White and tundra partridges in the Basegi Nature Reserve. Species on the southern border of the range

Abstract

The article analyzes the long-term (1984-2023) dynamics of registrations of white and tundra partridges on the territory of the Basegi Reserve (Middle Urals, Perm Krai). The author systematizes the available materials on the frequency and content of encounters of these species in Basegas, summarizes his own long-term field observations on the specifics of the territorial distribution of white and tundra partridges in the areas of their joint habitat, draws conclusions about the existing trends in the development of these species of grouse birds of the extreme southern boundaries of their range on the western macroscline of the Ural Mountains. Rare, but fairly regular meetings of white partridges observed over the past 40 years on all three massifs of the Basegi ridge (the Northern, Middle and Southern Baseg mountains), as well as on the upper marshes and forest roads in the adjacent taiga zone, allow us to determine the status of this species in the reserve as rare, small, periodically nesting birds. Reliable facts of registration of tundra partridge on the Northern Baseg Mountain noted in May and September 2023 make it possible to include this species in the list of inhabitants of the protected area. However, the status of this bird's stay in Basegi is unclear and requires clarification.