and villages as well as in natural habitats. In spring, arrival data around Perm' are 18-27 May, in Perm' – 10-24 May, in the north of the region 22-31 May. The last records in Perm' are 8-24 August . in the northern part of the region – 10-18 August. Swifts are recorded in the prey of Peregrine Falcon, and more often in the Northern Hobby (3 % of its prey objects).

4. Bakalova, M.V.: Fauna of Cuculiformes, Caprimulgiformes, Apodiformes, Coraciiformes and Piciformes of the zone of on-mountain broad-leaved forests of South Ural, p. 77-79

(APUSlist No. 5831)

The species accounts on 13 orders under consideration (Cuculiformes, Caprimulgiformes, Apodiformes, Coraciiformes, Piciformes) are derived from materials of scientific database of “Shulgan-Tash” Nature Reserve (western macroslope, South Ural) and from our own observations. The species accounts contain materials on the comparative number and character of presence, phenology, nesting biology, and also registration of interesting records.

Common Swift: p. 78. In this region it is uncommon. Flocks of up to 30 birds can be seen over grassy glades and river valleys. Nesting is probable in river cliffs as there are few areas of forest suitable for breeding. The average date of first arrival is 19 May (n=8). The number seems to be stable.

5. Moskvichev, A.N. & Korol’kov, M.A.: Apodiformes, Coraciiformes, Upupiformes and Piciformes of Ulyanovsk town, p. 80–85

(APUSlist No. 5832)

Authors for 1993–2007 have collected material on ornithofauna of Ulyanovsk town, on the base of which with use of literature data the species account on 11 species of orders Apodiformes, Coraciiformes, Upupiformes, Piciformes were prepared. The species accounts contain information on habitat preference, number, migration, breeding, and also on unfavourable factors and conservation measures of these species in the area round the town.

Common Swift: p. 81-82. The estimated number of breeders in Ulyanovsk is c. 30-40 thousand pairs.

First birds arrive in early May, on average 5 May (n=9); the earliest record is on 26.04.1999. In autumn, the main portion of swifts depart in 1-3 days in early August. Migrants can be seen up to early September. The last record is on average on 31 August (n=9). See Table 1: Dates of first and last records of swifts in Ulyanovsk)

Year	First arrival	Last seen
1996	27.04.	-
1998	28.04.	27.08.
1999	26.04.	24.08.
2000	-	01.09.
2001	07.05.	14.09.
2002	09.05.	20.09.*
2003	12.05.	08.09.
2004	09.05.	31.08.
2005	15.05.	24.08.
2006	09.05.	-
2007	05.05.	12.08.

* V. A. Yakovlev, other dates are by the authors

Tab. 1. The dates of the first and the last recording of the Common Swift in Ulyanovsk

Swift nesting sites are usually under roofs, holes under window sills or balconies, etc, mainly in multistory houses. Sometimes swifts occupy artificial nest boxes if they are mounted. Fledglings leave nests from 17 July . Sometimes chicks being still unable to fly are found in late August.

In late May and June, in 21:30 – 22 swifts spend the night away from the nesting area, and first calls are heard from 4 – 4:30 AM.

6. Bekmansurov, R.Kh.: Cuculiformes, Caprimulgiformes, Apodiformes, Coraciiformes, Piciformes of National Park «Lower Kama», p. 105-106

(APUSlist No. 5833)

During number counts at transects in the national park in the nesting period in 2006, Common Swift was recorded in the area of pine forest to garden cooperative, with the number 38 ind./km². In late July it often occupies natural tree holes after fledging of early hole-nesting birds. Similar behavior in artificial nest boxes was observed in Elabuga; for example, in a row of three years a Swift pair occupied a next box after a Starling pair had raised chicks there.

7. Kadyrov, I.G. & Rakhimov, I.I.: The Swift in urban ecosystems of Tatarstan, p. 107-108

(APUSlist No. 5834)

Common Swift is a dominant species for towns of Tatarstan, taking the 4^th position (14.8 % in numbers) after feral Rock Dove, House Sparrow, and Tree Sparrow. The average date of arrival is 14 May (the earliest is 5.05.1940, the latest is 23.05.1947). Numbers of swifts in Kazan in the breeding time vary from 8.2 to 19.4 ind./km² (usually 15-16) on various streets where swifts are nesting on tower-blocks and other buildings.

© APUSlife 2015, No. 5835

ISSN 1438-2261