In autumn and winter cavities in old trees provide shelter for several passerines. But if the plants, by their nature, are also intended for fruit production, in addition to hedging they can provide food. European ornithologists have observed that there are 40 species of birds (including 35 passerines) present in 15 apple orchards and 15 pear plantations conducted in conventional agriculture, organic farming and integrated protection during the winter period. These species particularly benefit from uncollected fruit (especially if they are apples) left on trees or on the ground. In this regard, it should be noted that the fruits that rot in the soil become natural fertilizers and help to enrich it.
In a second study, conducted by French ornithologists in the winter in apple orchards in southeastern France, 41 species have been observed and it has been noted that conventional “modern” orchards, where many fruits are not harvested, can also host a considerable quantity and quality of subjects which varies according to the percentage of fruit not harvested. Observing their feeding behavior it has been possible to verify that birds generally prefer the ripe and withered fruits, so much so that some individuals seem more attracted to moldy fruits. Some individuals eat them on the ground, such as thrushes and blackbirds, while others peck them from the branches, like the tits, in general, and the Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla).
However, it should be emphasized that among the European species that regularly feed on apples in autumn and winter in orchards and gardens, the Cancellation (Sturnus vulgaris), the Blackbird (turdus merula), the Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos), the Redwing (Turdus iliacus), Cesena (Pilar turdus), the Robin (erithacus rubecula), the Finch (Fringilla coelebs), the Peppola (Fringilla montifringilla), the Jay (Garrulus glandarius), the Hooded Crow and the Black Crow (Corvus corone), Columbidae and Picidae in general. Ultimately, apple orchards and olive groves, as well as other types of orchards, play an important role for migratory and wintering birds (Walter Sassi).
Journalist. Born in Rome in 1982. Many passions, including that of hunting, matured thanks to the holidays in the Umbrian-Marchigiano Apennines and the tales of local hunters. He dedicated part of his studies to agriculture, the environment and the territory.
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