A Guide To The Birds Of Mexico And Northern Central America

The delineation of unique areas in biodiversity is crucial for conservation planning. However, identification of distinct biotas is a challenging task. In this study, we use an objective analytical process to test if bird and plant species composition of three different forest formation in the Atlantic forest Biome is sufficiently distinct to merit the recognition of ecoregions. We also evaluated how current climatic and spatial factors shape the distribution of plants and birds. Sampling localities were selected in three forest types of southern Brazil: mixed rain forest (MF), seasonal semi‐deciduous forest (SF) and dense rain forest (DF). The point‐centred quarter method and point counts were used to sample plants and birds respectively. Multivariate analyses were used to evaluate species composition, while the Rank Occupancy Abundance Profile was used to determine the association of bird species with each forest type. We used variation partitioning to determine which factors, that is climatic, spatial or tree species abundance (in the case of birds) better explained the distribution of plants and birds. A total of 176 tree species and 270 bird species were recorded. The bird species composition was sufficiently distinct among the three forest types, but the plant species composition was only distinct between DF and MF. Moreover, 61% of bird species were associated with only one forest type. This high association and the different species composition suggest that these forest types are sufficiently distinct to merit the recognition of ecoregions. Plant distribution was mainly affected by climatic variables, while bird distribution was mainly influenced by forest type and less so by climatic variables. Our data suggest that all three forest types should be conserved, but conservation strategies are urgent in MF where only 0.39% of its original cover is under protection.

The spatial distribution of Neotropical birds at local scales is often associated with plant successional stages and unique microhabitats such as bamboo stands and treefall gaps. Only 15% of the Atlantic Forest remains, yet this habitat is home to more than 200 endemic birds. Understanding the distribution of bird species within the Atlantic Forest can improve the test of ecological hypotheses related to habitat use and habitat selection. This study analyses the distribution of birds among different types of relief (lowlands, ravines, hillsides, and hilltops) in 41 forest fragments of different sizes (1 to 384.5 ha) within the Atlantic Forest, south east Brazil. The presence and absence data were analysed with dynamic occupancy models to determine the influence of area and topography in the distribution of bird species. Of the 169 species detected, we were able to estimate an occupancy probability of 67. Among them, relief type was an important variable for 26 species (39%). Most species showed a preference for lowlands and ravines, and some showed an association of combinations of these two reliefs with hillsides and hilltops. These preferences might be related to distribution of preferred food, nesting microhabitats, and thermoregulation. For the endemic and threatened Atlantic Forest mountain birds, the ecological association with areas of relief is a strong, and previously unsuspected, spatial distribution pattern. Our results suggest that the ecology and distribution of birds in tropical forests across hilly regions could be better understood if topography is considered. This pattern should be better investigated among other taxa in tropical forests.

A study was conducted in Menz-Guassa Community Conservation Area (MGCCA) from November 2016 to March 2017, to assess the diversity, distribution and habitat association of birds. Three habitat types including forest, grassland, and moorland habitats were identified based on their vegetation composition. Point count method in Eucalyptus and Juniperus forest, and line transect technique in grassland and moorland habitats were used to study avian diversity. Data were collected in the early morning (6:30 to 9:30 a.m.) and late afternoon (4:30 to 7:00 p.m.) when the activities of birds were prominent. Species diversity and evenness was given in terms of Shannon-Weaver diversity Index. A total of 86 avian species belonging to 14 orders and 35 families were identified. The identified areas are rich with seven (8.14%) endemic bird species namely; abyssinian catbird (Parophasma galinieri), abyssinian longclaw (Macronyx flavicollis), ankober serin (Crithagra ankoberensis), black-headed siskin (Serinus nigriceps), blue-winged goose (Cyanochen cyanoptera), moorland francolin (Scleroptlia psilolaema), spot-breasted plover (Vanellus melanocephalus), and five (5.81%) near-endemic bird species including rouget's rail (Rougetius rougetii), wattled ibis (Bostrychia carunculata), white-collared pigeon (Columba albitorques), thick-billed raven (Corvus crassirostris), and white-winged cliff chat (Myrmecocichla semirufa). Avian diversity was high in moorland (H’=4.57) and low in grassland (H’=3.42) habitats. The highest even distribution of birds was recorded in the forest habitats and the lowest in grassland habitats with E=0.75 and E= 0.59 values respectively. Families Accipitridae, Apodidae, Columbidae, Corvidae, Fringillidae, Motacillidae, Muscicapidae and Turdidae were commonly distributed in all habitats, however the highest number of avian family was encountered in Moorland (15 families) and lowest (9 families) in Forest habitats. The area supported variety of avian species with high endemics and habitat specifics. Conservation of the area is vital for habitat restricted and endemic birds. Further ecological investigation is suggested in the seasonal abundance of birds, and population dynamics of wildlife for biodiversity conservation and ecotourism. Key words: Afro-alpine, community conservation area, diversity, habitat association, Guassa.

