Psittacula Krameri Research Articles

Determination of Ophthalmic Parameters and Ocular Morphology in Ring-Necked Parakeets (Psittacula krameri).

To determine normal ophthalmic test values and to describe the ocular morphology of ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri). 33 captive birds were examined, although not all tests were conducted on each bird. The tests included endodontic absorbent paper point tear test (EAPPTT), intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal touch threshold (CTT), central corneal thickness (CCT), palpebral and corneal diameters, ocular ultrasonography, and corneoconjunctival microbiota. The iris coloration of seven young parakeets was evaluated, and two macerated skulls were described. Normal values obtained were: EAPPTT: 7.57 ± 1.95 mm/min; IOP: 12.47 ± 1.51 mmHg; CTT: 2.46 ± 0.5 mm; CCT: 0.12 ± 0.006 mm; palpebral diameter: 8.04 ± 0.49 mm,; corneal diameter: 6.41 ± 0.49 mm. In ocular ultrasonography, the dimensions in the sagittal plane were: axial globe length (AGL): 0.94 ± 0.02 cm; vitreous chamber depth (VCD): 0.47 ± 0.02 cm; lens axial length (LAL): 0.32 ± 0.01 cm; anterior chamber depth (ACD): 0.1 ± 0.01 cm; pecten width (PW): 0.12 ± 0.02 cm, and pecten length (PL): 0.42 ± 0.04 cm. In the dorsal plane: AGL: 0.93 ± 0.03 cm; VCD: 0.47 ± 0.02 cm; LAL: 0.32 ± 0.03 cm; ACD: 0.1 ± 0.01 cm; PW: 0.32 ± 0.04 cm, and PL: 0.35 ± 0.03 cm. Microbiota analysis identified predominantly gram-positive bacteria, with Staphylococcus sp. being the most common (47.5%). Anatomical evaluation of skulls revealed a large lacrimal process extending to the zygomatic process, and the margins of the processes intersect but do not fuse. Young parakeets exhibit a brownish iris that gradually turns blue by 60 days of age. These findings may contribute to the diagnosis of ophthalmic conditions in this species and provide insight into normal anatomical features.

Attitudes to Exotic Parakeets: A Comparative Case Study and Citizen Science Review

Invasive, non-native species are recognised as a global problem, and their dispersal and introduction are controversial topics. However, a source of particular interest is that of human–nature interactions and consequent perceptions of natives and non-natives, an issue complicated by misunderstandings of history and sometimes of science. Furthermore, there are only few studies on the perceptions of exotic species by people living in a region subject to invasion. The research compared local stakeholder responses to a non-native invasive bird (ring-necked parakeet Psittacula krameri Scopoli) in two areas with contrasting scenarios regarding the history of establishment, their spread, and their current status. In both locations, parakeets were considered by respondents to be attractive, but where long-established, they were also viewed as a nuisance. Desire for or tolerance of active control measures also increased in areas with a well-established population in comparison to where parakeets were still viewed as a novelty. Increased encounters between native birds and invasive parakeets influenced attitudes towards possible controls. An online survey gathered stakeholder responses, and long-term citizen science and action research were combined with data from Local Environmental Records Centres and ornithological recording groups for each region.

Surgical management of a compound tibiotarsus fracture in a rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) - A case report

Surgical management of a compound tibiotarsus fracture in a rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) - A case report

Medical Management of a Cervical Thymoma by Radiation Therapy in an Indian Ringneck Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)

Medical Management of a Cervical Thymoma by Radiation Therapy in an Indian Ringneck Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)

A study of diel and seasonal patterns of loss of commercial lychee fruits to vertebrate frugivores: implications for mitigating a human-wildlife conflict.

