Higher education in Urmia (West Azerbaijan, Iran) has a distinguished historical background. The region’s first modern higher education institution dates back to 1879 with the establishment of Westminster Medical College. In 1965, the foundation of modern Urmia University was laid through the creation of an agricultural higher education center, which gradually developed into one of the major academic institutions in northwestern Iran.
Within this historical setting, the City Campus, particularly its central garden, represents one of the oldest landscaped sections of the university. Historically characterized by orchard-like vegetation and mature tree cover, the area has maintained ecological continuity over decades. The presence of tall deciduous trees, layered shrubs, open lawns, and relatively low disturbance zones has allowed this green space to function as an urban biodiversity refuge.
During systematic field photography sessions conducted across the campus, more than 20 bird species were documented. This diversity demonstrates how structured green spaces within academic environments can sustain both resident and migratory bird populations.
Corvids: Intelligent and Ecologically Versatile
Several members of the Crow family (Corvidae) were recorded, reflecting the ecological adaptability of this group.
Western Jackdaw (Corvus monedula), often observed in small social groups, utilizes tree cavities and building structures.
The Western Jackdaw is a highly social member of the corvid family, often observed in small groups. It nests in tree cavities, building crevices, or elevated structures. Its omnivorous diet includes insects, seeds, and human food remnants.
During the breeding season, strong pair bonds form and may last for several years. The species displays complex social behavior and notable intelligence. Vocal communication plays a central role in maintaining group cohesion.
Rook (Corvus frugilegus) The Rook is a highly social crow species that nests in large colonies.
It commonly inhabits agricultural fields and open landscapes. Its diet includes grains, earthworms, and invertebrates.
Nests are built high in trees in communal groups. Pair bonds can be long-lasting. The species exhibits complex social organization.
Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica). The Eurasian Magpie is a highly intelligent and curious bird commonly found in open and semi-urban habitats.
It builds a dome-shaped nest made of twigs high in trees. Its diet is varied, including insects, eggs of other birds, seeds, and human-related food sources.
Courtship includes visual displays and specific vocalizations. Pair bonds may last for several years. Complex social structure and strong memory are characteristic traits of this species.
Common Raven (Corvus corax) The Raven is a large and highly intelligent member of the crow family. It inhabits diverse environments from mountains to open plains.
Its omnivorous diet includes carrion, insects, seeds, and occasionally eggs of other birds. Complex social behavior and problem-solving ability are well documented.
Pairs often form long-term bonds and build nests on cliffs or tall trees. Both parents share chick-rearing duties.
Columbids and Urban Dwellers
Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) The Eurasian Collared Dove is a calm and highly adaptable species commonly found in urban and semi-urban environments.
It builds a simple nest made of thin twigs on trees or building ledges. Its diet mainly consists of seeds and grains, and it frequently forages on open ground.
Courtship behavior includes short display flights and repetitive, soft cooing calls. The species is generally monogamous during the breeding season and shows mild territorial defense. Its adaptability has allowed it to establish stable populations across many cities.
Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus) The Wood Pigeon is the largest native pigeon species in Europe and parts of western Asia, inhabiting woodlands, gardens, and urban parks.
It is distinguished by a prominent white patch on each side of the neck. Its diet primarily consists of seeds, shoots, tender leaves, and occasionally fruits. Unlike many small passerines, it is well adapted to digest substantial plant material.
The nest is a simple platform of twigs built in trees. During courtship, the male performs characteristic display flights, ascending and then gliding down with clapping wing sounds to attract the female.
Pair bonds usually remain stable throughout the breeding season, and both parents share incubation and chick feeding duties, producing nutrient-rich “crop milk” for their young.
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) The House Sparrow is a highly adaptable bird closely associated with human settlements. It typically lives in small to medium-sized groups and exhibits strong social behavior.
Its diet mainly consists of seeds and grains, but insects are essential for feeding nestlings during the breeding season. Nests are built in building crevices, roofs, or urban structures.
Courtship includes repetitive male calls and brief display postures. Both parents actively participate in raising the chicks
Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) The Common Myna is an adaptable species commonly found in urban and subtropical areas.
It displays active social behavior and is often seen in pairs or small groups.
Its diet includes insects, fruits, and human food scraps. Nesting occurs in tree cavities or building crevices.
Courtship involves varied vocalizations and brief displays. Both parents feed and care for the young
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) The European Starling is a social bird often observed in large flocks.
Its diet is varied, including insects, fruits, and seeds. Nesting occurs in tree cavities or building crevices. During breeding season, males produce complex songs and displays to attract females.
Competition for suitable nesting cavities is common. The species plays an important role in regulating insect populations
Woodland and Tree-Dependent Species
Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) The Great Spotted Woodpecker depends on mature trees and uses rhythmic drumming to locate insect larvae beneath bark.
Each breeding season, it excavates a new nesting cavity, which may later be used by other species. Its diet includes insects, larvae, seeds, and occasionally nuts.
Courtship involves drumming displays and chase flights between potential mates. Both parents share responsibilities in feeding the chicks. Its presence often indicates a structurally healthy tree habitat.
