Glaucidium Brasilianum Research Articles

Similaridad de 11 especies pertenecientes a las familias Falconidae y Strigidae a partir de sus vocalizaciones

Conocer aspectos biológicos de las familias Falconidae y Strigidae como la vocalización es relevante, ya que podríamos utilizar este aspecto como base para agrupar especies y evaluar su similaridad. En ese sentido se caracterizaron las vocalizaciones de 11 especies pertenecientes a las familias Falconidae y Strigidae, a través de la descarga de 53 audios por especie de la base de datos de acceso público Xeno Canto. Las variables consideradas en este estudio fueron: frecuencia, amplitud, duración, números de picos de frecuencia, factor cresta, mediana de envolvente de amplitud e índice de complejidad acústica. Una vez caracterizadas las vocalizaciones se procedió a evaluar la similaridad de especies, utilizando para ello el agrupamiento jerárquico (índice de Conectividad = 9,415, índice de Dunn = 0,819,). Guardando similaridad a partir de las características de sus vocalizaciones Falco peregrinus y F. columbarius, F. rufigularis y F. femoralis; mientras que F. sparverius tuvo más similaridad con las 2 primeras especies. Todas estas especies se diferencian de las especies de la familia Strigidae teniendo aquí Glaucidium brasilianum, G. jardini y G. peruanum más similaridad; asimismo Glaucidium hardyi y Aegolius harrisii guardan más concordancia entre ellos y finalmente Megascops roboratus presenta similaridad con todas las especies del género Glaucidium (coeficiente de aglomeración = 0,67).

Can the ferruginous pygmy-owl (Aves, Strigidae) disperse seeds?

Can the ferruginous pygmy-owl (Aves, Strigidae) disperse seeds?

Behaviour of native birds and analysis of vocalizations, in a small reforested urban space near downtown Goiânia, Goiás state, Brazil

Due to habitat loss, several bird species that are dependent on forest environments seek refuge in green spaces within cities. The objective this study was to verify if the afforestation with autochthonous fruit trees of a small urban space could provide enough resources as food, shelter, and substrate for nesting of autochthonous bird species. Between June 2020-May 2021, during the covid-19 pandemic we observed the activity of bird species that visited a small forested urban space in Goiânia, Brazil. We recorded the behavioural activities of the birds using the focal animal technique, recordings of vocalizations and photographic and video recordings. About thirty species of birds were seen visiting our small urban wooded space. The most conspicuous species were the Amazonian Motmot, Picazuro Pigeon, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Rufous-Browed Peppershrike, Rufous-bellied Thrush, Yellow-chevroned Parakeet, Great Kiskadee, Blue and Yellow Macaws, and the Common Potoo. All these species rested, vocalized and took refuge in the small urban wooded space. We also observed some species that nested, and many others that fed on tree fruits, insects and earthworms. We verified the presence of Amazonian Motmots (Momotus momota) adapted to this environment when we saw adult and juvenile Motmots and found an active nest. We also verified the reproductive adaptation of the Picazuro Pigeon (Patagioenas picazuro) observing the courtship and mating behaviour and found an occupied nest, which corroborates with the reproductive adaptation of the Picazuro Pigeon. We emphasize that native fruit trees are a fundamental part of urban environments, as they guarantee food for frugivorous birds, whereas mature leafy trees provide conditions for nesting and allow birds to congregate and communicate.

Fragment size and isolation is associated with the presence of two forest owls in a fragmented environment in Central Argentina

In the semiarid Espinal ecoregion from central Argentina, deforestation has produced a large retraction of native forests and an accelerated process of fragmentation. Here we assess the effects of forest fragmentation within an agricultural matrix on the presence of two forest owls: the Ferruginous pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) and the Tropical screech-owl (Megascops choliba). We searched for the species in fragments of different sizes and at different distances from large-continuous forest tracts. We detected one or both species at 43% of the 84 surveyed points. The Tropical Screech Owl was detected at 13 points, the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl was detected at 14 points, and both species were detected at 9 points. For the Ferruginous pygmy-owl, the area of the fragment where the point registration was made was the only variable associated with its presence. The model for Tropical Screech-Owl indicated that the variable that best explained its presence was the distance to the nearest forest fragment. For both species the association was negative. Our results suggest that despite being generalist and widely distributed species, both owls were negatively affected by the fragmentation process, highlighting the importance of the preservation of forest remnants and their connectivity.

