Bird Families Research Articles

Abundance, diet and food availability of Citreoline Trogon (Trogon citreolus) in a regenerating tropical dry forest in the Central Pacific, Mexico

Trogonidae make up a family of birds with a mixed diet composed of fruit and animal matter. However, there is little research examining the foraging ecology of Trogon citreolus in regenerating tropical forest. We studied T. citreolus abundance and diet from November 2020 to April 2022 in a regenerating dry tropical forest of Central Pacific Mexico. Also, we investigate the relationship between food availability and trogon abundance. The relative trogon abundance was 2.6 ± 2.3 individuals per point count, which varied temporally. The species consumed the fruits of 14 plant species from 10 families. The three most consumed species were Ficus cotinifolia, Comocladia engleriana, and Randia gentlei. Trogon citreolus displayed a moderate niche breadth (Best = 0. 420) whit low food diet diversity (H’ = 0.94), and the dominance of a particular type of food (λ = 0.85). Our results demonstrated a positive correlation between trogon abundance and food resource availability. The dietary breadth of T. citreolus enable the species to adapt to fluctuations in fruit availability in regenerating forests. These findings highlight the ecological importance of forest regeneration in providing food resources for T. citreolus and other frugivorous birds.

Unveiling the Virome of Wild Birds: Exploring CRESS-DNA Viral Dark Matter.

Amid global health concerns and the constant threat of zoonotic diseases, this study delves into the diversity of circular replicase-encoding single-stranded DNA (CRESS-DNA) viruses within Chinese wild bird populations. Employing viral metagenomics to tackle the challenge of "viral dark matter," the research collected and analyzed 3,404 cloacal swab specimens across 26 bird families. Metagenomic analysis uncovered a rich viral landscape, with 67.48% of reads classified as viral dark matter, spanning multiple taxonomic levels. Notably, certain viral families exhibited host-specific abundance patterns, with Galliformes displaying the highest diversity. Diversity analysis categorized samples into distinct groups, revealing significant differences in viral community structure, particularly noting higher diversity in terrestrial birds compared to songbirds and unique diversity in migratory birds versus perching birds. The identification of ten novel Circoviridae viruses, seven Smacoviridae viruses, and 167 Genomoviridae viruses, along with 100 unclassified CRESS-DNA viruses, underscores the expansion of knowledge on avian-associated circular DNA viruses. Phylogenetic and structural analyses of Rep proteins offered insights into evolutionary relationships and potential functional variations among CRESS-DNA viruses. In conclusion, this study significantly enhances our understanding of the avian virome, shedding light on the intricate relationships between viral communities and host characteristics in Chinese wild bird populations. The diverse array of CRESS-DNA viruses discovered opens avenues for future research into viral evolution, spread factors, and potential ecosystem impacts.

Courtship dance similarity, but not complexity, may explain patterns of hybridization in manakins (Aves: Pipridae)

Abstract Differences in behaviour can play an important role in the emergence of species and the maintenance of species boundaries. In birds, behavioural isolation mechanisms range from simple vocalizations to elaborate courtship displays. The breakdown of these isolation mechanisms could result in the production of viable hybrid offspring. In general, we might expect a negative relationship between the complexity of a behavioural isolation mechanism and the incidence of hybridization. I tested this prediction in manakins, a Neotropical bird family that shows a large variety of courtship displays. I compiled a database of reliable hybrid records and quantified the complexity of species-specific courtship displays. Binary logistic regressions indicated that courtship similarity was a better predictor of hybridization probability than courtship complexity. However, this pattern was strongly influenced by phylogenetic relatedness, in that closely related species exhibited similar courtship displays that were already being performed by their common ancestor. The main limitation of this study concerns the incomplete dataset. I could assess the courtship complexity for only 22 manakin species; consequently, not all hybrid combinations could be included in the analyses. Nonetheless, these findings provide important insights into the role of courtship displays in explaining patterns of hybridization.

