In the period between 1998 and 2011 all species of diurnal raptors occurring in
Northern Belarus were counted. The counting methods included observation of the area with
optics from several points and subsequent mapping of the hunting and presumed nesting
sites of birds of prey. The total area surveyed was about 2548,5 km2. Estimated quantity
of the species: Honey Buzzard – 1500-1600 pairs; Black Kite – 70-100; Red Kite – a
rare migratory species; White-tailed Eagle – 25-30; Short-toed Eagle – 50-70; Marsh
Harrier – 2600-2700; Hen Harrier – 90-100; Montagu's Harrier – 550-600; Goshawk –
750-800; Sparrowhawk – 1100-1200; Common Buzzard – 5400-5500; Lesser Spotted Eagle –
1300-1400; Greater Spotted Eagle – 15-20; Golden Eagle – 10-15; Osprey – 150-180
pairs; Common Kestrel – 180-200; Red-footed Falcon – no more than five pairs might
nestle in the area; Merlin – 220-250; Hobby – 550-600; Peregrine – no more than
three pairs might nestle in the area.
Osprey. Raised pine bogs represent the main breeding habitat – 91,7%. The number
of fledglings averaged 1,86 per active nest (n=81). The breeding success totaled 78,2%.
Honey Buzzard. Mixedforests represent the main breeding habitat – 63,6%.
The number of fledglings averaged 0,9 per active nest (n=30). The breeding success totaled
60%.
Black Kite. Pinewoods located near water represent the main breeding
habitat – 46%. The number of fledglings averaged 2,0 per active nest. The breeding
success totaled 75%.
Montagu's Harrier. Farming areas represent the main breeding habitat – 43%. The
number of fledglings averaged 3,0 per active nest. The breeding success totaled 100%.
Hen Harrier. Old clear cuts overgrown with young trees and raised pine bogs
represent the main breeding habitat – 70%. The number of fledglings averaged 5,0 per
active nest. The breeding success totaled 100%.
Marsh Harrier. Reed beds in wetlands and floodplains represent the main breeding
habitat – 94,4%. The number of fledglings averaged 2,56 per active nest (n=25). The
breeding success totaled 86,4%.
Goshawk. Mixed forests are the main breeding habitat – 41,5%. The number of
fledglings averaged 2,3 per active nest (n=53). The breeding success totaled 94,7%.
Sparrowhawk. Young spruce woods represent the main breeding habitat – 69,5%. The
number of fledglings averaged 3,42 per active nest (n=7). The breeding success totaled
86,7%.
Buzzard. Mixed forests are the main breeding habitat – 56,2%. The number of
fledglings averaged 1,78 per active nest (n=91). The breeding success totaled 82,6%.
Short-toed Eagle. Raised pine bogs and transitional forest mires represent the main
breeding habitat – 87,5%. The number of fledglings averaged 0,87 per active nest. The
breeding success totaled 87,8%.
Greater Spotted Eagle. Mixed waterlogged forests near large lowland and
transitional forest mires are the major breeding area – 100%. The number of fledglings
averaged 1,0 per active nest (n=6). The breeding success totaled 67%.
Lesser Spotted Eagle. Mixed damp forests are the main breeding habitat -51,9%. The
number of fledglings averaged 0,88 per active nest (n=219). The breeding success totaled
86,7%.
Golden Eagle. Raised pine bogs (not smaller than 10 square kilometers) are the main
breeding habitat – 100%. The number of fledglings averaged 0,86 per active nest (n=59).
The breeding success totaled 78%.
White-tailed Eagle. Old pine or mixed woods near large lakes (or lake systems) and
fish farm ponds represent the main breeding habitat – 100%. The number of fledglings
averaged 1,12 per active nest (n=49). The breeding success totaled 83,7%.
Peregrine. Raised bogs are the main breeding habitat – 100%.
Hobby. Pine woods near open bogs, lakes and river floodplains represent the main
breeding habitat – 41,4%. The number of fledglings averaged 1,5 per active nest (n=12).
The breeding success totaled 84,6%.
Merlin. Raised pine bogs and abandoned peat fields are the main breeding habitat
– 97,3%. The number of fledglings averaged 2,5 per active nest (n=81). The breeding
success totaled 74%.
Red-footed Falcon. Open bogs of various types – 100%.
Common Kestrel. Areas of the Corvidae concentration amidst farming lands are the
main breeding habitat – 100%. The number of fledglings averaged 3,57 per active nest
(n=26). The breeding success totaled 84,6%.