Alpine swift colony

Alpine swift colony

Together with scientists from Swiss Ornithological Institute our research group have ongoing study on breeding and migration ecology in Alpine swifts (Tachymarptis melba). The study colony is situated in the city center of Sofia, Bulgaria. 
The investigation is possible through the courtesy of National centre for information and documentation (Bulgaria), Patent office of Republic of Bulgaria and the Bulgarian institute of metrology in which building the colony is situated. 

This is not an alien, it is a very cute fledgling of Alpine swift (Tachymarptis melba)

Nicola Bynkov in action!

Strahil Peev releasing an adult Alpine swift with attached geolocator.

The alpine swifts have strong and very powerful legs, contrary of the thinking that they "don't have legs".

Juvenile alpnie swift with a parent.

Juveniles in nest.

Beauty.

Young birds almost ready for first fly.

Other bird-related studies

1. Buttemer, W. A., Bauer, S., Emmenegger, T., Dimitrov, D., Peev, S., & Hahn, S. 2019 Moult-related reduction of aerobic scope in passerine birds. J. Comp. Physiol. B 189, 463–470. (doi:10.1007/s00360-019-01213-z)
2. Zehtindjiev, P., Vasilev, V., Marinov, M.P., Ilieva, M., Dimitrov, D., Peev, S., Raykov, I., Raykova, V., Ivanova, K., Bedev, K. & Yankov, Y. 2017 No Evidence for Displacement of Wintering Red-breasted Geese Branta ruficollis (Pallas, 1769) (Anseriformes) at a Wind Farms Area in Northeast Bulgaria: Long-term Monitoring Results. Acta Zool. Bulg. 69, 215–228. link
3. Зехтинджиев, П. 2017 За малките неща в голямата наука или как проследяването на българските птици открива нови хоризонти пред приложната наука. BBC Знание, 90, 36-39. link
4. Vasilev, V. & Marinov, M. P. 2017 Oological characteristics of a colony of Eurasian Jackdaw (Corvus monedula L.) in the town of Shumen, NE Bulgaria. Acta Zool. Bulg. 69, 143–147. link
5. Hahn, S., Dimitrov, D., Rehse, S., Yohannes, E. & Jenni, L. 2014 Avian claw morphometry and growth determine the temporal pattern of archived stable isotopes. J. Avian Biol. 45, 202–207. (doi:10.1111/j.1600-048X.2013.00324.x)
6. Michalczuk, J., McDevitt, A. D., Mazgajski, T. D., Figarski, T., Ilieva, M., Bujoczek, M., Malczyk, P. & Kajtoch, Ł. 2014 Tests of multiple molecular markers for the identification of Great Spotted and Syrian Woodpeckers and their hybrids. J. Ornithol. 155, 591–600. (doi:10.1007/s10336-014-1040-1)
7. Michev, B. T., Peev, S. G. & Michev, T. M. 2014 Birds of Open Waters off the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. Acta Zool. Bulg. 66, 485–492.  link
8. De Dinechin, M., Dobson, F. S., Zehtindjiev, P., Metcheva, R., Couchoux, C., Martin, A., Quillfeldt, P. & Jouventin, P. 2012 The biogeography of Gentoo Penguins (Pygoscelis papua). Can. J. Zool. 90, 352–360. (doi:10.1139/z2012-016)
9. Neto, J. M., Arroyo, J. L., Bargain, B., Monrós, J. S., Mátrai, N., Procházka, P. & Zehtindjiev, P. 2012 Phylogeography of a habitat specialist with high dispersal capability: the Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides. PLoS One 7, e38497. (doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0038497)
10. Schrey, W., Grispo, M., Awad, M., Cook, M. B., Mccoy, E. D., Mushinsky, H. R., Albayrak, T., Bensch, S., Burke, T., Butler, L. K., Dor, R., Fokidis, H. B., Jensen, H., Imboma, T., Kessler-Rios, M. M., Marzal, A., Stewart, I. R. K., Westerdahl, H., Westneat, D. F., Zehtindjiev, P., Martin, B. 2011 Broad-scale latitudinal patterns of genetic diversity among native European and introduced house sparrow (Passer domesticus) populations. Mol. Ecol. 20, 1133–1143. (doi:10.1111/j.1365-294X.2011.05001.x)
