Distribution Patterns Of Birds Research Articles

Predicting avian diversity based on land use and cover on a national scale

This study explores the relationship between landscape features and avian diversity in South Korea, examining both taxonomic and functional diversity. The Korean Peninsula serves as a pivotal habitat for resident bird species and a migratory pathway in the East Asia-Pacific flyway. Using a national dataset with block sizes ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 kilometers per side, we found that less urbanized open plains exhibit higher taxonomic diversity, while coastal regions with diverse water bird populations show higher functional diversity. These findings underscore the significance of conserving the existing land types and qualities in specific regions to substantially impact bird distribution and regional biodiversity. Remarkably, closed forests display diversity patterns akin to urban/built-up areas, despite their disparate land use characteristics. The stability of bird diversity indices across different land use types enables us to predict bird diversity indices based on the particular land use and land cover configurations. This study emphasizes the complementary nature of functional biodiversity indices in comprehending bird distribution patterns alongside taxonomic diversity indices.

Patterns of avian tree usage in the primeval temperate forests of Białowieża National Park.

Species distribution and resource utilization are a fundamental aspect of ecology. By analyzing the tree space usage by birds and determining the species composition of birds across different parts of trees, our study could shed light on the mechanisms shaping co-occurrence patterns in bird communities. Therefore, our study aimed to determine the species composition of birds across different parts of trees. We investigated whether species richness differs between positions on a tree and how these positions influence the probability of occurrence of the 10 most frequently observed bird species. To achieve this, we observed birds within permanent plots in Białowieża National Park (BNP) and analyzed the distribution patterns of birds within six vertical and three horizontal sectors of trees. The compositional dissimilarity between tree sectors was assessed using detrended correspondence analysis. We employed generalized linear mixed-effects models to examine differences in species richness. The majority of the BNP bird community was associated with the branches, while other birds occupied the tree crown trunks and the understory trunks. Species richness was the highest on branches in the crown part of trees, followed by lower species richness on trunks associated with crowns, and the lowest richness was observed on branches and trunks in the understory. These results indicate that branches in the middle and lower parts of the crown serve as avian diversity hotspots on trees, likely due to the abundance of various food sources. The differing patterns of tree usage by specific bird species may suggest the avoidance of interspecific competition for resources. The study results of tree usage by bird species obtained in the primeval forest provides a reference point for studies conducted in human-altered woods.

Application Of Nearest Neighbor Analysis Methods For The Distribution Of Small Storks (Egretta Garzetta) In The Mangrove Area North Sumatra

The penetrating waterbird on the east coast of North Sumatra is Egretta Garzetta. It is a kind of water bird that lives in water or parts of wetlands. The presence of waterbirds is an important indicator to evaluate the environmental quality and productivity of wetlands. Bird distribution patterns are needed to overcome problems related to habitat, such as food availability and population size. This study aims to apply themethod Nearest Neigbord Analysis to the distribution pattern of Egretta Garzetta in the Mangrove area of North Sumatra. This study uses a quantitative approach to the type of applied research (Applied Research). The type of data used in this research is secondary data. Analysis of the data in this study using Nearest Neighbor Analysis. The pattern of the spread of Egretta Garzetta in the Mangrove areas in North Sumatra have clumped pattern (clustered).The results from Nearest Neighbor Analysis show that the index value of the clustered distribution pattern can be caused by the abundance of food sources in a habitat.

Bird diversity in Aketajawe Lolobata National Park

Research on richness and bird species diversity are important for conservation efforts in National Park. Currently, the Aketajawe Lolobata National Park (ALNP) is a habitat patch among industrial areas on Halmahera Island, so that it is important to carry out periodic bird inventories in the national park. Therefore, the need to study the current bird diversity and the status of bird species as a basis for future monitoring and implementation of appropriate conservation measures are important. Bird diversity research needs to be carried out because. Observation plots are placed at primary and secondary forest in Akejawi resort. The research was conducted on January to February 2022. Total observation point is 20 plots. The method was used by point count. The distance between the observation plot is 200 m and the radius of observation is 50 m. The observation were made in the morning (06.00-09.00 am). Repetition of observation on each habitat was carried out 10 times. Data were analyzed by using Shannon-Wiener Index Diversity. Based on findings, There were 345 individuals of 39 species from 19 families inhabited Akejawi Resort. Secondary forest had the highest diversity index when compared to primary forest. This study revealed that there were 9 birds originated from North Maluku and there were 15 species categorized as protected species. The latest data can provide opportunities for further research to reveal patterns of bird distribution and various protection measures due to the loss of forest areas around national parks.

