Ru-Birds.RU, bird observations from Russia and neighbouring regions: an occurrence dataset

BACKGROUND: The dataset covers bird observation occurrences in Russia and neighbouring regions (ex-USSR countries and some other countries of Eastern and Western Europe) from 2001–2021. It is based on the internet platform “Online bird observation diaries” (ru-birds.ru), which allows professional ornithologists and amateur bird lovers to exchange their results and to jointly build a common collection of data. The taxonomic backbone of the occurrence dataset follows the standardised GBIF checklist dataset to ensure correct cross-linking of the names. Currently, the database contains 541,900 records of occurrences of 713 bird species, which makes it the largest dataset on birds of Russia and neighbouring regions published in GBIF. NEW INFORMATION: The occurrence dataset contributes to filling gaps in the bird distribution in Russia and Eastern Europe. It can be used for a deeper look at their populations, phenology and migrations over this area. The availability of special tools for verification of the entered information makes the database a valuable tool for analysing occurrences of non-native species, studying vagrancy, immigration, invasions and range dynamics. The dataset is regularly updated. Over the 11 months of 2021, it has increased by 98,165 occurrences.