Vertebrate Zoology - Practical Work - V. V. Kuibida - 2007

MODULE 4. Class Aves (Birds)

IDENTIFICATION OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CLASS AVES

Materials and Equipment

The following items are required for the practical work:

1. Mist nets (2–3 units) or other tools for capturing birds, small cloth bags for transporting birds (20 units), bird-banding rings, binoculars (2–3 units), audio recording and playback devices with bird vocalizations, a video camera, and a camera.

2. A set of dissection instruments and hand lenses, one kit per each team.

3. Metric rulers and vernier calipers for general use on each table.

4. Bird field guides.

Lesson Plan

1. Introduce the specifics of birdwatching during various periods of The life cycle (nesting, seasonal migration, wintering).

2. Teach students to recognize the most common bird species by their calls.

3. Master techniques for conducting species censuses in various biotopes, followed by determining the relative or absolute Abundance of birds.

4. Introduce Methods for catching medium-sized and small birds.

5. Review the anatomy of Representatives of the main orders of birds.

6. Teach how to use bird identification guides.

7. Familiarize students with the goals, methodology, and specifics of bird banding (ringing).

8. Study the methods for making and hanging artificial nest boxes for birds.

9. Learn and pass the Latin names and Main characteristics of 40 bird species.

10. Explain 20 scientific and common names of birds from a biological perspective, based on their body shape, plumage coloration, behavior, nesting habits, movement patterns, similarities with other animals or plants, song characteristics and sounds produced, timing of habitat, arrival, or departure, diet, nest-building features, types of biotopes where these species occur, associative links with humans and their activities, various objects, myths, legends, beliefs and symbolic significance, utilization for human needs, etc.

Task Execution:

1. Go on a field excursion at dawn (!), during the hours of peak bird activity. The number of students in a group should not exceed 15 people to avoid noise while moving. For conducting censuses in tree-shrub stands or tall aquatic vegetation thickets, it is recommended to use the so-called "point count method," where after every 100 m the group stops at the instructor's signal and listens for calls for 5–10 minutes. Memorize bird calls while ensuring absolute silence is maintained. Visual observations can be used additionally. Identified bird species are recorded in the field notebook at each stop point. Then, the relative bird density (individuals per 1 km) is calculated, taking into account the route length. Routes with homogeneous biotopes should be chosen for censuses. When walking along a shelterbelt or insular forest patches where it is possible to fully cover the study area with routes, the absolute bird density is calculated. These excursions should preferably be conducted before early July. In the second half of July, most birds stop singing and adopt a secretive lifestyle.

2. Conduct bird censuses in Other types of biotopes: open Water surfaces, meadows, agricultural lands, etc. Here, visual identification of species is primarily carried out using magnification equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes). Calculate the relative density of identified bird species along the route or within a specific homogeneous area of known size.

One of the most effective ways to introduce students to the avifauna of a certain region is trapping with special

mist nets. On the one hand, students can directly observe the morphological features, coloration, etc., of a specific species "in their own hands"; on the other hand, they can learn bird-banding methodologies. Banding must be performed solely by a professional ornithologist or an amateur who holds a permit from the Ukrainian Bird Ringing Center and obtains special rings for various bird groups from them. Each ring has a unique series and number, which are entered into the center's database. Thus, any bird marked in Ukraine with our rings can be easily identified, even if recaptured hundreds of kilometers from the trapping site. Almost every country has its own ringing centers responsible for information exchange and working with local banders. Such work allows for reliable tracking of bird movements worldwide, which is crucial for many areas of international cooperation. If there are no specialists in bird ringing among the field practice instructors, capturing birds with mist nets should preferably be avoided, as this work requires specific skills, not to mention having an official permit for this activity. If desired, small passerine birds can be caught using various Traditional Methods historically used by amateur bird catchers. Various traditional traps («luchky», «zapadky», etc.) allow catching a few birds a day, which is currently sufficient for student familiarization. In any case, nets or traps for birds must be checked regularly (at least once every 1–2 hours), and captured birds must be released as quickly as possible. For a captured bird, determine its species, age (if possible), sex (in the presence of Sexual Dimorphism or a brood patch), and, if necessary, take various measurements (tail, wing, bill, tarsus), weigh it, and assess fat reserves. All data are recorded in the field notebook.

If banding is carried out, the information must be entered into special forms developed by the Banding Center, or recorded in a table format with the mandatory inclusion of the ringer's surname and contact address at the end.

Class="right">Series № №_______

Reports using this form should be sent to the Ukrainian Banding Center at the following address: 15 B. Khmelnytsky St., Kyiv-30, 01601.

You should also contact this office if you find a bird banded with either our or a foreign ring in order to obtain additional information.

3. Note down in your field notebooks the Procedure for identifying several bird species.

4. Make sketches of individual parts of birds' bodies that feature distinctive structures (such as the FOOT, beak, tail, etc.).

5. After Processing and verifying the correctness of the identification with the internship supervisor, the animals must be released back into the wild at their capture sites!

6. Observe the daily foraging activity of birds near a previously located woodpecker or starling nest with chicks. Set up and camouflage a tent or a shelter made of branches and grass about 10 m away from the nest cavity. Observations should be carried out throughout the daylight hours from 4–5 a.m. to 10–11 p.m., with each student observing for two-hour shifts. Record in your diary the frequency of feeding visits with and without food by both the male and female, describe The Nature of the food, and note the behavioral traits of the adults and chicks in various situations. Pay special attention to the interactions between males or females of the same and different species, as well as their reaction to humans. Afterward, compile a summary table and draw a graph illustrating the daily feeding activity of the birds. Plot the time of day on the abscissa axis, and the number of feeding visits (with and without food, by males and females) on the ordinate axis.

7. Construct and hang nest boxes According to the dimensions specified in the table. To build nest boxes for tits and starlings, you will need boards 1.5–2.5 cm thick, 50–70 mm Nails, soft wire for securing the boxes to tree trunks, saws, hammers, brace-and-bits, and pliers. A mounting lath should be nailed to the back of the nest box, which is then used to tie the box to a tree. This lath should extend 10 cm above and below the box. The roof is horizontal without a slope and overhangs 4 cm at the front. Nest boxes should be hung in the spring.

Internal Dimensions of Starling and Tit Nest Boxes

The maximum score for the "Birds" module is 35 points, broken down as follows: species identification skills — 10 points; recognizing vocalizations — 5 points; Latin names and species characteristics — 10 points; explaining common folk names of birds — 10 points.

Identification key for Bird Orders

Before beginning bird identification, every student must be thoroughly familiar with: the names of individual external body parts and plumage regions of birds (Fig. 23); and learn how to measure birds correctly by reviewing the tables and illustrations in the text (Figs. 23, 24, 25).

Fig. 23. Nomenclature of bird body parts and plumage:

1 — forehead; 2 — crown; 3 — nape; 4 — upper neck; 5 — scapulars; 6 — back; 7 — rump; 8 — upper tail coverts; 9 — rectrices (tail feathers); 10 — lower tail coverts; 11 — primary remiges (primaries); 12 — hind toe (hallux); 13 — outer (fourth) toe; 14 — middle (third) toe; 15 — inner (second) toe; 16 — tarsometatarsus (tarsus); 17 — shank (Tibia); 18 — belly; 19 — secondary remiges (secondaries); 20 — primary coverts; 21 — breast; 22 — crop; 23 — upper Mandible (wing coverts); 24 — throat; 28 — lower mandible (or upper mandible).

Fig. 24. Measurement of the bill and leg.

Fig. 25. Measurement of the tail and wing.

All four toes of the foot are webbed (Fig. 26).

Fig. 26. Cormorant foot

Order Pelecaniformes — Pelecaniformes

Feet of a different Structure

The three front toes feature broad, smooth-edged Skin lobes (Fig. 27). The tail is rudimentary, with rectrices being almost indistinguishable from coverts.

Fig. 27. Foot of a grebe

Order Podicipediformes — Podicipediformes

Feet and tail of a different structure.

Edges of the bill are smooth

Edges of the bill feature numerous transverse Teeth or lamellae (Fig. 28).

