Do the evolutionary interactions between moths and bats promote niche partitioning between bats and birds?

Ecological theory suggests that the coexistence of species is promoted by the partitioning of available resources, as in dietary niche partitioning where predators partition prey. Yet, the mechanisms underlying dietary niche partitioning are not always clear. We used fecal DNA metabarcoding to investigate the diets of seven nocturnal insectivorous bird and bat species. Low diet overlap (2%–22%) supported resource partitioning among all species. Differences in diet corresponded with species identity, prey detection method, and foraging behavior of predators. Insects with ultrasonic hearing capabilities were consumed significantly more often by birds than bats, consistent with an evolved avoidance of echolocating strategies. In turn, bats consumed a greater proportion of noneared insects such as spruce budworms. Overall, our results suggest that evolutionary interactions among bats and moths translate to dietary niche partitioning and coexistence among bats and nocturnal birds.     

The ecology of mangrove forest birds in Peninsular Malaysia

The density, distribution and feeding ecology of birds of mangrove forests in Selangor on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia were investigated between February and May 1989. Excluding aerial hunters and wading birds, 47 species were recorded from four mangrove forest sites in Selangor, though undoubtedly some rarer species were missed due to the brevity of the study. The estimated density of birds, using fixed-width transects, ranged from 15 to 26 birds per ha. One quarter of all birds counted belonged to just one species, the Ashy Tailorbird Orthotomus ruficeps. Excluding ground feeders (three species), four foraging guilds were recognized among 17 of the commonest bird species: obligate foliage-foraging insectivores (seven species), bark-foraging insectivores (four), facultative nectar-ivores (five) and aerial hawkers (one). Species within the first and third guilds apparently were partitioned by foraging technique and heights, while those of the second guild (woodpeckers) differed mainly in their selection of plant species. The horizontal distribution of several species corresponded to the zonation of mangroves. Avifaunal differences between sites reflected differences in forest floristics. The greatest number of species occurred at the dry landward edge site, which supported seven bird species not encountered elsewhere in Selangor. This habitat has almost completely disappeared from much of the peninsula owing to land reclamation. Four of the six resident mangrove-specialized bird species in Selangor were regularly recorded at two or more sites, another (Greater Gol-denback Woodpecker Chrysocolaptes lucidus) occurred at only one site and the last (Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda) was never recorded. Two species of sunbirds probably play an important role in the pollination of several species of mangroves. The colonization of anthropogenic habitats by many mangrove-dwelling bird species is attributed partly to their generalized foraging niches, which may have evolved in response to regular fluctuations in food availability and the dynamic physiography of mangrove communities.     

Rapid assessments and local knowledge reveal high bird diversity in mangroves of north-west Madagascar

Although the importance of regulating and provisioning services provided by mangroves is widely recognised, our understanding of their role in the maintenance of terrestrial biodiversity is patchy globally and largely lacking for many regions, including conservation priorities such as Madagascar. We carried out the first multi-site bird inventory of mangroves in Madagascar and complemented our data with assessments of local knowledge, in order to broaden our knowledge of which species use this habitat. We directly observed 73 species across three sites in Ambanja and Ambaro Bays, while local respondents indicated the presence of 18 additional species: four observed species are globally threatened, while 37 are endemic to Madagascar or the Malagasy region. Over half the species observed are typically terrestrial, of which 22 have not previously been recorded in mangrove habitats in Madagascar. Local knowledge provided a useful complement to our observed data but we are likely to have underestimated total richness; nevertheless, our findings greatly increased our knowledge of mangrove use by Madagascar’s birds. However, further research is required to investigate the functional role of mangroves in the ecology of the observed species and provide insights into the factors influencing mangrove use.     

Avian responses to an emergent,wetland weed

African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum Solanaceae) is a Weed of National Significance in Australia. It is particularly problematic in Victoria and is thought to not only threaten native wildlife but also provide important habitat, particularly to birds, when there is no native alternative. In a wetland ecosystem such as a saltmarsh, boxthorn has the potential to increase structural complexity because it can stand as an emergent above surrounding vegetation. We compared bird assemblages and behaviour in saltmarsh vegetation with and without boxthorn in a coastal wetland in south‐east Australia. Species assemblage, but not richness, changed with the presence of boxthorn. The presence of singing honeyeaters (Lichenostomus virescens) and white‐fronted chats (Epthianura albifrons), the two most common native bird species (based on numerical and spatial dominance), appeared to drive these differences; singing honeyeaters preferred boxthorn while white‐fronted chats avoided it. The presence of boxthorn increased the seasonal availability of fruit and flowers, which was reflected by a high frequency of foraging for fruit and nectar where boxthorn was present. In saltmarshes without boxthorn, there was a higher frequency of foraging for insects. Some, but not all, species responded to increased structural complexity and fruit/floral resources provided by boxthorn. Consequently, management by reducing boxthorn is likely to alter bird communities and the usage of sites by some native species, thus management success should consider fine‐scale biodiversity objectives, such as managing for particular types or species of birds.     

