The Flanders region in Belgium, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, also offers an impressive biocultural diversity. Stretching from the flat polders and sandy dunes along the North Sea coast to the fertile fields and forests inland, this area encompasses a variety of ecosystems and habitats. The flora ranges from typical Flemish plants like reeds and water lilies to a variety of agricultural crops such as grains and fruit trees. The fauna includes a wealth of bird species nesting in the wetlands and along the coast, as well as various mammals like deer and foxes living in the forests. The people of Flanders have a close relationship with nature and are committed to preserving biocultural diversity, whether through conservation projects or sustainable agricultural practices. Despite challenges from urbanization and pollution, protecting and preserving this diversity remains crucial for the future of Flanders and the well-being of its inhabitants.
The original distribution of this pigeon species reached from Turkey to Japan. It has been spreading very quickly in Europe since the 1930s. The European collared dove appeared in Germany in 1945, in Belgium in 1950 and in Great Britain in 1953. In 1974, fewer than 50 doves escaped captivity in the Bahamas. They spread to Florida and now they are found in almost every state in the U.S. as well as in Mexico.
European collared doves are not migratory, but strongly dispersive. They breed close to human habitation. Almost every nest is within 1 km of inhabited buildings. They avoid forest areas, but need trees to breed (preferably conifers).
Jackdaws are very talkative birds and have - probably due to their high level of sociality - a very broad repertoire of sounds. Short, monosyllabic and metallic-clicking calls that sound higher than the vocalizations of larger ravens or crows are characteristic. The jackdaw has many situation-specific calls, most of which are choppy and high-pitched. But they also let out drawn-out, croaking vocalizations.
Although jackdaws can be found throughout the whole year, most populations migrate from the breeding areas in winter. The number of migratory birds depends on the climatic conditions. Around 70% of Polish jackdaws, but only 23% of Belgian jackdaws, leave the breeding areas in winter.