Fig. 28. a—duck bill; b—red-breasted merganser bill.

Nostrils appear as tubes located on the sides of the upper mandible (Fig. 29).

Fig. 29. Bill of a petrel: a — side view, b — top view.

Order Procellariiformes — Procellariiformes

Only a single vagrant species, the Manx shearwater — Puffinus puffinus (Brunn.), is reliably recorded in Ukraine.

Nostrils of a different structure

Legs are long, with the tarsus length exceeding 250 mm; the bill appears broken and sharply downturned (Fig. 30).

Fig. 30. HEAD of a flamingo

Order Phoenicopteriformes — Phoenicopteriformes

Only a single vagrant species, the greater flamingo — Phoenicopterus roseus (Pall.), is found in Ukraine.

Legs are short, and the bill is not downturned.

Order Anseriformes — Anseriformes

Webbing between the toes is absent or, if present, restricted to the very bases of the front toes. Toes are free or fused directly without webbing.

The three front toes are webbed for at least half of their length.

Legs are long, and the bill is curved upward.

Order Charadriiformes (part).

Legs are short, and the bill is not curved upward.

The tarsus is barely compressed, covered with transverse scutes anteriorly and laterally; the hind toe is absent, or if present, not flattened.

Legs are positioned near the middle of the body.

Order Charadriiformes (part).

The tarsus is strongly compressed, covered with reticulate skin anteriorly and laterally. The hind toe is broad and flattened. Legs are located near the posterior end of the body.

Order Gaviiformes — Gaviidae.

A typical migratory bird is the Black-throated Loon — Gаvіа аrсrіса (L.).

The lower part of the tibia is unfeathered.

The tibia is fully feathered.

The lore or the area around the eye (or both) is covered with bare, smooth skin.

Order Ciconiiformes (part).

The lore and the area around the eye are feathered or covered with small warts.

The wing is pointed; the first primary feather is longer than or equal to the second.

Order Charadriiformes (part).

The wing is rounded; the first primary feather is shorter than the second.

The hind toe is present.

The hind toe is absent.

Nostrils are oval in shape; the bill is shorter than the middle toe with its claw.

Order Gruiformes.

Family Otididae — Bustards.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Great Bustard — Otis tarda (L.).

Nostrils are through, slit-like in shape. The beak is approximately the same length as the middle toe with the claw.

Order Charadriiformes (part).

Large birds: the length of the beak from the gape is at least 60 mm.

Order Gruiformes.

Family Gruidae.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Common Crane — Grus grus (L.).

Smaller birds. The beak from the gape is shorter than 45 mm.

The basal half of the tail is not white. The middle toe is significantly longer than the tarsus.

Order Gruiformes.

Family Otididae.

The basal half of the tail is white. The middle toe is no longer than the tarsus.

Order Charadriiformes (part).

The inner edge of the middle claw features numerous

notches and resembles a comb (Fig. 31)

Fig. 31. Claws of a nightjar, heron, and the foot of a swift

The inner edge of the middle claw does not resemble a comb

The beak and legs are short. The lores are feathered.

Order Caprimulgiformes.

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by a single species — the European Nightjar — Сарrimulgus еuropаеus (L.).

The beak and legs are long, with the tarsus longer than 30 mm. The lores are bare.

Order Gressores.

All four toes of the foot are directed forward (Fig. 31).

Order Apodiformes.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Common Swift — Арus арus (L.).

Three or two toes are directed forwards

The eyes are positioned frontally and directed forward. The head appears to sit directly on the torso without a distinct neck.

The outer margins of some primary remiges are partially feathered or slightly serrated.

Order Strigiformes — Strigiformes.

The eyes are positioned on the sides of the head and directed sideways. The neck is clearly visible. The outer margins of the remiges are smooth

The nostrils open on the bare skin (cere) covering the Base of the upper mandible.

The nostrils open directly on the bill

The upper mandible is shaped like a sharp hook, curving steeply downward over the tip of the lower mandible, forming a "raptorial" beak.

Order Falconiformes — Falconiiformes.

The beak lacks a sharp hook and is not raptorial.

Order Columbiformes — Соlumbiformes.

Family Columbidae — Columbidae.

Two toes are directed forwards.

3 toes are directed forwards.

The bill is completely straight with a noticeable longitudinal ridge on the upper part (Fig. 32).

Order Piciformes — Piciformes.

The bill is slightly arcuate and curved downward with a rounded upper part (Fig. 32).

Fig. 32. Beak of a woodpecker (a), cuckoo (b), and grouse toes

Order Cuculiformes — Cuculiformes.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Common Cuckoo — Cuculus canorus (L.).

The hind toe is small and positioned significantly higher than the front ones (when bent forward, its claw does not reach the end of the first phalanx of the inner toe) or is completely absent.

The hind toe is well-developed and positioned at the same level as the front ones or slightly above them.

The bill is short, less than 15 mm in length, with a convex and noticeably downward-curved upper jaw.

Order Columbiformes — Columbiformes.

Sandgrouse Family — Pteroclididae

A rare vagrant bird of southern Ukraine — Black-bellied Sandgrouse — Pterocles orientalis (L.).

The bill is longer, exceeding 60 mm in length, straight and flexible.

Order Charadriiformes — Charadriiformes (part).

The head features a large, variegated crest; the bill is long and slightly curved downwards.

Order Hoopoes — Upupidae.

Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single species — Eurasian Hoopoe — Upupa epops (L.).

There is no crest on the head, or it is quite small.

The rump or upper tail coverts are bright blue or green; the wings and tail also feature bright green or blue hues.

Order Rollers — Coraciiformes.

The coloration of the rump and upper tail coverts is different.

There are more than 12 rectrices.

Order Gallinaceous Birds — Galliformes (part).

There are 12 or fewer rectrices.

The rectrices extend well beyond the tips of the coverts. The tail is of conventional structure.

Order Passerines — Passeriformes.

The upper tail coverts reach the tips of the rectrices with their ends and cover them. The latter can only be seen by parting the coverts.

Order Gallinaceous Birds — Galliformes (part).

Order Grebes — Podicipediformes.

Grebe Family — Podicipedidae.

Genus — Podiceps.

Species Identification Key

The wing is shorter than 115 mm. Adult birds lack elongated feathers on both the head and the neck.

Little Grebe — P. ruficollis (Pall.).

The wing is longer than 115 mm. Adult birds possess elongated feathers on the head in summer.

Bill shorter than 28 mm and slightly upturned. Tarsus shorter than 50 mm. In adult birds in summer, the lower neck and crop are black.

Black-necked grebe — P. nigricollis (C.L. Brehm.).

Bill longer than 28 mm. Tarsus longer than 50 mm.

No white supercilium. Loores black. Adult birds lack rufous feathers on the ruff. Cheeks and lower part of the head gray.

Red-necked grebe — P. grisegena (Bodd.).

Supercilium and loores white. Adult bird has a ruff of rufous feathers with black tips.

Great crested grebe — P. cristatus (L.).

Order Pelecaniformes Key to families

Bill broad and flattened, with a large gular pouch (Fig. 51). Plumage light-colored. Family Pelicans — Pelecanidae

Fig. 33. Bill of a pelican and a great cormorant

In the fauna of Ukraine, a typical representative is the Dalmatian pelican — Pelecanus crispus (Bruch.).

Bill almost cylindrical with a barely noticeable gular pouch (Fig. 33). Plumage dark.

Family Cormorants — Phalacrocoracidae Genus Cormorant — Phalacrocorax

Key to species

Wing longer than 300 mm. Tail with 14 rectrices.

Great cormorant — Ph. carbo (L.).

Wing shorter than 300 mm. Tail with 12 rectrices.

Wing shorter than 230 mm. Bill shorter than 40 mm. Tarsus shorter than 40 mm.

Pygmy cormorant — Ph. pygmaeus (Pall.).

Wing longer than 230 mm. Bill longer than 40 mm. Tarsus longer than 40 mm.

European shag — Ph. aristotelis (L.).

Order Ciconiiformes

Key to families

Bill long, straight, pointed, without dilation at the tip.