Foraging ecology of an assemblage of birds in lowland rainforest in northern Queensland

This paper presents an analysis of the foraging ecologies and hence means of partitioning resources amongst the twenty-eight most conspicuous species of birds in lowland tropical rainforest at Lacey's Creek, North Queensland. The height and site of foraging and the type of behaviour used by the species were compared. The height at which species foraged appeared to be more important for separating species than the site of foraging or the behaviour used. There appeared to be a greater proportion of species with generalized foraging behaviour at Lacey's Creek than in bird communities in the neotropics. Frugivorous species had very similar foraging ecologies but there were differences in the species of fruit eaten by some species. There were seasonal shifts in foraging by some species. It is postulated that the relative shortage of terrestrial species at Lacey's Creek compared with highland forest in North Queensland is due to the harsh dry season in the lowlands. The structure of this bird community appeared to be strongly affected by seasonality of climate.     

安徽沿江浅水湖泊越冬水鸟群落的集团结构

长江中下游湖泊是越冬水鸟的重要栖息地,随着湖泊渔业养殖强度的不断加大,湖泊湿地严重退化,水鸟的越冬生态受到影响。为揭示长江中下游浅水湖泊越冬水鸟对湿地资源的利用特征,2008年12月至2009年3月,通过扫描取样法采集安徽省长江沿江升金湖、菜子湖和武昌湖3个浅水湖泊30种越冬水鸟的取食行为百分比数据,利用聚类分析法对越冬水鸟进行集团划分,并采用无倾向对应法(DCA)分析越冬水鸟的取食特征。聚类分析结果表明,安庆沿江湖泊越冬水鸟群落可分为4个集团,即深水取食集团G1、挖掘和啄取集团G2、浅水取食集团G3和泥滩拾取集团G4。G2集团的鸟种最多,共有13种,优势种为鸿雁(Anser cygnoides)、豆雁(Anser fabalis);G3集团次之,共6种,优势种为小天鹅(Cygnus columbianus)、白琵鹭(Platalea leucorodia);G4集团共5种,优势种为黑腹滨鹬(Calidris alpina)、鹤鹬(Tringa erythropus)和红脚鹬(Tringa totanus);G1集团水鸟种类有6种。这些水鸟的觅食生境主要在湖泊滩涂和浅水区域,其食物资源的可利用性和觅食对策共同决定群落组成结构。DCA分析表明,取食方式及取食时运动方式组成的觅食对策决定了集团食物资源的分割,草滩中取食鸟类主要采用静止取食和啄取方式,泥滩取食集团主要采取拾取及奔-停取食,深水区取食集团则主要采用潜水方式取食,因此,维持湖泊不同区域的丰富食物资源对于保护湖泊丰富的水鸟资源具有重要意义。     

Patterns of resource use in an assemblage of birds in the canopy of a temperate alluvial forest

In our study, we assessed patterns of resource use in an assemblage of birds by observing their foraging behaviour from a crane in the canopy of a temperate alluvial forest. We selected 12 bird species and addressed seasonal changes in feeding activity during a 2-month period in spring focussing on average staying time and utilisation of crown strata in two tree species, the common oak (Quercus robur) and the sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus). We further examined ecological characteristics of the trees (i. e., crown density) that are likely to influence resource use in birds. The selected birds differed in their preference for the tree species. Most birds preferred common oaks. This preference was probably associated with higher food abundance related to substrate characteristics (i.e., roughness of bark) which offer more microhabitats for arthropods and thus permit higher densities of potential prey. Some bird species switched feeding preferences within the study period from sycamore maples to common oaks in association with tree phenology. We found two main foraging techniques. All birds searched for prey at short distance (≤50 cm) and gleaned food from substrate except the Pied Flycatcher that foraged by hovering and searched over longer distances (>50 cm). Overall, we demonstrate in our study that canopy access with mobile crane systems provides excellent opportunities to observe canopy birds and enables detailed analysis of their foraging behaviour. The main result of our study reveals fine-grained resource partitioning of birds within the canopy as an important factor structuring assemblages, with species-specific and in part also seasonal differences in stratification and substrate use.     

