Assessment of Bird Species in Central Mindanao University, Bukidnon, Philippines

Abstract

Birds are important indicators to determine the quality of habitat. They played an important role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem. This study aims to determine the species of birds and its diversity within the Central Mindanao University main campus. A line transect method combined with bird watching technique were used within the two month avian survey. A total of 27 species belonging to 21 families were recorded namely, Accipitridae, Alcedinidae, Apodidae, Ardeidae, Artamidae, Bucesotidae, Campephagidae, Columbidae, Corvidae, Dicaeidae, Estrildidae, Hirundiniidae, Laniidae, Meropidae, Nectariniidae, Phasianidae, Pycnonotidae, Sturnidae and Sylviidae. Out of the 27 bird species observed, 18 resident, 3 resident-migrant, 5 Philippine endemic and 1 island endemic. The most observed species are Euarasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) and followed by an introduced species which was Feral Pigeon (Columba livia). Most of the species observed were commonly found in urban communities, agroecosystem and along the forest edge. Some species of birds belonging to family Nictariniidae and Dicaeidae are associated in areas with flowering trees and there are seldom observed in other points. The average diversity of all points H’= 0.94 which is quiet low and it requires more sampling effort and other technique to record silent or shy species.