Nest characteristics of Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) in Middle and Upper Sakarya Region, Turkey

Egyptian vulture is an endangered vulture species all over the World. Turkey holds the substantial amount of the global population of the species in Western Palearctic. Middle and Upper Sakarya Region is an important host for the breeding Egyptian vulture population in Anatolia. In total 37 occupied nests were recorded in 2013 and 2014 years. In order to determine the nest characteristics 11 nest variables and cliff features were evaluated in this study. Egyptian vulture nests were determined both in hollows (n= 24) and on ledges (n= 13) at the middle part of the small limestone cliffs in the study area. The mean ± SD of cavity width and height are 2.0 ± 1.0 and 1.5 ± 0.6, respectively. Nests were situated predominantly southwestern exposure. Although the first data is given in this study about nest characteristics in the region, detailed studies are required on the relationship between nest site quality and breeding parameters to undertake conservation strategies for Egyption vulture in Turkey.