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Joiiraal of West African Ornithology

Revue 4’Omithologle de l’Ouest Africain

VOLUME X8 Numher 1 March X00«

ISSN 0331-3689 ' ^ V; V' ' V ' /

published by: West Aftiean Ornithological Socles

publiée par: Sociétlé dl’Oml1iiol«^e de l’Ouest i^rlcain

West African Ornithological Society

Société d’Omithologie de l’Ouest Africain

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2006

1

Altitudinal distribution of birds in Mukowa primary forest,

Irangi area, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

by Robert Byamana Kizungu

Makerere University Institute of Environment and Natural Resources,

Organisation of Biodiversity Information and Conservation in Congo-Kinshasa, and

Centre de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles de Lwiro, Laboratoire d’Omithologie,

DS/ Bukavu, Sud-Kivu, République Démocratique du Congo

<robertkizungu@yahoo.fr>

Received 9 May 2005; revised 5 January 2006.

Summary

In three adjacent 100 m altitude bands, from 800 to 1100 m, in Mukowa

primary forest, Irangi area, I recorded 21 new species for the Irangi area,

bringing the number of bird species known there to 201,

that were encountered outside their known altitudinal

Congo Democratic Republic.

\

Resumé

Distribution altitudinale des oiseaux dans la forêt primaire

milieu d’Irangi, est de la République Démocratique du Congo. Dans trois

adjacents bandes altitudinales de 100 m, entre 800 m et 1 100 m dans la forêt

primaire de Mukowa, localité d’Irangi, j’ai identifié 21 nouvelles espèces pour

la région d’Irangi. Ceci ramène le nombre d’espèces d’oiseaux connues dans

cette localité à 201 espèces. Dix espèces sont listées en dehors des limites

altitudinales connues de l’Uganda et de la République Démocratique du

Congo.

Introduction

Mukowa primary forest is a part of Irangi Forest, which is described by Kizungu

(2001). It belongs to the Albertine Rift Sub-Region. The status of birds along the

Albertine Rift is not well known (Dowsett 1985, Prigogine 1985, Collar & Stuart

1988) and the patterns of distribution have not been related to environmental factors.

Work on Irangi birds has comprised surveys in the forests and savanna (Wilson &

Catsis 1990, Kizungu 1996, Kizungu & Beyers 1994, Kizungu et al. 1998, Kizungu

2

R. B. Kizungu

Malimbus 28

2001) rather than ecological study. In this paper I investigate the altitudinal range of

the bird species found in the Irangi area at higher altitudes than in Kizungu (2001).

Figure 1. Mukowa primary forest on the west side of the Bukavu-Walikale-

Kisangani road, opposite the CRSN forest reserve.

2006

Birds of Irangi

3

Mukowa primary forest (altitude 830-1 100 m, 1°53'S, 28°27'E) is a private forest

situated 108 km NNE of Bukavu on the west side of the Bukavu-Walikale road,

between Bunyakiri and Hombo (Fig. 1). Mukowa is a c. 4 km fragment of primary

forest which forms part of the Centre de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles forest

reserve of c. 15 km . The forest fragmentation is due to the increasing human

population, most settlements being at the foot of hills where people can find water

from rivers and farm. New areas of land are being claimed and large trees felled for

building and farming. Smaller trees are cut for firewood and bushes cleared.

I chose a hill which was both accessible (many areas being unsafe due to war in

the region) and where I could find at least three altitudinal bands of at least 100 m

width, which might produce avifaunal differences as proposed by Prigogine (1980).

The slope in Irangi Forest goes from 700 m in the east (near the main Bukavu-

Walikale road) to 1500m in the west (away from the main road in the deeper forest)

Three altitudinal bands were studied: 800-900 m (1°53'4"S, 28°26'49''E); 900-1000

m (1°5312''S, 28°26'59"E); 1000-1100 m (1°5374''S, 28°27'4''E). A 102-m

transect line comprising seven 12-m mist-nets and three 6-m nets was oriented N-S in

each altitudinal band while a 1-km transect line of point counts was set E-W across

the altitudinal range (from lower to higher altitude). Four months of field work were

carried out: Dec 2002, Jan 2003, Mar 2003 and in Sep-Oct 2003. Nets were opened

from dawn to 16h00 for four net-days, when they were moved to the next altitude

band. Identifications of captured birds were made with reference to Urban et al.

