Learn more about the different species of birds that inhabit San Marino by reading this informative article. We’ll cover their habitats, breeding habits, and migration patterns.
In addition, you’ll learn about the birds’ local etymology, which makes them interesting to identify and study.
Once you know more about the birds, you’ll be able to better appreciate San Marino’s diverse landscape. But first, let’s review the Avifauna.
What will I learn?
Avifauna
The avifauna of San Marino is characterized by high habitat diversity, morphological diversity, and richness of species.
The island’s high quality of life is due in part to its location on the border between Mediterranean and continental environments.
The morphological and habitat diversity are important for a large number of rare species, but most of them are dependent on rocky and badland habitats.
Urban sprawl has significantly decreased suitability for most species, so it is essential to preserve these habitats for future conservation efforts.
The avifauna of San Marino is diverse and includes 96 species, all not endemic or introduced. Those species are listed according to common names and taxonomic sequence, following conventions set by the Association of European Rarities Committees.
In addition to being found in the countryside, some raptors can also be found in urban areas, and even on the airports themselves.
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Habitats
This atlas of the birds of San Marino fills a gap in our nation’s ornithological knowledge. It covers a five-year period, from 2007 to 2011.
The atlas was the result of two large projects, one of which focused on raptors. The other was a study of the avifauna of San Marino’s forests. While the two projects are different, both aimed at defining the range of birds and the habitats they prefer.
This family of birds includes dotterels, lapwings, and plovers. Most of these species live near water and are small to medium-sized.
They are members of the family Corvidae, which also includes crows, nutcrackers, and ground jays. These birds are larger than Passeriformes, and they demonstrate a high level of intelligence.
The Long-eared Owl is one of the most beautiful birds of San Marino. This species features an orange head and black beak. It roosts in dense foliage and resembles a cat.
These owls are often seen at dusk and dawn. They share a roost with other owls and are known for being social. Their owl-like face is an ideal way to direct sound to their ears.
Winter is full of vagrants, although many were returning residents, with a good number of new species. Climate change may have made the coastal slope more hospitable to frugivores and insectivores.
The growing number of birders in the area may also have contributed to the increased number of vagrants. If you’re interested in the birds of San Marino, take a look at these sites and enjoy the winter.
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Breeding species
The avifauna of San Marino contains over 130 species, not including endemic or introduced species. The species count and family accounts are based on the Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 2021 edition.
Accidental species are included in the total species count. In addition to family accounts, the birds are categorized by their habitats, including savannas, meadows, and fields.
The breeding bird population of San Marino is characterized by three patterns: altitude-dependent species richness, diversity, and density.
These patterns are affected by climate, habitat diversity, and vegetation structure. Inflows of migratory birds are a positive influence on increasing species richness or density.
This study provides valuable insights for conservation planning. The data gathered from this study will be used to improve the management of the area.
Leaf warblers are small, insect-eating birds with stout bills and crests. They live mainly in open country and near bodies of water.
Cisticolidae, a large family of small to medium-sized shorebirds, includes curlews, godwits, shanks, and phalaropes. The Paridae makes up the largest proportion of birds found in San Marino.
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Migration patterns
During the day, you can find these migratory birds in the open country. However, you can also catch a glimpse of them at dawn or dusk, when they are active and feed on voles.
They are also active in airports. Their migration patterns may be a result of climate change and other human activities. Regardless of where they migrate, they are a vital part of San Marino’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
To identify the migratory bird ratio, researchers recorded all the birds that were detected in a plot that had a radius of 50 m. This distance is equivalent to 0.8 ha.
In good weather conditions, the point count was conducted after sunrise and lasted until 8 a.m. This method did not include chicks, which reduced the change in individuals due to fledging. Similarly, nonbreeding species were classified as passing migrants.
Spring migration began in late March and was robust early on. It continued through the end of April. Local weather patterns played a significant role in the migration of birds, as a strong marine layer may affect their movements.
Windy conditions in the mountains and coastal marine layers influenced the migration of birds. While the migration of these birds is influenced by weather patterns, they remain active throughout the region. This is a good time to visit the region and observe these fascinating birds.
Species richness and diversity were strongly correlated, and species density was related to habitat diversity and vertical vegetation coverage.
The relationship between species richness and migratory bird ratios was not significant. The results supported the habitat heterogeneity hypothesis and indicated that species richness is the major driver of species richness.
It is important to note that climate hypotheses do not fully explain the patterns of species richness and density.
Here is the Video About: Birds of San Marino
Species found only in San Marino
Although there are no major ports, San Marino has a diverse range of animals, plants, and birds. It has a temperate climate, with summer temperatures in the 70s and winters in the teens.
Named for Saint Marinus, the nation began as a small, isolated kingdom in the 7th century. Today, it is a full member of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.
The Papal Nuncio is San Marino’s diplomat, and over 70 other nations have diplomatic relations with the country.
The enclave is located in the central Apennine Mountains, and is surrounded by the Italian peninsula. It covers an area of just under sixty square kilometers, making it the third-smallest country in Europe.
The territory has suffered rapid erosion, forming a landscape known as badlands. The vegetation is distinctively different, and is classified into two types of pioneering vegetation: hainardio cylindricae and Sodae. It is surrounded by Italy, whose border is 39 kilometers long.
The country’s trade policy is governed by a customs union with Italy. Its one-phase duty system closely follows Italy’s VAT system.
San Marino joined the European Monetary Union in 1999, which has opened up the country’s markets to international trade. San Marino’s currency is the euro, and it is exchange-traded with most of Europe. In fact, it’s the second-largest currency in Europe.
The country’s natural landscape is stunning. It is largely dominated by the central limestone mass of Mount Titano, with three summits and ancient triple fortifications.
Its landscape also contains a diverse ecosystem. Its UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites include Mount Titano, the San Marino River, and the Ausa and Marano Rivers. The country’s culture is largely Catholic and the official language is Italian.
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