Ecology of a mangrove forest bird community in Singapore

Abstract

Ecology of a bird community was studied in the Sungei Mandai mangrove forest in Singapore from May to July 1996. We found a total of 42 bird species in the forest. Based on the spot-mapping, the most abundant bird species in the forest was the Blacknaped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis). With 168 mist-netting hours, we captured 15 bird species. The most common bird species mist-netted was the Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis). We also recorded two locally-threatened bird species in the area, the Whitechested Babbler (Trichastoma rostratum) and Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis). The bird community composition of this area is comparable to a similar site in Singapore (the Sungei Buloh Nature Park). We recorded seven bird species possibly breeding in the area. However, due to the limited survey time, this number most probably is an underestimation. Preliminary foraging observations of six bird species were made in the area. Based on a cluster analysis in which we used 20 foraging-related characteristics (e.g., frequency use of different plant species), we found that leaf-gleaners (the Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis, Common Iora Aegithina tiphia, and Pied Triller Lalage nigra) were similar in their overall foraging activities. These leaf-gleaners were different in overall foraging activities from the species that frequently foraged on aerial insects (Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica), that predominantly found prey off the bark of trees (Common Goldenback Dinopium javanense), or that primarily foraged from flowers (Olive-backed Sunbird Nectarinia jugularis).