11. Zehtindjiev, P., Ilieva, M., Hansson, B., Oparina, O., Oparin, M. & Bensch, S. 2011 Population genetic structure in the paddyfield warbler (Acrocephalus agricola Jerd.). Curr. Zool. 57, 63–71. link
12. Hansson, B., Hasselquist, D., Tarka, M., Zehtindjiev, P. & Bensch, S. 2008 Postglacial colonisation patterns and the role of isolation and expansion in driving diversification in a passerine bird. PLoS One 3, e2794. (doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0002794)
13. Shurulinkov, P., Daskalova, G., Hristov, I., Ilieva, M., Pankova, R. & Day, J. 2008 Contribution to the knowledge on the breeding ornithofauna of Eastern Turkey. Acta Zool. Bulg. 60, 125-133. link
14. Oparina, O., Oparin, M. & Ilieva, M. 2007 Petty passerine bird communities of reeds in the Saratov Trans-Volga region (In Russian). Povolzhskiy J. Ecol. 2, 130–139.
15. Metcheva, R., Zehtindjiev, P., Bezrukov, V., Savov, A., Yankov, Y. 2006 Bill coloration of Gentoo (Pygoscelis papua ellsworthi). Part I. A Marker for Gentoo population studies. In: Golemansky, V., Mecheva, R. (Eds.) Bulgarian Antarctic Research, Life Sciences, 5, 37-45.
16. Zehtindjiev, P., Metcheva, R., Savov, A., Yankov, Y., Ludwig, A., Lieckfeldt, D. 2006 Polymorphism of the population in Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua, Aves: Sphenisciformes) from Livingston Island, South Shetlands. In: Golemansky, V., Mecheva R. (Eds.) Bulgarian Antarctic Research, Life Sciences, 5, 1-9.
17. Metcheva, R., Zehtindjiev, P., Savov, A., Trakijska, E. & Yankov, Y. 2005 Sex dimorphism established by body weight, beak and flipper length in Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua, Forster, 1781), (Aves: Sphenisciformes) from the Livingston Island. Acta Zool. Bulg. 57, 65–70.
18. Metcheva, R., Zehtindjiev, P. 2005 Distribution and Abundance of summer bird’s community from South Bay (Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica). In: Balkan Scientific Conference, Part II, pp. 453-458.
19. Zehtindjiev, P., Ragyov, D. 2005 Assessment of the risk of collision of night migrants with the planned wind energy turbines near the town of Balchik: a pilot study carried out in the autumn of 2003. In: Dereliev, S. et al. (comp.) Results of the study of birds and bats migration in the region of the planned wind energy park near the town of Balchik, north-eastern Bulgaria. Conservation Sequence, Report No 2-2005. BSPB, Sofia; pp. 28-38.
20. Metcheva, R., Zehtindjiev, P., Yankov, Y. 2004 Gentoo penguin colony estimations using digital photography. In: Golemansky, V., Chipev, N. (Eds.) Bulgarian Antarctic Research, Life Sciences, 4, 115-121 link.
21. Shurulinkov, P., Stoyanov, G., Tzvetkov, P., Vulchev, K., Kolchagov, R. & Ilieva, M. 2003 Distribution and abundance of Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius funereus on Mount Pirin, south-west Bulgaria. Sandgrouse 25, 103–109. link
22. Zehtindjiev, P., Shurulinkov, P., Tzonev, R. 2002 Present status of great bustard (Otis tarda) in Bulgaria. In: Proceedings of the International Meeting of the Working Group on the East-European Population of Great Bustard, Harkov, 24-28 October, pp. 42-47.
23. Bogdanova M., Zehtindjiev P. 2000 On the biology of the Ruddy Shelduck in Bulgaria. Casarca 6, 243-252.
24. Bogdanova, M., Zehtindjiev, P. 2000 Experimental release of Ruddy Shelduck in the nature (preliminary results). Casarca 6, 253-257.
25. Kutzarov, I., Zehtindziev, P., Iankov, P., Marinov, M., Kurtev, M. 1997 Kalimok Complex. In: Kostadinova, I. (comp.), Important Bird Areas in Bulgaria. BSPB Conservation Series. Book 1, Sofia, BSPB, pp. 101-103.