(1997), Stevenson & Fanshawe (2002) and Perlo (1995).

Point counts followed the protocol of Kanyamibwa (1992) and Bibby et al. (1998).

Using a pedometer, I walked 1 km on a trail from east to west. Six points were established

at 200m intervals along the transect, where I stopped for 14 min. For the last 10 min.

of the 14, 1 identified birds seen or heard within an estimated radius of 25 m of the point,

and additional birds (mostly heard) beyond 25 m. Eighteen points were counted in

Dec 2002, 18 in Jan 2003, six in Mar 2003 and 72 in Sep-Oct 2003: a total of 1 14 points.

I also relied heavily on general observation including tape recording and play-

back, and I devoted most of my time between net checks looking for species along the

trails and along the forest edge, trying to make sure that I had covered all of the

habitat available.

Results

A total of 1024 individuals of 71 species were inventoried during four months of

fieldwork, of which 225 individuals were captured and 799 observed at point counts.

The lowest altitude band (800-900 m) produced the highest number of both species

and individuals netted while 900-1000 m had the highest number of both species and

individuals recorded from point counts. Table 1 includes only species recorded

outside the altitudinal range given for Congo Democratic Republic (Prigogine 1975,

4

R. B. Kizungu

Malimbus 28

1980) and Uganda (or E Africa generally) (Stevenson & Fanshawe 2002), as well as

species not yet recorded for Irangi (Wilson & Catsis 1990, Kizungu & Beyers 1994,

Kizungu 1996, 2001).

Table 1. New species (*) or new altitudinal records (^) at Mukowa forest.

Numbers are birds seen or heard and (in parentheses) netted.

800-900 900-1000 1000-1100

2006

Birds of Irangi

5

800-900 900-1000 1000-1100

Discussion

Twenty-one species had not been included by Wilson & Catsis (1990), Kizungu

(1996, 2001) or Kizungu & Beyers (1994), bringing the number of bird species now

known in the Irangi area to 20 L Some species might have a restricted altitudinal range

as indicated in the table.

Acknowledgments

Sincere thanks go to Prof Derek Pomeroy of Makerere University Institute of

Environment and Natural Resources and Dr Christine Dranzoa of WARM who

supervised this study. I thank the John and Catherine MacArthur Foundation,

Chicago, the Royal Society for Protection of Birds, U.K. and the Wildlife

Conservation Society, Uganda, which supported the project through MUIENR, I also

thank Dr John Bates for reviewing the manuscript and supporting me through the

Programme Biodiversité des Ecosystèmes Aquatiques et Terrestres dans le Rift

Albertin. Many thanks to my field technicians Kodioko, Kalusha, Mutangi, Bahati,

Bavurha Parfait and Cirimwami who assisted me collecting data.

References

Bibby, C., Jones, M. & Marsden, S. (1998) Expedition Field Techniques: Bird

surveys. Expedition Advisory Centre, London.

Collar, N.J, & Stuart, S.N. (1988) Key Forests for Threatened Birds in Africa.

International Council for Bird Preservation, Cambridge.

Dowsett, R.J, (1985) The conservation of tropical forest birds in central and southern

Africa. Pp. 197-212 in Diamond A.V. & LovejoyT.E. (eds), Conservation

6

R. B. Kizungu

Malimbus 28

of Tropical Birds, Tech. Publ. 4, International Council for Bird

Preservation, Cambridge.

Kanyamibwa, s. (1992) Inventaire de la diversité aviaire dans les forêts de montagne

du Rwanda: méthodologie répondant aux aspects de la conservation. Proc.