The bill is arched downward or flat and spoon-shaped at the tip.

Family Ibises — Threskiornithidae.

Claws are short and blunt. The claw of the middle toe has a smooth edge (not serrated).

Family Storks — Ciconiidae.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the White Stork — Ciconia ciconia (L.).

Claws are long and sharp. The claw of the middle toe has serrations on the inner edge, resembling a comb.

Family Herons — Ardeidae.

Family Ibises — Threskiornithidae.

Identification key for genera and species

The bill is straight, flattened, and spoon-shaped at the tip (Fig. 34).

Genus Spoonbill — Platalea.

Fig. 34. Head of the Eurasian spoonbill and glossy ibis

The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species — Eurasian Spoonbill — P. leucorodia (L.).

The bill is narrow and curved downward (Fig. 34).

Genus Glossy Ibis — Plegadis. The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species —

Glossy Ibis — P. falcinellus (L.).

Family Herons — Ardeidae Identification key for genera and species

Flight feathers and rectrices are white

Flight feathers and rectrices are of a different color (dark or mottled)

Wing shorter than 240 mm. Bill shorter than 70 mm. Tarsus shorter than 84 mm. Plumage of the dorsal region is pinkish-wine in summer or brown in autumn (in adults and juveniles).

Genus Squacco Heron — Ardeola.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species — Squacco Heron — A. ralloides (Scop.).

Wing longer than 240 mm. Bill longer than 70 mm. Plumage is pure white.

Genus Egret — Egretta.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Little Egret — E. garzetta (L.).

Tarsus longer than 105 mm. Bill longer than 100 mm. Genus Heron — Ardea.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Grey Heron — A. cinerea (L.).

Tarsus shorter than 105 mm. Bill shorter than 100 mm.

Wing shorter than 170 mm.

Genus Little Bittern — Ixobrychus.

Only one species in the fauna of Ukraine — Little Bittern — I. minutus (L.).

Wing longer than 240 mm.

No buff color in the plumage. Rectrices 12.

Genus Night Heron — Nycticorax.

Only one species in the fauna of Ukraine — Black-crowned Night Heron — N. nycticorax (L.).

Plumage with abundant buff coloration. Rectrices 10.

Genus Bittern — Botaurus.

Only one species in the fauna of Ukraine — Eurasian Bittern — B. stellaris (L.).

Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae

Key to genera

Tarsus covered in front with reticulate skin.

Tarsus covered in front, at least in its lower part, with transverse scutes.

Medium-sized birds (no larger than a goose), with black or dark brown remiges. Length of the middle toe without claw not exceeding 106 mm. Legs light, pink or yellow in color. Bill coloration also features light tones.

Genus Goose — Anser.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Greylag Goose — A. anser (L.).

Large-sized birds. Remiges white, in juveniles pale gray-brown or smoky. Length of the middle toe without claw less than 107 mm.

Genus Swan — Cygnus.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Mute Swan — C. olor (Gm.).

Bill broad, with transverse lamellae or ridges along the edges.

The bill is narrow, with sharp serrations along the edges (Fig. 35).

Genus Merganser — Mergus.

Fig. 35. Bill of a merganser.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Red-breasted Merganser — M. serrator (L.).

The hind toe has only a narrow fringe, and its length is 3.5–4 times greater than its width (Fig. 36)

Fig. 36. A — foot of a duck; B — foot of a pochard; a' — narrow lobe of the hind toe; b' — wide lobe of the hind toe.

The hind toe has a wide cutaneous lobe, and its length is only 2–3 times greater than its width (including the lobe). The bill and legs are dark (Fig. 36).

Genus Pochard — Aythya. A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Common Pochard — A. ferina (L.).

On the wing, There is a large bright green speculum, bordered on the dorsal side by a rufous stripe. The wing is longer than 295 mm.

Shelduck — Tadorna.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Common Shelduck — T. tadorna (L.).

If there is a green speculum on the wing, it does not border on a rufous color.

The wing is shorter than 295 mm.

Genus Duck — Anas Identification Key

The bill is of almost equal width throughout its length (not broadened at the tip, the edges of the mandible are parallel along the entire length)

The bill at the tip is twice as wide as at its base (Fig. 37). Northern Shoveler — A. clypeata (L.).

Fig. 37. Bill of a Northern Shoveler.

The wing is longer than 220 mm

The wing is shorter than 220 mm

The shafts of the primary remiges are brownish. The speculum on the wing is bright green, with a metallic gloss,

bordered by black.

Eurasian Teal — A. crecca (L.).

The shafts of the primary remiges are white. The speculum is light green or brownish without metallic luster, and does not border on black.

Garganey — A. querquedula (L.).

The wing speculum lacks any purple coloration.

The wing speculum is bright purple. The head has a metallic sheen.

Mallard — A. platyrhynchos (L.).

The legs are lead-grey, without any yellow color. The axillary feathers are not entirely white.

The legs show light, yellow, or brownish-orange coloration. The axillary feathers are pure white.

Gadwall — A. strepera (L.).

The bill is short, measuring less than 40 mm.

Eurasian Wigeon — A. penelope (L.).

The bill is long, measuring 45–50 mm in length.

Northern Pintail — A. acuta (L.).

In flight, certain raptors can be identified by their silhouettes (Fig. 38)

Fig. 38. Silhouettes of birds of prey:

1 — griffon vulture; 2 — osprey; 3 — European honey buzzard; 4 — red kite; 5 — common buzzard; 6 — black kite; 7 — Eurasian sparrowhawk; 8 — northern goshawk; 9 — Eurasian hobby; 10 — peregrine falcon; 11 — common kestrel.

The upper mandible has a distinct notch near the tip (Fig. 39).

Family Falconidae — Falconidae.

Fig. 39. Falcon beak.

The upper mandible lacks a notch near the tip, sometimes showing only a small projection (Fig. 39).

The lower surface of the claws is flattened or concave. The undersides of the toes lack sharp spines.

Family Accipitridae — Accipitridae.

The lower surface of Mouth/claws is rounded. The undersides of the toes are covered with sharp spines.

Fig. 40. Hawk's beak.

Family Pandionidae — Ospreys, Genus Pandion — Osprey.

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by only one species — the Osprey — *Pandion haliaetus* (L.).

Family Falconidae — Falcons, Genus *Falco*

Key to species identification

Large birds, wing length at least 300 mm. Tarsus longer than 45 mm. Plumage features rufous and reddish-brown colors.

Saker Falcon — *Falco cherrug* (Gray).

Smaller birds. Wing shorter than 300 mm. Tarsus shorter than 40 mm.

Claws black or blackish.

Claws light, whitish.

First primary feather shorter than the third. Upperparts predominantly rufous.

Lesser Kestrel — *Falco naumanni* (Fleisch.).

First primary feather longer than the third. Upperparts predominantly gray.

Red-footed Falcon — *Falco vespertinus* (L.).

Tail graduated: the difference in length between the central and outer rectrices is greater than 20 mm. Upperparts predominantly rufous.

Common Kestrel — *Falco tinnunculus* (L.).

Tail rounded: the difference in length between the central and outer rectrices is less than 20 mm. Upperparts predominantly gray or brownish.

Inner web of the second primary feather without a notch. First primary feather longer than the third. Central rectrices unicolored, without transverse banding.

Hobby — *Falco subbuteo* (L.).

Inner web of the second primary feather notched. First primary feather shorter than the third. Central rectrices typically with transverse banding, at least in the form of a subterminal band.

Merlin — *Falco columbarius* (L.).

Lateral rectrices longer than the central ones. Tail emarginate.

Genus *Milvus* — Kites.

A typical representative of the Ukrainian fauna is the Black Kite — *Milvus migrans* (Bodd.).

Lateral rectrices no longer than the central ones. Tail rounded or square-ended.

The tarsus is feathered on all sides down to the toes.

Genus Eagle — Aquila.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Greater Spotted Eagle — A. clanga (Pall.).

The tarsus is bare in its lower part or feathered only in front, with a bare strip along the back.