Phylogeny and historical biogeography of the swallow family (Hirundinidae) inferred from comparisons of thousands of UCE loci

Swallows (Hirundinidae) are a globally distributed family of passerine birds that exhibit remarkable similarity in body shape but tremendous variation in plumage, sociality, nesting behavior, and migratory strategies. As a result, swallow species have become models for empirical behavioral ecology and evolutionary studies, and variation across the Hirundinidae presents an excellent opportunity for comparative analyses of trait evolution. Exploiting this potential requires a comprehensive and well-resolved phylogenetic tree of the family. To address this need, we estimated swallow phylogeny using genetic data from thousands of ultraconserved element (UCE) loci sampled from nearly all recognized swallow species. Maximum likelihood, coalescent-based, and Bayesian approaches yielded a well-resolved phylogenetic tree to the generic level, with minor disagreement among inferences at the species level, which likely reflect ongoing population genetic processes. The UCE data were particularly useful in helping to resolve deep nodes, which previously confounded phylogenetic reconstruction efforts. Divergence time estimates from the improved swallow tree support a Miocene origin of the family, roughly 13 million years ago, with subsequent diversification of major groups in the late Miocene and Pliocene. Our estimates of historical biogeography support the hypothesis that swallows originated in the Afrotropics and have subsequently expanded across the globe, with major in situ diversification in Africa and a secondary major radiation following colonization of the Neotropics. Initial examination of nesting and sociality indicates that the origin of mud nesting – a relatively rare nest construction phenotype in birds – was a major innovation coincident with the origin of a clade giving rise to over 40% of extant swallow diversity. In contrast, transitions between social and solitary nesting appear less important for explaining patterns of diversification among swallows.

Identification of main variables in forest management for recovery of endemic species habitat in burned areas of southern Chile

Wildfires are among the most serious disturbances that affect forest biodiversity, damaging both flora and fauna. In some burned areas, vegetation recovery is a long and complex process that requires the support of restorative actions. This study evaluated changes in forest structural features after a fire that affect habitat suitability for Rhinocryptids, an endemic group of bird species that are indicators of biodiversity in the temperate forests of South America. The study area was the Malleco National Reserve, Chile, where the main ecosystems are temperate forests. Four species from the Rhinocryptidae family of birds were used as bioindicator species. This group of species is endemic to temperate forests in South America. After fires occurred in 2002 and 2015, affecting temperate forests dominated by several Nothofagus species, two field inventories were carried out in 2016 and 2018. These inventories recorded the presence of Rhinocryptids and some forests structural features. Differences between the two stages of forest regeneration were assessed using statistical tests (T-test and Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test) and a classification model was proposed to determine the presence of Rhinocryptidae species. The statistical analysis of forest structural features showed that the variables more relevant in the habitat recuperation are vertical stratification (p-value < 0.001) and understory cover (p-value = 0.053). The trained decision tree to predict the presence of Rhinocryptidae species had an accuracy of 65.22%. This model showed that the coexistence of more than one Rhinocryptidae species occurs when vertical stratification is not mono-stratified and the density is lower than 335 trees ha−1. Our results can help forest managers to consider forest structure as a suitable habitat for certain major wildlife species when implementing post-fire recovery plans.

Species-specific dynamics may cause deviations from general biogeographical predictions - evidence from a population genomics study of a New Guinean endemic passerine bird family (Melampittidae).

The family Melampittidae is endemic to New Guinea and consists of two monotypic genera: Melampitta lugubris (Lesser Melampitta) and Megalampitta gigantea (Greater Melampitta). Both Melampitta species have scattered and disconnected distributions across New Guinea in the central mountain range and in some of the outlying ranges. While M. lugubris is common and found in most montane regions of the island, M. gigantaea is elusive and known from only six localities in isolated pockets on New Guinea with very specific habitats of limestone and sinkholes. In this project, we apply museomics to determine the population structure and demographic history of these two species. We re-sequenced the genomes of all seven known M. gigantaea samples housed in museum collections as well as 24 M. lugubris samples from across its distribution. By comparing population structure between the two species, we investigate to what extent habitat dependence, such as in M. gigantaea, may affect population connectivity. Phylogenetic and population genomic analyses, as well as acoustic variation revealed that M. gigantaea consists of a single population in contrast to M. lugubris that shows much stronger population structure across the island. We suggest a recent collapse of M. gigantaea into its fragmented habitats as an explanation to its unexpected low diversity and lack of population structure. The deep genetic divergences between the M. lugubris populations on the Vogelkop region, in the western central range and the eastern central range, respectively, suggests that these three populations should be elevated to full species level. This work sheds new light on the mechanisms that have shaped the intriguing distribution of the two species within this family and is a prime example of the importance of museum collections for genomic studies of poorly known and rare species.

