Nesting Dynamics of Corvids (Corvidae) in the City of Moscow and Moscow Oblast

Abstract

Abstract—This paper analyzes the long-term (1978–2017) observations of the nesting dynamics of three corvid species, i.e., the gray crow, magpie, and rook. Inhabited nests were recorded at the beginning of the reproductive period of these Corvidae species in the northwestern part of the city of Moscow and Moscow oblast along railways and highways. From the late 1970s to the late 1980s, gray crows actively penetrated into the urban landscape and increased the number of breeding pairs in the areas studied. Nevertheless, over the next 25 years there was a decrease in breeding density. Currently, the number of breeding pairs has stabilized at 45–56 pairs per observation trek (from Leningradskii Railway Station to Kryukovo Station), which is lower than at the beginning of the observation period. Magpies have failed to move into the urban environment, but the breeding success of the species has increased in recent years. Rooks use the urban environment solely for hibernation, and this species does not nest in Moscow.