Bird migration

1. Åkesson, S., Bakam, H., Martinez Hernandez, E., Ilieva, M. & Bianco, G. 2021 Migratory orientation in inexperienced and experienced avian migrants. Ethol. Ecol. Evol. (in press) (doi:10.1080/03949370.2021.1905076)
2. Åkesson, S., Ilieva, M. & Bianco, G. 2021. Flexibility and Control of Circadian Activity, Migratory Restlessness and Fueling in Two Songbird Migrants. Front. Ecol. Evol. 9, 666176. (doi:10.3389/fevo.2021.666176)
3. Meier, C. M., Karaardıç, H., Aymí, R., Peev, S. G., Witvliet, W., & Liechti, F. 2020. Population‐specific adjustment of the annual cycle in a super‐swift trans‐Saharan migrant. J. Avian Biol., 51(1), e02515. (doi:10.1111/jav.02515)
4. Brlík, V., Malmiga, G., Dimitrov, D., Emmenegger, T., Gavrilov, A., Hasselquist, D., Peev, S., Willemoes, M., Yohannes, E., Hahn, S. Hansson, B., & Procházka, P. 2020 Population-specific assessment of carry-over effects across the range of a migratory songbird. Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol., 74(12), 143. (doi:10.1007/s00265-020-02929-7)
5. Stępniewska, K., Ożarowska, A., Busse, P., Bobrek, R., Zehtindjiev, P., Ilieva, M., & Meissner, W. 2020. Autumn migration strategy of juvenile great reed warblers Acrocephalus arundinaceus on the eastern European flyway: a spatiotemporal pattern of accumulation and utilisation of energy stores. Eur. Zool. J., 87(1), 537–551. (doi:10.1080/24750263.2020.1814882)
6. Michev, B., Zehtindjiev, P., Marinov, M., Zlatanov, T. 2020. Patterns of Bird Migration Defined by a Weather Radar at Part of the East European Flyway (Via Pontica). Acta Zool. Bulg., 72, 263-277. link
7. Hahn, S., Alves, J. A., Bedev, K., Costa, J. S., Emmenegger, T., Schulze, M., Tamm, P., Zehtindjiev, P., & Dhanjal‐Adams, K. L. 2020 Range wide migration corridors and non‐breeding areas of a northward expanding Afro‐Palaearctic migrant, the European Bee‐eater Merops apiaster. Ibis 162, 345-355. (doi:10.1111/ibi.12752)
8. Marx, M., Rocha, G., Zehtindjiev, P., Peev, S., Bakaloudis, D., Metzger, B., Cecere, J. G., Spina, F., Cianchetti‐Benedetti, M., Frahnert, S., Gamauf, A., Voigt, C. C, Quillfeldt, P. 2020 Using stable isotopes to assess population connectivity in the declining European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur). Conserv. Sci. Pract. 2, e152 (doi.org/10.1111/csp2.152)
9. Nilsson, C., Dokter, A. M., Verlinden, L., Shamoun-Baranes, J., Schmid, B., Desmet, P., Bauer, S., Chapman, J., Alves, J. A., Stepanian, P. M., Sapir, N., Wainwright, C., Boos, M., Górska, A., Menz, M. H. M., Rodrigues, P., Leijnse, H., Zehtindjiev, P., Brabant, R., Haase, G., Weisshaupt, N., Ciach, M., & Liechti, F. 2019 Revealing patterns of nocturnal migration using the European weather radar network. Ecography 42, 876-886. (doi:10.1111/ecog.04003)
10. Bianco, G., Köhler, R. C., Ilieva, M., & Åkesson, S. 2019 Magnetic body alignment in migratory songbirds: A computer vision approach. J. Exp. Biol. 222, jeb196469 (doi:10.1242/jeb.196469)
11. Bianco, G., Ilieva, M., & Åkesson, S. 2019 Magnetic storms disrupt nocturnal migratory activity in songbirds. Biol. Lett. 15, 20180918. (doi:10.1098/rsbl.2018.0918)
12. Мичев, Т., Зехтинджиев, П. 2019 Виа Понтика. BBC Знание 2, 59-65 (линк)
13. Hahn, S., Dimitrov, D., Emmenegger, T., Ilieva, M., Peev, S., Zehtindjiev, P., & Briedis, M. 2019 Migration, wing morphometry and wing moult in Spanish and House Sparrows from the eastern Balkan Peninsula. J. Ornithol. 160, 271–274. (doi:10.1007/s10336-018-1597-1)
14. Ilieva, M., Bianco, G., & Åkesson, S. 2018 Effect of geomagnetic field on migratory activity in a diurnal passerine migrant, the dunnock, Prunella modularis. Anim. Behav. 146, 79–85. (doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2018.10.007)
15. Liechti, F., Bauer, S., Dhanjal-Adams, K. L., Emmenegger, T., Zehtindjiev, P., & Hahn, S. 2018 Miniaturized multi-sensor loggers provide new insight into year-round flight behaviour of small trans-Sahara avian migrants. Mov. Ecol. 6, 19. (doi:10.1186/s40462-018-0137-1)
