species no. 19: common eider somateria mollissima...northern britain (except orkney and shetland),...

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Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008 Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 136 * Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima Distribution : Holarctic. Breeding at high latitudes across Northern Eurasia and North America and wintering mainly within the breeding range. Six subspecies are known, of which two occur in the European Union. The nominate S. m. mollissima breeds in northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea. It winters mainly in the southern Baltic and North Sea area, with small numbers of birds reaching the Bay of Biscay, Central Europe and the West Mediterranean (France and Italy). Somateria m. faroeensis breeds in the Faeroe, Shetland and Orkney Islands. Movements : Partially migratory, wintering at sea in North and Northwest Europe. Many populations are mainly sedentary, but large numbers of birds from Russia and Fennoscandia are migratory, wintering mostly along the North and West coast of Norway, in the southern Baltic Sea and in the Wadden Sea. A few birds winter inland in central Europe and in the west Mediterranean. In Denmark, the main autumn migration occurs in October and November, although some adult females and juveniles arrive in the Wadden Sea as early as September. The return passage begins in late February. The populations breeding in Britain and Ireland are mainly sedentary or dispersive, including S. m. faroeensis. Population size and trends : The European breeding population is estimated at 840,000-1,200,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A) of which 490,000 – 610,000 pairs breed in the EU (BirdLife Int. 2004B). The overall trend during 1990-2000 was a small increase (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The birds belonging to the nominate race that winter in Europe has been assigned to three sub-populations (from Delany & Scott 2006): The population at Britain and Ireland which numbers 73,000 birds (trend unknown). The Baltic-Wadden sea population comprising 760,000 individuals (decreasing). The Norway and NW Russian population with 300,000-550.000 birds (stable). The subspecies S. m. faroeensis numbers 18,000 – 25,500 of which 12,000-13,500 occurs at Shetland and the Orkney islands in the UK (Delany & Scott 2006). This population is believed to be stable. Biological and behavioural aspects: Males tend to remain further north than females and immatures. Most adult males leave the breeding grounds in May and June to form flocks with non-breeding and immature birds. Many males and immatures of the Baltic population undertake a moult migration in late June and July through the western Baltic to the Wadden Sea. Breeding: clutch size: usually 4-6 eggs (1-8, with more than 8 usually 2 females); incubation: 25-28 days; fledging period: 65-75 days; broods one.

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Page 1: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 136 *

Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima Distribution: Holarctic. Breeding at high latitudes across Northern Eurasia and North America and wintering mainly within the breeding range. Six subspecies are known, of which two occur in the European Union. The nominate S. m. mollissima breeds in northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea. It winters mainly in the southern Baltic and North Sea area, with small numbers of birds reaching the Bay of Biscay, Central Europe and the West Mediterranean (France and Italy). Somateria m. faroeensis breeds in the Faeroe, Shetland and Orkney Islands. Movements: Partially migratory, wintering at sea in North and Northwest Europe. Many populations are mainly sedentary, but large numbers of birds from Russia and Fennoscandia are migratory, wintering mostly along the North and West coast of Norway, in the southern Baltic Sea and in the Wadden Sea. A few birds winter inland in central Europe and in the west Mediterranean. In Denmark, the main autumn migration occurs in October and November, although some adult females and juveniles arrive in the Wadden Sea as early as September. The return passage begins in late February. The populations breeding in Britain and Ireland are mainly sedentary or dispersive, including S. m. faroeensis. Population size and trends: The European breeding population is estimated at 840,000-1,200,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A) of which 490,000 – 610,000 pairs breed in the EU (BirdLife Int. 2004B). The overall trend during 1990-2000 was a small increase (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The birds belonging to the nominate race that winter in Europe has been assigned to three sub-populations (from Delany & Scott 2006):

• The population at Britain and Ireland which numbers 73,000 birds (trend unknown).

• The Baltic-Wadden sea population comprising 760,000 individuals (decreasing).

• The Norway and NW Russian population with 300,000-550.000 birds (stable).

