Abstract:

I studied the population size and habitat selection of the Red-breasted Flycather in the Kőszeg Mountains, W Hungary. Six breeding pairs were found. The potential Red-breasted Flycather habitats covered 645 ha, about 1/6th of the area of the Kőszeg Mountains. The breeding density was 0.018 pairs / 10 ha for the total area, and 0.09 pairs / 10 ha for the potential flycatcher habitats. The best breeding areas were stream-side forests facing NNE, with 80% beech (Fagus sylvatica) trees, older than 100 years. The conservation of the species, therefore, requires the preservation of old beech forests.