Data on the locations and behavior of breeding birds obtained by mapping (registrations made during census visits) along a fixed route (permanent transect) in low-elevation pine-birch forests of the Altai Mountains (Altai Republic, Russia)

Study Extent

The dataset provides the most detailed presentation of primary information (coming from mapping visits) on the registrations of common bird species breeding in a mature in ripe low-elevation pine-birch forests of the Altai Mountains. It is of interest for understanding the spatial structure of local populations, the dynamics of singing activity during the breeding season, as well as for monitoring and comparing populations. Data extent: 6695 bird registrations at the first encounter with the bird, including 2446 registrations of simultaneously singing males; additionally, 6505 repeated records of the same individuals whose movements were tracked. The dataset will be supplemented in the near future with a compatible set of vegetation relevés made along the same permanent transect.

Sampling

The fixed route (permanent transect) was established across a continuous forest area on the right side of the valley of the Sema River. The route was marked with the numbered stakes located every 25 m. The geographic coordinates of the stakes were determined using a GPS navigator. Regular bird counts were conducted along the route using an improved version of territory mapping method (Tomiałojc 1980; Verner 1985; Priednieks et al. 1986). A plane-table mounted horizontally on a tripod was used for mapping. A strip of millimeter paper with stake numbers marked on it was attached to the plane-table. The strip was shifted gradually by the observer as the route was traversed. The tripod was set up at stake point, and the plane-table was oriented. Birds were counted during 5 minutes from points located 50 m apart. The majority of bird species were recorded within a radius of 100 m from the stake. The counts were conducted on days without precipitation and strong winds. The counting started in the first or second hour after sunrise. Birds were only mapped on the first half of the route on one morning, and on the second half on the next morning with good weather. The mapping visits were made regularly at intervals of 4-6 days. At every next complete (two mornings) visit, the observer changed the direction of movement to the opposite. For each visit, the date, start and end time and geographic coordinates, distance traveled, weather conditions, etc. were recorded. For each bird detected during the visit, the position on the map (relative coordinates - X, Y), species, sex, age, and behavior (singing, courtship, non-singing, with food, with nest material, etc.) were recorded. Also, mostly for singing males, the coordinates of observed movements and of simultaneously observed individuals of each species were noted. All conflicts between birds were also recorded. In addition to census visits, nest searching, observing nesting behavior and conflicts as well as selective mapping (mostly for uncommon or inconspicuous species) were conducted within 100 m on each side of the route.

Method steps

1. The data from the counts (mapping visits) and additional (selective) observations were digitized and entered into the database ALTAI 2016_2017_6695reg_58sp. This database allows materials to be presented in the form of digital raster maps (raster grid cells of sizes 25 × 25, 50 × 50, and 100 × 100 m) for any of the variables evaluated (species, time period, sex, age, behavior, etc.). The author is willing to provide the database to interested specialists. The original data from ALTAI 2016_2017_6695reg_58sp. were transferred to the GBIF dataset. Breeding densities, bird phenology data, and nesting information, as well as more detailed descriptions of the transect and data collection methods are given (in Russian) in Cherenkov (2019). Ecological Population Status of the Most Common Bird Species in Northern Altai Low-Mountain Forests are given in Cherenkov (2020).

1. Aves
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Russia, Altai Republic, Shebalinsky District