Trophic ecology of the Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea before and during the breeding season in the region of Bejaia (Algeria)

Abstract

The diet composition of the Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea of the Babor Range is followed by analysis of faecal samples (90 faeces) before and during the breeding season 2010. The Grey Wagtail's diet varies depending on the stage of the breeding cycle at the southern edge of their breeding area in North Africa (Bejaia). The diet consists predominantly of aquatic preys (51.79%), with Coleoptera being the most frequent constituent (n=331, 45.5%). During the pre-laying period (February–March), the diet was variable (91 prey-taxa and H’=3,36 bits) and preys of medium size (5 to 8mm) were most common. During the incubation period (April–May), preys were mainly aquatic (60%) and larger (20 to 32mm). At the end of the breeding season (June–July), there was a greater occurrence of terrestrial preys (31 aquatic versus 30 terrestrial taxa).