Features of the evolutionary transition/transversion bias of birds and mammals by the CYTB gene

Differences in the nature of the transition/transversion bias of birds and mammals, as well as families with small and large body-sized species, are proven by the example of the CYTB gene. It was that for birds compared to mammals, as well as in families of small birds and mammals compared to larger ones, the frequency of transversions is significantly higher and the frequency of transitions is lower. This leads to a decrease in the transition/transversion bias and a decrease in the rate of its evolutionary compensation. The possible cause of this phenomenon is the greater intensity of individual metabolism and the resulting increase in mutation rates in birds and small species. Exceptions are extremely small species that are characterized by a state of hypothermia. The high level of metabolism and mutability explains the richness of bird species, as well as the highest activity of speciation in small organisms. In addition, the transition/trans- version bias should be considered as a reliable integral indicator of individual metabolic intensity at the family level.

Co-exposure to PVC microplastics and cadmium induces oxidative stress and fibrosis in duck pancreas

PVC microplastics (PVC-MPs) are environmental pollutants that interact with cadmium (Cd) to exert various biological effects. Ducks belong to the waterfowl family of birds and therefore are at a higher risk of exposure to PVC-MPs and Cd than other animals. However, the effects of co-exposure of ducks to Cd and PVC-MPs are poorly understood. Here, we used Muscovy ducks to establish an in vivo model to explore the effects of co-exposure to 1 mg/L PVC-MPs and 50 mg/kg Cd on duck pancreas. After 2 months of treatment with 50 mg/kg Cd, pancreas weight decreased by 21 %, and the content of amylase and lipase increased by 25 % and 233 %. However, exposure to PVC-MPs did not significantly affect the pancreas. Moreover, co-exposure to PVC-MPs and Cd worsened the reduction of pancreas weight and disruption of pancreas function compared to exposure to either substance alone. Furthermore, our research has revealed that exposure to PVC-MPs or Cd disrupted mitochondrial structure, reduced ATP levels by 10 % and 18 %, inhibited antioxidant enzyme activity, and increased malondialdehyde levels by 153.8 % and 232.5 %. It was found that exposure to either PVC-MPs or Cd can induce inflammation and fibrosis in the duck pancreas. Notably, co-exposure to PVC-MPs and Cd exacerbated inflammation and fibrosis, with the content of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α increasing by 169 %, 199 %, and 98 %, compared to Cd exposure alone. The study emphasizes the significance of comprehending the potential hazards linked to exposure to these substances. In conclusion, it presents promising preliminary evidence that PVC-MPs accumulate in duck pancreas, and increase the accumulation of Cd. Co-exposure to PVC-MPs and Cd disrupts the structure and function of mitochondria and promotes the development of pancreas inflammation and fibrosis.

Diversity and species richness of avian fauna in varied habitats of Soraipung range and vicinity in Dehing Patkai National Park, India

Dehing Patkai National Park, nestled in Assam’s Upper Brahmaputra valley, features a distinctive lowland forest landscape dominated by Dipterocarpus trees, teeming with fauna encompassing reptiles, birds, and mammals. Avian surveys were conducted from October 2021 to September 2023 to document avifaunal diversity within and surrounding the park. Point-transect method was used. One-hundred-and-fifty-one species from 54 families were recorded, including 43 terrestrial and 11 aquatic bird families. One-hundred-and twenty-seven species were residents, 18 winter migrants, five summer migrants, and one was a local migrant. Habitat disturbance was assessed across five transects; undisturbed habitats in T1 and T2 showed the highest Shannon-Wiener diversity index, while moderately and highly disturbed habitats in T3, T4, and T5 exhibited lower diversity. The analysis revealed a significant positive correlation (p ≤ 0.05) among different transects. A total of seven species (Ashy-headed Green Pigeon, Lesser Adjutant, White-cheeked Partridge, Alexandrine Parakeet, Red-breasted Parakeet, Austen’s Brown Hornbill, and Oriental Darter) are classified as ‘Near Threatened’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened species; 12 species are in Schedule 1 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This investigation underscores Dehing Patkai National Park’s significance as a sanctuary for diverse bird populations, including threatened and near-threatened species. The decline in bird populations in disturbed areas emphasizes the urgency of implementing effective conservation and management strategies within the park, alongside continued research and monitoring to support its unique avian ecosystem.

