{rfName}
Te

Indexed in

License and use

Citations

Altmetrics

Analysis of institutional authors

Perez Olea, Angel PedroAuthor
Share
Publications
>
Article

Temporal variability in nest numbers of Rook (Corvus frugilegus) colonies: Influence of nearby rookeries and insights for species censuses

Publicated to:POLISH JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY. 71 (4): 141-152 - 2023-12-01 71(4), DOI: 10.3161/15052249PJE2023.71.4.004

Authors: Gil-Gutiérrez, A.M; Olea, P.P.

Affiliations

Univ Autonoma Madrid UAM, Fac Ciencias, Dept Ecol, Terr Ecol Grp TEG, Madrid 28049, Spain - Author
Univ Autonoma Madrid, Ctr Invest Biodivers & Cambio Global CIBC UAM, Madrid 28049, Spain - Author

Abstract

While numerous censuses are conducted in Rook (Corvus frugilegus) populations, there is still a lack of comprehensive evaluations regarding the methodologies employed and factors influencing population estimates. Here, we assess patterns of nest number variation in colonies through the breeding season and examine some factors influencing this variability. We conducted four censuses in 18 colonies of the entire Spanish breeding population of Rook spread out over the breeding season, from 18th March to 11th April. The total population's nests count increased by 22% over the census period, with the highest count of 1,877 nests recorded on the last census date. Number nests within the rookeries exhibited fluctuations throughout the census period, with an average variation of 12%, predominantly decreasing over time; variations were higher during the second half of March compared to the first half of April. The temporal variability in rookery nest numbers was found to be independent of colony size, rookery type or census technique. However, it was positively influenced by the number of nests in nearby rookeries located within a 6 km radius, likely due to immigration and emigration processes. While most rookeries (72%) reached their peak nest numbers on the last census day (April 11th), the timing of this peak varied among colonies. This asynchrony leads to variations in the total population nest counts, depending on whether we base it on a single census date or select different dates when colonies reach their maximum nest numbers. Our results emphasize the importance of considering intra-colony temporal variations during the breeding period in census surveys to ensure robust comparisons among colonies and of the total population over time.

Keywords
BreedinColonyCorvus frugilegusRookeriesSpanish rook populationVariation coefficient

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal POLISH JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, and although the journal is classified in the quartile Q4 (Agencia WoS (JCR)), its regional focus and specialization in Ecology, give it significant recognition in a specific niche of scientific knowledge at an international level.

Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2025-05-24:

  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 1 (PlumX).
Leadership analysis of institutional authors

There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: First Author (Gil-Gutierrez, Alejandro M) and Last Author (PEREZ OLEA, ANGEL PEDRO).

the author responsible for correspondence tasks has been Gil-Gutierrez, Alejandro M.