12 Pan- Afr. Orn. Congr.: 341-349.

Kizungu, B. (1996) Inventaire des oiseaux nuisibles à l’agronomie au Sud-Kivu,

Tropicultura 14: 110-114.

Kizungu, B. R. (2001) Birds of Irangi forest Albertine Rift, Democratic Republic of

Congo. Malimbus 23: 77-86.

Kizungu, B. & Beyers, R. (1994) Contribution à l’étude écologique de l’avifaune

des régions forestières vicinales du Parc National de Kahuzi-Biega, Rev. Sc.

Nat. 2:51-51.

Kizungu, B., Ntabaza, M. & Mburunge, M. (1998) Ethno-omithology of the

Tembo in Eastern DRC (Former Zaïre): Part one, Kalehe Zone. Afr. Study

Monogr. 19: 103-113.

Perlo, b. van (1995) Birds of Eastern Africa. Collins, London.

Prigogine, a. (1975) Contribution a l’etude de la distribution verticale des oiseaux

orophiles. Gerfaut 64 : 75-88.

Prigogine, A. (1980) The altitudinal distribution of the avifauna of the Itombwe

forest (Zaire). Proc. 4 Pan-Afr. Orn. Congr.: 169-184.

Prigogine, A. (1985) Conservation of the avifauna of the forests of the Albertine

Rift. Pp. 277-296 in Diamond, A.V. & Lovejoy, T.E. (eds) Conservation of

Tropical Forest Birds. Tech. Publ. 4, International Council for Bird

Preservation, Cambridge,

Stevenson, T. & Fanshawe, J. (2002) Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa.

Poyser, London.

Urban, E.K., Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. (1997) The Birds of Africa, vol. 5. Academic

Press, London.

Wilson, J.R. & Catsis, M.C. (1990) A Preliminary Survey of the Forests of the

Kahuzi-Biega National Park extension. East Zaire, July-September, 1989.

Unpubl. rep. to WWF/IZCN/FFPS, Kinshasa.

2006

7

Dénombrements d’oiseaux d’eau dans le delta intérieur du

Niger (Mali) en janvier 1999, 2000 et 2001

par O. Girard^ J. Thal^ & B. Niagaté^

^Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage/CNERA Avifaune migratrice,

Chanteloup, F“85340 L’Ile d’Olonne, France <o.girard@oncfs.gouv.fr>

'J

10 rue Bichat, F-51000 Chalons-en-Champagne, France

^Direction Nationale de la Conservation de la Nature/D AFPR, BP 275, Bamako, Mali

Reçu 17 février 2005; revu 26 août 2005.

Résumé

Nous avons réalisé des dénombrements aériens sur la quasi-totalité du Delta

intérieur du Niger, au Mali, en janvier 1999, 2000 et 2001. Leurs résultats

permettent pour un certain nombre d’espèces d’Ardeidae, d’Anatidae et de

limicoles d’actualiser les estimations d’effectifs présents à cette période. Pour

une vingtaine d’entre elles, les effectifs estimés au cours de ces trois années,

et particulièrement en 2000 et 2001, sont les plus importants ou parmi les plus

importants enregistrés depuis c. 30 années. Dans le même temps, le déclin de

quelques espèces semble patent.

Summary

Waterbird counts in the inner Niger delta (Mali) in January 1999, 2000

and 2001. We carried out aerial counts over almost the entire inner Niger

delta in Mali, in January 1999, 2000 and 2001. Results permit, for several

Ardeidae, Anatidae and waders, revision of the estimated populations present

in this period. For some 20 species, the estimates over the three years, and

especially in 2000 and 2001, are the highest or among the highest registered

for c. 30 years. However, declines of some species are noted.

Introduction

Depuis 1972, des dénombrements d’oiseaux d’eau ont été réalisés dans le delta

intérieur du Niger, au Mali. Ils ont été effectués de façon très irrégulière et avec une

couverture géographique fort variable. Ces dénombrements ont montré l’importance

de cette zone humide, la plus importante du Mali et l’une des zones humides majeures

de l’Afrique de l’Ouest avec le bassin du Sénégal et le bassin du lac Tchad. A la fin

des années 1980, jusqu’à 1,5 million d’oiseaux y ont été recensés.

