Diurnal activity and occurrence frequency of birds according to density during the breeding season at Heydar Aliyev International Airport

Authors

  • Abulfaz Taghiyev Department of Zoology and Physiology, Baku State University, Baku, Azerbaijan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2521-4182
  • Firuza Gadirzada Department of Zoology and Physiology, Baku State University, Baku, Azerbaijan
  • Elmira Muradova Department of Zoology and Physiology, Baku State University, Baku, Azerbaijan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18223177

Keywords:

Breeding season, aviation safety, bird activity, strike risk, wildlife management at airports

Abstract

In 2023–2025, diurnal activity patterns and occurrence frequency of migratory-breeding and sedentary bird species were studied at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport. During the study period, 28 species belonging to 8 orders, 18 families, and 23 genera were recorded. Of these, 27 species were observed during daylight hours, while one Little owl (Athene noctua) was recorded at night. The main peak of bird activity occurred between 06:00-11:00 (27 species) and 19:00–21:00 (22 species), whereas the lowest activity was observed between 11:0-–18:00. Based on species density, seven species with an occurence frequency rated at 80–100 points-Glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), Great black-headed gull (Larus ichthyaetus), Caspian gull (Larus cachinnans), Common gull (Larus canus), Rock dove (Columba livia), Common starling (Sturnus vulgaris), and Hooded crow (Corvus cornix) pose a high risk of collision with aircraft due to their flocking behavior, collision probability, and potential strike severity. By assessing bird activity and occurrence frequency across the airport area and adjusting the daily operational schedules of aircraft accordingly, it is possible to reduce the risk of bird strikes posed by hazardous species.

Author Biographies

Abulfaz Taghiyev, Department of Zoology and Physiology, Baku State University, Baku, Azerbaijan

Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku State University (The Department of Zoology and Physiology),

Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Institute of Zoology

Elmira Muradova, Department of Zoology and Physiology, Baku State University, Baku, Azerbaijan

Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku State University (The Department of Zoology and Physiology)

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Published

2026-01-13

How to Cite

Taghiyev, A., Gadirzada, F., & Muradova, E. . (2026). Diurnal activity and occurrence frequency of birds according to density during the breeding season at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity, 9(4), 168–181. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18223177

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 4 (2025): Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity

Section

Original Article

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Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity

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