Human-wildlife conflicts pose a growing threat to biodiversity, particularly when the targeted species plays an ecological keystone role. Mauritius has repeatedly mass-culled an endemic and threatened flying fox species (the Mauritian flying fox; Pteropus niger) failing the intended objectives of crop protection and elevating the species' extinction risks. In this context, the ecology of this species should be better understood to develop non-lethal management strategies. Here we investigated foraging patterns of vertebrate frugivores over 24 hour cycles in lychee orchards and backyard gardens. We assessed all agents of damage (mainly flying fox, alien bird, alien mammal) and the temporal variation of flying fox and bird foraging (take and amount eaten relative to fruit ripeness) on lychee trees. The most important frugivores foraging on lychees were flying foxes (78.3%) and birds (16.1%), namely ring-necked parakeets (Alexandrinus krameri), red-whiskered bulbuls (Pycnonotus jocosus), village weavers (Ploceus cucullatus) and common mynas (Acridotheres tristis) while damage by alien mammals was negligible (<1%). Flying foxes consumed more fruits in the early night (59%) compared to the late night and this was statistically significant in one orchard and backyards. However, the difference in damage was on average one to three fruits per tree per night. Bird damage at both orchards was highest during the first half of the day (64%). Flying foxes ate fewer fruits towards the end of the fruiting season while birds followed the opposite trend. As fruit ripeness increased from unripe to fully ripe, flying foxes ate 39-42% more lychee pulp per fruit at the two orchards. Parakeets ate 7% more fruit pulp with increasing ripeness at one orchard only. Deliberate disturbances involving smoke, noise or light to deter flying foxes were common in orchards. The weak difference in the extent of flying fox damage to fruits between early and late night suggested at best minor advantages of concentrating deliberate disturbances in early night, and that netting would be a better strategy as it would also protect against diurnal frugivores. Additionally, trees should be protected from the sixth week after fruit set as most damage occurred when fruits were unripe. Such an improved timing of crop protection should play an important role in reducing fruit losses and thereby alleviate the human-wildlife conflict around the flying fox's diet.

Alien Birds in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Overview

Introduced species may pose one of the biggest threats to biodiversity conservation. Today, monitoring their status, distribution and abundance constitutes an important part of ecological and conservation studies throughout the world. In the Afrotropical Region (sub-Saharan Africa), avian introductions have attracted the attention of many researchers, but there is a lack of a comprehensive review of this subject on a continental scale. The presented paper constitutes an attempt to overview the status, distribution, threats and control measures of birds introduced to sub-Saharan Africa in the last 200 years. This review lists 146 bird species introduced to sub-Saharan Africa. Only 49 (33.6%) of them have developed viable populations and only 7 (4.8%) became invasive species, namely Passer domesticus, Sturnus vulgaris, Acridotheres tristis, Corvus splendens, Columba livia var. domestica, Psittacula krameri and Pycnonotus jocosus. Data on distribution of most introduced species are provided, together with information on the place and year of their first introductions. For Passer domesticus and Columba livia var. domestica, data on population densities are also provided from several southern African towns. The most speciose groups of introduced species were parrots (Psittaciformes), comprising 33.6% (including Psittacidae: 13.7%; and Psittaculidae: 15.1%); Anatidae: 12.3%; Phasianidae: 11.0%; and Passeriformes: 30.1%. Most avian introductions in sub-Saharan Africa took place in Southern Africa (mainly the Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg areas) and in Madagascar and the surrounding islands (mostly Mauritius, Reunion and Seychelles). Most introduced species which have developed viable populations originate from the Afrotropical, Oriental and Palearctic regions (altogether 78%), with only 2% from the New World. The proportions among the introduced species which have not established viable populations are quite different: 29% from the New World and only 60% from the Afrotropical, Oriental and Palearctic regions. The main factors affecting successful avian introductions and introduction pathways have been identified. A review of the control measures undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa (mainly in small oceanic islands) is outlined for the following species: Passer domesticus, Acridotheres tristis, Corvus splendens, Pycnonotus jocosus, Foudia madagascariensis, Psittacula krameri and Agapornis roseicollis.

Rose-ringed Parakeets (Psittacula krameri, Scopoli, 1769) in Turkey: is the threat rising in the future?

