P. Latsoudis D ense shrubby vegetation is dominant on many islands. Although in many cases overgrazed, this habitat offers shelter and nesting sites to many species and is a safe resting place for passage migrants. It is also a habitat full of insects and moreover the fruit of certain shrubs, like the lentisk and the strawberry tree, provide a seasonally abundant food source for several birds. W ater is a basic essential for the survival of the wildlife in most Aegean islands. All living creatures have developed defensive strategies against water shortage.
Birds can obtain water directly from their food, insects and even plant seeds.
In addition, they minimise water loss by being active during the coolest hours of the day. Thus, they commonly visit man-made constructions like cisterns, water tanks and livestock watering points. Especially in minor islands, where natural habitats are rather more uniform, the greatest diversity of bird species is always found around rural and inhabited areas. F. Katsigiannis Landscape in Samothraki, Northeastern Aegean. In mountainous islands, the lowlands are too limited and too precious to be given to stock-raising.