Abstract
BackgroundFor all vertebrates in general, a concerted effort to move beyond single season research is vital to improve our understanding of species ecology. Knowledge of habitat use and selection by Eurasian Bullfinches (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) is limited with regard to the non-breeding season. To date, research on the habitat of the Iberian subspecies iberiae consists of very general descriptions. In relation to space use, only broad features are available for the entire distribution range of Eurasian Bullfinches, including Iberia.MethodsIn this study, seasonal preferences regarding habitat and space in a population of Eurasian Bullfinches are examined for the first time in the Iberian Peninsula, through direct observation during a six-year period. The essential habitat components, substrate selection and perch height were assessed.ResultsHedgerows were the key essential habitat component for bullfinches during all seasons. Nevertheless, small poplar plantations became increasingly important from winter to summer-autumn. Bullfinches perched mostly in shrubs/trees throughout the year, but there were significant seasonal changes in substrate use, ground and herbs being of considerable importance during spring-summer. Throughout the year, over half of the records corresponded to feeding, reaching almost 90% in winter. Generally, bullfinches perched noticeably lower while feeding. Male bullfinches perched markedly higher than females, notably singing males in spring-summer. Juveniles perched at a height not much lower than that of males. In all seasons, males tended to feed at greater heights than females. Bullfinches of different ages and sexes were seen bathing in all seasons except winter.ConclusionsHedgerow habitat in general appeared to be valuable for bullfinches throughout the year. In summer and autumn, they selected sites with an abundance of food and shade, as well as shelter, a much-needed requirement for fledglings and moulting individuals. There was usually a close link between the most used and most consumed plant species in each season. Males appeared to assume a more important role in vigilance, and often they accompanied dependent young in June and July. Bullfinch conservation strategies should consider seasonal demand for habitat and space.
Highlights
For all vertebrates in general, a concerted effort to move beyond single season research is vital to improve our understanding of species ecology and favour their conservation as there currently exists severe breeding season research bias (Marra et al 2015)
Other substrates (Others) habitat components had generally lower values for frequency of occurrence, usually 1‒10%, with an increase within this range in summer-autumn for riverside woodland, irrigation ditch and dirt track, the latter even exceeding the interval in autumn (15%)
This corroborates what is already known about how the species occupies heterogeneous semi-open landscapes with sufficient woody vegetation composed of large shrubs and trees all year round, mainly in western Europe including the Iberian Peninsula; and within these landscapes are the mosaics of mixed land use containing abundant hedgerows (Newton 1985; Cramp and Perrins 1994; Belamendia 2003, 2012; Clement 2010)
Summary
For all vertebrates in general, a concerted effort to move beyond single season research is vital to improve our understanding of species ecology. Habitat selection in birds, including passerines in temperate zones, is dynamic because the factors involved (e.g. food supply, vegetation physiognomy, predation risk) vary spatially and temporally, throughout the year For all vertebrates in general, a concerted effort to move beyond single season research is vital to improve our understanding of species ecology and favour their conservation as there currently exists severe breeding season research bias (Marra et al 2015). Hedgerows have declined sharply in recent decades in Europe due to intensification of agricultural practices (see Cornulier et al 2011)
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