8

O. Girard et al.

Malimbus 28

Durant les années 1990, les dénombrements n’ont été que partiels. En janvier

1999, 2000 et 2001, trois missions de comptages ont été de nouveau entreprises afin

de confirmer l’importance de cette zone et d’évaluer les effectifs actuellement

présents. Ce sont les résultats obtenus au cours de ces trois missions que nous

présentons et comparons succinctement à ceux obtenus antérieurement.

Ces comptages effectués dans des conditions d’inondation assez similaires et

selon le même protocole, démontrent l’importance de couvrir l’ensemble de la zone

pour appréhender au mieux les effectifs présents, compte tenu des grandes variations

inter-annuelles dans la répartition des oiseaux. Toute extrapolation à partir de

quelques secteurs échantillons ne pourrait être fiable. Pour nombre d’espèces,

l’interprétation des résultats des comptages réalisés dans le delta intérieur du Niger

requiert de connaître simultanément les effectifs présents dans au moins les deux

autres grands ensembles subsahariens: le delta du Sénégal et le bassin du lac Tchad.

Description de la zone et méthode de comptage

Une grande partie de la moitié sud du Mali est traversée par le fleuve Niger. Prenant

sa source en Guinée, le fleuve Niger entre au Mali par le sud-ouest du pays et se

dirige vers le nord-est sur quelque 1000 km, jusqu’à Tombouctou, au bord du Sahara.

Il décrit ensuite une grande courbe pour repartir vers le sud-est, traversant le Niger et

le Nigeria avant de se jeter dans l’Océan Atlantique.

2006

Oiseaux d’eau au Mali

9

Au Sud de Tombouctou, le fleuve Niger traverse une très vaste plaine quasiment

sans relief qu’il inonde plus ou moins lors de crues annuelles initiées par les pluies

tombant entre mai et septembre en Guinée et au Mali, aidé par l’un de ses principaux

affluents, le Bani. Cette zone d’inondation, appelée delta intérieur du Niger (DIN)

s’étend sur c. 425 km de long et 90 km de large, couvrant c. 35000 km^ (Fig. 1).

Figure 2. Les principaux lacs, mares et marigots du delta intérieur du Niger.

10

O. Girard et al.

Malimbus 28

En raison de la très faible déclivité du delta {c. 8 m en 400 km), la vitesse de

progression de l’inondation est très lente. Ainsi la crue, maximale à Bamako en septet,

n’arrive qu’en octobre à Mopti, en décembre à Tombouctou et n’atteint Gao qu’en

janvier. De même, la progression de l’inondation perpendiculairement au fleuve est

très lente; les grands lacs situés à Test et à l’ouest du delta ne sont remplis que

plusieurs semaines après le passage de la crête de crue.

En fonction de la hauteur des précipitations en Guinée et au Mali, la crue du

fleuve Niger est plus ou moins importante et la zone d’inondation plus ou moins

étendue: la superficie inondée varie de 8000 à 23000 km , voire plus (Mariko et al

2003). Plus de la moitié du DIN peut donc être submergée (Fig. 2). Le nombre de

mares et marigots, et le niveau d’eau des principaux lacs, fluctuent ainsi fortement.

La seule méthode qui permette de couvrir presque exhaustivement une zone aussi

vaste et inaccessible que le DIN en un temps relativement court est le comptage

aérien. Deux appareils furent utilisés: un Cessna® 172, monomoteur à ailes hautes

particulièrement bien adapté à ce genre de travail (en 1999 et 2000) et un Piper® PA

32, monomoteur à ailes basses, plus puissant et plus rapide que le Cessna (en 2001).