Global birdwatching data reveal uneven consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic

Birdwatching is a global phenomenon involving many thousands of people. Citizen science generates data providing insights into global patterns of bird distribution across space and time, yet how the pandemic may have cast a longer shadow remains unassessed. Here, we explore whether pandemic restrictions influenced observations, and the species observed globally from 2020 to May 2021, considering also GDPc and tourism income. We analyzed 10,338 bird species (93 % of all bird species) and found that whilst high-income regions recovered to pre-pandemic assessment rates quickly, middle and low-income regions remained at low levels. Furthermore, protected areas saw huge losses in recorded richness. Whilst observer count increased overall, the number of bird species recorded dramatically decreased, especially in 2020. These trends are most marked in developing countries and regions, especially where tourism is important. Our results underline the importance of these biodiversity data, and the potential for their shortfalls in the face of a global pandemic.

Conservation Education Media: Birdwatching Guidebook in the Buffer Zone of the Rawa Danau Nature Reserve

Rawa Danau Nature Reserve is a conservation area that protects various remaining flora and fauna on Java island, including birds. However, at present, Rawa Danau Nature Reserve 's existence is threatened due to changes in the structure and habitat function by the activities of the surrounding community. Therefore, it is necessary to have a solution in the form of efforts to preserve and preserve the diversity of species and their ecosystems. One form of this program is conservation education. Conservation education is a form of effort to protect biodiversity and natural resources by increasing knowledge, skills, participation, attitudes, and awareness of the importance of natural resources to sustain life. Information media is needed to facilitate the achievement of conservation education goals, one of which is the development of a birdwatching field guidebook. This study aimed to develop a birdwatching field guidebook as a medium for conservation education in the Rawa Danau Nature Reserve area The development method was used to create the field manual. The developed guidebook contains information on bird diversity, bird conservation, observation techniques, and bird observation locations, as well as bird identification sheets accompanied by bird distribution patterns in the form of descriptions and illustrative pictures or photographs of research results. The book was also developed to meet the principles of environmental education, namely to develop awareness, knowledge, attitudes, skills, and participation in protecting the environment.

Seasonal Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Birds in Agricultural Landscapes of Gujrat, Pakistan

Seasonal Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Birds in Agricultural Landscapes of Gujrat, Pakistan

Multi-scale settlement patterns of a migratory songbird in a European primaeval forest

The drivers of animal settlement are core topics in ecology. Studies from primaeval habitats provide valuable but rare insights into natural settlement behaviour, where species are unconstrained by habitat fragmentation and modification. We examined whether territorial male songbirds (wood warblers Phylloscopus sibilatrix) exhibited clustered distributions when settling in extensive primaeval forest. We tested whether settlement patterns were consistent between years, the influence of habitat preference and the spatial extent of these processes. Remote sensing (airborne LiDAR and satellite multi-spectral) and field survey data were combined to investigate settlement at the landscape (tens of km2), plot (46–200 ha) and microhabitat (20 m diameter) scales, by sampling across 5.9 × 4.5 km of the Bialowieza National Park (Poland) during 2018–2019. We assessed bird distribution patterns using nearest neighbour analyses, and habitat preference with generalized linear mixed models. Variation in bird density between plots and years was suggestive of large-scale clustering at the landscape scale. At the local plot scale, any clustering was masked by territoriality, with birds appearing dispersed or randomly distributed. At the microhabitat scale within territories, birds preferred a tall, closed canopy forest structure and avoided a dense herb layer of wild garlic patches. Settlement appeared unconstrained by the availability of preferred habitat at the plot scale, which remained unsaturated. Wood warbler settlement apparently involved hierarchical decisions at multiple spatial scales, compatible with potential social attraction, territoriality, habitat preference or predator avoidance. Selecting an appropriate scale of analysis is an important consideration when assessing the clustering of territorial species. Many songbirds settle in clusters of breeding territories, possibly reflecting patchy habitat quality and/or social attraction. Studies of territory clustering generally come from fragmented, modified habitats, such as secondary forest, which might bias or limit bird distribution. We studied settlement patterns of male wood warblers in an extensive, primaeval forest, where they could exhibit natural behaviour. Spatial analyses of satellite, airborne and field survey data revealed a series of settlement decisions at multiple spatial scales. We found evidence supporting large-scale clustering across the forest, but at the local scale any such clusters were masked by the spacing of birds within territories. A tall forest structure was preferred within the territories, but at larger scales, some birds seemed to compromise habitat quality to settle within a cluster. The results highlight that settlement decisions of animals must be considered at appropriate spatial scales.

