black sea red data book - Department of Biology

on the large basins in the Romanian part of Dobrudja (Puscariu, 1968). In the past
nests were found on Lake Serbanul by Braila, near Chilia Veche, near Lake Sinoe and
to the south of Gridul Lupitor (Lintia, 1954). According to Zubarowskii (1977), the
White-tailed Eagle was nesting in Odessa and the districts of Hersonska and
Zaporojka. Nests were found on the lower courses of the rivers Dnestar and Dniepr.
Several pairs were nesting regularly in the southern rocky part of the Crimean
mountains and in the high-stemmed woods of the Crimean reserve (Kostin, 1983); 7-8
pairs of White-tailed Eagles nest in the lower course of the river Don (Golushin,
1983). Two pairs breed in the lower course of the river Kuban (Zabalotnii & Hohlov,
1995). During the breeding season, one White-tailed Eagle was also observed in the
Ahtanizolski firth (Tilba et ah, 1990). Nesting areas along the Georgian coast are
unknown. In the northern regions of Turkey, White-tailed eagles nest to the west and
east of Istanbul and mainly in the river Kizilirmak delta (OST Bird Report, 1975;
Cramp & Simmons, 1980). During migrations and especially in winter, the basins
along the whole Black Sea coast become important habitats for White-tailed eagles
from northern populations (from the Scandinavian peninsula and the European part of
Russia).
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. In the breeding season as well as
during migrations and overwintering, birds keep close to wooden and rocky areas
near the seashore or lakes and rivers. They are attracted by clear water basins full of
fish and water birds.
Biology. A monogamous bird which starts breeding after its fourth year. Pairs build
nests on high trees or on rocks at a distance of several km. from each other. They lay
3-4 eggs in February - March, brood more than one month, young remain in the nest
2-3 months and afterwards stay one more month in the area, where parents continue to
feed them. Omnivorous. Beside fish and water birds it also feeds on mammals, rats,
rabbits, foxes, wandering dogs and cats, and tortoises. It also scavenges. In winter it
stays close to concentrations of water birds (geese, ducks, coots, herons, grebes, gulls
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