Avian foraging behaviour in relation to provision of ecosystem services in a highland East African agroecosystem

Abstract

Capsule Most birds in a Kenyan highland agroecosystem foraged from the ground, potentially contributing to weed regulation, and invertebrate intake rates by aerial foraging insectivores were high, indicating that birds could contribute to pest regulation. Aims Bird foraging behaviour and its implications for provision of ecosystem services and crop damage was investigated. Methods Detailed observations of foraging birds in relation to substrates used and food items consumed were undertaken within cultivated areas during dry and wet seasons. Results Most birds foraged from the ground, often consuming seeds, fruits and flowers from weeds rather than crop plants. The relatively high rate of invertebrate intake by two aerial foraging species and the high number of insectivorous bird species recorded in the area suggest that invertebrate predation could also be high and potentially contribute to pest regulation. Species-specific differences in the habitats birds used and prey taken were also identified, providing an indication of species likely to contribute to invertebrate and weed pest control and those likely to cause crop damage. Conclusion The results describe species-specific avian foraging behaviour in African farmland that may be used in informing agricultural management practices to enhance beneficial species and reduce impacts of crop-damaging ones.