Species composition of foraging birds in association with benthic fauna in four intertidal habitats of the Wadden Sea

About 10 to 12 million birds per year use the intertidal flats of the Wadden Sea in north-eastern Europe as a food source during their moulting, wintering or breeding season and as a stop-over site along the East Atlantic Flyway. The tidal flats are inhabited by a highly productive benthic fauna representing an important link between the marine microflora and -fauna and higher trophic levels such as birds. Due to differences in the food preference, bird species might distribute on different habitat types formed in the Wadden Sea. In the present study, the diversity of foraging birds was studied in four intertidal habitats (seagrass meadow, sand flat, mud flat, Elbe tidal flat) and their macrozoobenthic food sources were analysed. Samples of benthic macrofauna were taken seasonally while foraging birds were counted monthly at the studied sites.Results revealed different benthic communities in each of the studied sites with large variation in abundance and diversity of foraging birds. Peak numbers of birds during spring and autumn reflected migration through the region. While the majority of bird species shows an opportunistic habitat choice, some species (e.g. Bucephala clangula, Philomachus pugnax) were observed foraging at one site only. However, results revealed only a weak link between bird assemblages and benthic communities within the tidal flats. As indicated by clear relationships between bird species abundance and tidal stage, avian distribution patterns are probably also strongly dependent on abiotic factors such as distance to roosting sites, inundation time and anthropogenic influences. Therefore, it is not sufficient to study the distribution of favoured prey items in the tidal flats alone but additional information needs to be taken into account to understand the complex distribution patterns of birds in the intertidal environment.

Bird Distribution among Marsh Types on the Northern Gulf of Mexico

ABSTRACT Yaukey, P.H., 2018. Bird distribution among marsh types on the northern Gulf of Mexico. The wetlands bordering the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico are among the most extensive in North America and are among the most threatened. Despite this, little information is available on the distribution patterns of birds across these fresh, intermediate, brackish, and saline marshes. To evaluate the species-specific use patterns of these avian habitats, birds were surveyed in nesting season from 2010 to 2012 along a network of 97 points. Species richness peaked at fresh/intermediate points and numbers of birds detected at saline points. Numbers of most species detected varied across wetland types, with approximately one-half progressively declining with increasing salinity. Marian's Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris marianae) was found at fewer points than expected, suggesting it may be vulnerable. A subsample of points followed from immediately before the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill through 2014 ...

Dissecting bird diversity in the Pantepui area of endemism, northern South America

The Pantepui region harbors one of the most distinctive endemic montane bird faunas in the Neotropics, and is located across the tepuis of northern South America. We made an extensive literature review to understand large-scale distribution patterns of birds in the Pantepui. The core avifauna of the tepuis is composed of 138 bird species, most forest-dwelling insectivores, of which 43 are endemic. In addition, 167 subspecies of birds are endemic to these mountains. The number of endemic species peaks between 1251 and 2000 m, whereas the diversity of non-endemic species is highest between 751 and 1000 m. A high proportion (28%) of endemic taxa (species plus subspecies) is restricted to a single mountain. Tepuis are distributed along a longitudinal gradient, and bird species compositions of mountains located in the eastern and western portion of this gradient are clearly differentiated. Maximum altitude of the mountains and their distance from the Andes are the best predictors of species richness and composition across the Pantepui. Also, bird species composition at site level exhibits significant nested patterns which are affected by maximum altitude, isolation and geographic position of the mountains. The unique bird assemblage of the Pantepui area of endemism is structured through a combination of the spatial distribution of the mountains, habitat diversity, and complex historical events.