Effects of forest structure and human influence on the call rate of owls in the Piedmont Forest of Northwestern Argentina

ABSTRACT Owls (Strigiformes) play an important ecological role as predators that structure and organize biological communities. Specialized owl species dependent on old-growth forests have suffered declines because of forest loss or degradation by human activities. Few studies have been conducted on Neotropical owls, especially in the Piedmont Forest of Northwestern Argentina. The scarcity of information on habitat requirements and the effect of human impacts preclude the establishment of conservation and management activities. The human footprint index (HFI) is a tool for mapping human impacts on biodiversity that is used at global and regional scales, based on the estimated and standardized contribution of different human impact variables (e.g. road networks, urban centers, agricultural land, etc.). The objectives of this work were to: 1) Determine the call rate of five owl species in the Piedmont Forest of Northwestern Argentina, 2) relate forest structure to the call rate of owl species, and 3) relate human footprint index to the call rate of owls. We placed 28 automatic recorders in the Piedmont Forest, in sites with low and high Human influence, and characterized the forest structure around each recorder within a circular plot of 25 m diameter. We obtained 241 vocalizations in 168 intervals of 2 h for Ferruginous pygmy owl (Glaucidium brasilianum), Tropical screech-owl (Megascops choliba), Black-banded owl (Ciccaba huhula), Spectacled owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata), and Buff-fronted owl (Aegolius harrisii). We found that for Tropical screech-owl live tree basal area had a positive and diameter at breast height standard deviation had a negative influence on call rate. While for Black-banded owl, the dead tree density had a positive and human footprint index >1 had a negative influence on call rate. For Spectacled owl, dead tree density and human footprint index >1 had a negative influence on call rate. We provide first insights into the effects of forest structure and human influence on the call rate of owls in the Piedmont Forest of Northwestern Argentina, information that may guide forest management guidelines and conservation strategies.

ATTACK OF A WIDE-RANGING NEOTROPICAL OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) ON AN ABUNDANT SPECIES OF FRUIT BAT (Carollia perspicillata) IN THE BRAZILIAN CERRADO

The southern Neotropics harbour one of the largest diversity of bats and raptors in the world, however, few records on the predation of bats, especially by owls, are reported in the literature. Here we have expanded our knowledge on the feeding habits of the ferruginous pygmy owl ( Glaucidium brasilianum ) by describing its attack on a Seba’s short-tailed fruit bat ( Carollia perspicillata ). Also, we compiled a list of 10 vertebrate species, including now three bat species, which are predated by this wide-ranging Neotropical owl. Thus, we recommend special attention to the monitoring of abundant bat populations and their predators, as much as their role in the ecosystem services, such as seed dispersal.

Landcover change and habitat quality mediate impacts of temperature and precipitation on population dynamics of a threatened aridland predator

AbstractClimate and landcover change can have synergistic impacts on wildlife populations, but the pervasiveness of these threats and factors that buffer them remain unclear despite important implications for conservation. I evaluated the additive and interactive effects of spatiotemporal variation in temperature, precipitation, and landcover change on annual territory occupancy, colonization, and extinction of a threatened top‐predator, the ferruginous pygmy‐owl (Glaucidium brasilianum), across a vast binational region of the Sonoran Desert over 16 years. I also assessed how local habitat quality and regional population size mediate impacts of these stressors. Despite significant bivariate associations between occupancy and temperature, precipitation, and landcover change, evidence for interactions was much greater than for additive effects. Occupancy of territories imbedded in increasingly disturbed landscapes declined at greater rates with warming winter temperatures, but the temperature had little effect in intact landscapes suggesting they buffer impacts of climate warming. Occupancy increased markedly with precipitation due likely to major positive impacts on prey, but again, interactive effects were stronger given territories of higher quality amplified benefits of precipitation. Impacts of landcover change and habitat quality on extinction depended markedly on regional population sizes. When populations were small and few potential colonists were present, high‐quality habitat and low landcover change failed to reduce extinction. When populations were large, however, high‐quality habitat and more intact landscapes, which best foster dispersal, reduced extinction. Hence, complex interacting processes linked to the effects of precipitation and habitat quality on carrying capacity, landcover change on habitat connectivity and vulnerability to rising temperatures, and local population sizes simultaneously drove dynamics. Efforts to identify and protect high‐quality habitat and limit landcover change can enhance conservation but will be most efficient in intact landscapes. Efforts to enhance local habitat quality and quantity, and directly augment populations should consider broader landscape contexts linked to habitat connectivity and potential source populations.

