Reed Bunting

(Emberiza schoeniclus)

Category of conservation concern (IUCN, 2020) – Least Concern

Population size: 2020: 62-133 pairs (2007: 200-400 pairs)

Distribution pattern

With limited dispersed distribution following the distribution of marshes with extensive reed beds, concentrated mainly along the Black Sea coast (especially in the region of the Burgas Wetlands and the Southern Black Sea coast). Single localities are found along the Danube River, in the Danubian Plain, the Thracian Plain, the Sofia Field, the valley of the river Struma, etc.

Population estimation for the period 2013 – 2020: During the period 2013-2020, the species was not found breeding anywhere in the interior of the country. Not confirmed in more than 50 squares mainly in Western and Central Bulgaria, for which there is data for breeding before the year 2013. It is possible that this significant difference is due to less study of these squares during the period 2013-2020 or more probably to wrong assessment during the previous one.

Population size in Special Protection Areas of Natura 2000: 61-128 pairs (97% of the population). The highest numbers have been registered in the SPAs “Shabla Lake Complex” (25-50 pairs) and “Durankulak Lake” (15-35 pairs).

Comparative distribution of the species compared to the first breeding birds atlas (Iankov, 2007): Breeding locality until 2007 | Breeding locality until 2007, confirmed after 2015 – | New breeding locality after 2015. – The breeding localities after 2015 are identified on a base of raw data from smartbirds.org.

Habitats

Breeds in bogs and marshes, in waterfringe vegetation, and marshes. Builds its nests at the banks of rivers and springs, in the reedbeds of Phragmites australis. Recorded to breed in both seaside, riverside and inland natural wetlands, and less frequently in artificial water bodies as fishponds, micro-dams and dams. 

Trends in population changes for the period 2013-2020

Threats

Drainage of wetlands, burning and mowing of reedbeds near water bodies.

Mikhail Iliev