Impacts of an invasive willow (Salix × rubens) on riparian bird assemblages in south‐eastern Australia

We explored how a woody plant invader affected riparian bird assemblages. We surveyed 15 200‐m‐long transects in riparian zones in a much‐changed landscape of eastern Victoria, Australia. Abundance, species‐richness, foraging‐guild richness and composition of birds were compared in transects in three habitat types: (i) riparian zones dominated by the invasive willow Salix × rubens; (ii) riparian zones lined with native woody species; and (iii) riparian zones cleared of almost all woody vegetation. We also measured abundance and richness of arthropods and habitat structure to explore further the effects of food resources and habitat on the avifauna. We observed 67 bird species from 14 foraging guilds. Native riparian transects had more birds, bird species and foraging guilds than willow‐invaded or cleared transects. Habitat complexity increased from cleared to willow‐invaded to native riparian transects, as did abundance of native and woodland‐dependent birds. Native shrub and trees species had more foliage and branch‐associated arthropods than did willows, consistent with a greater abundance and variety of foraging guilds of birds dependent on this resource. Willow spread into cleared areas is unlikely to facilitate greatly native bird abundance and diversity even though habitat complexity is increased. Willow invasion into the native riparian zone, by decreasing food resources and altering habitat, is likely to reduce native bird biodiversity and further disrupt connectivity of the riparian zone.     

Use of Mangroves by Lemurs

Despite an increasing recognition of the ecosystem services provided by mangroves, we know little about their role in maintaining terrestrial biodiversity, including primates. Madagascar’s lemurs are a top global conservation priority, with 94 % of species threatened with extinction, but records of their occurrence in mangroves are scarce. I used a mixed-methods approach to collect published and unpublished observations of lemurs in mangroves: I carried out a systematic literature search and supplemented this with a targeted information request to 1243 researchers, conservation and tourism professionals, and others who may have visited mangroves in Madagascar. I found references to, or observations of, at least 23 species in 5 families using mangroves, representing >20% of lemur species and >50% of species whose distributions include mangrove areas. Lemurs used mangroves for foraging, sleeping, and traveling between terrestrial forest patches, and some were observed as much as 3 km from the nearest permanently dry land. However, most records were anecdotal and thus tell us little about lemur ecology in this habitat. Mangroves are more widely used by lemurs than has previously been recognized and merit greater attention from primate researchers and conservationists in Madagascar.     

Canopy tree preference by insectivorous birds in shade‐coffee farms: Implications for migratory bird conservation

Land converted to coffee agriculture occupies >5 million hectares of what was once prime overwintering natural habitat in the American Neotropics for migrating birds. When tree canopy is retained or restored (i.e., shade‐grown), coffee farms can serve as habitat refuge for wildlife. Yet few studies have examined whether canopy tree identity impacts habitat quality for biodiversity. Specifically, whether or not certain tree species are disproportionately important for foraging insectivorous birds remains unclear. In this study, we quantified bird foraging activity on 22 tree species in two Latin American Bird Friendly© coffee farms. Specifically, we conducted timed observations on focal trees to determine 1) tree preferences, 2) foraging bird abundance, 3) foraging time, and 4) species richness of birds using each canopy tree species. We found that birds did not forage randomly, and instead exhibited preferences for particular native tree species. Nitrogen‐fixing Fabaceae were consistently used more frequently, supported more resident and migratory birds for longer periods of time, and supported more bird species than trees in other families. We posit that the potential mechanism contributing to tree preferences is the increase in insect abundance and diversity that provide high‐quality food for insectivores but do not present pest problems for coffee. Thus, tree species that support insects may provide multiple benefits for farmers in the form of bottom‐up soil fertilization and top‐down pest control. This study provides evidence that agroforestry land can be improved for birds of conservation concern by prioritizing canopy tree species that help birds and farm productivity.     

