Ring Ouzel

(Turdus torquatus)

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

Population size: 15 000 – 30 000 pairs

Distribution pattern

With patchy distribution, favouring the coniferous and subalpine belt of the high mountains. Entirely covers the higher parts of the Rila-Rhodope Massif, Western and Central Stara Planina, and Vitosha. With more isolated sites in the easternmost part of the Western Rhodopes, Rui and Western Stara Planina, where it is found at considerably lower altitudes.

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 two different types of habitats – dwarf pine and juniper shrubs and coniferous forests. The breeding sites found in the highest altitudes are covered with temperate scrub; in particular, those located along the upper tree line and composed mainly of Pinus mugo and Juniperus sibirica. A small part of the population breeds in coniferous forests, usually close to the tree line, but in many places also at considerably lower altitudes and in thicker forests.

Trends in population changes for the period 2013-2020

Not analysed

Threats

Not analysed