Cormorants

By the end of the 20^th century, 186 species of birds had been spotted on Ruhnu and in its vicinity (K. Peterson, 1993). In first decades of the 21^st century Rosy Starling (Pastor roseus; 2002), Desert Whetear (Oenanthe deserti; 2008), Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii; 2011), Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea; 2012), Greater Short-toed Lark (Calandrella brachydactyla; 2012), Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus tristis; 2012) and Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea; 2013) were added to the list. More than half of the birds are nesting birds. Ruhnu wild birds have some distinct characteristics and have undergone some changes. For instance, there are no longer nesting sparrows on the island; however, Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) migrate through. On Ruhnu there are no Magpies and Nuthatches who are very common elsewhere in Estonia. Galliformes and White Storks (III conservation class) have disappeared. At the same time, the White-tailed Eagle (I conservation class) has settled on the island, its nest was found in 2002 (the nesting tree is the thickest in Estonia). For the protection of the White-tailed Eagle, a permanent habitat was created in 2004.

The most common passerines on Ruhnu are Starlings and White Wagtails. There are many forest passerines, Pärsi-Holma coastal meadow and the canebrake on the south-west and western parts of the island are important nesting areas for many coastal birds. Cormorants can be seen resting on the rocks in the sea on the northern part of the island.

Many species of birds stop here during their migration, including the White Stork. Migrating Waterfowl mostly stop on Ruhnu and Gretagrund Shoal in late fall, tens of thousands of Long-tailed Ducks have been counted. This is also one of the most important stopping points in Estonia for Velvet Scoters and loons.

External link

• Observations on the webpage eBiodiversity.ee

Created in 2014