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The Phenomenon of the Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs L.) as the Absolute Dominant in European Forest Bird Communities

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Abstract—

According to published data on bird abundance in Europe, the chaffinch has proved to be the most abundant species. To reveal the causes of its absolute dominance in all bird communities оf the European forest zone, an analysis has been made of parameters characterizing the ecological niche, reproduction, migrations, survival rate, and other aspects of the life strategy of this species in comparison with two other highly abundant bird species. The results show that the strategies of the chaffinch and the willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)—a species from a different family—are highly similar, while those of the chaffinch and the closely related brambling (Fringilla montifringilla) significantly differ from each other.

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  1. Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034, St. Petersburg, Russia

    V. A. Payevsky

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Translated by N. Gorgolyuk

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Payevsky, V.A. The Phenomenon of the Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs L.) as the Absolute Dominant in European Forest Bird Communities. Russ J Ecol 51, 82–89 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1067413620010087

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