Annual and monthly variation on bird species richness and abundance inside a tropical semiurban agricultural landscape

Species richness inside agricultural landscape has been studied intensively and according to the type of landscape structure. However, the species phenology inside the mostly agricultural landscape is poorly understood. Therefore, my objective was to analyze species richness and individual abundance changes between months inside a semiurban agricultural landscape. Additionally, I analyzed if changes in species richness varied with the trophic guild and forest dependence of each species. From 2002 to 2010I I sampled 30 ha of coffee plantations and cattle land with natural successional regenerations and rural development. I recorded every individual listened and seen along a 3 km long transect once a month. The species richness changed between months and was higher between January and March (dry season in the study area) for all residence status (i.e., residents and north, south, and altitudinal migrants). Small frugivore species richness was higher between January and February, insectivore species richness was higher in September. The other food guilds had steady richness and abundance throughout the year. Species with a medium forest dependence showed higher species richness between January and June. Species richness phenology changed along the year depending on residence status, trophic guild, and forest dependence, a finding that should be taken into account in future conservation of this type of habitat.