Distribution of the species
A cosmopolitan monotypic species. It breeds in Europe, Asia, America, Northern Africa, Australia. The northern populations are migratory. In Bulgaria the species is a breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. In the past, 31 habitats were known from the breeding period, whereby a total of about 10-20 pairs “remained” in the country.
Description of the species (biological and ecological features)
The biology of the Osprey in Bulgaria has not been studied. Reproduction begins at 3-6 years of age. The Osprey nests singly. It uses mainly trees, and in some cases rocks, as well as artificial structures (including high-voltage poles). The females lay 2-3 eggs from the second half of April to the begging of May. The incubation period is 34-40 days. Until the autumn migration, young birds are related to adults. The species migrates on a wide front. It feeds exclusively on fish.
The osprey habitats are various natural and artificial wetlands with stagnant or flowing waters. A basic requirement with respect to the habitat is the presence of considerable food resources (mainly fish) in combination with appropriate places for breeding (old trees in flooded forests, poles of power lines, etc.). When looking for food it goes away at distances of up to 10-20 km.
Conservation status
Unknown.
Conservation state
The species is included in the Red Book of Bulgaria with the category “Critically Endangered” (CR), as well as in Annexes 2 and 3 of the Biodiversity Act (BDA). The eagle is listed in Annex I to Directive 2009/147 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds.
The species is also included in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – with the category “Least Concern” (LC).
*Note: For the description of birds is used information from: Golemanski, V. & al. (eds). 2015. Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria. Vol. 2. Animals. BAS & MoEW, Sofia [English ed.: ISBN 978-954-9746-22-8 (IBER – BAS), 978-954-8497-18-3 (MoEW)]; Michev T., D. Simeonov, L. Profirov. 2012. Birds of the Balkan Peninsula. Ecotan, Sofia, 300 pp; the website of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).