The lores are covered with rounded, scale-like feathers. The claws are slightly curved.

Genus Honey Buzzard — Pernis.

In the fauna of Ukraine, there is only one species — the European Honey Buzzard — P. apivorus (L.).

The lores are covered with Hair-like bristles. The claws are sharply curved.

The tarsus is covered with reticulate skin and lacks large transversely elongated scutes anywhere. The plumage of the tibia does not form so-called breeches.

Genus Short-toed Snake Eagle — Circaetus.

In the fauna of Ukraine, there is only one species — the Short-toed Snake Eagle — C. ferox (Gm.).

The tarsus is partially covered with large transverse scutes, or feathered in front down to the toes. The feathers of the tibia are elongated, forming so-called "breeches". The wing is shorter than 550 mm.

The posterior surface of the tarsus is reticulate. The plumage of the forepart of the head is bordered behind by small feathers, forming something resembling a collar.

Genus Harrier — Circus.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Western Marsh Harrier — C. aeruginosus (L.).

The posterior surface of the tarsus has several large transverse scutes.

The tail is shorter than 2/3 of the wing length. The inner web of the fifth primary does not have a notch.

Genus Buzzard — Buteo.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Common Buzzard — B. buteo (L.).

The tail is long, its length exceeding 2/3 of the wing length. The inner web of the fifth primary has a notch.

Genus Hawk — Accipiter.

Species Identification Table

The bill, measured from the tip to the anterior margin of the cere, is longer than 18 mm. The wing is longer than 270 mm.

Northern Goshawk — A. gentilis (L.)

The bill is shorter than 18 mm. The wing is shorter than 270 mm. The outer web of the sixth primary has a notch.

Eurasian sparrowhawk — A. nisus (L.)

Order Galliformes — Galliformes

Key to families

Tarsus feathered entirely or for more than half its length. Toes have a horny fringe (Fig. 41). Nostrils covered with feathers.

Fig. 41. Foot of a Eurasian coot

Family Grouse — Tetraonidae.

A typical representative is the Black grouse — Lyrurus tetrix (L.).

Tarsus bare (not feathered). Toes without a horny fringe. Nostrils not covered with feathers. Family Pheasants — Phasianidae.

Family Pheasants — Phasianidae

Key to genera and species

Medium-sized birds, wing longer than 140 mm

Small-sized birds, wing shorter than 120 mm. Rectrices

feathers with light transverse bars.

Genus Quail — Coturnix

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by a single species — Common quail — C. coturnix (L.).

Tail shorter than the wing. Outer rectrices have a reddish coloration.

Genus Partridge — Perdix

A typical representative of the Ukrainian fauna is the Gray partridge — P. perdix (L.).

Tail longer than the wing.

Genus Pheasant — Phasianus.

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by a single species — Common pheasant — Ph. colchicus (L.).

Order Gruiformes — Gruiformes

Family Rails — Rallidae

Key to genera and species

Tarsus longer than 42 mm. Adults have a frontal shield.

Tarsus shorter than 42 mm. No bare frontal shield.

Sides of the toes feature broad, scalloped skin lobes (Fig. 41).

White frontal shield.

Genus Coot — Fulica.

Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single species — Common Coot — Fulica atra L.

No lobes on the sides of the toes.

Red (in adults) leathery frontal shield. Nostrils elongated.

Genus Moorhen — Gallinula.

Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single species — Common Moorhen — Gallinula chloropus (L.).

Bill longer than 35 mm, equal in length to the tarsus and slightly curved downward.

Genus Rail — Rallus.

Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single species — Water Rail — Rallus aquaticus (L.).

Bill shorter than 30 mm and significantly shorter than the tarsus...

Axillaries and underwing coverts brown, occasionally with white bars.

Genus Crake — Porzana.

A typical representative of the Ukrainian fauna — Spotted Crake — Porzana porzana (L.).

Axillaries and underwing coverts rufous.

Genus Corncrake — Crex.

Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single species — Corncrake — Crex crex (L.).

Order Charadriiformes — Charadriiformes

Identification key to Families

Middle pair of rectrices no longer than the outermost pair, or if

longer, by less than 25 mm. Birds of various sizes, including species with either long or short bills.

Middle pair of rectrices longer than the outermost pair by 25 mm or more (Fig. 42). Large shorebirds with short bills and tridactyl feet.

Fig. 42. Tail of the stone-curlew

Stone-curlew family — Burhinidae.

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by a single species — Eurasian thick-knee — Burhinus oedicnemus (L.).

The gape is large and extends almost to the vertical line of the anterior margin of the eye (Fig. 43).

Fig. 43. Bill of a pratincole

Pratincole family — Glareolidae.

A typical representative of the Ukrainian fauna is the black-winged pratincole — Glareola nordmanni (Nord.).

The gape is small and falls well short of the vertical line of the eye (Fig. 44).

Fig. 44. Bill of a plover

Bill straight or curved downward. If curved upward, the curvature is slight (almost imperceptible)

Bill strongly upturned. Medium-sized waders with long legs.

Avocet family — Recurvirostridae. Genus Avocet — Recurvirostra.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species of this genus — Pied avocet — R. avosetta (L.).

Tarsus length exceeds 90 mm. Medium-sized waders with a long straight bill and very long legs.

Avocet family — Recurvirostridae. Genus Stilt — Himantopus.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species — Eurasian oystercatcher — Haemantopus ostraegus (L.).

Tarsus length is less than 90 mm. Birds of various sizes.

Among them are species with both long and short bills.

Tail without a notch. Birds of various sizes with a typical wader appearance

Tail deeply notched, with the central rectrices noticeably shorter than the outer ones. Birds resembling gulls or terns in appearance.

Gull family — Laridae.

Bill length greater than or equal to tarsus length. Waders of various sizes

The bill is shorter than the tarsus. Small and medium-sized waders.

Family Charadriidae — plovers.

Plumage is variegated black and white. Bill and legs are red.

Family Haematopodidae — oystercatchers.

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by only one species — the Eurasian Oystercatcher.

The coloration as well as the color of the legs and bill are different.

Family Scolopacidae — sandpipers.

Family Charadriidae — plovers

Key to Genera

There is no spur at the bend of the wing.

A long sharp spur is present at the bend of the wing.

Genus Hoplopterus — spur-winged plovers.

The fauna of Ukraine includes a single rare vagrant species — the Spur-winged Lapwing — H. spinosus (L.).

Rounded white or golden-yellow spots are absent from the upperparts.

The upperparts feature numerous rounded white or golden-yellow spots. Medium-sized waders.

Genus Pluvialis — plovers.

A typical representative in the fauna of Ukraine (a rare migrant bird) is the European Golden Plover — P. apricaria (L.).

Hind toe is present.

Hind toe is absent. Small-sized waders.

Genus Charadrius — sandplovers and typical plovers.

A typical breeding species in the fauna of Ukraine is the Little Ringed Plover — Ch. dubius (Scop.).

Crest on the nape is absent.

A long sharp crest is present on the nape (Fig. 45). The back plumage exhibits a green metallic gloss. Medium-sized wader.

Genus Vanellus — lapwings.

Fig. 45. Head of a lapwing

The only representative in the fauna of Ukraine is the Northern Lapwing — V. vanellus (L.).

The rectrices, except for the outermost ones, are white with black spots near the tips. A medium-sized wader. The Background coloration is brownish-gray.

Genus Sociable Lapwing — Chettusia.

The only representative in the fauna of Ukraine (a rare vagrant species) is the Sociable Lapwing — C. gregaria (Pall.).

All rectrices are pure white. A medium-sized wader. The back coloration is clay-gray with a purple sheen.

Genus White-tailed Lapwing — Vanellochettusia.

The only representative in the fauna of Ukraine (a rare vagrant species) is V. leucura (Licht.).

Family Sandpipers — Scolopacidae Identification Key for Genera

Bill slightly curved upwards. Small-sized waders.

Genus Terek Sandpiper — Xenus.

The only species in the fauna of Ukraine is the Terek Sandpiper — X. cinereus (Guld.).