Le trajet exact de l’avion ainsi que les coordonnées géographiques (relevées grâce à

un GPS), l’heure et l’estimation de la taille des groupes (avec identification spécifique

des différentes espèces d’oiseaux d’eau observées) étaient systématiquement

relevées. L’identification spécifique des différents oiseaux d’eau observés était

réalisée dans la mesure du possible. Certaines espèces ne sont pas prises en compte et

d’autres ne sont que partiellement estimées. Il s’agit principalement des limicoles de

petite taille, des espèces pas ou peu repérables d’avion (petits ardéidés), de celles en

cours de nidification et que nous n’avons pas voulu déranger (ardéidés) et de celles

dont la détermination est impossible d’avion (certains laridés notamment). Les

comptages lurent réalisés en c. 50 h en 1999 (18-27 jan) ainsi qu’en 2000 (18-23 jan)

et en c. 40 h en 2001 (13-18 jan), l’avion étant plus rapide.

Au cours de ces trois missions, l’état d’inondation du delta a quelque peu varié, le

maximum de secteurs inondés étant observé en jan 2000 et le minimum en jan 2001.

L’inondation en jan 1999 était un peu inférieure à celle de 2000. Par rapport aux

dernières décennies, les hauteurs de crues enregistrées au cours des trois périodes

d’étude se situent dans des valeurs moyennes.

L’état de remplissage et les conditions de dénombrements des différents lacs ont

parfois varié. Le lac Faguibine était en cours de remplissage lors des trois missions.

Seule la partie est du lac était en eau. Ce lac était particulièrement difficile et

dangereux à compter en raison de très fortes turbulences créées par les collines situées

juste à l’est. Les lacs Télé, Oro, Fati, Tanda, Kabara, Aougoundou, Korientze et Débo

étaient en eau; à l’exception du lac Télé où de très fortes turbulences, dues aux

collines situées sur le coté est, nous ont contraint à rester assez haut {c. 130 m) en

2001, tous ces lacs ont été dénombrés dans de bonnes conditions. Le lac “Nord de

Niafounké” était également en eau. Il n’a pas pu être compté en 1999, a été couvert

dans des conditions médiocres en 2000 et bien dénombré en 2001. Au cours des trois

2006

Oiseaux d’eau au Mali

11

années, les lacs Niangay et Do étaient en cours de remplissage (le lac Do était à sec en

2001) et les conditions de dénombrement furent bonnes. Le lac Korarou n’a pas été

survolé en 1999. Il était plein en 2000, les conditions de survol étant bonnes, et

complètement à sec en 2001. Enfin les lacs Haribono et Garou ont toujours été à sec.

En dehors de ces lacs, la partie du DIN située au nord du lac Débo se caractérise

par un enchevêtrement dense de marigots et de dépressions généralement en eau, avec

quelques vastes plaines inondées, parfois utilisées pour le maraîchage (principalement

dans le nord de la zone). Outre les plus grands lacs, ce sont près de 200 mares, reliées

entre elles par des dizaines de marigots, qui sont potentiellement aptes à accueillir des

oiseaux d’eau. La partie du DIN située au sud du lac Débo se caractérise par un

nombre beaucoup plus important de petites dépressions potentiellement inondables (c.

750). En dehors de la plaine de Séri, vaste plaine d’inondation (c. 400 km ) de la

rivière Diaka, cette partie du delta était très aride en janvier. Les dépressions en eau

sont très souvent isolées et les marigots en cours d’assèchement. Excepté pour

quelques espèces, cette partie du delta apparaît moins favorable aux oiseaux d’eau.

Résultats et discussion

Au cours de ces trois séjours, c. 50 espèces ont été recensées d’avion, totalisant

environ 520 000 (1999), 985 000 (2000) et 1 365 000 (2001) individus. Nous ne présenterons

ci-dessous que les espèces d’oiseaux d’eau (hors rapaces et passereaux) pour lesquelles

les données obtenues sont significatives ou présentent un certain intérêt par rapport

aux données publiées antérieurement, principalement dans les synthèses de Perennou

(1991, 1992), Taylor & Rose (1994), Dodman & Taylor (1995, 1996), Dodman eî al.

