Nesting of resident avifauna in a fragment of xerophilous scrubland in Tamaulipas, Mexico

Abstract

Background. The reproductive biology of birds allows to document their importance in the environment by different events such as habitat selection for nesting, reproductive strategies, and association with vegetation. However, different types of natural ecosystems have been increasingly affected by land use change and deforestation, and with them, important nesting areas have been lost. Objective. To determine the composition of resident species and nesting in a fragment of xerophytic scrubland in Tula, Tamaulipas, and its relationship with biotic and abiotic variables. Methodology. The monitoring of birds was carried out during the breeding period from January to August 2024, for the observation and location of nesting birds direct visual method were performed to identify the behaviors. Each identified nest was monitored continuously, recording the abiotic variables and the plant species associated with the reproductive process. Results. A total of 1673 birds were recorded, belonging to 12 orders, 25 families and 59 species. A total of 71 nests were identified, corresponding to 8 nesting species in the xerophytic scrub. Implications. The ecological information obtained in this research allows us to know the importance of how the avifauna is related to the xerophytic scrub and in the perspective of conservation of this ecosystem. Conclusions. Nesting sites provided by the dominant vegetation represented by Celtis palida, Acacia amentacea, Cylindropuntia imbricata, Yucca carnerosana, Yucca filifera.