16. Najdenski, H., Dimova, T., Zaharieva, M. M., Nikolov, B. P., Petrova-Dinkova, G., Dalakchieva, S., Popov, K. S., Hristova-Nikolova, I. P., Zehtindjiev, P., Peev, S. G., Trifonova-Hristova, A., Carniel, E., Panferova, Y. A., & Tokarevich, N. K. 2018 Migratory birds along the Mediterranean/Black Sea Flyway as carriers of zoonotic pathogens. Can. J. Microbiol. 64, 915-924. (doi:10.1139/cjm-2017-0763)
17. Stepniewska, K., Ozarowska, A., Busse, P., Zehtindjiev, P., Ilieva, M., Hnatyna, O., & Meissner, W. 2018 Fuelling strategies differ among juvenile Sedge and Reed Warblers along the eastern European flyway during autumn migration. Ornis Fenn. 95, 103–114. link
18. Brlík, V., Ilieva, M., Lisovski, S., Voigt, C. C., & Procházka, P. 2018 First insights into the migration route and migratory connectivity of the Paddyfield Warbler using geolocator tagging and stable isotope analysis. J. Ornithol. 159, 879–882. (doi:10.1007/s10336-018-1557-9)
19. Procházka, P., Brlík, V., Yohannes, E., Meister, B., Auerswald, J., Ilieva, M., & Hahn, S. 2018 Across a migratory divide: divergent migration directions and non-breeding grounds of Eurasian reed warblers revealed by geolocators and stable isotopes. J. Avian Biol. 49, jav-012516. (doi:10.1111/jav.01769)
20. Meier, C. M., Karaardıç, H., Aymí, R., Peev, S. G., Bächler, E., Weber, R., Witvliet, W.  & Liechti, F. 2018 What makes Alpine swift ascend at twilight? Novel geolocators reveal year-round flight behaviour. Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol. 72, 45. (doi:10.1007/s00265-017-2438-6)
21. Åkesson, S., Ilieva, M., Karagicheva, J., Rakhimberdiev, E., Tomotani, & Helm, B. 2017 Timing avian long-distance migration: from internal clock mechanisms to global flights. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B. Biol. Sci. 372, 20160252. (doi:10.1098/rstb.2016.0252)
22. Michev, B., Zehtindjiev, P., Marinov, M. P. & Liechti, F. 2017 Relationship between the Intensity of Nocturnal Migration Measured by Radar and the Anthropogenic Mortality of Birds. Acta Zool. Bulg. 69, 229–237. link
23. Koleček, J., Procházka, P., Elarabany, N., Tarka, M., Ilieva, M., Hahn, S., Honza, M., De la Puente, J., Bermejo, A., Gürsoy, A., Bensch, S., Zehtindjiev, P., Hasselquist, D., & Hansson, B. 2016 Cross-continental migratory connectivity and spatiotemporal migratory patterns in the great reed warbler. J. Avian Biol. 47, 756–767. (doi:10.1111/jav.00929)
24. Calderón, L., Campagna, L., Wilke, T., Lormee, H., Eraud, C., Dunn, J. C., Rocha, G., Zehtindjiev, P., Bakaloudis, D. E., Metzger, B., Cecere, J. G., Marx, M., & Quillfeldt, P. 2016 Genomic evidence of demographic fluctuations and lack of genetic structure across flyways in a long distance migrant, the European turtle dove. BMC Evol. Biol. 16, 237. (doi:10.1186/s12862-016-0817-7)
25. Ilieva, M., Bianco, G. & Åkesson, S. 2016 Does migratory distance affect fuelling in a medium-distance passerine migrant?: results from direct and step-wise simulated magnetic displacements. Biol. Open 5, 272-278. (doi:10.1242/bio.014779)
26. Bianco, G., Ilieva, M., Veibäck, C., Öfjäll, K., Gadomska, A., Hendeby, G., Felsberg, M., Gustafsson, F. & Åkesson, S. 2016 Emlen funnel experiments revisited: methods update for studying compass orientation in songbirds. Ecol. Evol.  6, 6930–6942. (doi:10.1002/ece3.2383)
27. Emmenegger, T., Hahn, S., Arlettaz, R., Amrhein, V., Zehtindjiev, P. & Bauer, S. 2016 Shifts in vegetation phenology along flyways entail varying risks of mistiming in a migratory songbird. Ecosphere 7, e01385. (doi:10.1002/ecs2.1385)
28. Briedis, M., Träff, J., Hahn, S., Ilieva, M., Král, M., Peev, S. & Adamík, P. 2016 Year-round spatiotemporal distribution of the enigmatic Semi-collared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata. J. Ornithol. 157, 895-900. (doi:10.1007/s10336-016-1334-6)
29. Hahn, S., Korner-Nievergelt, F., Emmenegger, T., Amrhein, V., Csörgő, T., Gursoy, A., Ilieva, M., Kverek, P., Pérez-Tris, J., Pirrello, S., Zehtindjiev, P. & Salewski, V. 2016 Longer wings for faster springs - wing length relates to spring phenology in a long-distance migrant across its range. Ecol. Evol. 6, 68-77. (doi: 10.1002/ece3.1862)
30. Åkesson, S., Odin, C., Hegedüs, R., Ilieva, M., Sjöholm, C., Farkas, A. & Horváth, G. 2015 Testing avian compass calibration: comparative experiments with diurnal and nocturnal passerine migrants in South Sweden. Biol. Open 4, 35–47. (doi:10.1242/bio.20149837)