The habitat function of mangroves for terrestrial and marine fauna: A review

Mangroves are defined by the presence of trees that mainly occur in the intertidal zone, between land and sea, in the (sub) tropics. The intertidal zone is characterised by highly variable environmental factors, such as temperature, sedimentation and tidal currents. The aerial roots of mangroves partly stabilise this environment and provide a substratum on which many species of plants and animals live. Above the water, the mangrove trees and canopy provide important habitat for a wide range of species. These include birds, insects, mammals and reptiles. Below the water, the mangrove roots are overgrown by epibionts such as tunicates, sponges, algae, and bivalves. The soft substratum in the mangroves forms habitat for various infaunal and epifaunal species, while the space between roots provides shelter and food for motile fauna such as prawns, crabs and fishes. Mangrove litter is transformed into detritus, which partly supports the mangrove food web. Plankton, epiphytic algae and microphytobenthos also form an important basis for the mangrove food web. Due to the high abundance of food and shelter, and low predation pressure, mangroves form an ideal habitat for a variety of animal species, during part or all of their life cycles. As such, mangroves may function as nursery habitats for (commercially important) crab, prawn and fish species, and support offshore fish populations and fisheries. Evidence for linkages between mangroves and offshore habitats by animal migrations is still scarce, but highly needed for management and conservation purposes. Here, we firstly reviewed the habitat function of mangroves by common taxa of terrestrial and marine animals. Secondly, we reviewed the literature with regard to the degree of interlinkage between mangroves and adjacent habitats, a research area which has received increasing attention in the last decade. Finally, we reviewed current insights into the degree to which mangrove litter fuels the mangrove food web, since this has been the subject of long-standing debate.     

Are land bird assemblages functionally saturated? An empirical test in Mexico

According to the model of ideal free distribution, few or no assemblages will contain unused resources as long as species are free to colonize areas where resources are available. Consequently, because several food resources for birds are available throughout Mexico (nectar, seeds and fruits, vertebrates, carrion and different types of invertebrates), we predicted that all assemblages from Mexico contain birds from the corresponding foraging guilds. However, severe climates may prevent colonization by certain birds. Thus, a second prediction was that, if assemblages with unused resources were found, these would be from localities with climates that pose extreme stress (either extremely high temperature and low rainfall, or extremely low temperature). We tested these predictions on bird assemblages from 77 localities that represent the entire range of climatic conditions found in Mexico. Only two assemblages containing unused resources were found. These were from the localities with lowest temperature and lowest rainfall, respectively. We observed that land bird assemblages in Mexico do not contain unused resources, except when climate selectively restricts colonization by species from certain foraging guilds. Therefore, we conclude that even assemblages with almost no species in common have a common guild structure based on food resources. Null models of competition would be more realistic if they were to incorporate such patterns in their regional species pools.     

Elevational gradients in species abundance,assemblage structure and energy use of rainforest birds in the Australian Wet Tropics bioregion

Elevational patterns of species richness, local abundance and assemblage structure of rainforest birds of north‐eastern Australia were explored using data from extensive standardized surveys throughout the region. Eighty‐two species of birds were recorded with strong turnover in assemblage structure across the elevational gradient and high levels of regional endemism in the uplands. Both species richness and bird abundance exhibited a humped‐shaped pattern with elevation with the highest values being between 600 and 800 m elevation. While much of the variability in species richness could be explained by the species–area relationship, analyses of net primary productivity (NPP) and total daily energy consumption of the bird community (energy use) suggest that ecosystem energy flow or constraints may be a significant determinant of species richness. Species richness is positively correlated with local bird abundance which itself is closely related to total energy use of the bird community. We suggest the hypothesis that lower NPP limits bird abundance and energy use in the uplands (>500 m) and that low bird energy use and species richness in the lowlands is limited by a seasonal bottleneck in available primary productivity and/or a species pool previously truncated by an extinction filter imposed by the almost complete disappearance of rainforest in the lowlands during the glacial maxima. We suggest that some of the previously predicted impacts of global warming on biodiversity in the uplands may be partially ameliorated by increases in NPP because of increasing temperatures. However, these relationships are complex and require further data specifically in regard to direct estimates of primary productivity and detailed estimates of energy flow within the assemblage.     