Avifaunal diversity in the campus of Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, Chandigarh, India

A total of 53 bird species belonging to 11 orders and 32 families of terrestrial and semi-aquatic birds were identified and recorded during the one-year study conducted during Covid-19 pandemic in the campus of Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, Chandigarh. Out of the 53 bird species observed, 40 were resident whereas 13 were migratory with 04 summer migrants and 09 winter migrants. Maximum number of bird species was observed in the winter season with their abundance in the wooded areas. 30 species of birds were found to be protected under Schedules I, IV and V of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The analysis of feeding habits showed that 26 bird species were omnivorous, 12 insectivorous, 10 carnivorous, 03 frugivorous, and 02 granivorous.The survey revealed the presence of an amicable habitat in the college campus to encourage stay or visit of birds throughout the year. Regular monitoring can further aid in establishing an avian baseline data in the campus for future references.

What passes through the extinction filter? Historical and contemporary patterns of vulnerability of the most extinction-prone bird family (Aves: Rallidae)

Abstract Patterns of extinction risk can vary across taxa, with species of some groups being particularly vulnerable to extinction. Rails (Aves: Rallidae) represent one of the most extreme yet well-documented cases of mass extinction within a modern vertebrate group. Between 54 and 92% of rail species became extinct following waves of human contact during both the Holocene and the Anthropocene eras, and a third of the extant species are currently threatened or near-threatened. Here, we (1) examine extinction filters through consecutive human contacts with rails, investigating the role of intrinsic life-history traits and (2) investigate the drivers of contemporary vulnerability. During the most recent wave of extinction, we found that body size was an important correlate of rail extinctions, with both smaller and larger bodied species more likely to become extinct. Island endemism and small clutch size were the strongest predictors of contemporary vulnerability. Overall, island endemic rails tend to follow the same trajectory as extinct species, suffering mostly from invasive predators and overhunting, but with different traits targeted contemporarily compared to past extinctions. Moreover, modern anthropogenic threats have created the potential for new intricate pathways – or a contemporary ‘field of bullets’ – making future vulnerability potentially less predictable.

BEING IN CONTACT WITH NATURE, BELONGINGNESS, AND AWE

Spending time in nature or simply watching a video or photos from nature seems to improve self-centeredness, becoming aware of personal needs and means to satisfy them. It also has a restoring effect on cognitive functions and the human brain. Fewer studies were conducted on how spending time in nature affects the sense of belonging and the appreciation of other people. The article presents the results of an experiment involving first year Clinical Psychology students participating in a Health Psychology and Psychosomatics course. The participants in the experimental group watched a film presenting the life of several families of animals and birds in the wilderness. Afterwards, they completed two measures: one for the sense of belongingness and the other with awe for the significant people in their life. The control group only completed the questionnaires as part of regular activities. The results show that, after watching the film from wilderness, the feelings of timelessness, the physiological aspects and greatness of awe towards a significant other were significantly affected, while feelings of Self, connectedness, feeling accepted/included or rejected/excluded showed no significant differences for the two groups.

New insight on chlamydiae.

This article provides an overview of the current knowledge on chlamydiae, which are intracellular bacteria belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family. Whole-genome sequencing leads to great increases in the available data about Chlamydia spp. Recently, novel chlamydial taxons in various hosts living in different environments have been recognised. New species and taxons with Candidatus status have been recorded mainly in birds and reptiles. Chlamydia gallinacea is an emerging infectious agent in poultry with indirectly confirmed zoonotic potential. Recently, a new group of avian C. abortus strains with worldwide distribution in various wild bird families has been described. The definition of C. abortus species became outdated with the discovery of these strains and has been amended. It now includes two subgroups, mammalian and avian, the latter including all isolates hitherto referred to as atypical C. psittaci or C. psittaci/C. abortus intermediates.

