Bird population of Palermo’s urban and suburban areas

Abstract

The avifauna of some green areas in the outskirts and in the urban centre of Palermo (Parco della Favorita, Fondo Micciulla, Orto Botanico, Valle dell’Oreto) was investigated. Several censusing procedures were used: 1) mapping with direct search of nests in sample areas; 2) point counts for survey of the frequency of each species (E.F.P.). Mapping of nests enabled us to collect several biological data on the breeding of some species (Blackbird, Blackcap) and to compare very relevant parameters from a citrus plantation and a mixed plantation with citruses and loquat trees. The interference and presence of man proved a factor in the rate of breeding success. Absolute densities resulted particularly high. The analysis of the frequency of the species showed that bird diversity is closely connected with the composition of vegetation. © 1985 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.