Abstract Biological invasions are one of the major threats to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning worldwide. Rose-ringed Parakeets (Psittacula krameri) are well-known invaders and have established populations in over 40 countries outside their native range. Regular records of Rose-ringed Parakeets in Turkey go back to 1975, and the species has established populations in at least ten cities, including in metropolitan areas such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara. To understand the scale of the invasion potential of Rose-ringed Parakeets in Turkey, first, we estimated their current local population size through roost counts carried out in 2020 and 2021 in four cities. Then, we used ecological niche modeling to forecast the present-time and future climatic habitat suitability over three different periods (2041–2060; 2061–2080; 2081–2100). Field surveys and citizen science data revealed the presence of the species in 37 provinces in Turkey. Our counts indicated a rapid population growth from 1355 individuals in 2015 to 6000 individuals in 2021. The ecological niche modeling predicted an overall 50% reduction in species’ potential habitats in Turkey by 2100 due to climate change. Suitable habitats in Central Anatolia are predicted to shrink by the model, while those in Thrace and the coastal areas of Turkey will remain stable. Even though model results indicate a future reduction in suitable habitats for Rose-ringed Parakeets in Turkey, we argue the need for long-term management, particularly in coastal cities where already-established populations are increasing in size.

Effect of tree size attributes on fruit production and animal-mediated seed dispersal web in Melia azedarach L. (Chinaberry) in north-west Himalaya, India

Abstract Insights into the relationships between tree species and their potential seed dispersers in a specific region are vital for determining spatial distribution and population dynamics that rely solely on natural regeneration. Several factors influence fruit production in trees, and the fluctuations in fruit output directly affects the population and diversity of frugivores in that area. We examined the trees of Melia azedarach to analyse the impact of tree size attributes (diameter, height and crown length) on fruit yield. Furthermore, we observed the seed dispersers to determine their role in fruit removal and dispersal. The average fruit production among sample trees varied from 1.8 × 103 to 1.18 × 105. Out of the 10 bird species recorded, the Hypsipetes leucocephalus (Himalayan Black Bulbul) and Pycnonotus leucogenys (Himalayan Bulbul) were the most frequent visitors and crucial for seed dispersal of M. azedarach. Psittacula krameri (Rose-ringed Parakeets) dropped a significant quantity of fruits below the parent tree, acting as a pre-dispersal seed predator. There were significant variations among species in total visits and estimated endocarp disbursed. Our findings indicate that the tree-size attributes like diameter, height, and crown length strongly affected fruit yield capacity in trees of Melia azedarach. Large trees are likely to be reproductively matured and are prioritising resources for reproduction rather than growth. Native animals, especially birds are facilitating seed dispersal in M. azedarach. The estimated period of the availability of ripe fruits reflects the status of seed predators and seed dispersal. The results ultimately revealed that the animal plant interactions of this study would be vital for ecosystem functioning, habitat rewilding and conservation of the ecosystem through balancing plant-animal mutualism.

Changes in the Number of Naturalized Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri at the Roosting Sites in the Metropolitan Area of Tokyo and Kanagawa, Japan

Changes in the Number of Naturalized Rose-ringed Parakeet <i>Psittacula krameri </i>at the Roosting Sites in the Metropolitan Area of Tokyo and Kanagawa, Japan

Detection of a parvovirus and a beak and feather disease virus genome sequence from rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri).

This study reports a genome of psittaciform chaphamaparvovirus 4 (PsChPV-4) and a beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) detected in fecal materials of rose-ringed parakeet. The genomes of PsChPV-4 and BFDV were 4,304 and 2,009 bp long, respectively, and both genomes possessed a genomic structure consistent with their respective genera.

DNA Prevalence of Eukaryotic Parasites with Zoonotic Potential in Urban-Associated Birds

Synanthropic birds might play an important role as reservoirs of many zoonotic endoparasites; however, little information is available on many parasites and their prevalence. Here, we use an approach based on targeted metagenomic detection through the use of DNA metabarcoding of faecal samples to screen for circulating parasites in alien parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus and Psittacula krameri) and urban landfill-feeding storks (Ciconia ciconia) and gulls (Larus fuscus). We focus especially on potentially zoonotic parasites, with the aim of better understanding the zoonotic risk that these birds’ faeces may pose. We detected a total of 23 genera of eukaryotic parasites: six fungi, three protists, five nematodes, two cestodes and seven trematodes. Among them, six stood out for their relevance to human health: Cryptococcus spp., Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. (fungi); Cryptosporidium spp. (a protist); and Ascaris spp. and Halicephalobus spp. (nematodes). In parakeets, we detected Cryptococcus spp. and Ascaris spp., the latter being detected in 10–20% of the samples. In the White Stork and the Lesser Black-backed Gull, we found a high prevalence of Aspergillus spp. (in 15% and 50% of the samples, respectively) and Candida spp. (in 63% and 82% of the samples, respectively), and the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in 10% of the samples. We detected Halicephalobus spp. in one gull sample (2%). Our results show that synanthropic birds may act as vectors and reservoirs of zoonotic parasites and their faeces could pose a risk to human health associated with the zoonotic parasites present in them. This should be taken into account when developing management plans for urban populations of these bird species.