The subspecies S. m. faroeensis numbers 18,000 – 25,500 of which 12,000-13,500 occurs at Shetland and the Orkney islands in the UK (Delany & Scott 2006). This population is believed to be stable. Biological and behavioural aspects: Males tend to remain further north than females and immatures. Most adult males leave the breeding grounds in May and June to form flocks with non-breeding and immature birds. Many males and immatures of the Baltic population undertake a moult migration in late June and July through the western Baltic to the Wadden Sea. Breeding: clutch size: usually 4-6 eggs (1-8, with more than 8 usually 2 females); incubation: 25-28 days; fledging period: 65-75 days; broods one.

Page 2: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 137 *

Movements

Common Eider Somateria mollissima

MIGRANT Member State RESIDENT Breeding Passage Wintering

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

Page 3: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 138 *

Definition of period of reproduction

Common Eider Somateria mollissima

Member State

Period of reproduction begins with

Comments References

FI Occupation breeding sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 SE Occupation breeding sites 1, 2, 18 EE Occupation breeding sites LV LT PL Accidental tries of nesting 2, 3 SK CZ DK Occupation breeding sites UK Occupation breeding sites 2 IE Occupation breeding sites 1, 2, 3 DE Occupation breeding sites Nuptial parade before

occupation of breeding sites

4

NL Construction of the nest Construction of nest short before egg laying

20

BE LU HU AT SI FR Occupation breeding sites 1, 4, 6 ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG Occupation of breeding

sites 6,13

HR

Page 4: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 139 *

Period of reproduction

Common Eider Somateria mollissima

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 CFI 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 begins with the occupation of the breeding sites. 2) End of period of reproduction ranges from the 3rd decade of July (EE) to the 2nd

decade of September (UK). Full flight of young birds marks the end of the reproduction period.

Page 5: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 140 *

Prenuptial migration

Common Eider Somateria mollissima

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, 9 EE X LV LT PL X 2, 3 SK CZ DK X UK Mixed populations in some areas 1 IE No information DE 3, 4, 10 NL Distinction between local

movements of large wintering population and returning migrants is difficult to made

37

BE LU HU AT SI FR X 2, 4, 6 ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG No information due to limited

number of birds 6, 15

HR Few 9

Page 6: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 141 *

Period of prenuptial migration

Common Eider Somateria mollissima

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 CFI 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 RO BG ? ? HR

Comments and conclusions

1) Partially migratory. In DK and SE, there is a mixture of different populations in winter but they are not distinguishable in the field. In DK breeders, non-breeders, late moulting migrants (both from the Baltic) and wintering birds occur in the Wadden Sea from November to April.

2) Beginning of the prenuptial migration ranges from the 1st decade of February (DE, BE, NL, BG?) to the 2nd decade of March (SE, FI, EE).

Page 7: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 142 *

Species no. 20: Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis Distribution: Long-tailed ducks have a circumpolar distribution. The birds inhabiting northern Europe stay close to the breeding areas (Iceland, Norway) or winter south to the southern North Sea and around the British Isles. Movements: Migratory. Those breeding in Fennoscandia, north European Russia and western Siberia winter over a large area, ranging from coastal North Norway southwest to the British Isles. The majority of this immense population however spends the winter in a small area ranging from the south Baltic Sea to West Denmark and South Sweden. A few thousand reach the Wadden Sea and only stragglers are recorded further south, especially in hard winters. Some of the birds of the large population of Greenland and Iceland reach the west of the British Isles. Population size and trends: The European breeding population amounts to 10,000-15,000 pairs, excluding Russia which holds about 700,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The European Union breeding population in Finland and Sweden is estimated at 2,500-4,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004B). The overall trend during 1990-2000 is stable (BirdLife Int. 2004A, 2004B). The winter population in The North Atlantic (mainly along the coast of Norway), the Baltic Sea and North Sea and in central European lakes is estimated at 4,600,000 birds (Delany & Scott 2006). Greenland and Iceland hold 12,000-35,000 breeding pairs and 100,000-150,000 wintering individuals (Delany & Scott 2006). Both winter populations are believed to be stable (Delany & Scott 2006). Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size 6-9 eggs (5-11); incubation 24-29 days; full flight of young birds at 35-40 days; brood one.