Melanopsin expression in the retinas of owls with different daily activity patterns

Melanopsin is a photopigment found in a subset of retinal ganglion cells that is responsible for generating a series of responses to light in organisms, such as circadian rhythm regulation, pupillary light reflex, and body temperature control. The role of each melanopsin gene in the vertebrate retina is still not fully elucidated and a diversity of expression patterns of this photopigment can be observed in retinas of different vertebrate species. Owls are an excellent model for studying the role of melanopsin due to the diversity of species, which may present diurnal, nocturnal, or cathemeral habits. The purpose of this study was to characterize the expression of melanopsin genes in the retina of four different owl species from the Strigidae family (Athene cunicularia, Asio clamator, Glaucidium brasilianum, and Megascops choliba) through genetic and phylogenetic analysis. The specimens were euthanized, and the retinas were collected for RNA extraction and cDNA transcription. cDNA was used in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with subsequent sequencing to identify melanopsin genes expressed in the retina of owls. For the quantitative analysis of gene expression, real-time PCR was performed. The phylogenetic reconstruction was obtained by the maximum likelihood. The results showed that owls express both melanopsin genes, Opn4x and Opn4m, with different patterns of expression among the species. The expression of the Opn4x gene was two times higher in Asio clamator (nocturnal) compared to A. cunicularia (cathemeral), Glaucidium brasilianum (diurnal), and Megascops choliba (nocturnal). On the other hand, the expression of Opn4m was about two times lower in the cathemeral, A. cunicularia compared to the other three species. These results might indicate functional differences of the Opn4x and Opn4m genes among species, related to circadian rhythm regulation. Further investigation in owls at other times of the day will bring light to the circadian pattern of melanopsin expression in these species and its correlation with the different patterns of daily activity.

Long-Term Study of Owl Occupancy in Protected Areas of El Salvador

ABSTRACT Understanding patterns in the occupancy of Neotropical owls can help inform land managers and conservation efforts; however, Neotropical owls are understudied compared to their temperate kin. We conducted the first long-term (10-yr) study of owls in El Salvador to assess occurrence patterns and species richness using occupancy modeling. Our study occurred in El Imposible National Park, Montecristo National Park, and Nancuchiname Forest, and we chose two survey routes per protected area to represent the landscape diversity of the country. Surveys involved passive listening and broadcasting calls of several species at selected points along each route, and we sought to repeat each survey route twice per year. We completed 86 surveys between March and May each year from 2003 through 2013, except in 2006 when no surveys occurred. We detected nine species of owls, including the Stygian Owl (Asio stygius), which was previously undocumented in El Salvador, and we documented 1211 owl records overall. We developed Bayesian, hierarchical, single-species occupancy models for the Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata), Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum), and Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata), and a multi-species richness model for all El Salvador owls. We found that the effects of broadcasting calls were species-specific (i.e., broadcasting some species' calls increased detection probabilities while others decreased detection). Nancuchiname Forest was the most species-rich, while the cloud forest of Montecristo National Park had several species that we did not observe elsewhere. In general, we found relatively stable occupancy patterns across the study period, and we recommend some specific areas of further study to inform management decisions.

DIVERSITY OF NOCTURNAL BIRDS IN FOREST FRAGMENTS IN THE PAMPA BIOME, SOUTHERN BRAZIL

Studies on nocturnal birds in the Neotropical region are still considered scarce in the literature, lacking bioecological approaches to this group in the wild. The present study aimed to obtain information on the abundance, richness, and composition of nocturnal birds found in forest fragments in the Central Region, the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data collection was conducted between 2015 and 2016 through listening points, in three fragments in the region (defined as A, B, and C). Seven species of nocturnal birds were recorded and the most abundant were Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) and Tropical Screech-Owl (Megascops choliba). Summer was the most representative season in abundance and species richness. In terms of composition, fragment (A) presented a distinction, with an exclusive species, the bacurau-chintã (Hydropsalis parvula). The feeding guilds are composed of carnivorous and insectivorous individuals, most of which are annual residents of the state. The assemblage of nocturnal birds recorded in the fragments of deciduous seasonal forest in the central region reports information about this group, which seems to be locally adapted to live in these altered forest environments, which in a way, still provide resources to meet their trophic needs.

