Abstract

LEVEAU, Lucas M.  and  LEVEAU, Carlos M.. Bird communities along an urban gradient in Mar del Plata City, Argentina. Hornero [online]. 2004, vol.19, n.1, pp.13-21. ISSN 0073-3407.

The urbanization process grows continuously over pristine areas creating new habitats and situations for birds. In this study we analize the abundance and distribution of bird species along an urban gradient in Mar del Plata City during the breeding season. We recorded birds in transects in downtown, suburban residential areas and periurban residential areas. The proportion of trees and shrubs and of lawn increased in less urbanized areas. Richness, diversity and abundance of birds were higher at suburban and periurban sites, and were significantly correlated with the proportion of trees and shrubs, and of lawn. Most guilds followed the same trend, except omnivorous birds, which were similarly abundant along the urban gradient. Similarity was higher between bird communities in suburban and periurban sites. Of the 15 species that were statistically analized, exotic species like Columba livia and Passer domesticus were more abundant in the most urbanized areas. Other 8 species were equally abundant in suburban and periurban areas. Milvago chimango, Turdus rufiventris and Agelaioides badius were more abundant in the periurban areas.

Keywords : Abundance; Argentina; Birds; Guilds; Mar del Plata; Richness; Urban gradient.

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