Title: Use of sandy beaches by shorebirds in Southern Brazil
Abstract: The Rio Grande do Sul coast in the south of Brazil is an area of extreme importance for migratory birds that coexist by using different food resources consisting of an extremely abundant benthic fauna. In this study, we analyzed the use of beaches by migratory shorebirds in relation to the benthic macroinvertebrate community on an urbanized and non-urbanized beaches, well as the influence of washouts and human presence in the abundance and behavior of these birds. Sampling took place between December 2009 and May 2010. On each beach, data on birds and macroinvertebrates were obtained for three different sites. A total of 271 individuals and eight species were recorded for the non-urbanized beach as compared to only two individuals of a single species on the urbanized beach. Greatest abundance of birds and invertebrates were found in December and January. A significant effect of the presence of washout on the abundance of bird was verified, however, this preference does not seem to be explained by the abundance of macroinvertebrates or by frequency of feeding behavior. The abundance of birds was greater on the non-urbanized beach than urbanized beach where more people were registered. No association among the frequency of behavior and washout. However, there were differences in the frequencies of behavior in different sites. The foraging activity was predominant in the swash zone. This study clearly demonstrates that non-urbanized beaches of the Rio Grande do Sul coast are very important for migratory birds. We recommend greater efforts to conserve these beaches, especially areas with natural drainage channels.
Publication Year: 2013
Publication Date: 2013-10-09
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 5
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