The distribution of birds in the West Siberian plain in the western part of the forest-steppe zone (bound east by River Ishim) is very dynamic. Just since the beginning of this century, 16 new breeding species and one possibly breeding species have been discovered in this region. Most of them (76%) are representatives of the Tropical group (5 species) dispersing from the south, as well as the Nomadic (5) and the European (3) types of fauna coming from the south and the west; 3 species belong to the Chinese type of fauna and one – to the Siberian type. Another new species from the Tropical group was recorded as breeding in the last decade of the previous century. The distribution ranges of all 6 representatives of the Tropical group and 2 species of the Nomadic fauna associated with aquatic habitats have expanded northward most over the past 40 years (for 500–600 km). A powerful wave of their dispersal in forest-steppe occurred during the years of maximum filling of water reservoirs in the early 2000s. At the same time, despite the cyclical dynamics of the water level, cyclical processes in the changes of the distribution of limnophile birds are not expressed (analysis of century-long faunal lists shows the cyclical nature of the distribution of no more than 2–3 such species). It is assumed that against the background of intense climate warming most bird species, primarily limnophiles, are not simply redistributing individuals within the ranges, but are expanding their ranges northward, and that expansion will continue in the future. The anthropogenic impact on the regional avifauna is mainly caused by the consequences of the economic crisis in agriculture. In the recent decades, it has been much less obvious than the natural impact.

The bird species distribution along a dry forest-oak woodland vegetation gradient was studied in autumn and spring in two consecutive years. Intra-seasonal comparisons showed that bird species had similar distributions in each of the two years. Inter-seasonal changes were mainly due to compositional differences even though resident species generally used similar habitats in both seasons. Ordination analyses, based on the first year bird species abundances, showed a clearly segregated distribution between forest and woodland birds. Within these two vegetation types, the distribution tended to be more individualistic. Nevertheless further habitats could be identified according to groups of birds having similar distributions. These habitats did not correspond to the plant associations which resulted from a previous classification of the vegetation. Observations of the plant use by the birds during the study period showed that, in most cases, the plant variables associated with ordination analyses are unlikely to be very important for the bird species life cycles.

Land use changes operate at different scales. They trigger a cascade of effects that simultaneously modify the composition or structure of the landscape and of the local vegetation. Mobil animals, and birds in particular, can respond quickly to such multi-scalar changes. We took advantage of a long term study on the response of songbirds to land-use changes on four Mediterranean islands in Corsica and Sardinia to explore the benefits of a multi-scale analysis of the relationships between songbird distribution, vegetation structure and landscape dynamics. Field data and aerial photographs were used to describe the vegetation at three different scales. Birds were censused by point counts. We used statistical variance decomposition to study how bird distribution and vegetation at various scales were linked. We analysed multi-scale vegetation changes (floristic composition, plot vegetation type, and landscape structure) and their consequences on bird distribution with multivariate and non-parametrical tests. The distribution of most species was linked to at least two spatial scales. The weight of a given scale was consistent with life-history traits for species whose biology was well-known. In the examples studied, vegetation composition, vegetation type and landscape changes that resulted from land abandonment negatively affected birds depending on open or heterogeneous areas. Our results emphasize that multi-scale analyses can greatly enhance our understanding of bird distribution and of their changes. Management of these populations should take into account measures at various spatial scales depending on the sensitivity of the species.

