Branta Issues > Issue №14 (2011)

Influence of weather characteristics of the year on phenology of the Sand Martin (Riparia riparia) in South Ukraine

R. N. Chernichko

The influence of climatic characteristics of the year on arrival phenology was studied in 1978-1990s in the south of Odesa region (the lower reaches of Tylihulskyi Lyman). No correlation between mean temperature in April and arrival date of the Sand Martin was discovered (Fig. 1). Average and extreme terms of migration and reproductive cycle of the Sand Martin in South Ukraine were revealed (Fig. 2). The average overall duration of the species breeding season is 93 days, and it varies 70 to 110 days depending on weather and climatic features of the year. It was found out that the intensive migration starts after setting mean daily temperature as +13-14 °С; mass egg-laying occurs after reaching stable mean daily temperature of +16°С. Further continuation of the breeding cycle in the south of Ukraine is only slightly dependent on air temperature. More important is the frequency of days with rain (especially showers), mist and strong winds, because changing activity of insects in these days influences foraging success and associated energetic processes in adult birds and chicks. No significant effects of weather in a certain year on biometric characteristics of young birds were found out.