Association between Landscape Features and Owl Assemblages in a Tropical Rainforest of Southeastern Mexico

Tropical owls are one of the most threatened groups of birds. Studying the association between landscape features and owl assemblages is challenging due to the logistical difficulties of nocturnal fieldwork. We analyzed the association of landscape composition and spatial configuration of forest cover with the composition of the owl assemblages in a tropical rainforest in southeastern Mexico. During the 2014 reproductive season (April to June), we estimated owl abundance through auditory detection and playbacks at 60 survey points distributed in 12 landscapes (625 ha each) within a gradient of forest cover. We found that the owl community comprised six out of the 10 expected resident species. The landscape unit with 41% forest cover contained the most diverse assemblage. The owl species most susceptible to local extinction were specialists of interior areas of old-growth forest. The abundances of the Middle American Screech-Owl (Megascops guatemalae), Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), and Black-and-white Owl (Ciccaba nigrolineata) were positively associated with the proportion of forest cover as well as with the average size of the patches, but negatively associated with environmental temperature. The abundances of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba) and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) were positively related to the amount of urban area in the landscape. The only species recorded along the entire gradient was the Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata), a species that is a generalist in habitat and diet; its abundance was positively related to the proportion of forest cover and the amount of water surface (lakes and rivers) in the landscape. Four resident species were not recorded: Crested Owl (Lophostrix cristata), Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata), Striped Owl (Pseudoscops clamator), and Central American Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium griseiceps).

Passive acoustic monitoring of the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) over a complete annual cycle: seasonality and monitoring recommendations

ABSTRACT Monitoring the vocal behavior of owls is challenging because of their nocturnal habits and limited vocal activity. Here, we evaluated the use of passive acoustic monitoring coupled with automated signal recognition software to monitor the spontaneous vocal activity of the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) over a complete annual cycle at five recording stations in the Brazilian Pantanal. The vocal behavior of this species was concentrated during the crepuscular periods, with highest vocal activity in the hours prior to sunrise. The Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl was vocally active throughout the year, but the species showed a peak of activity from June to August. Paired Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl males tend to perform territorial calls less often during the nestling period, which may partly explain the significant decrease in the vocal activity after August. Our results suggest that the breeding period of the species starts in June, and the nesting phase probably occurs from September onwards, when the wet season starts. The first rains in seasonal tropical areas are usually associated with an increase in food availability, which may explain the species´ breeding period onset. Future surveys aiming to monitor the species, avoiding the use of broadcast calls, should be performed before sunrise between June and August, when the vocal activity was maximal.

Small owls in relation to habitat structure: occurrence of Tropical Screech-owl (Megascops choliba) and Ferruginous Pygmyowl (Glaucidium brasilianum) in the mountain forests of central Argentina

Owls are top predators poorly studied in the Neotropics. Their occurrences can be affected by forest structure and landscape features. We report Tropical Screech-Owl (Megascops choliba) and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) detections in relation to habitat characteristics in central Argentina. During the spring of 2019, we surveyed 250 ha of mountain forest, measured habitat characteristics in presences/absences sites, and estimated owls’ densities. M. choliba (0.16 individuals/ha) was positively associated with snag whereas G. brasilianum (0.05 individuals/ha) was positively associated with proportions of small trees. Our results suggest that these habitat characteristics might be important covariates when studying these two species.

Perceptions and attitudes of visitors at the Jardín Zoológico Payo Obispo and their influence on the conservation of native wildlife

This study focused on the relationship between the perceptions and attitudes of visitors at the Jardín Zoológico Payo Obispo and their support for the conservation of nine animal species, native of southeastern Mexico. Results from 198 surveys applied from November 2018 to February 2019, show that fear is the most important factor for visitors to decide if they support the protection of opossums and boas, while for ferruginous pygmy-owl and Morelet’s crocodile it was the aesthetic consideration (“ugly”). For the remainder species, with the exception of the jicotea turtle, both, the fear, and the aesthetic perceptions directly influence conservation support.

