Nestling diet of the Algerian Nuthatch Sitta ledanti, an endemic threatened bird in Babors’ Kabylia region (north-eastern Algeria)

Abstract

The Algerian Nuthatch is an endemic and protected bird species in Algeria, and its different habitats are threatened by fires and others human actions; the species is therefore considered ‘Endangered’. A faecal samples analysis of the species’ nestlings was done to determine their diet. The nestling faecal samples were collected during the breeding season of 2019 in the Tamentout deciduous forest in the region of Babors’ Kabylia (north-east Algeria). The faecal samples analysis allowed us to count 686 individuals belonging to 39 different prey taxa. They belong to two arthropods classes and six orders. Insects (95.4%) were more dominant compared with spiders (4.96%). Beetles were most diverse, with 22 prey taxa and 293 individuals. Dermaptera (earwigs) were represented by only two prey taxa and 265 individuals, with the European Earwig Forficula auricularia recorded 253 times. A correlation was also found between the prey sizes and energy intake. Costello’s charts indicated five potential prey including Forficula auricularia, Oxythyrea funesta and Anthaxia sp. were the most consumed. The niche breadth calculation (0.017) revealed that the Algerian Nuthatch specialises on some prey items such as Forficula auricularia to feed its nestlings. The most prized prey species had sizes between 14.5 mm and 19 mm, Forficula auricularia has a size of 15 mm.