Atlas of nesting birds in Bulgaria

Western Rock-nuthatch

(Sitta neumayer)

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

Population size: 2020: 93-185 pairs (2007: 200-500 pairs)

Distribution pattern

With limited patchy distribution. Higher population density of the species is found in the valleys of the rivers Struma and Mesta with the neighbouring mountain regions and in the Eastern Rhodopes, more dispersed in the Western Rhodopes. Isolated single localities are found northward towards Stara Planina.

Population estimation for the period 2013 – 2020: During the period 2013-2020 the species was not found in 27 squares, where it was established before 2013 mainly in the Western Rhodopes and the northern parts of the Struma Valley, which is probably due to lack of observations and not to the extinction of the species in these sites.

Population size in Special Protection Areas of Natura 2000: 79-158 pairs (85% of the population). The highest numbers have been registered in the SPAs “Studen Kladenets” (19-34 pairs), “Krumovitsa” (13-27 pairs), “Most Arda” (13-25 pairs), and “Kresna” (13-25 pairs).

Big size map

Breeding distribution 2013 – 2020 – The distribution and the estimation of the population size of the species for the period 2013 – 2020 is presented –

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 on open exposed sunny cliffs, on single or grouped isolated rocks of different heights and with niches, often with sparse shrub vegetation nearby. In isolated cases nests on anthropogenic structures (in cavities in old bridges, stone fences near railways, etc.).

Trends in population changes for the period 2013-2020

Short-term trend of population size:

Stable

Long-term trend of population size:

Stable

Short-term trend of distribution:

Stable

Long-term trend of distribution:

Stable

Threats

Disturbance, destruction of breeding habitats when operating quarries.

Volen Arkumarev