Habitat associations of dryland avian communities during an extended dry period

The influence of resource availability on ecosystem function varies spatially and temporally, among and within ecosystems. Dramatic shifts in moisture-driven resources can drive bottom-up effects on animal behaviours and distributions. Further, complexity arises when landscapes are influenced by large mammalian grazers and predator-induced trophic cascades, such as those mediated by the dingo (Canis familiaris (Dingo)) in the eastern arid Strzelecki Desert in Australia. During the driest two-year period on record for this region, we investigated the persistence of avian communities associated with structurally distinct dunes and swale habitats, and across two different land management regimes (pastoral land with livestock and dingoes, and Sturt National Park managed for conservation without these animals). We grouped all birds into dietary functional groups to infer patterns of habitat use associated with available resources. We also compared incidental observations of the ‘winter’ bird community in part of the study region between the extended dry period of 2018/2019 and wet period of 2020/2021. Despite habitat partitioning, the avian community did not differ between land management regimes except in species richness during the dry period, likely driven by the low numbers of birds present during the surveys. Incidental observations indicated that insectivorous and omnivorous species dominated the bird community in the dry period, with granivorous species forming a greater proportion of the bird community during wet times. Birds with completely or partially insectivorous diets dominated avian species composition on surveys in the dry period, but there were distinct structural vegetation associations among functional groups, indicating that heterogeneity in vegetation structure was likely important for the conservation of refuges, which enable the persistence of avifauna during extended dry periods. Distinct habitat type, structure and available resources shaped avian communities in this landscape, during the extremely resource-limited extended dry period, with implications for conservation and management, particularly given the increasing drying effects of climate change.     

Influences of river regulation and environmental variables on upland bird assemblages in northern Sweden

Most large rivers in Sweden are regulated to produce hydropower. This transformation from free-flowing rivers to chains of elongate run-of-river impoundments has been shown to have consequences for aquatic, riparian and adjacent upland environments, and for the emergence patterns of aquatic insects that are important for terrestrial consumers. In this study, we investigated bird assemblages in upland-forest environments along seven large rivers (three heavily impounded and four free flowing) in northern Sweden. Bird densities were assessed by point counts in the breeding and post-breeding seasons. While we observed no significant differences in bird species richness between regulated and free-flowing rivers, cumulative densities of two feeding groups of birds (those feeding on seeds and/or large insects and those feeding on small insects) were higher along free-flowing rivers than along regulated rivers in the breeding season, consistent with known differences in aquatic-insect emergence. Further, ordination analyses showed seasonal shifts in bird assemblage structure, and that these shifts differed between regulated and free-flowing rivers and between the two feeding groups. However, the variables explaining the most variance (11?C28?%) in bird assemblage structure were related to a gradient of agricultural-to-forest land use. River regulation contributed to the model in the post-breeding season, but was of relatively low importance. Nevertheless, the observed contrasting seasonal shifts in upland-forest bird assemblage structure between regulated and free-flowing rivers suggest that regulation-induced modifications of aquatic-insect emergence and subsequent changes in prey availability to the birds are also important considerations.     

Biogeographical comparison of winter bird assemblages in urban environments in Finland

We studied biogeographical variation of urban bird assemblages in Finland. Winter birds were censused by single-visit study plot method from thirty-one centres of villages or towns along 950 km latitudinal extent. A total twenty-eight bird species was observed and the average density was 61.2 ind./10 ha. The number of dominant species in study areas varied between two and seven and their proportion of the whole assemblage was over 70%. Species richness, but not the density of birds, decreased northwards in pooled data. Higher species richness in south than in north was mainly due to the higher amount of delayed migratory birds (e.g. waterbirds, finches) and southerly distributed bird species. However, in heavily urbanized areas species richness did not decrease northwards. This observation disagreed with the hypothesis that species richness decreased northwards. Bird density, but not species richness, increased with urbanization. In particular, feral pigeon, hooded crow and house sparrow had highest densities in most urbanized areas. As only few bird species are adapted to live in urban areas, species composition and dominant bird species were almost the same in the south and in the north. These urban birds may effectively use energy rich food in feeding tables and overcome the problems of severe climate in the north. This may be the reason why bird species richness does not decrease northwards in urban areas.     

