Martiusheva O. Swallows (Hirundinidae) ecology in Ukraine (migrations, density and spatial distribution)

In dissertation the total number of swallows was estimated (the model species - Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica L.). A new method for estimation of destiny of swallows nesting population was proposed. The method is based on absolute censuses of control areas. Further extrapolation of swallow populations was carried out for the territories of different climate zones of Ukraine. It was shown that the swallows' distribution in the different geographical zones in relative expression depends on with index nests/house. Value of the index is the lowest for the highlands and at the average it is 0.45, for the Forest zone it is 1.58, for the Steppe zone - 1.74 and it is the highest for the Forest-Steppe zone - 2.11 nest per house. The average density of swallows' nests in different regions varies from 5,3 to 26,57 per km. The swallows' nests distribution for different types of stations was investigated (overall number of found nests is 16137). Our results demonstrate the differences in nests spacing for different regions. The found distinctions between swallows' numbers and densities in different geographical zones are connected with climate, degree of open and overgrown with trees territories, traditional architecture (that has an influence on suitable nest sites), peculiarities of faming (that have an influence supplies of food). In whole, Barn Swallow prefer for nesting the housing for livestock with cattle inside (41,43%) and places under roof of various buildings (34,11%). The temporal and spatial characteristic of spring and autumn migrations of swallows (Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica L., House Martin Delichon urbica L. and Sand Martin Riparia riparia L.) for whole territory of Ukraine for period 30 years was defined. The routes, directions and terms of these species' migrations were found out. The reasons and trends of changes the above mentioned parameters were analyzed and the forecasts were formulated.