Breeding and migrating birds in an Amazonian savanna

Abstract

Seasonal occurrence, breeding and migration records are presented for about 150 species of birds, monitored during a four years survey in an Amazonian savanna near Alter do Chão, Pará state, Brazil, by means of mist netting and observations along transects and on random walks. About half of the recorded species were Passeriformes. The local avifauna was mostly comprised of residents, with major breeding activities during the dry season, August through February. Thirteen non-resident species were classified as migrants which is considered a rather small fraction. Calculations of the total number of species expected to occur at the study site are presented. The composition of this savanna bird community is discussed under aspects of seasonality and migrational activity. The data are compared with records from other cerrado habitats in Amazonia and elsewhere, especially in Central Brazil.