Bill noticeably curved downwards

Wing longer than 145 mm. Tarsus longer than 35 mm.

Genus Curlew — Numenius.

A typical representative of the Ukrainian fauna is the Eurasian Curlew — N. arquata (L.).

Wing shorter than 145 mm. Tarsus shorter than 35 mm

Bill broad and flattened along its entire length.

Genus Broad-billed Sandpiper — Limicola.

The only representative in the fauna of Ukraine (a rare vagrant species) is the Broad-billed Sandpiper — L. falcinellus (Pont.).

Bill narrow, not flattened, with a prominent ridge.

Front toes without webbing (Fig. 46).

Fig. 46. Foot of a stint/sandpiper

Genus Stint / Sandpiper — Calidris

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine (migratory bird) is the Dunlin — C. alpina (L.). The bill is straight. A distinct web is present between the bases of the middle and outer toes (Fig. 47).

Fig. 47. Foot of a greenshank

The front toes have swimming lobes in the form of rounded, leathery scalloped flaps instead of webs.

Genus Phalarope — Phalaropus.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine (migratory species) is Ph. lobatus (L.).

The rectrices (tail feathers) are unicolorous. Only the middle pair may feature transverse bars, which are not white.

Genus Ruff — Philomachus.

Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single species — the Ruff — Ph. pugnax (L.).

The rectrices are transversely barred. These bands are white and gray, or white and brown.

Genus Shank — Tringa.

The inner webs of the primary remiges feature large white spots, forming a sharp white stripe on the underside of the wing.

Genus Sandpiper — Actitis

Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single species — A. hypoleucos (L.).

The bill slightly widens at the tip, is somewhat flattened, rough, and has a longitudinal groove.

The bill gradually tapers toward the tip, lacking any roughness or longitudinal groove.

The tibia is feathered in the front down to the joint. The crown of the head features transverse bars.

Genus Woodcock — Scolopax.

Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single species — the Eurasian Woodcock — S. rusticola (L.).

The lower part of the tibia is bare. The crown of the head features longitudinal stripes.

The crown of the head has two dark longitudinal stripes separated by a narrow light stripe. The back lacks a metallic luster.

Genus Snipe — Gallinago

The crown of the head has one wide dark stripe flanked by two light stripes on either side. The back exhibits a green or purple metallic luster.

Genus Jacksnipe — Lymnocryptes.

Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single representative (migratory species) — the Jacksnipe — L. minimus (Brun.).

The frontal plumage does not extend forward along the culmen beyond the gape. The bill is longer than the tail, measuring over 65 mm (Fig. 48).

Fig. 48. Bill of a godwit.

Genus Godwit — Limosa.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Black-tailed Godwit — L. limosa (L.).

Genus Shank — Tringa

Key to species identification

Lower back and rump white

Lower back and rump dark, only the upper tail coverts white.

Axillary feathers white with transverse brown bars. Shaft of the first primary white.

Wood Sandpiper — T. glareola (L.).

Axillary feathers dark brown with narrow white transverse bars. Shaft of the first primary dark.

Green Sandpiper — T. ochropus (L.).

Terminal halves of the secondary remiges white, forming a white wing-mirror (speculum). Common Redshank — T. totanus (L.).

Terminal halves of the secondary remiges dark or mottled

Terminal halves of the secondary remiges with white and dark-grey transverse bars.

Spotted Redshank — T. erythropus (Pall.).

Secondary remiges unicolorous — brown or grey, sometimes with a light border, but without transverse bars.

Wing longer than 160 mm.

Common Greenshank — T. nebularia (Gunn.).

Wing shorter than 150 mm.

Marsh Sandpiper — T. stagnatilis (Bechst.).

Genus Snipe — Gallinago

Key to species identification

Dark colour predominates on the outer pairs of rectrices. Belly plumage entirely white, unspotted.

Common Snipe — G. gallinago (L.).

3 or 4 pairs of outer tail feathers are white or white with smoky transverse bars in the terminal half. The belly usually has smoky transverse spots.

Great Snipe — G. media (Lath.).

Family Laridae — Gulls

Key to Genera

Hind toe absent.

Genus Kittiwake — Rissa.

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by a single species — Black-legged Kittiwake — R. tridactyla (L.).

Hind toe present.

Upper mandible curved downward at the tip into a distinct hook that overlaps the tip of the lower mandible (Fig. 49).

Fig. 49. Head of a gull

Tail truncate (square-cut).

Genus Gull — Larus.

Both mandibles elongated and pointed, without a hook on the upper mandible. Tail notched, with the outer tail feathers significantly longer than the central ones.

Wing longer than 350 mm.

Genus Caspian Tern — Hydroprogne.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species — Caspian Tern — H. caspia (Pall.). Wing shorter than 350 mm.

Fig. 50. Head of a tern

Outermost pair of tail feathers with pointed tips. Tail fork deep, exceeding one-third of its length (Fig. 51)

Fig. 51. Tail of a common tern

Wing longer than 285 mm. Bill two-toned: black with yellowish. Feathers on the nape elongated.

Genus Greater Crested Tern — Thalasseus.

The fauna of Ukraine includes a single species: the Sandwich Tern — Th. Sandvicensis (Lath.).

Wing shorter than 285 mm. Bill of a different color. Elongated feathers on the nape are absent.

Genus Tern — Sterna.

The outermost pair of rectrices is not pointed at the tip. The tail fork is less than one-third of its length (Fig. 52)

Fig. 52. Tail of the Black Tern

Wing longer than 270 mm. Bill longer than 32 mm.

Genus Gull-billed Tern — Gelochelidon.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species: the Gull-billed Tern — G. nilotica (Gm.).

Wing shorter than 250 mm. Bill shorter than 31 mm.

Genus Marsh Tern — Chlidonias.

A typical representative of the Ukrainian fauna is the Black Tern — Ch. niger (L.).

Genus Gull — Larus Key to species

Wing shorter than 240 mm.

Little Gull — L. minutus (Pall.).

Wing longer than 240 mm.

Wing longer than 390 mm. Bill depth greater than 13 mm.

Wing no longer than 390 mm. Bill depth less than 10 mm.

The coloration of the primary remiges lacks black or dark brown.

Glaucous Gull — L. hyperboreus (Gunn.).

Black or dark brown color is present.

The main PARTS OF THE primary remiges are predominantly white, or a pale grayish wedge is present on the inner webs. White tips or subterminal spots on these primary remiges are absent. In adult birds during summer, the head is always black.

Pallas's Gull — L. ichthyaetus (Pall.).

The primary remiges (from the first to the fifth) are entirely black, dark brown, or have white tips; subterminal spots are present on the first primary remige. The head is never black.

In adult birds, the mantle (back and upper wing surface) is pale ash-gray. Juveniles also have lighter coloration

Legs pinkish-orange.

Herring gull — L. argentatus (Pont.).

Legs yellow

Caspian gull — L. cachinnans (Pall.).

Adults have a black mantle. Juveniles are darker.

Wing no longer than 450 mm, bill shorter than 55 mm.

Lesser black-backed gull — L. fuscus (L.).

Wing longer than 450 mm. Bill longer than 55 mm.

Great black-backed gull — L. marinus (L.).

On the basal and middle parts of the primary remiges

there is a lot of white. Wing usually shorter than 320 mm.

There is no white on the basal and middle parts of the primary remiges. Wing usually longer than 320 mm.

Mew gull — L. canus (L.).

On the second and third primary remiges, the white Tongue-shaped marks extend to the inner margin of the feather, making this margin white (except for the subterminal parts), or these feathers are entirely whitish. In summer, the head of adult birds is pitch black.

Mediterranean gull — L. melanocephalus (Temm.).

On the second and third primary remiges, the white tongue-shaped marks do not reach the inner margin of the feather, and this margin is dark (Fig. 53).

Fig. 53. Second and third primary remiges of the black-headed gull

Head in adult birds in summer is white or brownish-coffee.

Bill stouter and shorter (Fig. 54). In summer, the head of adult birds turns brownish-coffee. Black-headed gull — L. ridibundus (L.).

