Abstract

LOPEZ-PUEBLA, Araceli  and  PINEDA-LOPEZ, Rubén. Habitat preference of exotic birds and their co-occurrence with local birds in green areas of Queretaro City. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2021, vol.92, e923436.  Epub Feb 03, 2022. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2021.92.3436.

In Queretaro City, four exotic bird species were recorded for the first time a decade ago: the Eurasian Collared-Dove, the Monk Parakeet, the European Starling and the Rufous-backed Robin. In other countries, the first 3 species represent socioeconomic and ecological problems, and are considered invasive species. The present study analyzed the abundance and occupancy of these 4 species, their habitat preference and co-occurrence with local birds in green areas of Queretaro City. A seasonal avifauna inventory was conducted in 19 green spaces in the city and 13 environmental variables were measured. After 10 years from the first records, it was found that the Eurasian Collared-Dove and the Monk Parakeet have increased their populations and occupancy, whereas the Rufous-backed Robin and the European Starling currently seem to have stable populations. The most important selected characteristics of greenspaces are the size, coverage diversity and complexity. The exotic birds presented low co-occurrence with local birds and any interspecific aggression was recorded. Given the high number of Monk Parakeet's nests found, we suggest that their removal could help control its population growth.

Keywords : Streptopelia decaocto; Myiopsitta monachus; Turdus rufopalliatus; Sturnus vulgari; Abundance; Occupancy; Invasive species.

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