Estimating changes in distribution trend of alien birds in urban areas using citizen science data

Urban ecosystems are suitable for the introduction and spread of alien bird species, and early detection of their establishment and expansion is crucial to reduce potential negative impacts. In this context, the use of opportunistic citizen science data can have considerable advantages in relation to conventional scientific approaches. We gathered records of parakeets and parrots (Psittaciformes) and mynas and starlings (Sturnidae) for the urban area of Lisbon (Portugal) from the eBird database. We used this opportunistic citizen science data to document the establishment and expansion and to estimate distribution trends of alien bird species in urban ecosystems. In the last decade there has been a considerable increase in the amount of opportunistic citizen science data available in eBird for our study area. The probability of presence of the Senegal parrot, rose-ringed parakeet, blue-crowned parakeet, and crested myna was positively influenced by the number of lists. For the rose-ringed parakeet, blue-crowned parakeet, and crested myna, the year positively influenced the probability of presence, suggesting an increase in distribution range. We observed that spatio-temporal variations in effort associated to opportunistic citizen science data sources may generate bias in trend estimates, and therefore we recommend the effort should always be accounted for. Our approach agreed with the documented expansion of alien bird species in the study area, supporting the potential usefulness of opportunistic citizen science in providing early detection on biological invasions in urban ecosystems, particularly where this is the best or the only source of information available.

Status of Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769) (Psittaciformes: Psittaculidae) in Romania

In Romania, rose-ringed parakeets Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769) came from the pet trade and captivity (birds were either deliberately released or they escaped). Most observations are in the urban parks of Bucharest or near them but individuals have also been reported in counties like Bihor, Brașov, Brăila, Călărași, Cluj, Dolj, Galați, Harghita, Iași, Ilfov, Mureș, Prahova and Timiș. The first individuals were seen in 2009 in Tineretului Park, Bucharest. Breeding was confirmed in May 2016 when two adults were reported feeding two or maybe three juveniles. Rose-ringed parakeet numbers fluctuate in Bucharest from 2010 to 2023, with the highest number being recorded in 2013, when 19 individuals were observed. In 2023, the highest number of gathered birds was four individuals and other four birds being present in other parts of the city, summing eight birds. It is currently unknown how many individuals come from captivity and how many from successful breeding in the wild. Additional surveys are required to determine the precise size of the free-ranging population and to oversee their integration into the avian fauna of Romania.

Returning to the Wilderness: Potential Habitat Suitability of Non-Native Pet Birds in South Africa.

The global trade of non-native pet birds has increased in recent decades, and this has accelerated the introduction of invasive birds in the wild. This study employed ensemble species distribution modelling (eSDM) to assess potential habitat suitability and environmental predictor variables influencing the potential distribution of non-native pet bird species reported lost and sighted in South Africa. We used data and information on lost and found pet birds from previous studies to establish and describe scenarios of how pet birds may transition from captivity to the wild. Our study revealed that models fitted and performed well in predicting the suitability for African grey (Psittacus erithacus), Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), Green-cheeked conure (Pyrrhura molinae), Monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), and Rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri), with the mean weighted AUC and TSS values greater than 0.765. The predicted habitat suitability differed among species, with the suitability threshold indicating that between 61% and 87% of areas were predicted as suitable. Species with greater suitability included the African grey, Cockatiel, and Rose-ringed parakeet, which demonstrated significant overlap between their habitat suitability and reported lost cases. Human footprint, bioclimatic variables, and vegetation indices largely influenced predictive habitat suitability. The pathway scenario showed the key mechanisms driving the transition of pet birds from captivity to the wild, including the role of pet owners, animal rescues, adoption practices, and environmental suitability. Our study found that urban landscapes, which are heavily populated, are at high risk of potential invasion by pet birds. Thus, implementing a thorough surveillance survey is crucial for monitoring and evaluating the establishment potential of pet species not yet reported in the wild.