Effects of tidal cycles on shorebird distribution and foraging behaviour in a coastal tropical wetland: Insights for carrying capacity assessment

Wetland loss has driven negative effects on biodiversity by a reduction in potential available habitats, directly impacting wetland-dependent species such as migratory shorebirds. At coastal areas where tidal cycles can restrict food access, the degree to which density of foraging birds is mediated by conspecific abundance or by the available areas is crucial to understanding patterns of bird distribution and wetland carrying capacity. We used the bathymetry of two sectors modeled with two numerical matrices to determine the availability of intertidal foraging areas in relation to tidal level (spring and neap tides), and this information was used to estimate shorebird density and foraging activity throughout the low-tide cycle in a tropical coastal lagoon in northwestern Mexico. Relative to spring tides, an 80% reduction in available foraging areas occurred during neap tides. Overall shorebird abundance was significantly reduced during neap tide periods, with differences between species. Densities of shorebirds increased during neap tides, particularly in one sector, and remained similar throughout the low-tide period (i.e. 4 h) either during spring or neap tides. Time spent foraging was consistently lower during neap-tides relative to spring-tides, especially for Long-billed curlew (44% reduction), Willet (37% reduction) and Black-necked stilt (29% reduction). These decreases in foraging activity when available habitats became reduced can hamper the opportunities of migratory shorebirds to reach their daily energy requirements to survive during the non-breeding season. This study shows that when intertidal habitats are severely reduced an important fraction of shorebird populations would probably be forced to find alternative areas to forage or increase foraging time during the night. Serving an essential function as top-predators, these results can have important implications on carrying capacity assessment for shorebirds at coastal wetlands.

The relationship between bird distribution patterns and environmental factors in an ecotone area of northeast Brazil

Determining the processes that contribute to the establishment and maintenance of species diversity has been one of the great challenges for biologists. Of the many mechanisms and factors that affect diversity, environmental condition (i.e. the biophysical characteristics of habitats) is one of the main drivers structuring biological communities. In the present study, we assessed bird diversity patterns in a Cerrado-Caatinga ecotone area in the northeast of Brazil and investigated which environmental variables determined variation in species richness and composition among habitats. Cerrado areas had the highest richness of bird species among sampled sites, with ecotone areas presenting an intermediate richness, and Caatinga sites containing the lowest richness. There was a higher occurrence of generalist species from the two surrounding biomes in the ecotone region. However, some endemic species to the Caatinga were also found in the ecotone region, but only within habitat patches typical of the Caatinga. Temperature and humidity were the two most important environmental variables in explaining variation in species composition among study sites. Therefore, our results suggest climatic differences between habitat types underpin changes in local species composition and, thus, can be used to inform predictions about the potential impacts of future environmental changes on bird communities in this region.

Distribution of Avifauna in Aketajawe Lolobata National Park Based on Zone and Land Cover Typology

Aketajawe Lolobata National Park (TNAL) is a protected area for paradise birds, parrots and others North Maluku endemic wildlife. As a former of commercial logging concessions, this areas have been damaged and loss of wildlife habitat. The purpose of this research was to determine bird species of TNAL area based on zone category, this research is important in order to validate data related to the birds species diversity. Data collection used the observation point system with purposive sampling by direct observation and audio. The number of observation points were six points in core zone, ten points in both of jungle and traditional zone, and six points in buffer zone. Research showed that there are 39 species found in the buffer zone, 45 species in jungle and traditional zone, and 19 species in core zone. Wallace’s standardwing (Semioptera wallacei) is one of the 15 endemic species of North Maluku was found along drummer rail (Habroptila wallacii) which is Halmahera’s endemic species. Distribution pattern of birds in TNAL is very varied. The jungle and traditional zone have the amount and the highest species diversity while the highest species variation was in the buffer zone. The natural habitat of bird in this area generally located in open area along former road skid as well as forest edge and only a few were found in primary forest of core zone.

