Keywords
core species
follower
habitat
mixed-species flocks
How to Cite
Abstract
The Worthen ́s Sparrow (WS) (Spizella wortheni) is endemic to Coahuila, Nuevo León and San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Currently, its distribution is restricted, it is found in small populations and it is a species in endanger of extinction. This species is associated with the margins of Prairie dog colonies and has been scarcely studied. During the non-reproductive season (fall-winter), February to March, and September to December 2015 mixed and monospecific f locks of birds associated with WS were monitored in Los Angeles Experimental Ranch, Coahuila, Mexico. In this study, the species associated with WS, its composition and size of the f locks were registered. In addition, foraging habitat characteristics were evaluated. Thirteen bird species were associated with the WS and three types of feeding associations of WS in f locks were identified: 1) large mixed f locks, 2) small mixed f locks and 3) WS monospecific f locks. Fifty-seven percent of the total number of species recorded in the f locks showed seeding food habits similar to those of the WS. In the mixed f locks dominated by WS, this species was the leader or core species, while the f locks dominated by other species were followers. The habitat components associated with the large mixed f locks were height and cover of coyonoxtle plants (Cylindropuntia imbricateHaw.), while those related to the small mixed f locks were height and cover of prickly pear (Opuntia rastrera Weber). The identification of non-breeding WS feeding sites in conserved grasslands may represent a useful tool in designing conservation strategies for WS and its associated species.
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