Vocal activity of the Ferruginous pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) is strongly correlated with moon phase and nocturnal temperature

Bird vocal activity is affected by endogenous and exogenous factors. Owl surveys are mainly based on the detection of nocturnal calls, and therefore, the impact of exogenous factors on owls’ vocal activity may have consequences in conservation planning and behavioural studies. However, our current knowledge about the impact of climatic factors and the moon phase on owl calling behaviour is very limited, especially in the Neotropics. We used autonomous recording units to evaluate the effect of air temperature, rainfall, relative air humidity, and percent of the moon illuminated on the vocal occurrence (active/inactive) of the Ferruginous pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) over three consecutive moon cycles in the Brazilian Pantanal. Vocal activity was positively associated with the percent of the moon illuminated, with 75% of the nights on which the species was vocally active having a moon illumination percentage higher than 77%. The vocal activity of the species was negatively associated with the nocturnal air temperature, with more vocal activity observed on cooler nights. Relative air humidity and daily rainfall were not associated with the vocal activity of the Ferruginous pygmy-owl. Our study improves the knowledge about the impact of exogenous factors on the calling behaviour of Neotropical owls. We conclude that future surveys aiming to detect the Ferruginous pygmy-owl should be carried out on nights with a high percent of moon illumination (>75%) and nights with low average temperature (< 18 °C).

Exposure of Raptors in Central Argentina to St. Louis Encephalitis and West Nile Viruses

Arthropod-borne viruses represent the most important emerging viruses worldwide. Saint Louis encephalitis (SLEV) and West Nile (WNV) viruses are vectored by Culex spp. mosquitoes and amplified by several bird species. We carried out an extensive retrospective serosurvey study to analyze the exposure of free-ranging raptors to SLEV and WNV in central Argentina. We collected samples from eight species of raptors between 2008 and 2015. We used Plaque Reduction Neutralization Tests (PRNT) to analyze 523 plasma samples for both viruses. Of the individuals tested for WNV, 85.2% of the Swainson's Hawks (Buteo swainsoni) were positive. Fewer birds presented neutralizing antibodies against SLEV: 20.8% of the Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus), 25% of the Southern Caracaras (Caracara plancus), and 0.3% of the American Kestrels (Falco sparverius). One Swainson's Hawk was positive for both viruses. We found no neutralizing antibodies in samples from Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura), Chimango Caracaras (Phalcoboenus chimango), Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia), and a Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum). Although seroprevalence varied among species, our results confirmed SLEV and WNV circulation in resident and migratory populations of raptors in central Argentina. These findings suggest the need for further studies regarding circulation and ecological characterization of these viruses in bird communities in Argentina.

Association between Landscape Features and Owl Assemblages in a Tropical Rainforest of Southeastern Mexico

Tropical owls are one of the most threatened groups of birds. Studying the association between landscape features and owl assemblages is challenging due to the logistical difficulties of nocturnal fieldwork. We analyzed the association of landscape composition and spatial configuration of forest cover with the composition of the owl assemblages in a tropical rainforest in southeastern Mexico. During the 2014 reproductive season (April to June), we estimated owl abundance through auditory detection and playbacks at 60 survey points distributed in 12 landscapes (625 ha each) within a gradient of forest cover. We found that the owl community comprised six out of the 10 expected resident species. The landscape unit with 41% forest cover contained the most diverse assemblage. The owl species most susceptible to local extinction were specialists of interior areas of old-growth forest. The abundances of the Middle American Screech-Owl (Megascops guatemalae), Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), and Black-and-white Owl (Ciccaba nigrolineata) were positively associated with the proportion of forest cover as well as with the average size of the patches, but negatively associated with environmental temperature. The abundances of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba) and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) were positively related to the amount of urban area in the landscape. The only species recorded along the entire gradient was the Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata), a species that is a generalist in habitat and diet; its abundance was positively related to the proportion of forest cover and the amount of water surface (lakes and rivers) in the landscape. Four resident species were not recorded: Crested Owl (Lophostrix cristata), Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata), Striped Owl (Pseudoscops clamator), and Central American Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium griseiceps).

LWS visual pigment in owls: Spectral tuning inferred by genetics

Owls constitute a diverse group of raptors, active at different times of the day with distinct light conditions that might be associated with multiple visual adaptations. We investigated whether shifts in the spectral sensitivity of the L cone visual pigment, as inferred by analysis of gene structure, could be one such adaptive mechanism. Using Sanger sequencing approach, we characterized the long wavelength-sensitive (LWS) opsin gene expressed in the retina of five owl species, specifically chosen to represent distinct patterns of activity. Nocturnality was epitomized by the American barn owl (Tyto furcata), the striped owl (Asio clamator), and the tropical screech owl (Megascops choliba); diurnality, by the ferruginous pygmy owl (Glaucudium brasilianum); and cathemerality, by the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). We also analyzed the presence of the L cone in the retinas of four species of owl (T. furcata, A. cunicularia, G. brasilianum and M. choliba) using immnunohistochemistry. Five critical sites for the spectral tuning of the LWS opsin (164, 181, 261, 269, and 292) were analyzed and compared to the sequence of other birds. The sequence of A. cunicularia showed a substitution on residue 269, with the presence of an alanine instead threonine, which generates an estimated maximum absorption (λmax) around 537 nm. No other variation was found in the spectral tuning sites of the LWS opsin, among the other species, and the λmax was estimated at around 555 nm. The presence of L cones in the retinas of the four species of owls was revealed using immunohistochemistry and we observed a reduced number of L cones in T. furcata compared to A. cunicularia, G. brasilianum and M. choliba.

