Adaptation of Eurasian Magpie (<i>Pica pica</i>) to Urban Environments: Population Dynamics and Habitat Preferences in Zielona Góra (Poland) over 23 Years
This study investigates the changes in population size, distribution, and habitat preferences of the Eurasian magpie <i>Pica pica</i> in Zielona Góra over 23 years, emphasising the effects of urbanisation and habitat transformation. A comprehensive survey conducted in 2022 identified 953...
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2025-02-01
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| author | Olaf Ciebiera Paweł Czechowski Federico Morelli Sławomir Rubacha Leszek Jerzak |
| author_facet | Olaf Ciebiera Paweł Czechowski Federico Morelli Sławomir Rubacha Leszek Jerzak |
| author_sort | Olaf Ciebiera |
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| description | This study investigates the changes in population size, distribution, and habitat preferences of the Eurasian magpie <i>Pica pica</i> in Zielona Góra over 23 years, emphasising the effects of urbanisation and habitat transformation. A comprehensive survey conducted in 2022 identified 953 magpie pairs, with an average density of 8.8 pairs/km<sup>2</sup> across the current administrative boundaries of Zielona Góra (without forests), and 27.7 pairs/km<sup>2</sup> in strictly urbanised zones. The highest densities were observed in the old town (36.5 pairs/km<sup>2</sup>) and residential blocks (34.5 pairs/km<sup>2</sup>), while peripheral areas, like allotment gardens and industrial zones, showed significantly lower densities. The nests were predominantly located in coniferous trees, especially spruces, marking a shift from the previously favoured poplars. The mean nest height was 11.8 m, varying by habitat type, with the highest nests found in the old town and parks. Environmental factors, such as proximity to trash bins, water sources, and tall trees, were significant predictors of nest density and placement. These findings underscore the magpie’s adaptability to urban environments, influenced by the availability of anthropogenic resources, habitat structure, and surrounding urban features. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7937dc09f7794ffe8823d36fbf945bd3 |
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| issn | 2076-2615 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-7937dc09f7794ffe8823d36fbf945bd32025-08-20T02:57:41ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152025-02-0115570410.3390/ani15050704Adaptation of Eurasian Magpie (<i>Pica pica</i>) to Urban Environments: Population Dynamics and Habitat Preferences in Zielona Góra (Poland) over 23 YearsOlaf Ciebiera0Paweł Czechowski1Federico Morelli2Sławomir Rubacha3Leszek Jerzak4Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, 65-516 Zielona Góra, PolandInstitute of Sport, Tourism and Nutrition, University of Zielona Góra, 65-516 Zielona Góra, PolandInstitute of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, 65-516 Zielona Góra, PolandOwls Conservation Association, 65-119 Zielona Góra, PolandInstitute of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, 65-516 Zielona Góra, PolandThis study investigates the changes in population size, distribution, and habitat preferences of the Eurasian magpie <i>Pica pica</i> in Zielona Góra over 23 years, emphasising the effects of urbanisation and habitat transformation. A comprehensive survey conducted in 2022 identified 953 magpie pairs, with an average density of 8.8 pairs/km<sup>2</sup> across the current administrative boundaries of Zielona Góra (without forests), and 27.7 pairs/km<sup>2</sup> in strictly urbanised zones. The highest densities were observed in the old town (36.5 pairs/km<sup>2</sup>) and residential blocks (34.5 pairs/km<sup>2</sup>), while peripheral areas, like allotment gardens and industrial zones, showed significantly lower densities. The nests were predominantly located in coniferous trees, especially spruces, marking a shift from the previously favoured poplars. The mean nest height was 11.8 m, varying by habitat type, with the highest nests found in the old town and parks. Environmental factors, such as proximity to trash bins, water sources, and tall trees, were significant predictors of nest density and placement. These findings underscore the magpie’s adaptability to urban environments, influenced by the availability of anthropogenic resources, habitat structure, and surrounding urban features.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/5/704<i>Pica pica</i>magpieabundancedensityhabitat selectivityPoland |
| spellingShingle | Olaf Ciebiera Paweł Czechowski Federico Morelli Sławomir Rubacha Leszek Jerzak Adaptation of Eurasian Magpie (<i>Pica pica</i>) to Urban Environments: Population Dynamics and Habitat Preferences in Zielona Góra (Poland) over 23 Years Animals <i>Pica pica</i> magpie abundance density habitat selectivity Poland |
| title | Adaptation of Eurasian Magpie (<i>Pica pica</i>) to Urban Environments: Population Dynamics and Habitat Preferences in Zielona Góra (Poland) over 23 Years |
| title_full | Adaptation of Eurasian Magpie (<i>Pica pica</i>) to Urban Environments: Population Dynamics and Habitat Preferences in Zielona Góra (Poland) over 23 Years |
| title_fullStr | Adaptation of Eurasian Magpie (<i>Pica pica</i>) to Urban Environments: Population Dynamics and Habitat Preferences in Zielona Góra (Poland) over 23 Years |
| title_full_unstemmed | Adaptation of Eurasian Magpie (<i>Pica pica</i>) to Urban Environments: Population Dynamics and Habitat Preferences in Zielona Góra (Poland) over 23 Years |
| title_short | Adaptation of Eurasian Magpie (<i>Pica pica</i>) to Urban Environments: Population Dynamics and Habitat Preferences in Zielona Góra (Poland) over 23 Years |
| title_sort | adaptation of eurasian magpie i pica pica i to urban environments population dynamics and habitat preferences in zielona gora poland over 23 years |
| topic | <i>Pica pica</i> magpie abundance density habitat selectivity Poland |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/5/704 |
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