Census and spatial distribution of White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) population in Kosovo in 2017 and 2018

Abstract In this study, during 2017–2018, for the first time in Kosovo, research on the census, distribution and population dynamics of the White Stork was made. 61 new nests were found in the whole country territory and together with 22 known nests, the total population is recorded to 83 nests and 72 breeding pairs. In total, 461 chicks were raised in the successful nests. Breeding success for the country territory during the observation period of all breeding pairs was 3.18, and 3.19 of all breeding pairs that raised chicks. The mean breeding density for the entire country was 0.67 breeding pairs/100 km2 in 2017 and 0.70 in 2018. For the potential feeding habitats, it was 2.19 (2017) and 2.28 (2018). The densest area, the river basin of Lepenci held 2.48 pairs for 100 km2. 48.61% of all recorded White Stork nests were located on various poles.