Page 8: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 143 *

Movements

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis

MIGRANT Member State RESIDENT Breeding Passage Wintering

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

Page 9: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 144 *

Definition of period of reproduction

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis

Member State

Period of reproduction begins with

Comments References

FI Occupation of breeding sites

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

SE Occupation of breeding sites

1, 11

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

Page 10: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 145 *

Period of reproduction

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis

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 CFI 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 only breeds in Fennoscandia. 2) The period of reproduction starts with the occupation of the breeding sites. 3) The period of reproduction ends with the full flight of young birds, ranging from

the 2nd decade of August (FI) to the 1st decade of September (SE).

Page 11: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 146 *

Prenuptial migration

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis

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

Member State YES NO References

FI Partial migrant in the southern sea areas

1, 2, 3, 4

SE X 1, 18 EE LV LT 6 PL X 2 SK CZ Small numbers of wintering and

passage birds difficult to distinguish

DK 5 UK X 1 IE X 1, 3 DE X 3, 4 NL Few data available 2 BE LU HU AT 13 SI FR X 6 ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG Small numbers of wintering and

passage birds difficult to distinguish.

6, 22

HR Few 9, 17

Page 12: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 147 *

Prenuptial migration

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis

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 CFI SE EE LV ? ? ? LT PL SK CZ DK UK IE DE NL BE LU HU AT AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

IE - probably only from Iceland/Greenland; BE and CZ - data based on low numbers Comments and conclusions

1) Migratory, with most birds wintering in the Baltic and Wadden Seas. 2) The period of prenuptial migration starts with the arrival of first migrants in

Fennoscandia and departure from wintering grounds elsewhere. 3) The beginning of the prenuptial migration period ranges from the 2nd decade of

February (CZ, DE, DK, BG) to the 3rd decade of March (SE, NL, PL, or even later in LV).

Page 13: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 148 *

Species no. 21: Common Scoter Melanitta nigra Distribution: This bird breeds at high latitudes across northern Eurasia. The western Eurasian population is wintering from the Baltic Sea and southern North Sea south along the Atlantic seaboard to Mauritania. Movements: Migratory. Outside the breeding season this duck is almost exclusively a marine species. Most birds breeding in Fennoscandia and Russia east to the river Lena winter in the western part of the Baltic and off the coast of the Wadden Sea, with only a relatively small number of birds moving further south and west. Birds breeding in Iceland have been recorded south to Iberian Peninsula and even the Azores. Population size and trends: The European breeding population amounts to 4,000-11,000 breeding pairs, Russia excluded (where 100,000-120,000 pairs breed)(BirdLife Int. 2004A). The European Union breeding population is estimated at 2,700-5,200 breeding pairs and is almost totally concentrated in Finland and Sweden (BirdLife Int. 2004B). Populations in most European countries were stable during 1990-2000 (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The population wintering in the Baltic Sea, and along the east Atlantic coast south to Mauritania is estimated at 1,600,000 individuals and stable (Delany & Scott 2006). By far the majority of these birds winter in the waters of EU Member States. Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size: 6-8 eggs (5-11), more than 11 probably 2 females; incubation: 30-31 days; full flight of young birds at 45-50 days; brood: one.

Page 14: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 149 *

Movements

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

MIGRANT Member State RESIDENT Breeding Passage Wintering

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

Page 15: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 150 *

Definition of period of reproduction

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

Member

State Period of reproduction

begins with Comments References

FI Occupation of breeding sites

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

SE Occupation of breeding sites

1, 9, 11

EE LV LT PL SK CZ DK UK 10 IE Occupation of breeding

sites 1, 4, 6

DE NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

Page 16: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 151 *

Definition of period of reproduction

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

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 CFI 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 EU breeding population is almost totally concentrated in FI and SE with less that 200 pairs breeding in IE and UK.

2) The period of reproduction begins with the occupation of the breeding sites. 3) The period of reproduction ends with the full flight of young birds, ranging from

the 3rd decade of August (IE, UK) to the 2nd decade of September (SE).