(1997, 1999), ou les études de Kamp & Diallo (1999) et Wymenga et al. (2002).

Pelecanidae

Pelecanus onocrotalus Pélican blanc. Seulement 167 ont été observés en janvier 1999,

dans trois secteurs. Aucun oiseau n’a été vu en 2000 et 2001. Cette espèce fréquente

le DIN lors de la décrue. Les pélicans apparaissent donc généralement en mars, les

effectifs étant maximaux en avril et mai (Wymenga et al. 2002).

Phalacrocoracidae

Phalacrocorax ajricanus Cormoran africain. Régulièrement observé (Tableau 1), parfois

en bandes de plusieurs dizaines pêchant ensemble sur les marigots. Bien que les cormorans

fréquentent l’ensemble du delta, la majorité est observée dans la partie centrale, autour

des lacs Débo et Korientze, et sur les rivières Niger, Bani et Diaka. Les effectifs recensés

en janvier correspondent aux estimations données par Kamp & Diallo (1999). A cette

époque de l’année, les oiseaux sont sur les colonies de reproduction et ne sont donc pas

pris en compte lors des recensements. L’estimation du nombre présent en fin de période

de reproduction est de 60000 oiseaux (Wymenga et al. 2002). Le Mali accueille

certaines années plus de 75% des oiseaux ouest-africains (Dodman & Diagana 2003).

12

O. Girard et al.

Malimbus 28

Tableau 1. Effectifs de quelques espèces de Phalacrocoracidae, Anhingidae,

Ardeidae, Ciconiidae et Threskiornithidae dénombrés dans le delta intérieur du

Niger en janvier 1999, 2000 et 2001.

Anhingidae

Anhinga nifa Anhinga roux. Concentré dans la partie sud du Débo, l’effectif le plus

important est observé en 2001 (Tableau 1). 11 est trois fois plus importante que

l’estimation retenue par Wymenga et al. (2002). Le Mali accueille certaines années

plus de 75% des oiseaux ouest-africains (Dodman & Diagana 2003).

Ardeidae

Le Héron strié Butorides striatus, le Héron mélanocéphale Ardea melanocephala,

l’Aigrette ardoisée Egretta ardesiaca et l’Aigrette des récifs E. gularis, observés lors

de prospections terrestres, n’ont été vus, ou identifiés, que de façon tout à fait

accidentelle d’avion. Aucun Héron goliath A. goliath n’a été observé dans le delta à

cette période; l’espèce a été vue en avril 1998, lors de prospections terrestres.

Nycticorax nycticorax Bihoreau gris. Cachés dans la végétation durant la journée, sont

peu observés durant ces comptages aériens (Tableau 1). Cependant, à cette époque de

l’année, plusieurs milliers ont été dénombrés au crépuscule (Wymenga et al. 2002).

Ardeola ralloides Héron crabier. L’effectif de 12 360 atteint en 2001 (Tableau 1) et la

discrétion de l’espèce permettent d’envisager que ce sont plus de 20000 oiseaux qui

fréquentent le delta à cette période de Tannée.

Biibulcus ibis Héron garde-bœufs. C’est l’espèce dominante (Tableau 1),

omniprésente sur le delta, aussi bien dans les secteurs inondés que dans ceux asséchés.

Compte tenu de la dispersion de cette espèce et des effectifs recensés, la population

totale dans le delta est d’au moins 200 000 oiseaux, voire peut-être beaucoup plus.

2006

Oiseaux d’eau au Mali

13

Egreîîa garzetta Aigrette garzette, E. alba Grande Aigrette, E. intermedia Aigrette

intermédiaire. Les deux dernières espèces ne sont habituellement pas différentiables

d’avion. Le total varie selon les années de 20000-25000 individus (Tableau 1);

l’effectif réellement présent dans le delta doit certainement être de l’ordre de 30000

oiseaux, soit nettement plus important que celui suggéré par Kamp & Diallo (1999).

