Effect of Landscape Configuration on Bird Communities in Abandoned Agricultural Lands in Bulgaria

Changes of distribution and abundance of common birds associated with alterations in the composition and configuration of landscapes in Bulgaria are presented. They are measured by a set of metrics in a model area of abandoned agricultural lands in different stages of vegetation succession. Under such conditions, the edge effect proved to be а significant factor for the species composition. The established specific preferences of the farmland and forest specialists as well as the generalist species in four landscape classes (Open Landscapes, Shrubland, Open Forest and Forest) contribute to better understanding of the causes of changes in breeding population trends. These data allow predicting the impact on the habitat bird guilds when developing landscape management plans for protected areas or conservation measures for priority bird species. This approach can increase the effectiveness of the implementation of European agri-environmental measures.