31. Hahn, S., Emmenegger, T., Lisovski, S., Amrhein, V., Zehtindjiev, P. & Liechti, F. 2014 Variable detours in long-distance migration across ecological barriers and their relation to habitat availability at ground. Ecol. Evol. 4, 4150–4160. (doi:10.1002/ece3.1279)
32. Hahn, S., Amrhein, V., Zehtindjiev, P. & Liechti, F. 2013 Strong migratory connectivity and seasonally shifting isotopic niches in geographically separated populations of a long-distance migrating songbird. Oecologia 173, 1217–1225. (doi:10.1007/s00442-013-2726-4)
33. Mettler, R., Schaefer, M., Chernetsov, N., Fiedler, W., Hobson, K., Ilieva, M., Imhof, E., Johnsen, A., Renner, S., Rolshausen, G. & Seeano, D. 2013 Contrasting patterns of genetic differentiation among Blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla) with divergent migratory orientations in Europe. PLoS One 8, e81365. (doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0081365)
34. Ozarowska, A., Ilieva, M., Zehtindjiev, P., Åkesson, S. & Muś, K. 2013 A new approach to evaluate multimodal orientation behaviour of migratory passerine birds recorded in circular orientation cages. J. Exp. Biol. 216, 4038–4046. (doi:10.1242/jeb.088757)
35. Ilieva, M., Toews, D. P. L., Bensch, S., Sjöholm, C. & Åkesson, S. 2012 Autumn migratory orientation and displacement responses of two willow warbler subspecies (Phylloscopus trochilus trochilus and P. t. acredula) in South Sweden. Behav. Processes 91, 253–261. (doi:10.1016/j.beproc.2012.09.005)
36. Zehtindjiev, P., Ilieva, M. & Åkesson, S. 2010 Autumn orientation behaviour of paddyfield warblers, Acrocephalus agricola, from a recently expanded breeding range on the western Black Sea coast. Behav. Processes 85, 167–71. (doi:10.1016/j.beproc.2010.07.003)
37. Zehtindjiev, P., Ilieva, M. & Bogdanova, M. I. 2010 Temporal dynamics of passerine bird migration in the Eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. Ardeola 57, 375–386. link
38. Marchetti, C. & Zehtindjiev, P. 2009 Migratory orientation of sedge warblers (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) in relation to eating and exploratory behaviour. Behav. Processes 82, 293–300. (doi:10.1016/j.beproc.2009.07.008)
39. Hilgerloh, G., Weinbecker, J. & Zehtindjiev, P. 2006 Autumn migration of passerine long-distance migrants in northern Morocco observed by moon-watching. Ringing Migr. 23, 53–56. (doi:10.1080/03078698.2006.9674344)
40. Ilieva, M. & Zehtindjiev, P. 2005 Migratory state: body mass and fat level of some passerine long-distance migrants during autumn migration in north-eastern Bulgaria. Ring 27, 61–67. (doi:10.2478/v10050-008-00008-z)
41. Zehtindjiev, P. 2005 Body Condition and Fat Score in Local and Passage Populations of the Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) During the Spring Migration in NE Bulgaria. Ring 27, 137–143. (doi:10.2478/v10050-008-0025-y)
42. Zehtindjiev, P., Ilieva, M., Ożarowska, A. & Busse, P. 2003 Directional behaviour of the Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) studied in two types of orientation cages during autumn migration - a case study. Ring 25, 53–63. (doi:10.2478/v10050-008-0074-2)
43. Zehtindjiev, P. & Liechti, F. 2003 A quantitative estimate of the spatial and temporal distribution of nocturnal bird migration in south-eastern Europe – a coordinated moon-watching study. Avian Sci. 3, 37–45.
44. Zehtindjiev, P. 2003 Quantitative assessment of bird migration and topographic effect via High Mountain Network. In: Stamenov J. & Vachev B. (eds) High Mountain Observatories and the challenges of the 21st century. HIMONTONET FP5 Project, Sofia, pp. 231–235.
45. Zehtindjiev, P. 2001 Autumn nocturnal migration of waterbirds (Anseriformes and Charadriiformes) in North-Eastern Bulgaria. Ardeola 48, 1–10. link
46. Bolshakov, C. V., Zehtindjiev, P., Bulyuk, V. N. & Sinelschikova, A. 1998 Flight directions and density of nocturnal passerine migration in the northern part of the Balkan Peninsula in autumn: preliminary results. Avian Ecol. Behav. 1, 50–67. link
47. Branta migration: first experiments with Red-breasted geese satellite tracking in Bulgaria. Branta 2, 6-7,1997. link

