MIGRATORY NETWORK AND POPULATION STATUS OF ARDEIDAE IN NORTHERN AZOV SEA REGION

The migratory network of eight Ardeidae species was considered regards the field research in Northern Azov Sea region in 1988-2003. Some 5405 individuals were banded and 44 recovery reports were obtained. The main route of autumn heron migrations was the south-western, the main wintering site were the Levant, Central and West Africa. It was proved the herons belong to local populations which are the part of large Azov-Black Sea geographical populations.