Abstract

SILVA RODRIGUEZ, María Patricia et al. Ecology and conservation of seabirds using the coasts of Buenos Aires Province as a wintering area. Hornero [online]. 2005, vol.20, n.1, pp.111-130. ISSN 0073-3407.

The coasts of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, are used by a large number of seabird and shorebird species as breeding, refueling, and wintering sites. Many of these species use both marine and estuarine resources, being the later more stable in space and time and more likely to act as buffers of unpredictable marine resources. In this study we present current and historical information about the diet spectrum and ecology of the species studied during the last decade in eastern and south-eastern Buenos Aires Province. Among the birds studied we provide information on four gull species, three terns and a skimmer, as well as the Neotropic Cormorant, grebes and coots. All the species can be characterized by a diet spectrum with an important presence of fish, crustaceans and insects. Generally, close relative species show trophic segregation given by differences in the use of foraging areas, prey sizes and even foraging behavior and daytime activity. Even when Buenos Aires Province has many protected areas recognized at local, regional and international levels, habitat degradation is one of the most important conservation issues affecting the coasts and its bird populations.

Keywords : Argentina; Buenos Aires Province; conservation; diet spectrum; seabirds; trophic ecology; wintering area.

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