Page 17: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 152 *

Prenuptial migration

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

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

Member

State YES NO References

FI Small numbers may over-winter in Åland

X 1, 2, 3, 4

EE 4 LV LT PL X 2 SK CZ SE X 1, 9 DK 5 UK X 1 IE X 1, 3 DE X 4, 12 NL X 37 BE X 3 LU HU AT SI FR X 6 ES PT Little information available IT Rare and irregular winter visitor

(c. 270i) 2, 14, 16, 26, 27, 28

MT GR CY RO BG Very small numbers of wintering

and passage birds. 6, 15

HR Few 10, 11, 14

Page 18: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 153 *

Prenuptial migration

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

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 CFI 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 most birds that breed in Fennoscandia wintering in the western part of the Baltic and off the coast of the Wadden Sea.

2) The period of prenuptial migration starts with the arrival of first migrants (SE, FI) or the departure from the wintering grounds.

3) The beginning of the prenuptial migration period ranges from the 1st decade of February (IT) to the 1st decade of April (SE).

Page 19: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 154 *

Species no. 22: Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca Distribution: The Velvet Scoter super-species can be divided in three subspecies, of which two, collectively named White-winged Scoter, are not considered here as they both breed and winter (far) outside Europe. The Velvet Scoter breeds from North Europe east to the Yenisey River (approximately 85°E) and in small numbers south and east of the Black Sea. The main wintering range extends south to north-western Europe. Movements: Migratory; birds breeding from Fennoscandia east to Siberia winter mainly in the Baltic Sea, with smaller numbers continuing further (south)west. Following cold weather in northern Europe small influxes can occur on freshwater lakes in Central Europe. The main autumn migration in the Baltic takes place in October and November. The return migration starts late, with large numbers remaining in Danish waters until April. Huge numbers concentrate in the Gulf of Riga in early May, before moving overland to breeding areas in northern Russia. Population size and trends: The European breeding population is estimated at 85,000 – 100,000 pairs of which 60,000 – 70,000 breeds in Russia (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The breeding population in the EU (Sweden, Finland & Estonia) amounts 25,000 – 31,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004B). A very small breeding population in the Black Sea-Caspian Sea region holds about 80-140 breeding pairs. The winter population in the Baltic and west Europe is estimated at 1,000,000 birds (Delany & Scott 2006). The majority of these birds winter in the waters of EU Member States, especially in the Baltic Sea. Biological and behavioural aspects: It winters mostly at sea in shallow water of the littoral zone. It is gregarious outside the breeding season, usually moulting and wintering in large flocks, sometimes of several thousand birds and often in company with M. nigra. In June, most males leave the breeding grounds to moult in large gatherings, mainly along the north coast of Russia, small numbers in Danish waters. Birds are flightless for three to four weeks during the wing moult. Adult females migrate before males. Breeding: clutch size: usually 7-9 eggs (5-12, more than 12 usually 2 females); incubation: 26-29 days; fledging period: 50-55 days; brood one.

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Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 155 *

Movements

Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca

MIGRANT Member State RESIDENT Breeding Passage Wintering

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

Page 21: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 156 *

Definition of period of reproduction

Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca

Member

State Period of reproduction

begins with Comments References

FI Occupation breeding sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 SE Occupation breeding sites 1, 2, 9 EE Occupation breeding sites 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

Page 22: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 157 *

Definition of period of reproduction

Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca

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 CFI 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 only breeds in FI, SE and EE. 2) The period of reproduction begins with the occupation of the breeding sites. 3) The end of the period of reproduction ranges from the 3rd decade of August (EE) to

the 2nd decade of September (SE). Full flight of young birds marks the end of the reproduction period.

Page 23: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 158 *

Prenuptial migration

Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca

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

Member State YES NO References FI To some extent in Åland where

small numbers may over-winter X 1, 2, 3, 4

SE X 1, 8 EE X LV LT PL Prenuptial migration without clear

peaks. 2

SK CZ X DK No data on migration 5 UK X 1 IE X 1, 3 DE X 4 NL X 37 BE Very small population and

presence of wintering birds 1, 2, 3, 4

LU HU AT Small population and irregular

presence

SI FR Small population; mixing of

migrating and wintering birds 2, 4, 6

ES PT IT X MT GR CY RO BG Very small numbers of wintering

and passage birds 6, 15

HR Few 9

Page 24: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 159 *

Prenuptial migration

Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca

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 CFI 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) Highly migratory. 2) Arrival of first migrants in SE and FI, and departure from wintering grounds in

other countries, corresponds to the beginning of the prenuptial migration. 3) Beginning of prenuptial migration ranges from the 2nd decade of February (SK,

BG) to the 2nd decade of April (SE).