Distribution of Avifauna in Aketajawe Lolobata National Park Based on Zone and Land Cover Typology

Aketajawe Lolobata National Park (TNAL) is a protected area for paradise birds, parrots and others North Maluku endemic wildlife. As a former of commercial logging concessions, this areas have been damaged and loss of wildlife habitat. The purpose of this research was to determine bird species of TNAL area based on zone category, this research is important in order to validate data related to the birds species diversity. Data collection used the observation point system with purposive sampling by direct observation and audio. The number of observation points were six points in core zone, ten points in both of jungle and traditional zone, and six points in buffer zone. Research showed that there are 39 species found in the buffer zone, 45 species in jungle and traditional zone, and 19 species in core zone. Wallace’s standardwing (Semioptera wallacei) is one of the 15 endemic species of North Maluku was found along drummer rail (Habroptila wallacii) which is Halmahera’s endemic species. Distribution pattern of birds in TNAL is very varied. The jungle and traditional zone have the amount and the highest species diversity while the highest species variation was in the buffer zone. The natural habitat of bird in this area generally located in open area along former road skid as well as forest edge and only a few were found in primary forest of core zone.

Surviving with a resident despot: do revegetated patches act as refuges from the effects of the noisy miner (Manorina melanocephala) in a highly fragmented landscape?

AbstractAimTo provide, through a large‐scale long‐term field study, an empirical evaluation of the extent to which revegetated patches act as refuges for woodland bird species in the face of enhanced abundance of a native despotic species in a highly fragmented landscape.LocationSouth‐west slopes, New South Wales, Australia.MethodsBirds were surveyed using point counts over a 9‐year period. Colonization/extinction dynamics of local bird populations were modelled using multiple‐season occupancy models.ResultsWe show how the spread of the noisy miner (Manorina melanocephala), an indirect effect of habitat loss and fragmentation, is now the main driver of bird distribution patterns, affecting 65% of the studied species, including 10 species of conservation concern. Noisy miners both increased the risk that birds would become extinct in patches and prevented birds colonizing new patches. We discovered that restoration plantings, despite having low noisy miner abundance, rarely acted as a refuge for bird species: only 6 of 42 species, and only one of conservation concern, showed a positive response to plantings. Instead, bird species colonized or persisted more in regrowth or old growth sites where the abundance of the noisy miner was relatively low.Main conclusionsDespite a major restoration effort of replanted vegetation over several decades, the majority of our target bird species preferred native woodland patches over plantings, and particularly native patches with a low abundance of the noisy miner. Our study showed that conservation actions such as habitat restoration aimed at reversing the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation should be preceded by a careful threat‐mitigation prioritization considering, in particular, the indirect effects of fragmentation, such as the impact of despotic or invasive species. Our results support calls to manage noisy miners by undertaking actions that will reduce their numbers, such as through culling.

Diversity Bird in Brackish Marsh Muara Tapus Subdistrict Manduamas District Center of Tapanuli Province North Sumatera

The purposeof this research is to knowdiversity, abundance, dominance and distribution pattern of bird in brackish marsh Muara Tapus Subdistrict Manduamas District Center of Tapanuli. This research was done from February 2015 until April2015. Determination of the station is based on the environmental condition. Total of place observation is 5 places. Every place consist of 4 point with distance 50 m of point accompany. Sampling by concentration point method that is to observe and to take the picture of bird which in every point observation with distance 25 metre for 30 minutes. Time of take sample from 07.00 am – 10.00 am and 04.00 pm – 06.00 pm. The result of this research, found there was 6 orders, 6 family and 8 spesies of birds. Diversity of birds was 0.879, and belonging to the low diversity. The highest abundance of birds was Dendrocygna javanica as many as 110 individual. Average of dominance was 0.512 and belonging to the dominance is moderate. The distribution pattern of birds found in the category of the cluster to 8 species. Keywords: diversity, bird, brackish marsh