Appropriate Primer Selection Improves Molecular Bird Sexing Accuracy

Birds sexing utilize the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique is increasingly being used by researchers and breeders. The PCR technique has high sensitivity, but its success is influenced by the specificity of the DNA template with the oligo primer used. This study aimed to evaluate 5 types of PCR primers P2/P8, 2550F/2718R, CHD1F/CHD1R, 1237L/1272H, and CHD1LF/CHD1LR to determine the sex of Phasianidae, Anatidae, Muscicapidae, and Psittacidae families. This research was conducted by tested primers mentioned above to amplify the target gene chromodomain helicase DNA binding 1 (CHD1) on DNA samples of each pair of males and females from four bird families, respectively. The results indicated that CHD1LF/CHD1LR PCR primer gave the best results and was recommended to determine the sex of four families tested. Some of other primers tested in this study failed to amplify targeted gene correctly, it is important to use appropriate primer to increase bird sexing accuracy.

Cuckoo Search Approach for Optimal SVC Design in A Multimachine Power System

In this paper, a new metaheuristic method, the Cuckoo Search (CS) approach, based on the life of a bird family is proposed for the optimal design of a Static Var Compensator (SVC) in a multimachine environment. The SVC parameter tuning problem is converted to an optimization problem which is solved by the CS approach. The performance of the proposed CS-based SVC (CSSVC) has been compared with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) based SVC (PSOSVC) under various operating conditions. The superiority of the suggested technique in damping oscillations and enhancing voltage profile over a wide range of operating conditions and system configurations is confirmed through eigenvalue, performance indices, and time domain simulation results over the PSO.

Very low prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in two species of marsh terns

Vector-transmitted haemosporidians are among the most common parasites in birds, but our knowledge of the inter-specific patterns of infection rates and the parasite community composition is far from complete because of the unequal distribution of the screening effort across bird families and genera. To assess infection rates and the diversity of haemosporidians from the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon in marsh terns, which represent poorly explored in this regard genus of the family gulls, terns, and skimmers (Laridae), we screened two species: the Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) and the Black Tern (Chlidonias niger). We sampled these long-distance migratory birds on breeding grounds: the Whiskered Tern in south-central Poland and north-central Ukraine, and the Black Tern—in north-central Ukraine. We found that birds from both species were infected only sporadically, with prevalence at the population level not exceeding 3.4%. Only parasites from the genera Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon were detected. There was neither an inter-specific difference nor a difference between populations of the Whiskered Tern in infection rates. In total, we registered three lineages—one Plasmodium and two Leucocytozoon—that were previously recorded in other bird species, and two unidentified Plasmodium infections. One of the lineages (Leucocytozoon LARCAC02) represents a specialist parasite with the host range restricted to larids and geographic range restricted to Poland, and two others (Plasmodium SGS1 and Leucocytozoon CIAE02) represent generalist parasites with very broad host and geographic ranges. This study reinforces the existing evidence that terns host parasites from genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon only sporadically.

Ancient duplication, coevolution, and selection at the MHC class IIA and IIB genes of birds.

The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) of vertebrates is a dynamically evolving multigene family primarily responsible for recognizing non-self peptide antigens and triggering a pathogen-specific adaptive immune response. In birds, the MHC was previously thought to evolve via concerted evolution with high degree of gene homogenization and the rapid loss of orthology. However, the discovery of two ancient avian MHC-IIB gene lineages (DAB1 and DAB2) originating before the radiation of extant birds indicated that despite the action of concerted evolution, orthology may be detectable for long evolutionary periods. Here, we take advantage of rapidly accumulating digital genomic resources to search for the signal of an ancient duplication at the avian MHC-IIA genes, as well as to compare phylogenetic distribution and selection between MHC-IIA and IIB gene lineages. The analysis of MHC sequences from over 230 species representing ca. 70 bird families revealed the presence of two ancient MHC-IIA gene lineages (DAA1 and DAA2) and showed that their phylogenetic distribution matches exactly the distribution of DAB1 and DAB2 lineages, suggesting tight coevolution. The early post-duplication divergence of DAA1 and DAA2 was driven by positive selection fixing radical amino acid differences within the membrane-proximal domain and, most probably, being functionally related to the interactions between α2 and β2 chains of the MHC-II heterodimer. We detected no evidence for an overall (gene-wide) relaxation or intensification of selection at either DAA1/DAB1 or DAA2/DAB2, but codon-specific differences in selection signature were found at the peptide-binding sites between the two gene lineages, perhaps implying specialization to different pathogen regimes. Our results suggest that specific pairing of MHC-II α and β chains may have an adaptive significance, a conclusion that advances knowledge on the macroevolution of the avian MHC-II and opens exciting novel directions for future research.