Page 25: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 160 *

Species no. 23: Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Distribution: Holarctic, with a wide breeding range across northern Eurasia and North America. The Goldeneye breeds commonly in the coniferous forest zone from western Norway eastwards (north to 55°N). The wintering range of the Palearctic birds extends south to Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas, China and Japan. Scattered breeding populations are also found in the Baltic States, Germany, the Czech Republic and Britain (Scotland), and the species has recently colonised Denmark. The species occurs as a rare winter visitor to North Africa during severe winters. Movements: Migratory, wintering mainly at sea in the northern parts of its winter range but also on large rivers, lakes, reservoirs and coastal lagoons further south, and often far inland (e.g. in Central Europe). Birds breeding in northern Europe winter mainly in the Baltic Sea, Denmark, The Netherlands, Britain and Ireland. Population size and trends: The European population holds 490,000-590,000 breeding pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A) of which EU 280,000-360,000 breeds in the EU (BirdLife Int. 2004B). The majority of the EU population breeds in Finland and Sweden. Overall the European population was stable during 1990-2000 (BirdLife Int. 2004A). Within Europe three main populations are tentatively distinguished, based on the winter distribution (from Delany & Scott 2006): • Wintering in North-west and Central Europe with 1,000,000-1,300,000 individuals

(stable), • Wintering in middle Danube/Adriatic Sea with 200,000 individuals (trend

unknown), • Wintering in Black Sea with 60,000 individuals (trend unknown). Biological and behavioural aspects: Moult gatherings are common, e.g. in Matsalu Bay (Estonia), southern Sweden and Finland. Males arrive at the places from early June, and reach peak numbers in late August, when many adult females arrive. The birds are flightless for three to four weeks during the wing moult. On average, female migrate further than males, and juveniles further than adults do. Breeding: clutch size is usually 8-11 eggs (5-13, up to 22 recorded, but by 2 or more females); incubation: 29-30 days; fledging period: 57-66 days; brood one.

Page 26: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 161 *

Movements

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

MIGRANT Member State RESIDENT Breeding Passage Wintering

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

Page 27: Species no. 19: Common Eider Somateria mollissima...northern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland), Northern Ireland and on the coasts of North-west Europe, including the Baltic Sea

Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008

Reproduction & Prenuptial Migration * 162 *

Definition of period of reproduction

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

Member

State Period of reproduction

begins with Comments References

FI Occupation breeding sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 SE Occupation breeding sites 1, 8, 11 EE Occupation breeding sites LV LT Occupation breeding

sites, nuptial parade 7

PL Occupation breeding sites Very few breeding pairs in Poland.

2

SK CZ Occupation breeding sites DK Very small numbers 5 UK Occupation breeding sites 1 IE DE Occupation breeding sites Nuptial parade before

occupation of breeding sites

3, 4

NL BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

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Period of reproduction

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

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 CFI 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 MS (FI, SE, DK, DE, UK) but also in small number

in southeastern EU. 2) The period of reproduction begins with the occupation of the breeding sites. Pair-

formation starts in winter, often continuing during prenuptial migration and at the breeding sites.

3) The end of the period of reproduction ranges from the 3rd decade of July (LV, LT, PL, UK) to the 1st decade of September (SE). Full flight of young birds marks the end of the reproduction period.

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Prenuptial migration

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

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

Member State

YES NO References

FI Partial migrant in the southwestern archipelagos and locally in inland waters; small numbers over-winter

X 1, 2, 3, 4

SE X 1, 11, 18 EE X LV 2 LT Mixing of wintering and passing

birds 5,7

PL X 2 SK 3, 8 CZ Overlap of wintering and migrating

birds

DK 5 UK X 1 IE X 1, 3 DE X 3, 4 NL Distinction between local

movements of large wintering population and returning migrants is difficult to made

X 7

BE Presence of wintering birds 1, 2, 3, 4 LU Small numbers HU Mixing of wintering and migrating

birds

AT Overlap with wintering birds 3, 13 SI X FR Small population 2, 4, 6 ES PT IT Little information

X

MT GR CY RO 3 BG X 6, 15 HR Mixing of wintering and migrating

birds 15, 17

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Period of prenuptial migration

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

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 CFI 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 beginning of the prenuptial migration is not difficult to identify, except on those regions where resident birds are mixed with wintering birds (BE, AT, CZ, FI).