FAUNA REGISTRADA EN HUERTOS FRUTÍCOLAS TRADICIONALES DE YAUTEPEC, MORELOS, MÉXICO

&lt;p&gt;Traditional fruit orchards are agroecosystems characterized by their rich flora, wildlife and domestic species that constitute reservoirs of production of ecosystem goods and services, therefore, their knowledge is fundamental for its regional function on biological and cultural diversity. The objective of this research was to record the wild and domestic fauna of cultural and ecological importance registered in traditional fruit orchards (TFO) of the Ixtlahuacán neighborhood, Yautepec, Morelos, Mexico. The methodology consisted on ethnobiological and ecological techniques, guided tours by 13 TFO and the application of 55 open interviews. To determine the cultural importance of the fauna, the Cultural Value Index (ICV) was calculated and random samplings were made to observe the faunal and floral composition from each orchard, with indirect and direct methods. There were 31 species of plants recorded in which the interviewees identified 60 species of wild vertebrates, 48% birds, 21% mammals, 22% reptiles and 9% amphibians. The values of use for the registered wildlife were: food (75%), pet (58%) and medicinal (33%). The species with the highest IIC were &lt;em&gt;Ctenosaura pectinata&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Didelphis virginiana&lt;/em&gt;. &lt;em&gt;Glaucidium brasilianum&lt;/em&gt;,&lt;em&gt; Tyto alba&lt;/em&gt;,&lt;em&gt; Amazilia violiceps&lt;/em&gt;,&lt;em&gt; Myiozetetes similis&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Icterus pustulatus&lt;/em&gt; were classified as superstitious birds. The ecosystem services provided by the fauna based on the knowledge of the interviewees were: seed dispersers (42%), insect consumers and predation (37%), elimination of dead animals (8.3%) and pollinators (1.6%). The domestic fauna includes seven species, 57% mammals and 43% birds. &lt;em&gt;Gallus gallus&lt;/em&gt; hen provides meat and eggs as a source of protein. The owners who have traditional fruit gardens in the neighborhood of Ixtlahuacán recognize the fauna that visits these agroecosystems, in addition to the goods and services that provide them, therefore, these production systems should be considered in state public policies as wildlife conservation areas.&lt;/p&gt;

Ecological and phylogenetic predictors of mobbing behavior in a tropical dry forest.

Mobbing represents a well‐known anti‐predatory behavior, where potential prey display aggressively against a predator. Despite considerable experimental and descriptive work, no models predict species participation in mobbing assemblages. Here, we aimed to understand why some bird species engage in this behavior, while others do not, and what factors can be used to predict mobbing engagement within an avian community. We investigated whether certain functional traits, such as body size, foraging guild, foraging mode, and strata, as well species abundance and evolutionary relatedness, are important mobbing predictors. To address these goals, we simulated the presence of the Ferruginous Pygmy‐Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) by broadcasting its voice in 230 experiments conducted in 115 points, systematically distributed in a dry forest of northeastern Brazil. We compared these results to 162 avian surveys (point counts) conducted in the same area. Our avian surveys detected 108 bird species (local avian community), whereas our playback experiments attracted 72 species (mobbing assemblage). In general, small, canopy insectivorous or frugivorous birds dominated the mobs. The best mobbing predictors were body mass and guild, whereas species abundance, foraging mode, and strata were not retained in the best models. We found a strong phylogenetic component in body mass and mobbing propensity (almost 90% of the species and individuals participating in the mobs were passerines). At the community level, we found significant differences in the functional and phylogenetic structure of the mobbing assemblage in relation to the avian community. Our results suggest that mobbing behavior is tightly associated with predation risk and the capacity of individual species to find and detect predators, and that functional and phylogenetic features can predict species participation in this complex animal behavior.