One specimen of the rare species of ruffed grouse, which is considered extinct as a breeding bird in Bulgaria, was registered on December 9 in a pasture falling on the territory of the municipality of Stambolovo, Haskovo region. The bird was discovered and photographed by the veterinarian Georgi Georgiev, who is a member of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPS). The place was visited again by a team of the BDZP and “Wilder Rhodopes” and her presence in the area was documented again, the BDZP announced.
The bustard, also known as the little woodpecker, used to nest in the Haskovo area more than 100 years ago. Its last breeding grounds in the country probably existed in Northern Bulgaria until around the 1950s. Now individual specimens are observed extremely rarely, mainly during the winter months. Their origin is unknown, but it is assumed that they are from the population in Ukraine.
We would like to point out to hunters that a perched bustard can be mistaken for a female pheasant by an inexperienced observer. In flight it is easily distinguished by the white underside of the wings.
2023-12-09 19:57:02
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