We examined how canopy patterns at the landscape scale can influence bird community composition, abundance, or distribution. Our long-term goal is to determine how diseases and other small-scale disturbances that change canopy patterns influence bird distribution. Little is known about these relationships, partly because most measures of disturbance are based on timber production metrics. We developed a spatially dependent metric referred to as canopy closure roughness, which was significantly correlated to bird diversity on 4 ha sample plots, and used it to generate a spatial model showing the distribution of bird diversity at a resolution of 30 mover an area of 1 million acres (the entire Black Hills National Forest). Number of bird species per stand varied between 2 and 16. Number of species and bird diversity were positively related to intensity of tree cutting. Most common bird species were yellow-rumped warbler, dark-eyed junco, Townsend's solitaire, black-capped chickadee and red-breasted nuthatch. The spatial model of bird diversity showed clusters of high diversity at different locations within the forest. These methods may help lead to better tools for managing the linkages between specific disturbances and bird usage and enable more effective disturbance management by offering a platform for spatial planning.

The article contains research on avifauna compliment, numeral and bird distribution which depend on differentiation of habitat and seasons in Hohhot for last year. A bird is one of the important species of vertebrates which has an essential role on ecological balance and biological control. Having diversity of birds is the main composition of biological diversity. Bird community structure is determined by relationship of bird’s species and general correlation of birds and environment. Diversity of bird community structure has direct correlation of its species, bird community numeral and habitat. Also it depends on geographical factor, habitat, diversity of plant community, plant vertical structure, food resource, possibility of shelter and other factors. Therefore, bird species become a very valuable indicator for ecological condition of the city and environmental ecological quality. We have divided the areas around Hohhot, Inner Mongolia into 6 different habitats such as grassland, farmland, residential area, woodland, wetland and garbage dump. We have performed the bird fundamental study, and investigated bird flora, ecology, distribution, diversity, environment, and community structure in different habitats and seasons. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjas.v11i2.240 Mongolian Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.11(2) 2013 pp.159-165

Birds are the indicators of ecosystem health. Several environment variables affect the diversity, distribution and migration of birds. Kahundanda of Pokhara Valley is one of the important hillscapes having different habitat types such as human settlements, forest, farmland, wetland and open areas. This study revealed the factors affecting the diversity and distribution of birds of Kahundanda. The direct observation by “point count” method was applied for the bird survey. A total of 49 points were fixed along the nine transects in every 200–250m distance of the Kahundanda (elevation ranges from 700m to 1424m). In each point, we also recorded habitat types and disturbance factors. A total of 101 species of birds belonging to 18 orders and 41 families were reported from the study area. The species diversity was the highest in forest habitat (H' = 3.558) and least in open area (H' = 2.365). Among them, 58.42% of birds were resident and 41.58% were migratory including four globally threatened (one critically endangered, two endangered and one near threatened) species. Other factors such as the number of livestock present, distance from roads and settlement, environmental factors such as distance from the water resources, elevation and number of fruiting trees present significantly affected the distribution of the birds at Kahundanda. Thus, environmental factors such as habitat types, human disturbance and proximity to water resources are important for bird species conservation in the human-dominated landscape.