Fig. 54. Bill of the black-headed gull

Bill thinner and longer (Fig. 55). Head in adult birds in summer is pure white.

Slender-billed gull — L. genei (Breme.).

Fig. 55. Bill of the slender-billed gull

Genus Terns — Sterna.

Identification key to species

Wing shorter than 200 mm. Bill yellow with a black tip.

Little tern — S. albifrons (Раll.).

Wing longer than 200 mm. Bill red with a darkish tip.

Common tern — S. hirundo (L.).

Order Doves and Pigeons — Columbiformes.

Family Columbidae — Columbidae

Identification key to genera

Rectrices, excluding the central pair, with dark tips. Two-toned or black feathers on the neck are absent; they commonly exhibit a metallic sheen.

Genus Pigeon — Columbа.

Rectrices, excluding the central pair, with white or light gray tips. The hindneck of adult birds features patches covered with two-toned or black feathers that stand out sharply against the dull background.

Genus Dove — Streptopelia.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the European turtle dove — S. turtur (L.).

Identification key to species of the genus Columbа

No white patch on the wing.

White patch present on the wing.

Common wood pigeon — С. palumbus (L.).

Crop with a metallic sheen. Bill black.

Rock dove — С. livia (Gm.).

Crop lacking a metallic sheen. Bill not black

Stock dove — С. oenas (L.).

Order Owls — Strigiformes

Identification key to families

Toes unfeathered, covered with stiff bristles. Claw of the middle toe with serrations along the inner edge. Inner toe equal in length to the middle one. Facial disc Heart-shaped in appearance.

Barn owl family — Tytonidae.

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by a single species — Barn owl — Tyto alba (Scop.).

Toes densely feathered or unfeathered. Claw of the middle toe lacks serrations. Inner toe shorter than the middle one.

True owl family — Strigidae.

Key to genera

Wing longer than 400 mm. Long feathers on the sides of the head form two 'ear-like' tufts.

Genus Eagle-owl — Bubo.

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by a single species — Eagle-owl — B. bubo (L.).

Wing shorter than 400 mm.

Wing shorter than 250 mm.

Wing longer than 250 mm.

Bill yellow in its upper third. The first five primary feathers notched on the inner web. Folded wings fall short of the tail tip by 30–50 mm.

Genus Tawny owl — Strix.

A typical representative of the Ukrainian fauna — Tawny owl — S. aluco (L.).

Bill black in its upper third. Only the first primary feather notched on the inner web. Folded wings reach the tip of the tail.

Genus Long-eared owl — Asio.

Long feathers on the sides of the head form 'ear tufts'. Dark gray and brown colors predominate in the plumage of the underparts.

Genus Scops owl — Otus.

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by a single species — Eurasian scops owl — O. scops (L.).

No 'ear tufts' on the sides of the head.

Plumage of the underparts whitish with dark longitudinal streaking.

Very small birds. Wing shorter than 120 mm. The first primary feather is very short, shorter than the ninth.

Genus Eurasian pygmy owl — Glaucidium.

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by a single species — Eurasian pygmy owl — G. passerinum (L.).

Larger birds.

The outer webs of primary remiges 2–4 and the inner webs of primary remiges 1–4 are narrowed near the tips. The notches on the outer web of the 1st primary remex are short.

Genus Little Owl — Athene.

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by only one species: Little Owl — At. noctua (Scop.).

Only the 2nd outer and 1st–2nd inner remiges have web narrowing near the tip. The notches on the outer web of the 1st primary remex are very long.

Genus Boreal Owl — Aegolius

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by only one species: Boreal Owl — A. funereus (L.).

Genus Long-eared Owl — Asio

Key to species identification

“Ear tufts” on the head are short and inconspicuous. The plumage of the neck and breast features only a longitudinal pattern. The coloration of the underparts is yellowish-white.

Short-eared Owl — A. flammeus (Pontopp.).

Ear tufts on the head are clearly visible. The plumage of the neck and breast features both longitudinal and transverse patterns. The coloration of the underparts is yellowish-ochre.

Long-eared Owl — A. otus (L.).

Order Coraciiformes — Coraciiformes

Key to families and species identification

The three front toes are fused only at the very base. The wing is longer than 180 mm. The tarsus is longer than 18 mm. The underparts are blue.

Family Roller — Coraciidae.

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by only one species: European Roller — Coracias garrulus (L.).

The middle and outer toes are fused for 2/3 of their length. The wing is shorter than 180 mm. The tarsus is shorter than 18 mm.

The bill is straight and sharp. The underparts are rufous. The central pair of rectrices is not elongated.

Family Kingfisher — Alcedinidae.

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by only one species: Common Kingfisher — Alcedo atthis (L.).

The bill is long, slender, and noticeably curved downwards. The plumage of the belly is greenish-blue. The central pair of rectrices is elongated in adults.

Family Bee-eater — Meropidae.

A typical representative in the fauna of Ukraine is the European Bee-eater — Merops apiaster (L.).

Order Piciformes — Woodpeckers

Identification key to genera

Yellow and green colors predominate in the plumage.

Genus Green woodpeckers — Picus.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the European green woodpecker — P. viridis (L.).

Green tones are absent from the plumage.

Wing length exceeds 180 mm. Bill length exceeds 50 mm. Plumage is black or dark brownish-black.

Genus Black woodpeckers — Dryocopus.

Only one species is represented in the fauna of Ukraine — The black woodpecker — Dr. martius (L.).

Wing length is less than 180 mm. Bill length is shorter than 50 mm.

Three toes on the foot.

Genus Three-toed woodpeckers — Picoides.

Only one species is represented in the fauna of Ukraine — The Eurasian three-toed woodpecker — P. tridactylus (L.).

Four toes on the foot

Central rectrices are not elongated, with soft, rounded tips. Nostrils are not covered by bristles. Gray color predominates in the plumage.

Genus Wrynecks — Jynx.

Only one species is represented in the fauna of Ukraine — The Eurasian wryneck — J. torquilla (L.).

Central rectrices are elongated with stiff, pointed tips. Nostrils are covered by bristles. Black and white colors predominate in the plumage.

Genus Pied woodpeckers — Dendrocopos

Identification key to species

Wing shorter than 110 mm.

Lesser spotted woodpecker — Dendrocopos minor (L.).

Wing longer than 110 mm.

Underparts plumage with a distinct sulfur-yellow tint. Wing 120–129 mm, bill 21–25 mm.

Middle spotted woodpecker — Dendrocopos medius (L.).

Underparts devoid of yellow coloration.

Lower back white. Longitudinal streaking noticeable on the underside of the body.

White-backed Woodpecker — Dendrocopus leucotos (Bechst.).

Lower back black.

White cheeks separated from the white sides of the neck by a black transverse stripe.

Great Spotted Woodpecker — Dendrocopus major (L.).

No black stripe present. Cheek coloration merges with that of the neck.

Syrian Woodpecker — Dendrocopus syriacus (Netр. et Ehren.).

Order Passeriformes — Passeriformes

Identification Key to Families

Wing length in adult birds less than 165 mm.

Wing length in adult birds greater than 165 mm.

Family Corvidae — Corvidae.

Red horny plaques are present at the tips of individual secondary remiges, and sometimes at the tips of rectrices.

Family Bombycillidae — Bombycillidae.

Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single species (winter visitor) — Bohemian Waxwing — Bombycilla garrulus (L.).

Red horny plaques on secondary remiges and rectrices are absent.

A tooth-like notch is present on the upper mandible near the tip (Fig. 56).

Fig. 56. Bill of a shrike

Family Laniidae — Laniidae.

A typical representative of the Ukrainian fauna is the Red-backed Shrike — Lanius collurio (L.).

No notch at the tip of the upper mandible.

Upper body coloration yellow or yellowish-green. Wing length exceeds 135 mm.

Family Oriolidae — Oriolidae.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species: the Eurasian Golden Oriole — Oriolus oriolus (L.).

The coloration of the upper body is different, or if it is yellow or yellowish-green, the wing length is less than 135 mm.

The bill is short and broad, with the mouth gape extending beyond the anterior margin of the eye (Fig. 57). The tail is notched.

