Ural Owl Strix Uralensis: Update of Its Distribution and First Record of Breeding in a Nest-box in Italy

27 Mar Ural Owl Strix Uralensis: Update of Its Distribution and First Record of Breeding in a Nest-box in Italy

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Abstract

English Abstract

A survey was carried out in the years 2004-2009 in suitable environments in NE Italy. Ural Owls were found breeding in the Natisone Valleys, in the same area where they had first been found breeding in Italy in the mid ’90’s: here, at least one pair successfully bred in a nest box in 2008 (first time in Italy). Other breeding pairs were found in the Cansiglio Forest; this finding moves the known SW border of the breeding range of the species about 80km westward. Another interesting finding is that at least one pair nested on pre-alpine sector, halfway between Slovenia and Cansiglio: this demonstrates that the Ural Owl can breed in rather small and fragmented forest patches. In 2009, territorial males were found in various pre-alpine sectors in Val Resia and Val Venzonassa previously unknown for the species.