Global climate change impact on birds: a review of research in Lithuania

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the effect of climate change on different migratory processes: spring arrival, migratory take-off, spring and autumnal en mure migration The analysis of arrival dates of 128 bird species registered in Zuvintas and 48 species registered in Vilnius showed that, under the effect of global warming, spring arrival became markedly earlier both for short- and long-distance migrants. The difference between these arrival dates is more pronounced at the beginning of the arrival season, and it is less at the end of the season for short-distance migrants but more constant for long-distance migrants. We tried to explain the effect of climate change upon species specificity of bird migration, mechanisms controlling migratory movements. The article presents material confirming the impact of the global climate change on different breeding bird species and populations, changes of their ranges and population state. It was established that the impact of global warming upon birds of terrestrial and wetland complexes is more evident than upon waterfowl. We also attempted to explain changes in bird staging and wintering concentrations areas due to climate change. Attention is focussed on the aspects of the effect of climate change upon birds in environmental protection, aviation flight safety and other branches of economy.