Abstract:

This is the first study regarding offshore seabird sightings in Turkish waters. The survey was carried out in Finike Seamounts (Anaximander) region and adjacent waters for 10 days in spring and seven days in autumn of 2021. Bird distributions were determined by visual observations that were carried out onboard R/V YUNUS-S with the standard line transect method. In total, 19 bird species belonging to seven Ordos and 11 Families were recorded. The first three dominant groups of species were Scopoli’s shearwater (Calonectris diomedea, n: 92, 47%), and common tern (Sterna hirundo, n: 22, 11%), and common swift (Apus apus, n: 15, 8%). In the Turkish coastal and offshore region of the Mediterranean,  migratory movements and distribution of bird species, mainly Ardeidae (Ciconiiformes) and Laridae, Sternidae, and Scolopacidae (Charadriiformes), were observed in spring and autumn. In this paper, the observed and anticipated migration routes were described for those species. Detailed and long-term studies over larger areas are recommended at offshore regions in Türkiye.

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