SummaryIn this study I compare bird communities along an elevational gradient in an Atlantic forest remnant (Pico do Corcovado in Ubatuba) in coastal Sao Paulo state, Brazil. Forests at low elevations are structurally more complex and more diverse in plant species than those along the slopes and at higher elevations in this remnant. Consequently it is hypothesized that low elevation forests contain a greater diversity of bird species. Results from the study in the Corcovado area show clear differences in the distribution of forest birds along the elevational gradient from both qualitative and quantitative aspects. The structurally more complex forest at low elevations contains the most diverse avifauna, including several of the rarest and most threatened species. The importance of this remnant as a whole is apparent due to the high diversity observed (254 species), the high proportion of endemic species, and the extent to which the avifauna is endangered. Protection of forests at all elevations along the Serra do Mar is required to maintain diversity of bird species, particularly the many endemic and endangered species restricted to specific elevations.

Capsule No evidence for sustained declines in abundance or re‐distribution of two key upland bird species on a wind farm site in the first three years of operation. Aims To describe changes in the abundance and distribution of birds on an upland wind farm during the first three years of operation. Methods Surveys to map the distribution of breeding birds were conducted at the wind farm and a nearby control site in 2006 and 2009. Results Only Willow Ptarmigan (Red Grouse) Lagopus lagopus scotica and European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria were sufficiently numerous for analysis. There was no significant difference in the change in abundance of either species between the wind farm and control site, and no evidence that changes in the species' distribution were related to wind farm infrastructure. Conclusions Upland wind farms may not necessarily result in declines in bird populations in the operational phase. Similar studies across a range of sites should be conducted and published to examine the factors that determine the response of birds to particular developments.

Study on the relationships between vegetation coverage and bird distribution in Moti Island, Ternate, North Moluccas. Research study on relationships between vegetation coverage and bird distribution in Moti Island, Ternate, Moluccas was conducted on May 2010. The objective of this research is to understand the bird species occurrence on a vegetation type as an indicator for environment quality determination in small Moti Island. Data on the occurrence of bird species in the every vegetation type was collected and recorded using exploration method. The bird species were identified for the scientific name, local name, their activities, location or coordinate position and their vegetation or habitat. The data then compiled and tabulated for the spatial analyses using Ikonos image and topographic (SRTM) maps data. The data output from the spatial analyses then analyzed using Principle Component Analyses (PCA) to get the most important factors of vegetation cover types that influenced the occurrence of the bird species. The results showed that about 34 bird species, belong to 20 families and 29 genera have occurred in the Moti Island. About 13 vegetation types were recorded as natural sites of bird species for feeding, playing and breeding grounds. Analyzing data using PCA showed that at least 3 vegetation types have played as important sites for bird species in this area. The sites were mangrove, secondary forest and mixed gardens. The roles of both three important vegetation types and bird species as environment quality indicators were in detail discussed in this paper. The discussion also includes how to develop fisherman villages in Moti Island using its own natural resources and biodiversity. Key words: Moti Island, birds distribution, vegetation coverage, spatial analyses

We used a distance-sampling survey method and multivariate statistics to obtain a unique estimate of bird species density and seasonal variation in shade-coffee plantations. Our aim was to determine which cultivation practices among plantations contribute most to bird abundance. We conducted avian species counts at 200 points distributed across 10 shade-coffee plantations bordering the lower slopes of the Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve, in western Nicaragua. We measured vegetation structure (coffee plants and overstory). We used principal components analysis (PCA) among 14 habitat variables to derive a single phyto-geoclimate summary measure (PGSM). We also used PCA to derive an avian abundance summary measure (AASM) from three bird survey variables, which proved to be a good predictor of bird density. We found higher bird species densities (AASM) in organic and traditional polyculture shade coffee plantations whose structurally complex and diverse overstory could be verified by PGSM. However, this finding was true only for birds that were habitat specialists. Our results provide further evidence for promoting organic coffee cultivation practices that maintain a structurally diverse overstory and help retain avian species richness and abundance in coffee plantations.

Are existing vegetation maps adequate to predict bird distributions?

Are existing vegetation maps adequate to predict bird distributions?