Cold tolerance, and not earlier arrival on breeding grounds, explains why males winter further north in an Arctic‐breeding songbird

Sex biases in distributions of migratory birds during the non‐breeding season are widespread; however, the proximate mechanisms contributing to broad‐scale sex‐ratio variation are not well understood. We analyzed a long‐term winter‐banding dataset in combination with spring migration data from individuals tracked by using geolocators to test three hypotheses for observed variation in sex‐ratios in wintering flocks of snow buntings Plectrophenax nivalis. We quantified relevant weather conditions in winter (temperature, snowfall and snow depth) at each banding site each year and measured body size and condition (fat scores) of individual birds (n > 5500). We also directly measured spring migration distance for 17 individuals by using light‐level geolocators. If the distribution pattern of birds in winter is related to interactions between individual body size and thermoregulation, then larger bodied birds (males) should be found in colder sites (body size hypothesis). Males may also winter closer to breeding grounds to reduce migration distance for early arrival at breeding sites (arrival timing hypothesis). Finally, males may be socially dominant over females, and thus exclude females from high‐quality wintering sites (social dominance hypothesis). We found support for the body size hypothesis, in that colder and snowier weather predicted both larger body size and higher proportions of males banded. Direct tracking revealed that males did not winter significantly closer to their breeding site, despite being slightly further north on average than females from the same breeding population. We found some evidence for social dominance, in that females tended to carry more fat than males, potentially indicating lower habitat quality for females. Global climatic warming may reduce temperature constraints on females and smaller‐bodied males, resulting in broad‐scale changes in distributional patterns. Whether this has repercussions for individual fitness, and therefore population demography, is an important area of future research.

Records of vagrant bird species in Antarctica: new observations

This paper presents a review of the vagrant species recorded in different areas of the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. Seven bird species were observed at Elephant Island, King George Island and Nelson Island. Elephant Island was the area with the largest number of species recorded (N = 5). Among all the species observed in Antarctica, White-rumped Sandpiper and Cattle Egrets were the species with the most observations. There are different hypotheses used to explain the presence of vagrant bird species in Antarctica: (I) storms, irregular ocean currents, climate change and navigator errors can suggest why the birds are registered out of their usual areas of distribution; (II) changes in ocean currents may influence resource distributions and, consequently, influence bird distribution patterns. It is important to gather more information on bird species that are using new areas, to understand the diversity of birds in Antarctic regions, to characterize changes in migratory routes and to observe the responses of species facing global climate change.

Nutritional composition of the preferred prey of insectivorous birds: popularity reflects quality

Food availability is emerging as a key determinant of avian occurrence and habitat use in a variety of systems, but insectivores have received less attention than other groups and the potential influence of nutritional quality has rarely been considered. Rather than a uniform food source, arthropods vary greatly in terms of nutritional composition, but does this variation translate into differential consumption? Building on previous work that demonstrated clear preference for some arthropod groups by 13 species of ground‐foraging insectivores, we compare the nutritional composition of these arthropod groups with other groups commonly encountered but seldom consumed in the same habitat types. Using samples of arthropods collected from a eucalypt woodland in southern Australia, we found the high frequency prey groups (Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera and Araneae) consistently contained higher fractions of crude protein and total fat than the low frequency groups (Diptera, Hymenoptera and Odonata). Even more clear‐cut differences were noted in terms of micronutrients; high frequency prey containing significantly greater concentrations of seven elements than low frequency prey and significantly greater amounts per individual arthropod for all eleven elements measured. These results indicate that the nutritional quality plays an important role in prey selection in insectivores and suggests that micronutrients may be more important determinants of prey choice than previously recognized. Integrating these findings with previous work suggesting food limitation may constrain distribution patterns of birds in fragmented landscapes, we contend that variation in nutritional quality helps explain observed patterns in insectivore diets and occurrence. In addition to explaining why smaller and more disturbed habitats are unable to support resident insectivore populations, this bottom‐up mechanism may underlie the disproportionate sensitivity of insectivores to land‐use intensification.