Seasonal dynamics of guild structure in a bird assemblage of the central Monte desert

Most studies of ecological guilds consider guild membership as a fixed attribute of species, and the guild structure as a fixed attribute of a community. Consequently, almost no study tackled the examination of temporal changes in the guild structure of a particular assemblage. We used data on foraging patterns of central Monte desert birds to assess seasonal differences in resource use by resident species, and to examine seasonal changes in the guild structure of the assemblage. From 1993 until 1999, we quantified the use of foraging substrates, manoeuvres, and height strata, and the utilisation of plants by 18 bird species. Resident species showed different kinds of seasonal dynamics, from no noticeable to drastic changes in their foraging patterns. Seasonal changes in guild structure were remarkable. Only two guilds were present all year round (ground foragers and foliage foragers), although they suffered important species turnover. Three other guilds had a seasonal occurrence: graminivores (during the non-breeding season), arboreal herbivores, and aerial feeders (during the breeding season). Two species changed from one guild to another between seasons. Both presence–absence of migrant species, and changes in the feeding ecology of resident species had an influence on the temporal dynamics of guild structure. These factors appeared to be related with changing resource availability, especially with the birds’ ability for facing lean conditions through migration and with the opportunistic use of seasonally superabundant resources. Our results undermine the trust in studies in which guild structure was assessed irrespective of temporal variations. We show also that guild membership is not a fixed attribute of a species: we should rather evaluate the individuals’ resource use in a given moment to assign them to a guild, instead of obtaining a single measure purporting to represent a species’ fixed attribute.     

Habitat use by seed-eating birds: a scale-dependent approach

The seedbank in arable farmland represents an important foraging resource for birds, particularly in grassland landscapes where alternative foraging opportunities may be scarce. We used a stepwise approach to examine the importance of seed food resources for farmland birds in winter. First, results from a large-scale experiment in which seed resources were manipulated to test the notion that birds aggregate at food resources, subject to a minimum threshold level. Secondly, a multiscale approach was used to characterize habitat use at a landscape scale and how this may inform agri-environment implementation. Overall seed resources declined sharply over the winter and were relatively low in most arable fields. Large-scale declines in the arable seedbank mean that much habitat may not be of sufficient quality to support foraging bird populations through a winter. At a landscape scale, extensive analyses of breeding season abundance show that bird abundance is most influenced by arable (i.e. seed-rich) habitat in grassland landscapes. The scale at which birds respond to habitat differs between species, and is related to the extent of between-season movements. Implementation of agri-environment schemes will need to consider both the quality of habitat and the context in which it is provided if recent declines in farmland bird populations are to be reversed.     

Gap creation and regenerative processes driving diversity and structure of mangrove ecosystems

Turnover within both mangrove and terrestrial forests is driven by standdevelopment in conjunction with factors influencing tree death andreplacement at various temporal and spatial scales. Development interrestrial forests appears comparable with that in mangroves but turnoverseems to differ considerably between these broad forest types. The mostimportant difference is in the character of small forest gaps. Gaps arecommon in terrestrial forests but those in mangroves rarely involve falls oflarge older trees in the first instance. Instead, mangrove trees usually diestanding in small clusters of mixed age cohorts. Identifying a common causefor gap creation in mangroves might be important towards understandingwhat drives forest turnover but there is a greater need to quantify thisprocess. Small-scale disturbance in mangrove forests is poorly quantified butpreliminary evidence implies that its' importance may have been greatlyunder-estimated. Based on available observations, a conceptual model ofmangrove forest development and gap regeneration is proposed. The modelhelps explain the peculiar characteristics and structure of mangrove forestsand how these forests might respond to changing environmental conditionsand disturbance at various landscape scales.     

The foraging profile of a wandoo woodland avifauna in early spring

Abstract This study reports on the foraging profile of a wandoo woodland avifauna at Dryandra in Western Australia, Australia. Despite its geographical isolation, wandoo woodland shares a large number of species with woodland bird communities in eastern Australia and there are broad similarities in community foraging profiles. Insect-eating birds using ground, bark, foliage, and aerial substrates dominate eucalypt bird communities. Nectar-feeding and seed/fruit-eating guilds are important components of the Australian avifauna, but have fewer species, and vary in composition and abundance as nectar, seed, and fruit availability changes seasonally and from year to year, and from one locality to another. Despite similarities, there are also differences between the foraging profile of the wandoo avifauna and those in eastern Australia. Specifically, the wandoo avifauna is characterized by a high proportion of ground-foraging species. In addition, many wandoo woodland birds appear to spread their foraging over a wider range of substrates (i.e., ground, bark, and foliage) than eastern species. Differences in habitat structure do not explain these differences in community foraging profiles, and there may be differences in the abundance, kind, and spatial distribution of resources between different eucalypt ecosystems. Possibly the eastern communities have lost ground-dwelling components of their avifauna since European settlement, while the woodlands at Dryandra retain a more intact avifauna. The reasons why some species and not others are lost from woodlands as a result of European land management practices are discussed.