Ardea purpurea Héron pourpré. Espèce difficile à repérer d’avion, elle semble

présente essentiellement dans la région du lac Débo. Les effectifs réels (Tableau 1)

sont très fortement sous-estimés lors des dénombrements. Sur l’ensemble du delta, les

effectifs réellement présents doivent être de 5000-10000.

Ardea cinerea Héron cendré. Les effectifs dénombrés (Tableau 1) permettent

d’envisager un effectif supérieur à 10000. Les maxima enregistrés jusqu’alors

n’étaient que de 4000 oiseaux pour la partie centrale du DfN (Kamp & Diallo 1999).

Scopidae

Scopus umbretta Ombrette du Sénégal. Observée assez régulièrement lors des

prospections terrestres (au bord des petites mares périphériques au DIN) mais n’a

quasiment Jamais été repérée d’avion.

Ciconiidae

Mycteria ibis Tantale ibis. Seulement 22 notés, en 1999. Guère noté à cette période de

Tannée (Kamp & Diallo 1999).

Ciconia nigra Cigogne noire. Une seule observation, de huit individus en 2000.

L’espèce est anecdotique au Mali (Girard & Thaï 2005) et en Afrique de TOuest

(Brown et al. 1982, Bie & Morgan 1989, Lamarche 1980).

C. ciconia Cigogne blanche. L’espèce peut fréquenter des secteurs secs loin des zones

humides prospectées et échapper facilement à l’observation. Les plus importantes

concentrations ont été observées sur les lacs de la partie est du Delta, des bandes de

plusieurs dizaines d’oiseaux pouvant cependant être observées n’importe où ailleurs

dans le Delta. Les effectifs recensés varient fortement selon les années (Tableau 1).

Kamp & Diallo (1999) ne retiennent que 500-1000 présents en janvier au sud du

complexe Débo. L’importance du Mali pour cette espèce est primordiale: en 1999 et

2000, c. 90 % des oiseaux ouest-africains ont été dénombrés sur seulement une

douzaine de secteurs du delta (Dodman & Diagana 2003).

Leptoptilos crumeniferus Marabout d’Afrique. Un seul vu, en 2000 (cinq avaient été

observés en avril 1998). Guère noté à cette période de Tannée (Kamp & Diallo 1999).

Threskiornithidae

Plegadis falcinellus Ibis falcinelle. La plupart ont été vus dans la plaine de Séri et

autour du lac Débo. Il n’a été que partiellement repérés d’avion, des dénombrements

crépusculaires effectués en 2001 aboutissant à un effectif de 12000-14000 dans le

secteur du Débo.

Threskiornis aethiopica Ibis sacré. N’a été observé qu’en petit nombre (Tableau 1),

dans la plaine de Séri et autour du lac Débo. Les suivis effectués récemment dans le

complexe Débo (Wymenga et al. 2002) montrent que l’espèce n’est en nombre

conséquent qu’à partir de mars ou avril.

14

O. Girard et al.

Malimbus 28

Platalea alba Spatule d’Afrique. Quelques-unes (Tableau 1) étaient présentes sur le

lac Faguibine et dans le secteur du lac Débo.

Anatidae

Six espèces de canards afrotropicales et quatre espèces paléarctiques ont été observées

(Tableau 2). Au cours de ces trois dénombrements effectués dans des conditions

d’inondation assez semblables, les effectifs ont très fortement varié, tant pour les espèces

afrotropicales que pour les paléarctiques. La majorité est présente dans la partie nord du

delta, avec une répartition variable selon les années (Girard et al. 2004). Au cours de ces

trois années, le Mali a accueilli entre le tiers et la moitié des canards comptés en Afrique de

l’Ouest (Dodman & Diagana 2003). Pour quasiment toutes ces espèces, les prospections

effectuées au cours de ces trois années ont permis d’obtenir des estimations nettement

plus importantes que celles retenues au cours de cette dernière décennie (Perennou 1991,

1992, Taylor & Rose 1994, Dodman & Taylor 1995, 1996, Dodman et al. 1997, 1998).

