Habitat traits that increase the probability of occupancy of migratory birds in an urban ecological reserve

Abstract

Several migratory bird species spend the winter in highly disturbed regions in the tropics. Green areas within cities may be used as wintering grounds and, given the documented population declines of migratory birds, knowledge about the habitat traits that promote the arrival of migratory birds in such fragmented ecosystems is highly necessary. Here, we examined the landscape traits that increased the probability of presence of five migratory species in an ecological reserve immersed within Mexico City. We monitored these species during three consecutive winters and used multiple-season occupancy models (which account for our imperfect detection of these species in the field) to find the particular habitat traits that promote their presence in this urban reserve. Contrary to our expectation, we found that all five species prefer habitat traits associated with the urban areas that surround the core conservation areas of the reserve. We conclude that the heterogeneity of these urban areas (a mixture of areas where exotic trees are abundant and open green areas with minimal tree or shrub cover) promotes the arrival of migratory species with distinct ecological needs.