Hospederos y patrones de prevalencia de parásitos aviares Philornis (Diptera: muscidae) en la costa de Ecuador

ABSTRACT Most of the species of the genus Philornis are obligate parasites of birds’ nests, especially affecting small populations. However, research on factors influencing its distribution is scarce. This study focuses on analyzing some elements that facilitate the parasitism of this genus on several species of birds in continental Ecuador. From a sample obtained over two years (2019-2020) in five different locations on the country’s coast, 693 nests of land birds and raptors were analyzed. Of these, 13% were parasitized. Two Philornis species already reported for Ecuador (Philornis downsi, P. niger) and two morphotypes not previously registered in the country were recorded, preliminarily classified as P. sp. nr. bellus and P. sp. nr. falsificus. The species with the highest proportion was P. downsi, both in terms of nest prevalence and intensity. Each species of the parasite showed an affinity for one or more families of birds and it was evidenced that the shape of the nest facilitates the prevalence of Philornis. The prevalence of Philornis decreases in higher places in the dry coastal forests. The probability of infection was also influenced by habitat alteration: nests from disturbed sites have a higher prevalence of parasites than nests with natural forest (P = 0.002). The present study strengthens the existing knowledge about different environmental factors that influence Philornis parasitism birds of continental Ecuador.

The birds of Cameroon: bird survey in a forest plain of the Congo basin forest (Oveng, Cameroon) confirms the great diversity of birds linked to the vegetation of the second largest biodiversity reserve in the world as well as the distribution pattern of taxa

We carried out a bird survey in the Oveng plain in the Congo Basin Forest to investigate the avifauna as well as to explore the abundance, diversity and distribution of taxa. To obtain abundance of bird species and analyze their diversity and distribution, we used the mist net method for bird sampling for five months and performed analyzes with SAS/STAT and PAST software, respectively; moreover, to compare the diversity and dominance of the Oveng plain to other plains already explored, we proceeded to a simple comparison for a small sample, placing the values in a double-entry table and analyzing them. We captured 146 individuals belonging to 22 bird families and compared to previous surveys in this region, we recorded three new species, Campethera maculosa, Buccanodon duchaillui and Alethe diademeta; the birds caught were mainly sedentary and the rest were a mixture of intra-African, seasonal and Palearctic migrants, etc. Values ​​of the diversity indices show a great avifaunistic diversity within the Oveng site; thus, the Shannon-Wiener index (H’= 3.09) expresses the high number of the species within the Oveng avifauna while the Equitability index (J’=0.83) reveals an absence of dominance of one species and therefore an equal distribution of individuals within species. The Simpson index (λ=0.92) supports abundant species representation in Oveng’s birdlife due to the presence of year-round vegetation. The distribution pattern of taxa appeared directly linked to vegetation. Comparison of the diversity and dominance of plains avifauna supports a close relationship between the presence of vegetation and a high diversity of birds and that between an absence of vegetation and a more pronounced dominance.

Predictors of West African urban bird species richness and composition

AbstractUrbanisation and its associated habitat loss and fragmentation are considered a major threat to wildlife. In this study, we assessed the predictors of bird species abundance, richness and composition within 70 cells of 500 m by 500 m spread across the five urban areas constituting Ibadan metropolis. A total of 4167 individuals of 55 species belonging to 30 families were recorded. We report that Laughing dove Streptopelia senegalensis, Speckled pigeon Columba guinea and Yellow‐billed kite Milvus aegyptius contributed to a greater proportion of bird abundance across sites and Columbidae was the most abundant bird family. Bird species richness increased significantly with tree abundance but decreased significantly with the number of pedestrians. Similarly, foraging guild richness declined significantly with the number of pedestrians. Granivores and scavengers constituted the most abundant foraging guilds. Areas with high pedestrians' traffic were associated with fewer trees and were dominated by fewer numbers of species belonging to a few foraging guilds. This is likely because such areas offer limited foraging opportunities or cover from potential predators. We conclude that improving urban landscape characteristics through revegetation, establishment of green spaces and buffering from human disturbance will improve the composition and richness of avian species in the Ibadan metropolis.