Determination of Ornithological Potential of Iron Marshes (Bitlis-̇Muş)

Abstract

In the present study the bird species living in the Iron Marshes (Bitlis-Muş) were investigated. Dobinson's point and line transect methods were used for counting of birds. 173 bird species belonging to 40 families were identified during about a year of observation period. These species were classified as follows 29.5 % (n=51) resident, 53.17 % (n=92) migratory, 12.71 % (n=22) winter visitor and 4.62 % (n=8) transit migratory species. According to the Red Data Book, 20 species are in A.1.2, 34 species are in A.2, 48 species are in A.3, 19 species are in A.3.1, 17 species are in A.4, 23 species are in A.5, 1 species is in B.2, 6 species are in B.3, 2 species are in B.3.1, 2 species are in B4 status and 1 species is in B.5. According to the The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria, 2 species were determined to be in endangered (EN), 7 species in near threatened (NT), 3 species in vulnerable (VU) and 161 species in least concern (LC) status.