Study site - Biological experimental station "Kalimok"

Biological experimental station "Kalimok"

 Biological experimental station "Kalimok" is located in North-east Bulgaria near the town of Tutrakan. The station is part of ecological field stations network belonging to the Institute of biodiversity and ecosystem research (Bulgarian academy of sciences). The station is in protected area named "Kalimok Brashlen" which contain more than 5000 ha of wetland, marshes and reed beds. The Danube river is just 2,5 km North of the station.

"Kalimok" station provide basic laboratory facilities and equipment for complex environmental studies of birds, incl. breeding equipment, ringing and experimental studies of birds.

The canal used for controlled flooding of the protected area is passing near by the field station "Kalimok". Photo: Ivan Yanchev

"Kalimok" field station from above. Photo: Ivan Yanchev

Part of protected area "Kalimok Brashlen", just next to Danube river. Photo: Ivan Yanchev

The station is part of "Centre for breeding and reintroduction of rare bird species. Nowadays there are 4 breeding pairs of Rudy Shelducks (Tadorna ferruginea).

Setting up mistnets from part of the team, May 2014. 

Moustached warbler (Acrocephalus melanopogon), a rare visitor in the area.

Parasites

1. Ivanova-Aleksandrova, N., Christova, I., Dimitrov, D., Marinov, M. P., Panayotova, E., Trifonova, I., Taseva, E., Gladnishka, T.,  Kamenov, G., Ilieva, M.,  Zehtindjiev, P. 2021. Records of Ixodid Ticks on Wild Birds in Bulgaria. Probl. Infect. Parasit. Dis. 49(2), 35–39. link
2. Emmenegger, T., Bensch, S., Hahn, S., Kishkinev, D., Procházka, P., Zehtindjiev, P., & Bauer, S. 2020. Effects of blood parasite infections on spatiotemporal migration patterns and activity budgets in a long‐distance migratory passerine. Ecol. Evol., ece3.7030. (doi:10.1002/ece3.7030)
3. Neto, J. M., Mellinger, S., Halupka, L., Marzal, A., Zehtindjiev, P., & Westerdahl, H. 2020. Seasonal dynamics of haemosporidian (Apicomplexa, Haemosporida) parasites in house sparrows Passer domesticus at four European sites: comparison between lineages and the importance of screening methods. Int. J. Parasitol., 50, 523-532. (doi:10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.03.008)
4. Dimitrov, D., Marinov, M. P., Bobeva, A., Ilieva, M., Bedev, K., Atanasov, T., & Zehtindjiev, P. 2019. Haemosporidian parasites and leukocyte profiles of pre-migratory rosy starlings (Pastor roseus) brought into captivity. Anim. Migr. 6, 41–48. (doi:10.1515/ami-2019-0005)
5. Tokarevich, N. K., Panferova, Y. A., Freylikhman, O. A., Blinova, O. V., Medvedev, S. G., Mironov, S. V., Tretyakov, K. A., Dimova, T., Zaharieva, M. M., Nikolov, B., Zehtindjiev, P., Najdenski, H. 2019. Coxiella burnetii in ticks and wild birds. Ticks Tick. Borne. Dis. 10, 377–385. (doi:10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.11.020)
6. Emmenegger, T., Bauer, S., Dimitrov, D., Olano Marin, J., Zehtindjiev, P., & Hahn, S. 2018. Host migration strategy and blood parasite infections of three sparrow species sympatrically breeding in Southeast Europe. Parasitol. Res. 117, 3733–3741. (doi:10.1007/s00436-018-6072-7)
7. Dimitrov, D., Ilieva, M., Ivanova, K., Brlík, V., & Zehtindjiev, P. 2018 Detecting local transmission of avian malaria and related haemosporidian parasites (Apicomlexa, Haemosporida) at a Special Protection Area of Natura 2000 network. Parasitol. Res. 117, 2187–2199. (doi:10.1007/s00436-018-5906-7)
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9. Ivanova, K., Zehtindjiev, P., Mariaux, J., Dimitrov, D., & Georgiev, B. B. 2018 Avian haemosporidians from rain forests in Madagascar: Molecular and morphological data of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon. Infect. Genet. Evol. 58, 115–124. (doi:10.1016/j.meegid.2017.12.017)
10. Marinov, M. P., Marchetti, C., Dimitrov, D., Ilieva, M., & Zehtindjiev, P. 2017 Mixed haemosporidian infections are associated with higher fearfulness in Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava). Can. J. Zool. 95, 405-410. (doi:10.1139/cjz-2016-0121)
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12. Peev, S., Zehtindjiev, P., Ilieva, M., Träff, J., Briedis, M. & Adamík, P. 2016 Haemosporidian blood parasite diversity and prevalence in the semi-collared flycatcher (Ficedula semitorquata) from the eastern Balkans. Parasitol. Int. 65, 613–617. (doi:10.1016/j.parint.2016.09.007)
