Population Density and Habitat Preference of Urban Birds

Abstract

Natural landscapes have been significantly altered by urbanisation, resulting in habitats that are fragmented and highly modified that affect the distribution, abundance and behaviour of bird species. The present study aims to examine the density of birds and their preference of habitat types in an urban habitat. This study focuses on the differences in bird abundance in different habitat categories (residential, urban park, roadside habitat, wetland, vacant plots, and other green spaces), and investigates the habitat suitability based on habitat attributes such as the availability of food, water, human disturbance, and vegetation nesting opportunities. Systematic field observations with standardized sampling methods (e.g., point counts, fixed areas) during various seasons and habitat categories can be used to assess bird populations. To determine habitat that offers greater diversity and abundance of birds, the population density and species richness are compared. The study should demonstrate the importance of a diversity of habitats to urban birds, and relatively undisturbed habitat, water, native plants, and mature trees are likely to support a higher bird density. But those areas that are heavily used by humans and have high human population densities might not have as many resources, and therefore fewer birds. Also, some species may show habitat preference in relation to feeding preferences, nesting requirements, ecological tolerances and tolerance to urban disturbance. These patterns are applicable to urban planning and creation of strategies for the conservation of urban biodiversity. The results can be applied to develop urban green spaces, restoration projects, and sustainable landscape management to enhance the ecological connectivity and more effectively conserve urban bird communities.