ECOLOGY OF SOME TUMBESIAN TERRESTRIAL BIRDS, WITH NOTES ON BREEDING BIOLOGY

Abstract

The Tumbesian region of Peru and Ecuador, located within a global biodiversity hotspot, is home to a large number of endemic and little-known species. Endemic terrestrial birds (tinamous, cracids, and doves) are at increased risk of extinction due to restricted distribution and exposure to habitat conversion. In this study, we used 24 camera traps in Cerros de Amotape National Park (northwestern Peru) to record terrestrial birds at three sites, each representing a different forest type: dry, evergreen, and transitional forests. After 4318 camera-days of results, we obtained 334 independent events of 23 species. We describe habitat association and daily and seasonal activity patterns for Crypturellus transfasciatus, Penelope purpurascens, and four dove species (Claravis pretiosa, Leptotila pallida, L. verreauxi, and L. ochraceiventris), with opportunistic anecdotes of breeding biology and behavior. We also provide a bird conservation assessment for the region. Our results are discussed and compared with the current knowledge of Tumbesian birds.