Terrestrial birds in urbanized areas of Central Chile

Study Extent

We counted terrestrial birds in four urbanized areas from central Chile (study locations; Talca, Rancagua, La Serena and Ovalle) during the years 2017 and 2018. Point counts were located in highly urbanized and surrounding more natural areas. we perform bird counts and behavioural observations across different environments that vary in urban development. Each site was sampled twice in a year during the breeding season (first sample: October-November, and second sample: January– February) for two years (i.e. two breeding seasons), to incorporate both seasonal and year-to-year variation in species composition.

Sampling

we perform bird counts and behavioural observations across different environments that vary in urban development. We use a standardised point count method during the early morning counting all individuals from all species observed in a 5 minutes period. To deal with pseudoreplication and spatial autocorrelation we considered a minimum distance between point counts of 250 meters, trying to maximize the number of points and recording the spatial coordinates to be incorporated in statistical analyses. Each site was sampled twice a year during the breeding season (first sample: October-November, and second sample: January– February) for two years (i.e. two breeding seasons), to incorporate both seasonal and year-to-year variation in species composition.

Quality Control

During the field work, all data was recorded in pre-filled paperwork by the technical stuff. The data was digitalized by the same technical stuff, and curator member check for inconsistencies (records, scientific names, times, dates, etc) in the paperwork.

Method steps

1. Bird count method details are provided in Bibby, C. J., Burgess, N. D., Hill, D. A., & Mustoe, S. (2000). Bird census techniques. Elsevier. Field data was recorded in a notebook that is under the custody of C. González-Lagos. César Muñoz and Maria Ignacia Undurraga collected data in the field and performed digital data tabulation. Constanza Weinberger performed data validation checking the notebook and digital files in the lab.

All birds were identified to species level but the phylum, order, genus are also added. Scientific names are those used in Jetz et al. 2012 (Nature)

1. Chordata
   rank: phylum
2. Aves
   rank: class
3. Accipitriformes
   rank: order
4. Anseriformes
   rank: order
5. Apodiformes
   rank: order
6. Charadriiformes
   rank: order
7. Columbiformes
   rank: order
8. Falconiformes
   rank: order
9. Galliformes
   rank: order
10. Gruiformes
    rank: order
11. Passeriformes
    rank: order
12. Pelecaniformes
    rank: order
13. Piciformes
    rank: order
14. Psittaciformes
    rank: order
15. Strigiformes
    rank: order
16. Suliformes
    rank: order
17. Tinamiformes
    rank: order

Central Chile