The composition and foraging behaviour of mixed‐species flocks of forest‐living birds in Madagascar

Abstract

Mixed‐species flocks of forest living birds were investigated in a rainforest at Perinet/ Analamazaotra (Andasibe), Madagascar. Most insectivorous birds in the area participated in mixed‐species flocks. Flocks were composed of foliage gleaners, foliage‐branch gleaners, trunk gleaners and flycatchers. Species whose foraging techniques and foraging locations in vegetation were similar were different from each other in foraging heights. The nuclear species often occurred in small conspecific flocks in and out of mixed‐species flocks.