Backyard bird community and the relationship with residence owners in the urban area of Jacarei city, Vale do Paraíba, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diversity of birds in backyards and to associate their presence with the perception of the owners about the birds that occur in their backyards. The study also investigated whether the characteristics of the backyard habitat, due to modifications made by the owner influence the total number of species, abundance and diversity of birds. The backyards of 31 houses in the urban area of Jacareí city, SP were evaluated. The method of count point was used to survey the species of birds. Backyard characteristics such as size, number of trees, and number of native and exotic plants were noted, and modifications to the backyard by the owner, such as the percentage of impermeabilized soil, the presence of pets, and bird feeders were noted. A questionaire was used to find out information regarding the owner such as the bird species observed, age, length of residence, and inconveniences caused by the birds. The survey found 31 bird species (H'= 2.51) and the knowledge of the owners resulted in 58 species (H' = 3.56). The species pointed out as the most inconvenient were the domestic pigeon and the sparrow. Modifications in backyards made by the owners can influence the bird community both positive and negatively, in that (1) the presence of feeders increases the average number of bird species, (2) the backyard smaller impermeabilized area resulted in a greater abundance of birds, and (3) free cats in the backyards were unfavorable to the diversity of birds. The results showed that, in order to attract the birds and assist in their conservation in the urban environment, is possible to improve backyard habitats with small local actions.