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16. Hellgren, O., Atkinson, C. T., Bensch, S., Albayrak, T., Dimitrov, D., Ewen, J., Kim, K. S., Lima, M. R., Martin, L., Palinauskas, V., Ricklefs, R., Seghal, R. N. M., Valkiunas, G., Tsuda, Y. & Marzal, A. 2015 Global phylogeography of the avian malaria pathogen Plasmodium relictum based on MSP1 allelic diversity. Ecography 38, 842–850. (doi: 10.1111/ecog.01158)
17. Dimitrov, D., Palinauskas, V., Iezhova, T. A., Bernotienė, R., Ilgūnas, M., Bukauskaitė, D., Zehtindjiev, P., Ilieva, M., Shapoval, A. P., Bolshakov, C. V., Markovets, M. Y., Bensch, S. & Valkiūnas, G. 2015 Plasmodium spp.: An experimental study on vertebrate host susceptibility to avian malaria. Exp. Parasitol. 148, 1–16. (doi: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.11.005)
18. Asghar, M., Hasselquist, D., Hansson, B., Zehtindjiev, P., Westerdahl, H. & Bensch, S. 2015 Hidden costs of infection: Chronic malaria accelerates telomere degradation and senescence in wild birds. Science 347, 436–438. (doi:10.1126/science.1261121)
19. Ivanova, K., Zehtindjiev, P., Mariaux, J. & Georgiev, B. B. 2015 Genetic diversity of avian haemosporidians in Malaysia: cytochrome b lineages of the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus (Haemosporida) from Selangor. Infect. Genet. Evol. 31, 33–39. (doi:10.1016/j.meegid.2015.01.004)
20. Dimitrov, D., Zehtindjiev, P., Bensch, S., Ilieva, M., Iezhova, T. & Valkiūnas, G. 2014 Two new species of Haemoproteus Kruse, 1890 (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) from European birds, with emphasis on DNA barcoding for detection of haemosporidians in wildlife. Syst. Parasitol. 87, 135–151. (doi:10.1007/s11230-013-9464-1)
21. Valkiūnas, G., Palinauskas, V., Ilgūnas, M., Bukauskaitė, D., Dimitrov, D., Bernotienė, R., Zehtindjiev, P., Ilieva, M. & Iezhova, T. A. 2014 Molecular characterization of five widespread avian haemosporidian parasites (Haemosporida), with perspectives on the PCR-based detection of haemosporidians in wildlife. Parasitol. Res. 113, 2251–2263. (doi:10.1007/s00436-014-3880-2)
22. Dimitrov, D., Valkiūnas, G., Zehtindjiev, P., Ilieva, M. & Bensch, S. 2013 Molecular characterization of haemosporidian parasites (Haemosporida) in yellow wagtail (Motacilla flava), with description of in vitro ookinetes of Haemoproteus motacillae. Zootaxa 3666, 369–381. (doi:10.11646/zootaxa.3666.3.7)
23. Zehtindjiev, P., Ivanova, K., Mariaux, J. & Georgiev, B. B. 2013 First data on the genetic diversity of avian haemosporidians in China: Cytochrome b lineages of the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus (Haemosporida) from Gansu Province. Parasitol. Res. 112, 3509–3515. (doi:10.1007/s00436-013-3533-x)
24. Asghar, M., Westerdahl, H., Zehtindjiev, P., Ilieva, M., Hasselquist, D. & Bensch, S. 2012 Primary peak and chronic malaria infection levels are correlated in experimentally infected great reed warblers. Parasitology 139, 1246–1252. (doi:10.1017/S0031182012000510)
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27. Zehtindjiev, P., Križanauskienė, A., Scebba, S., Dimitrov, D., Valkiūnas, G., Hegemann, A., Tieleman, B. I. & Bensch, S. 2011 Haemosporidian infections in skylarks (Alauda arvensis): a comparative PCR-based and microscopy study on the parasite diversity and prevalence in southern Italy and the Netherlands. Eur. J. Wildl. Res. 58, 335–344. (doi:10.1007/s10344-011-0586-y)
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30. Mutafchiev, Y., Zehtindjiev, P. & Georgiev, B. 2009 First record of the nematode Aviculariella alcedonis (Yamaguti et Mitunaga, 1943) (Spirurida, Acuariidae) in Europe, with SEM observations and comments on its taxonomic position. Acta Parasitol. 54, 374–379. (doi:10.2478/s11686-009-0057-8)
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32. Zehtindjiev, P., Ilieva, M., Križanauskienė, A., Oparina, O., Oparin, M. & Bensch, S. 2009 Occurrence of haemosporidian parasites in the paddyfield warbler, Acrocephalus agricola (Passeriformes, Sylviidae). Acta Parasitol. 54, 295–300. (doi:10.2478/s11686-009-0052-0)
33. Valkiūnas, G., Zehtindjiev, P., Dimitrov, D., Križanauskienė, A., Iezhova, T. A. & Bensch, S. 2008 Polymerase chain reaction-based identification of Plasmodium (Huffia) elongatum, with remarks on species identity of haemosporidian lineages deposited in GenBank. Parasitol. Res. 102, 1185–1193. (doi:10.1007/s00436-008-0892-9)
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Vectors of birds' haemosporidians

