Selection by Birds of Shrub and Tree Species in the Sahel

The Sahel is thinly covered by trees, but nevertheless forms an important habitat for millions of tree-dwelling birds. We describe tree availability and selection 14 insectivorous Afro-Palearctic migrants 18 Afro-tropical residents (10 insectivores, 3 frugivores 5 nectarivores) inhabiting the from Atlantic to Red Sea. Of 304 woody species identified across region during systematic fieldwork in stratified plots, we noted height canopy surface 760,000 individual plants. Birds present trees shrubs were recorded separately per plant. 99.5% birds concentrated only 41 species. For 20 out 32 bird species, Winter Thorn Faidherbia albida was most often used. Two other Umbrella Acacia tortilis Desert Date Balanites aegyptiaca. Representing 11% total cover, these three attracted 89% Western Bonelli's Warblers Phylloscopus bonelli 77% Subalpine Curruca iberiae + subalpina cantillans. High selectivity particular typical residents, irrespective their diet. Bird feeding used a larger variety than tall trees. highest densities (80–160 birds/ha canopy) found with limited distribution southern Sahara northern Sahel: berry-bearing Toothbrush Tree Salvadora persica, small thorny shrub Sodad Capparis decidua Maerua crassifolia. Other bird-rich without exception (Balanites aegyptiaca, various acacia ziziphus). In contrast, five commonly distributed (Cashew Anacardium occidentale, African Birch Anogeissus leiocarpus, Combretum glutinosum, Guiera senegalensis Shea Vitellaria paradoxa), representing 27% cover study sites, rarely visited foraging this sub-Saharan region, it not se that matters birds, presence specific This finding has implications: remote sensing studies showing global increase or decline vegetation identifying have little value explaining trends arboreal populations. Local people large impact on composition Sahel, positive negative consequences wintering region. albida, dry belt, highly valued local distinction leafing winter being attractive arthropods. On hand, migratory been negatively affected rapidly expanding cashew plantations since early 1980s.