Acacia, cattle and migratory birds in southeastern Mexico

Abstract

Acacia pennatula groves in mid-elevation valleys of southern Mexico supported both the highest density and diversity of migratory birds compared to other habitats in the region. In addition, we found the highest numbers for over half of the common migratory species. Despite the high degree of leaf loss during the late winter, acacia groves do not experience greater declines in insectivorous migratory bird populations than other local habitats. Color-marked individuals of canopy species had a strong tendency to remain resident within a single acacia grove throughout the winter. Management of native acacias on subtropical rangelands for wood products, fodder, and soil improvement would probably directly and indirectly benefit migratory song bird populations. Neotropical acacia woodland is primarily associated with grazing land for livestock which might discourage some from considering acacia management a viable option for migratory bird conservation. However, acacias were probably widespread in recent geologic time under drier conditions with heavy browsing and seed dispersal by a now extinct megafauna. Two observations suggest a foraging advantage for acacia use: the higher density of migratory birds in acacia is a result of higher numbers of canopy insectivores; and acacias are selected by migrants when they occur in mixed habitat. We hypothesize that plant investment in mechanical defenses (thorns) reduces energy available for chemical defenses effective against insect herbivores.