Eleonora's Falcon
Falco eleonoraeGene, 1839
Order Falconiformes
Family Falconidae
Conservation status: in Bulgaria: Endangered EN B[2(a)+c(iv)]+D, BDA-II, III; International: CITES-II, BeC-II, BoC-II.
General distribution. A species with a Mediterranean type of distribution whose world population is concentrated around the Mediterranean. In Europe there are about 5 900 pairs.
Distribution and abundance in Bulgaria. Registered for the first time in Bulgaria in 1984 [1, 2]. Former possible observations in Atanasovsko Ezero lake [3] were either not taken to be certain [4, 5] or were not published for a long time [6, 7]. Since 1985, the number of the observations have increased considerably, mainly in Southern Bulgaria and the Black Sea coast, less often to the north of the Balkan range (Gabrovo region, June 2004 [8]). Until 2005, there were over 100 observations [9], assuming the very probable breeding of 2-6 pairs along the Black Sea coast, the mountains Eastern Rhodopes [9, 10], Western Rhodopes and the valley of the Struma, and probable breeding in the Eastern Balkan range, the Rila mountain and the valley of the Tundzha [9]. Outside the breeding period, it is mainly found in the regions mentioned above, predominantly along the Black Sea coast and the Eastern Rhodopes (up to about 30 individuals simultaneously). Wandering birds have also been registered in the Western Rhodopes [11], at a highest altitude of 1926 m (Snezhanka peak) [9]. During the winter it has been observed once (near Atanasovsko Ezero lake) [12].
Habitats. Sea shores, outside the breeding period: various rocky regions, mountainous meadows and plateaus.
Biology. With a late multiplication period (from July to September-October). It has been observed along the Black Sea coast hunting domestic doves and hoopoes and eating large insects (Orthoptera) [11, 14, 15, 16].
Similar species. None.
Negative factors. Increased infrastructure development and the increase of tourism at the Black Sea coast.
Conservation measures taken. Protected according to the Biological Diversity Act. The major habitats are in reserves (Kaliakra), Protected Localities (Kozhuh, Oreshari), Important Bird Areas and regions proposed for inclusion in the Natura 2000 national ecological network; they are the object of yearly monitoring.
Conservation measures needed. Preparation and implementation of a National Plan for its preservation. Declaring new Protected Territories: the Eastern Rhodopes National Park, etc. Expansion of the existing Protected Territories for the optimization of the survival of the species.
References. 1. Iankov, 1984; 2. Iankov, 1992; 3. Profirov, 1981; 4. Michev, 1982; 5. The Red Data Book of Bulgaria, 1985; 6. Nankinov et al., 1991; 7. Nankinov, 1994; 8. P. Shurulinkov, unpubl. data; 9. Ornithological Database BSPB, Sofia; 10. Kambourova, 2005; 11. Shurulinkov et al., 2002; 12. Nankinov, Kirilov, 2005; 13. Cramp & Simmons, 1980; 14. D. Nankinov, unpublished data; 15. B. Nikolov, unpublished data; 16. M. Kurtev, unpubl. data; 17. Iankov, in press; 18. Stoychev, Petrova, 2003.
Authors: Petar Iankov, Boris Nikolov