Parrots in the wild in Polish cities.

Amateur breeding of parrots as pets has contributed to many species being found in areas where they never occurred in the wild, particularly in warmer regions, but also in the temperate climates of North America and Europe. Climate change is likely to exacerbate this process. We hypothesised that parrots occurred in the wild in the cities of Poland, especially the rose-ringed parakeet, as there are reports of breeding sites in the literature. Using information on lost, found and sighted parrots posted on social media, we have analysed the extent of parrot emergence in Poland. In a period of less than two years (from October 2018, through 2019 and from June to the end of December 2021), 2,675 parrot specimens of 49 species were found in the wild. The most frequently observed species were cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus (N = 962), budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus (N = 884) and rose-ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri (N = 182). Parrots were most frequently observed in urban areas, in regions characterized by a higher population size, a higher income and a higher proportion of people with a university degree. Our study shows that the occurrence of parrots, especially rose-ringed parakeets in the wild, needs to be monitored as new breeding sites may appear.

Evaluating the Status of Lost, Found and Sighted Non-Native Pet Bird Species in South Africa

The global increase in the pet trade and ownership of pet birds has heightened the introduction of emerging invasive vertebrate species. We analyzed online databases of lost, found, and sighted non-native pet bird reports in South Africa to evaluate non-native pet bird statuses, investigate geographic patterns, assess species trends, and determine the factors associated with lost pet birds. We identified a total of 1467 case reports representing 77 species across nine families from websites (n = 3) and Facebook pages (n = 13). Most reports of lost birds were within large cities, in populated provinces, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape. Psittacidae, Psittaculidae, and Cacatuidae were the most dominant families, with African grey (Psittacus erithacus), Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), and Rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) among the top species reported as lost. Lower-priced species were commonly reported as lost, and there was no association between the species’ price and the likelihood of being found. In addition, we found a positive relationship between species reported as lost and the number of pet shops, human population size, species size, and docility. There was a sharp increase in lost cases from 2019 onwards; however, males were more frequently lost. Our findings highlight challenges in regulating and monitoring the pet ownership and trade of non-native pet birds and the need to address commonly kept species in conservation efforts. Online resources can be effective tools for passive surveillance of non-native pet bird species, especially potentially invasive ones.

Not in the countryside please! Investigating UK residents’ perceptions of an introduced species, the ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri)

Wildlife management can generate social conflict when stakeholder perceptions of the target species are not considered. Introduced Ring-necked Parakeets (RNP) are established in the UK and have been added to the ‘general licence’ of birds that can be killed to prevent serious economic damage. We aimed to better understand perceptions of RNPs on a nationwide scale to inform mitigation actions for potential future conflict over RNP management. We surveyed 3,947 UK residents to understand awareness of, knowledge of and attitudes towards the RNP across the UK. We found that most respondents (90.2%) were aware of the RNP. Almost half of respondents (45.9%) held negative opinions, particularly against the RNP in rural areas (64.7%), suggesting landscape contexts influence attitudes. Respondent preference for the RNP was low in local neighbourhoods (7.80%) although the species was considered aesthetically pleasing by most (83.0%). Many respondents knew the species’ name (54.9%), but underestimated current population numbers in the UK (82.6%) and few knew its full native range (10.0%). We identified respondents’ ecological interest, age, education, preference for, awareness of and knowledge of the RNP as significant factors associated with perceptions. Our findings suggest that the RNP presents a complex socio-environmental challenge, with respondent awareness, knowledge and attitudes each forming an important component of perceptions towards this species. We recommend that wildlife managers utilise our findings and cohesive approach to enhance future RNP perception research in the UK and abroad and towards the success of any proposed management initiatives under the UK general licence.

