Urban bird community in Lavallol, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Abstract

Bird community studies were carried out in Lavallol, Buenos Aires, between 1989 and 1992. Transects were performed twice a month in the early morning hours. Bird nesting sites and diet were recorded. Sixty-one species were observed, of which 44 were breeding species. Passer domesticus (Linnè, 1758), Zonotrichia capensis (Muller, 1776), Troglodytes aedon (Vieillot, 1809), and Zenaida auriculata (Des Murs, 1847), were the most abundant breeding species. The most abundant diet types were granivorous (30%) and insectivorous (24%). Most species (68%) nested in trees. The number of breeding species was similar to that of the La Plata bird community but was more important compared to other big cities (e.g., Buenos Aires). Parks and plazas (squares), as well as natural open areas, contribute to the establishment of many bird species in urban areas. Moreover, the diversity and the presence of old trees favor the increase in passeriformes species.