Great Tit (Parus major) The Great Tit is an active and adaptable species inhabiting wooded and urban areas.
Primarily insectivorous, it supplements its diet with seeds during colder months. Nesting occurs in tree cavities or structural crevices.
Courtship involves varied and energetic songs used in territorial defense. Males attract females through song quality and territory selection. Both parents share chick-rearing responsibilities
White-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucotis) The White-eared Bulbul is common in northwestern Iran and frequently observed in gardens and green spaces.
It feeds on fruits, nectar, and insects. Its cup-shaped nest is built within dense branches. Courtship includes soft vocalizations and subtle display movements.
The species is generally monogamous, with both parents involved in chick care. High adaptability to human environments characterizes this bird.
Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) The Rose-ringed Parakeet is a social and active species often observed in flocks.
It is tree-dependent and nests in natural cavities within trunks. Its diet consists of fruits, seeds, buds, and occasionally agricultural crops. During courtship, males perform head movements and produce sharp, repetitive calls to attract females.
Pair bonds generally remain stable throughout the breeding season, and both parents participate in chick rearing. Its high adaptability has enabled successful colonization of urban environments.
Insectivorous Migrants and Seasonal Visitors
Several migratory passerines enrich the campus biodiversity seasonally.
Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) The Spotted Flycatcher is a migratory species that breeds during warmer seasons in suitable habitats. It typically perches on exposed branches and captures insects through short aerial flights.
Nests are often built in tree crevices or sheltered structures. Courtship is relatively subtle and accompanied by soft vocalizations. Both parents contribute to feeding the chicks.
Its reliance on insect populations makes it an ecological indicator species
Brown-streaked Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica) The Brown-streaked Flycatcher is a migratory species inhabiting open wooded areas. It typically perches conspicuously and captures flying insects through short aerial sallies.
Its diet consists almost entirely of flying insects. The nest is cup-shaped and placed on tree branches.
During breeding season, males use soft songs and territorial behavior to attract females. Both parents feed the nestlings.
Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) The Common Chiffchaff is a small, active warbler that forages among foliage for insects. It is often a seasonal migrant, observed during passage or breeding periods. Its nest is dome-shaped and typically built close to the ground. Courtship behavior involves repetitive and characteristic songs.
Males defend territories primarily through vocal displays. Its diet mainly consists of small insects and larvae.
Eastern Olivaceous Warbler (Iduna pallida) The Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is a migratory species inhabiting shrublands and green edges. It primarily feeds on small insects.
Its cup-shaped nest is built within shrubs. The song is simple yet continuous and used for territorial defense.
During breeding season, males actively guard their territories. The species is typically present during summer breeding periods.
Common Whitethroat (Curruca communis) The Common Whitethroat is a migratory bird inhabiting shrublands and semi-open areas. Its diet mainly consists of insects and larvae.
Nests are built low within dense vegetation. Courtship includes short display flights and song.
Males actively defend territories. Both parents participate in raising the chicks.
Predatory Passerines
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) The Red-backed Shrike is a migratory predatory passerine typically found in open habitats with scattered shrubs.
It often perches prominently while scanning for prey. Its diet includes large insects, small reptiles, and occasionally small rodents.
A distinctive behavior is impaling prey on thorns or sharp branches for storage. During the breeding season, males use soft song and display flights to defend territory.
Both parents participate in feeding and protecting the young.
Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) The Woodchat Shrike is a migratory predator inhabiting open areas with scattered trees. It scans for prey from elevated perches.
Its diet includes large insects and small vertebrates. Like other shrikes, it may impale prey on thorns for storage.
Courtship involves song and display flights. Both parents feed the nestlings.
Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala) The Black-headed Bunting is a migratory bird breeding in open fields and shrublands. Males develop a glossy black head during breeding season and display strong territorial behavior.
The diet consists of seeds, with insects important during chick rearing. The nest is cup-shaped and built low in vegetation.
Male song plays a crucial role in attracting females and defending territory. The female primarily incubates the eggs.
Open-Ground Specialists
Crested Lark (Galerida cristata) The Crested Lark inhabits open, dry landscapes and barren fields. It spends much of its time on the ground feeding on seeds and insects.
The nest is built on the ground among low vegetation. During courtship, males perform extended song flights to defend territory.
Camouflage plumage aids in survival. Both parents participate in chick care.
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) The European Bee-eater is a vividly colored migratory bird typically found in open landscapes.
It captures flying insects, especially bees and dragonflies, in mid-air. Nesting involves digging tunnels into sandy or earthen banks. During courtship, display flights and food exchange between mates are common. The species often exhibits social behavior, nesting in loose colonies.
Its presence indicates healthy insect populations within the habitat.
Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) The Eurasian Hoopoe is a distinctive bird recognized by its orange crest and probing feeding behavior. Using its long bill, it searches soil for insect larvae.
Nesting takes place in tree cavities or natural hollows. During courtship, males display their crest and produce characteristic calls.
Females spend extended time inside the nest while males provide food. Its presence indicates suitable soil conditions and abundant invertebrates.
