The avifauna of the western Rodopi forests (N. Greece)

The composition of the avifauna in the upland forests of western Rodopi (North Greece) was investigated during spring and summer of 1997 and 1998. A total of 109 species were detected in the area, while 93 of them (85.3\%) are regarded as breeders. Ten-minute counts in 260 points in plots of the most representative forest stands produced 3 418 bird sightings of 42 species (13.14 individuals/ point, (x) over bar = 6.2 species/ point). Bird density in different forest habitats ranged frorn six to 34 birds/ 10 ha ((x) over bar = 19 birds/ 10 ha). The greatest figure was recorded in oak woods and conifer forests dominated by mature Norway spruce (Picea abies) and the lowest in pinewoods. Species diversity was also greater in Norway spruce and broadleaf forests. Species richness should be attributed to the geographical position of the area, and the differences in bird density to the vegetation structure in the various forest habitats.