Family Hirundinidae — Swallows and Martins.

Fig. 57. Head of a swallow

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Barn Swallow — Hirundo rustica (L.).

The bill and mouth have a different structure, with the mouth gape not extending beyond the anterior margin of the eye. The tail is unnotched.

The posterior side of the tarsus is covered with a row of transverse scutes (Fig. 58).

Family Alaudidae — Larks.

Fig. 58. Different STRUCTURE OF THE posterior edge of the tarsus in a lark and a thrush: A — formed by several scutes (a — in cross-section); B — formed by two scutes (b — in cross-section).

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Eurasian Skylark — Alauda arvensis (L.).

The posterior side of the tarsus is formed by two long scutes converging at an angle to form a distinctive "keel" (Fig. 58).

The upper half of the anterior side of the tarsus is covered with a continuous scute.

Family Muscicapidae — Old World Flycatchers (part).

The upper half of the tarsus is covered with several scutes.

Medium-sized birds. Wing length exceeds 110 mm. Plumage is black, brown, or black with pink.

Family Sturnidae — Starlings.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the European Starling — Sturnus vulgaris (L.).

Small birds. Wing length is less than 110 mm. Plumage of other colors.

The bill is very slender and decurved. The tail is formed by stiff feathers (Fig. 59).

Fig. 59. Tail of a treecreeper formed by stiff rectrices (a) and a treecreeper (b).

Family Certhiidae — Treecreepers.

A typical representative of Ukraine's fauna is the Eurasian treecreeper — Certhia familiaris (L.).

Bill of a different structure. Tail feathers soft.

Bill thick and short. Tail long (longer than the wing), graduated, with the outermost rectrices half the length of the central ones.

The upperparts are predominantly reddish in coloration. Bill nearly straight, not swollen, yellow.

Family Paradoxornithidae — parrotbills.

The only species in the fauna of Ukraine is the bearded reedling — Panurus biarmicus (L.).

The upperparts lack any reddish tint. Bill short, slightly swollen, black.

Family Aegithalidae — long-tailed tits.

The only species in the fauna of Ukraine is the long-tailed tit — Aegithalos caudatus (L.).

Bill of a different structure. Tail shorter than the wing.

Upperparts ash-gray, underparts white with a reddish tinge. Bill straight, stout and sharp, equal in length to the tarsus.

Family Sittidae — nuthatches.

The only species in the fauna of Ukraine is the Eurasian nuthatch — Sitta europaea (L.).

Bill of a different structure.

The inner edges of the bill do not fit tightly together, forming a gap. The gape at the base is bent at an obtuse angle (Fig. 153).

Family Emberizidae — buntings.

Fig. 60. Head of a bunting

A typical representative of Ukraine's fauna is the yellowhammer — Emberiza citrinella (L.).

The inner edges of the bill fit tightly together. The gape at the base does not form a noticeable right-angled bend.

The tips of the bill cross each other (Fig. 61).

Fig. 61. Crossed bill tips

Family Fringillidae — finches (in part).

Bill of a different structure.

Conical beak (Fig. 62).

Fig. 62. Conical beak

Beak of a different structure.

The inner rectrices are shorter than the outer ones by at least 3.5 mm; therefore, the tail has a more or less noticeable notch in the middle.

Family Fringillidae (part).

Tail without a noticeable notch. The inner rectrices are almost equal in length to the outer ones (the tail is squarely truncated, or if shorter, by less than 3.5 mm).

Family Fringillidae (remainder).

The coloration of the back features longitudinal black spots. There is no black "cap" on the head.

Family Passeridae

Wing shorter than 115 mm.

Some tertial remiges are so long that they are almost equal in length to the wing tip.

Family Motacillidae.

Tertial remiges are noticeably shorter and do not reach the wing tip.

A well-defined, more or less wide yellowish or bright yellow stripe is clearly visible on the head, bordered on the sides by thin black stripes.

Family Regulidae.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Goldcrest — Regulus regulus (L.).

Head coloration is different.

The beak is low and wide; its width at the base is greater than its height. There are bristles at the corners of the beak.

Family Muscicapidae (part).

Beak of a different structure, its width at the base is less than its height.

Medium-sized birds. Wing longer than 80 mm. Upper tail coverts almost reach the tip of the rectrices. Nostrils are slit-like, covered with skin membranes. The coloration of the upperparts is dark brown.

Family Cinclidae.

The only species in the fauna of Ukraine is the White-throated Dipper — Cinclus cinclus (L.).

Small birds. Wing shorter than 80 mm. Tail and nostrils of a different structure. Coloration of different hues.

Birds are very small. The wing is shorter than 56 mm. The coloration of the upper body is rufous with black transverse bars.

Wren family — Troglodytidae.

Larger birds. The wing is longer than 56 mm, or if shorter, the coloration is different.

The bill is flattened at the base, broad, and tapers sharply towards the tip. The edges of the upper and lower mandibles (when the bill is closed) are noticeably turned inward. The nostrils are partially covered by a nasal operculum.

Accentor family — Prunellidae.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Dunnock — Prunella modularis (L.).

The bill is of a different structure. The nostrils are half or fully covered with feathers.

The nostrils are half-covered with feathers. A distinct notch is visible on the upper mandible. Rictal bristles are present at the corners of the mouth. The bill is broad at the base.

Old World warbler family — Sylviidae.

The nostrils are completely covered with small, stiff feathers. There is no notch on the upper mandible. Rictal bristles at the corners of the mouth, if present, are barely noticeable. The bill is narrow and high at the base.

Tit family — Paridae.

Wagtail family — Motacillidae

Key to genera

The coloration of the dorsal part is uniform. The tail is longer than or only slightly shorter (by up to 10 mm) than the wing.

Genus Wagtail — Motacilla.

The dorsal part features dark streaking. The tail is shorter than the wing by more than 10 mm.

Genus Pipit — Anthus.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Tree Pipit — А. trivialis (L.).

Crow family — Corvidae

Key to genera

The wing is shorter than the tail.

Genus Magpie — Pica.

The fauna of Ukraine includes only one species, the Eurasian Magpie — P. pica (L.).

The wing is longer than the tail.

There are blue feathers on the wings.

Genus Jay — Garrulus.

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by a single species — the Eurasian Jay — G. glandarius (L.).

There is no blue color on the wings.

The overall plumage coloration is dark brown with white spots on the back.

Genus Nutcracker — Nucifraga.

The fauna of Ukraine is represented by a single species — the Spotted Nutcracker — N. Саrуосаtactes (L.).

The general coloration is black or grayish-black. There are no white spots.

Genus Raven and Crow — Corvus.

Family Old World Warblers — Sylviidae

Key to genera

The coloration features a yellowish or yellowish-green hue.

Coloration otherwise.

Bill length exceeds 15 mm.

Genus Tree Warbler — Hippolais.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Icterine Warbler — Н. icterina (Vіеіll.).

Bill length is less than 15 mm.

Genus Leaf Warbler — Phylloscopus.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Wood Warbler — Ph. sibilatrix (Весhst).

Rictal bristles are absent, or if present, they are underdeveloped or number no more than two.

Genus Grasshopper Warbler — Locustella.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the River Warbler — L. fluviatilis (Wiolf).

Rictal bristles are present. There are more than two bristles on each side.

The tip of the tail is rounded.

Genus Reed Warbler — Acrocephalus.

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the Sedge Warbler — Ас. schoenobaenus (L.).

Tail with a notch.

Genus Warblers — Sylvia.

Family Old World Flycatchers — Muscicapidae Identification table for genera

Wing longer than 110 mm.

Wing shorter than 110 mm.

Bill slightly broadened and flattened at the base. Under-tail coverts rufous.

Genus Rock Thrushes — Monticola.

Representative species in the fauna of Ukraine — Blue Rock Thrush — M. solitarius (L.).

Bill neither broadened nor flattened at the base. Under-tail coverts of a different color.

Genus Thrushes — Turdus.

Representative species in the fauna of Ukraine — Song Thrush — T. philomelos (C.L.Brehm.).

