Puddle use by New Caledonian Rainforest Birds

Abstract

The water requirements of birds in humid areas are not well understood. Even rainforests have dry seasons, during which birds might experience water shortages. We surveyed use of puddles as a water source for birds in a New Caledonian rainforest during the dry season using camera traps. We found that birds frequently used puddles, and that especially granivorous and omnivorous birds were frequent water users. Almost all bird species visited puddles for bathing, but granivorous birds drank water significantly more often than other bird species. Our results suggest that even in tropical rainforests, birds depend on surface water.