Avifaunal Diversity in Telangana State: A Case Study in Campus of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India

Population Studies on different agricultural and other bird species were carried out at Students farm, College farm, Agri biodiversity park, and Agricultural Research Institute farm areas of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) Campus in semiarid region of Telangana state covering an area of about 36 Sq.km. for a period of eleven years (2012 to 2023). Population diversity of 92 species of different birds, and their distribution within the university campus farm areas were recorded. Important among them are 9 species namely: Blue rock pigeon (Columba livia), Spotted dove (Streptopelia chinensis), Rose ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri),Common myna (Acridotheres tristis), House crow (Corvus splendens), House sparrow (Passer domesticus), Baya weaver bird (Ploceus philippinus), White throated munia (Lonchura malabarica), and Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) which depredate experimental field crops among them only few birds such as: Rose ringed parakeets, House crows, House sparrows, Pigeons, Baya weavers, Peafowls and Munias were serious bird pests to major agricultural and horticultural crops. The University farm areas were found to be the most preferred habitat for many of these birds, it could be due to availability of food, breeding, roosting and resting sites in abundance because of more agricultural croplands and agro forestry trees.

Life in the deadlands: unearthing reasons for visiting and visitor perceptions of wildlife in London’s Magnificent Seven cemeteries

Abstract Cemeteries, traditionally reserved for mourning, are also valuable urban green spaces contributing to ecosystem services, wildlife habitats, and human well-being. This study focuses on London’s Magnificent Seven cemeteries, which vary in habitat and usage, from semi-wild nature reserves to active burial sites. In autumn 2023, we conducted non-participatory observations of human activities and wildlife presence, and surveyed visitors (n = 176) regarding their perceptions of birds (crows, magpies, parakeets, robins, owls, blackbirds), mammals (fox, grey squirrel, bats, rats, cats, hedgehogs, rabbits, deer) and activities (e.g. biking, dog walking, picnicking). Our observations showed that visitors primarily engaged in solitary or accompanied walks. Observed animals included crows (Corvus spp.) and pigeons (Columba spp.), as well as grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Regarding visitor perceptions, wildlife was generally perceived positively, with invasive ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri) as well as non-native grey squirrels occasionally evoking negative perceptions. Activities like grave visiting and solitary walks are widely accepted, while picnicking, biking and sports are less favored, with younger participants and locals generally being more accepting to more lively activities. Urban cemeteries play multifunctional roles beyond mourning, offering green spaces for recreation and wildlife habitats. This study highlights the importance of recognizing cemeteries as critical urban refuges for both people and wildlife, demonstrating that sacred grounds and urban wilderness can coexist to create restorative green spaces in busy cities. The future survival of inner-city cemeteries depends on their rejuvenation and integration into local communities, enabling them to act as nature-based solutions to withstand development pressures.

Species and habitat specific changes in bird activity in an urban environment during Covid 19 lockdown.

Covid-19 lockdowns provided ecologists with a rare opportunity to examine how animals behave when humans are absent. Indeed many studies reported various effects of lockdowns on animal activity, especially in urban areas and other human-dominated habitats. We explored how Covid-19 lockdowns in Israel have influenced bird activity in an urban environment by using continuous acoustic recordings to monitor three common bird species that differ in their level of adaptation to the urban ecosystem: (1) the hooded crow, an urban exploiter, which depends heavily on anthropogenic resources; (2) the rose-ringed parakeet, an invasive alien species that has adapted to exploit human resources; and (3) the graceful prinia, an urban adapter, which is relatively shy of humans and can be found in urban habitats with shrubs and prairies. Acoustic recordings provided continuous monitoring of bird activity without an effect of the observer on the animal. We performed dense sampling of a 1.3 square km area in northern Tel-Aviv by placing 17 recorders for more than a month in different micro-habitats within this region including roads, residential areas and urban parks. We monitored both lockdown and no-lockdown periods. We portray a complex dynamic system where the activity of specific bird species depended on many environmental parameters and decreases or increases in a habitat-dependent manner during lockdown. Specifically, urban exploiter species decreased their activity in most urban habitats during lockdown, while human adapter species increased their activity during lockdown especially in parks where humans were absent. Our results also demonstrate the value of different habitats within urban environments for animal activity, specifically highlighting the importance of urban parks. These species- and habitat-specific changes in activity might explain the contradicting results reported by others who have not performed a habitat specific analysis.