2) Arrival of first migrants in northern countries (LT, SE, FI) or departure from wintering grounds in other countries, corresponds to the beginning of the prenuptial migration.

3) Beginning of prenuptial migration ranges from the 1st decade of February (PL, SK, CZ, DK, DE, AT, SI, FR and HR) to the 3rd decade of March (LV).

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Species no. 24: Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Distribution: This merganser has a wide breeding range across northern Eurasia and North America. The birds wintering in the European Union are believed to belong to three sub-populations, (1) eastern Greenland to Novaya Zemlaya and include the British Isles, (2) Scandinavia, Denmark, northern Germany and the Netherlands and (3) a Russian breeding population wintering in SE Europe.

Movements: Partially migratory. The sub-population of Greenland, Iceland and the British Isles is partly sedentary, the migratory part winter in the British Isles. The sub-population of northern Europe and North-west Russia is migratory and winters from the Baltic Sea to Portugal. The birds occurring in the Black Sea belong to a more eastern population.

Population size and trends: The European breeding population amounts to 73,000-120,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The European Union breeding population is estimated at 50,000-67,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004B) and is concentrated in Finland (40%) and Sweden (20%) (BirdLife Int. 2004A). Ten other Member States hold small breeding populations. The European wintering population can tentatively be divided in into two sub-populations (from Delany & Scott 2006):

• The North-west and Central Europe population which holds about 170,000 individuals – trend unknown.

• The Black Sea/East Mediterranean population which holds about 50,000

individuals. Trend for this population is also unknown. Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size: usually 8-10 eggs (6-14), larger numbers by 2 females; incubation: 31-32 days; full flight of young birds at 60-65 days; brood one.

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Movements

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

MIGRANT Member State RESIDENT Breeding Passage Wintering

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

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Definition of period of reproduction

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

Member State

Period of reproduction begins with

Comments References

FI Occupation of breeding sites

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

SE Occupation of breeding sites

1, 2, 11

EE Occupation of breeding sites

4

LT Occupation of breeding sites

7

LV 2 PL Occupation of breeding

sites Very few breeding pairs 2

SK CZ DK Occupation of breeding

sites

UK Occupation of breeding sites

2

IE Occupation of breeding sites

Pairs before occupation of breeding sites

1, 2, 3, 6

DE Occupation of breeding sites

Nuptial parade before occupation of breeding sites

3, 4, 5

NL Construction of the nest 34 BE LU HU AT SI FR ES PT IT MT GR CY RO BG HR

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Period of reproduction

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

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 CFI 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 almost exclusively breeds in northern countries. 2) The period of reproduction starts with the occupation of the breeding sites. 3) The period of reproduction ends with the full flight of young birds, ranging from

the 1st decade of August (UK) to the 1st decade of October (DE).

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Prenuptial migration

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

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, 11, 18 EE X LV 4 LT Mixing of wintering and migrating

birds 5,7

PL X 2,3 SK CZ Small numbers of wintering and

passage birds difficult to distinguish

DK X UK In northern parts of UK, residents

& migrants can occur together 1

IE Mixing of wintering & breeding populations in spring

1, 3

DE X 3, 4 NL X 37 BE X 3 LU HU AT 13 SI X FR ES PT Few birds present at any time IT X 2, 14, 16, 26, 27, 28 MT GR CY RO 3 BG X 6, 15 HR X 9, 17

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Period of prenuptial migration

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

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 CFI 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) Three populations occur in the EU, ranging from partially resident to highly migratory.

2) The prenuptial migration period starts with the arrival of first migrants in northern Europe and departure from wintering grounds in southern Europe.

3) The beginning of the period of prenuptial migration ranges from the 2nd decade of January (BG) to the 3rd decade of March (LT, PL).