1. Bukauskaitė, D., Žiegytė, R., Palinauskas, V., Iezhova, T. A., Dimitrov, D., Ilgūnas, M., Bernotienė, R., Markovets, M. Y. & Valkiūnas, G. 2015 Biting midges (Culicoides, Diptera) transmit Haemoproteus parasites of owls: evidence from sporogony and molecular phylogeny. Parasites & Vectors 8, 303. (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-0910-6)
2. Bobeva, A., Zehtindjiev, P., Ilieva, M., Dimitrov, D., Mathis, A. & Bensch, S. 2015 Host preferences of ornithophilic biting midges of the genus Culicoides in the Eastern Balkans. Med. Vet. Entomol. 29, 290–296. (doi:10.1111/mve.12108)
3. Bobeva, A., Ilieva, M., Dimitrov, D. & Zehtindjiev, P. 2014 Degree of associations among vectors of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) and host bird species with respect to haemosporidian parasites in NE Bulgaria. Parasitol. Res. 113, 4505–4511. (doi:10.1007/s00436-014-4140-1)
4. Bobeva, A., Zehtindjiev, P., Bensch, S. & Radrova, J. 2013 A survey of biting midges of the genus Culicoides Latreille, 1809 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in NE Bulgaria, with respect to transmission of avian haemosporidians. Acta Parasitol. 58, 585–591. (doi:10.2478/s11686-013-0185-z)

 Goritsa Oak Forest

Together with Johan Traff (Gotland, Sweden), Dr. Peter Adamik and Dr. Pert Prohazka (Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic) the RG of Avian blood parasites takes part of an ongoing study on the breeding ecology, blood parasites infection and migration strategies of the semi collared flycatcher (Ficedula semitorquata). The study population is located in the Kamchya Mountain, East Bulgaria (see map), at around 150 m above main sea level. The breeding localities are in young deciduous forest, mainly oak (Quercus spp) and all of used for this study semi-collared flycatchers are from nest box breeding population.

Map of the study area made by Viktor Vasilev (University of Shumen, Bulgaria)

Miroslav Kral (Czech Republic) setting up "nest box trap" for catching adult semicollared, may 2014.

Male semi collared flycatcher in the Oak Goritsa forest. Photo: Johan Traff

Male semi collared flycatcher (Ficedula semitroquata)

Dr. Peter Adamik and Miroslav Kral preparing for a catch.

Fledglings of semi collared flycatchers. 

Johan Traff (Sweden) ringing adult semicollared flycatcher.

Johan Traff with Strahil Peev (PhD student) at the study area.