Bill flattened along its entire length. Its width exceeds its height.

Bill of a different shape.

Distinct dark longitudinal spots present on the belly and crown.

Genus Flycatchers — Muscicapa.

The only species in the fauna of Ukraine — Spotted Flycatcher — M. striata (Pall.).

Distinct dark longitudinal spots in the plumage absent.

Genus Collared and Pied Flycatchers — Ficedula.

Representative species in the fauna of Ukraine — European Pied Flycatcher — F. hypoleuca (Pall.).

A significant admixture of rusty-red color present in the tail plumage.

No rusty-red color present in the tail plumage.

Tail unicolored. Throat and breast rusty-red.

Genus Robins — Erithacus.

The only species in the fauna of Ukraine — European Robin — E. rubecula (L.).

Rectrices, except for the central pair, bright rusty-red along their entire length. First primary significantly longer than the wing coverts.

Genus Redstart — Phoenicurus.

The typical species in the fauna of Ukraine is the Common Redstart — Ph. phoenicurus (L.).

Rectrices are brown with a reddish tint. The first primary is generally shorter than or equal to the greater wing coverts.

Genus Nightingale — Luscinia.

The typical species in the fauna of Ukraine is the Thrush Nightingale — L. luscinia (L.) with dark tips. Sometimes black or brown with white margins.

Bill with a prominent ridge along the culmen of the upper Maxilla. Rictal bristles poorly developed and few in number.

Genus Wheatear — Oenanthe.

The typical species in the fauna of Ukraine is the Northern Wheatear — O. oenanthe (L.).

No sharp ridge along the culmen of the upper maxilla. Bristles numerous and well developed.

Genus Stonechat — Saxicola.

The typical species in the fauna of Ukraine is the Whinchat — S. rubetra (L.).

Family Tits — Paridae

Key to genera

Upperparts exhibit a rufous coloration. The first primary is no wider than 2 mm.

Genus Penduline Tit — Remiz.

Represented in the fauna of Ukraine by a single species — the Eurasian Penduline Tit — R. pendulinus (L.).

Upperparts lack rufous coloration. The first primary is wider than 2 mm.

Genus Tit — Parus.

Family Finches — Fringillidae

Key to genera

Tips of the bill cross over each other.

Genus Crossbill — Loxia.

The typical representative of the Ukrainian fauna is the Red Crossbill — L. curvirostra (L.).

Tips of the bill do not cross.

Yellow coloration present on the underparts or tail.

There is no yellow coloration on the underside of the body or tail.

Wing length exceeds 78 mm.

Genus Greenfinch — Chloris.

The Ukrainian fauna is represented by a single species — the European Greenfinch — Ch. chloris (L.).

Wing length is less than 78 mm.

The inner webs of the outer rectrices lack any yellow tinge. The bill is convex (Fig. 63).

Fig. 63. Head of the European Serin.

Genus Serin — Serinus.

The Ukrainian fauna is represented by a single species — the European Serin — S. serinus (Pall.).

The inner web of the outer rectrices is partially yellow. The bill has a regular conical shape.

Genus Siskin — Spinus.

The Ukrainian fauna is represented by a single species — the Eurasian Siskin — Sp. spinus (L.)

A black "cap" is present on the head. The plumage around the base of the bill is black. Genus Bullfinch — Pyrrhula.

The Ukrainian fauna is represented by a single species — the Eurasian Bullfinch — P. pyrrhula (L.).

The coloration of the head and the plumage around the bill is different.

Wing length exceeds 95 mm; a black patch is present beneath the massive, heavy bill.

Genus Hawfinch — Coccothraustes.

The Ukrainian fauna is represented by a single species — the Hawfinch — C. coccothraustes (L.).

Wing length is under 95 mm.

A yellow wing-patch is present. Adult birds feature red plumage around the base of the bill.

Genus Goldfinch — Carduelis.

The Ukrainian fauna is represented by a single species — the European Goldfinch — Car. carduelis (L.).

Coloration otherwise.

The edges of the outer webs of the flight feathers and the rump are green or white.

Genus Finch — Fringilla.

The edges of the outer webs of the flight feathers and the upper tail-coverts are of a different color.

The bill is short and convex (Fig. 64).

Genus Rosefinch — Carpodacus.

Fig. 64. Bill of the common rosefinch

A typical representative of the fauna of Ukraine is the common rosefinch — Car. erythrina (Pall.).

The bill is regularly conical in shape.

Genus Redpoll — Acanthis.

Genus Wagtail — Motacilla

Identification key to species

White and black colors predominate in the plumage.

White wagtail — М. alba (L.).

Yellow color is present in the plumage.

The hind claw is shorter than the toe.

Grey wagtail — М. cinerea (Tunst.).

The hind claw is longer than the toe.

The fourth primary flight feather is shorter than the third by 1.0–2.5 mm. The head in adult birds is lemon-yellow.

Citrine wagtail — M. citreola (Pall.).

The fourth primary flight feather is shorter than the third by 3.5–5.0 mm.

The head in adult birds is grey or greenish-grey.

Western yellow wagtail — М. flaua (L.).

The head in adult birds is black. Black-headed wagtail — M. feldegg (Mich.).

Genus Raven — Corvus

Identification key to species

Grey is present in the plumage.

Plumage is black.

Wing shorter than 260 mm. Bill shorter than 40 mm.

Jackdaw — C. monedula (L.).

Wing longer than 260 mm. Bill longer than 40 mm. Hooded crow — С. cornix (L.).

Wing length less than 370 mm. Bill straight and pointed. Rook — С. frugilegus (L.).

Wing length greater than 370 mm. Upper mandible curved downwards.

Raven — С. corax (L.).

Genus Sylvia — Sylvia

Identification key to species

A black or brown cap is present on the head.

Blackcap — S. atricapilla (L.).

Head coloration otherwise.

First primary longer than the primary coverts.

Lesser whitethroat — S. curruca (L.).

First primary shorter than the primary coverts.

Underside of the body marked with narrow transverse bars.

Barred warbler — S. nisoria (Bcohst.).

Underside of the body not barred.

Outer webs of the greater coverts and secondary remiges bordered with rufous edges.

Greater whitethroat — S. communis.

Outer webs of the greater coverts and secondary remiges lack rufous edges; plumage more or less uniform in color. Garden warbler — S. Bоrіп (Воаа.).

Genus Parus — Parus Identification key to species

Upper crown tinged with blue.

Blue tit — Р. caeruleus (L.).

The coloration of the upper side of the head is different.

Wing length exceeds 72 mm.

Great tit — P. major (L.).

Wing length is less than 72 mm.

The feathers on the upper part of the head are elongated and form a noticeable crest.

Crested tit — P. cristatus (L.).

There is no crest on the head.

There is a white or whitish spot on the nape behind the black "cap".

Coal tit — P. ater (L.).

There is no white spot on the nape behind the black or brown "cap".

The black color of the head feathers has a blue metallic gloss.

Marsh tit — P. palustris (L.).

The black color on the head is matte, without a metallic gloss.

Willow tit — P. atricapillus (L.).

Genus Sparrow — Passer Identification key

The upper part of the head is chestnut-colored.

Eurasian tree sparrow — P. montanus (L.).

The upper part of the head is gray or brown.

House sparrow — P. domesticus (L.).

Genus Chaffinch — Fringilla Identification key

The rump is greenish. The inner webs of the 2 outermost rectrices have white spots.

Common chaffinch — F. coelebs (L.).

The rump is white. The inner webs of the 2 outermost rectrices lack white spots.

Brambling — F. montifringilla (L.) (migratory and wintering species).

Genus Redpoll — Acanthis Identification key

The coloration of the dorsal part of the body is brownish-gray with longitudinal dark stripes. There is a black spot on the throat. The inner webs of the rectrices lack wide longitudinal white stripes.

Common Redpoll — A. flammea (L.). (migratory and wintering species)

There are longitudinal dark stripes on the throat. The upper parts are dark brown with faint streaking. The outer margin of the inner webs of the rectrices features a wide longitudinal white stripe.

Common Linnet — A. cannabina (L.).