Breeding of the Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis at the Boračka River

Abstract

The breeding population of the common kingfisher Alcedo atthis was studied in the Boracka River area in 2006 and 2007. High breeding density was documented in 2007 with five breeding pairs recorded along the 1.4 km section of a stream habitat. All of the studied nests were placed in vertical banks without excessive riparian vegetation, while the distance between adjacent nests ranged 120-430 m. The same nest holes were used in both years, although birds excavated a couple of new ones in 2007. One pair bred in two consecutive years; the same pair had two breeding attempts in 2007, while tree breeding attempts were recorded for one male. Birds used the same holes for subsequent clutches or excavated new nests. Also, one nest was used by different pairs in the same breeding season. In the study period, 21 individuals were banded - non of the juvenile individuals were recaptured, suggesting that the fledglings dispersed shortly after they had left their nests. Also, none of the breeding individuals was recaptured at the river outside the breeding season.