Girard (2004) et Girard et al. (2004) proposent donc de revoir les estimations de la plu-

part des espèces ainsi que l’importance relative du Mali au sein de l’Afrique de l’Ouest.

Tableau 2. Effectifs d’Anatidae dénombrés dans le delta intérieur du Niger en

janvier 1999, 2000 et 2001.

Dendrocygna viduata Dendrocygne veuf Toujours dominant entre les afrotropicales,

totalisant de 73-91% des individus (Tableau 2).

Nettapus auritus Sarcelle à oreillons. Se tenant sur des mares fortement végétalisées,

est très difficile à détecter d’avion.

Anas acuta Canard pilet. Les effectifs recensés en 2000 et 2001 sont similaires à ceux

enregistrés au début des années 1990. L’effectif présent chaque année dans le delta

doit varier de 20^0% des oiseaux hivernant en Afrique de l’Ouest (Girard et al 2004).

2006

Oiseaux d’eau au Mali

15

A. querquedula Sarcelle d’été. Toujours l’espèce dominante entre les espèces

paléarctiques (80%) (Tableau 2). Le delta doit accueillir entre le tiers et la moitié des

oiseaux hivernant en Afrique de l’Ouest (Girard et al. 2004).

A. clypeata Canard souchet. C’est la seule espèce pour laquelle il semble y avoir un

net déclin depuis une trentaine d’années; les effectifs sont passés de quelques milliers

à la fin des années 1970 (Lamarche 1980).

Aythya nyroca Fuligule nyroca. Les effectifs recensés permets de revoir à la hausse

l’estimation de la population présente en Afrique de l’Ouest et centrale: 15000-17000

oiseaux (Trolliet & Girard 2001a); de la moitié à la quasi totalité des oiseaux

hivernants en Afrique de l’Ouest sont au Mali.

Gruidae

Balearica pavonina Grue couronnée. De 1999 à 2001 nous n’avons vu respectivement

que 53, 3 et 7 oiseaux. Elle subit un fort déclin sur l’ensemble de l’Afrique de l’Ouest

et fait l’objet d’une exploitation excessive sur les quelques secteurs où elle est encore

présente sur le delta (Wymenga et al. 2002).

Recurvirostridae, Glareolidae, Charadriidae, Scolopacidae

Nous avons observé une trentaine d’espèces de limicoles lors des prospections

terrestres. Cependant, nous ne retiendrons que les espèces pour lesquelles nos

observations aériennes sont significatives. Ainsi, les limicoles de petite taille

(gravelots Charadrius spp., bécasseaux Calidris spp., chevaliers Thnga spp.) présents

en très grands nombres sur l’ensemble du delta, et les espèces difficiles à repérer et/ou

dispersées (oedicnèmes Burhinus spp., courvites Ciirsoriiis spp., glaréoles Glareola

spp.) ne sont pour la plupart pas traitées.

Himantopus himantopus Echasse blanche. Ees recensements sous-estiment assez

fortement l’effectif hivernant dans le delta qui doit être de c. 15000-20000 oiseaux

(Girard et al. sous presse).

Pluvianus aegyptius Pluvian d’Egypte. Présent sur la plupart des berges des marigots,

rivières ou lacs en eau.

Vanellus tecîus Vanneau à tête noire. Présent partout en savane.

V. spinosus Vanneau éperonné. Omniprésent sur les berges des marigots, rivières ou

lacs en eau.

Philomachus pugnax Combattant. Largement dominant parmi les espèces retenues

(Tableau 3), répartie sur l’ensemble du delta, se rencontre également sur toutes les

dépressions humides du pays, y compris dans les zones désertiques (plaine de

Gourma). L’effectif hivernant au Mali est c. 300 000, soit près du tiers des oiseaux

ouest-africains (Trolliet & Girard 2001b).

Limosa limosa Barge à queue noire. Peut être présente en grand nombre, avec cependant

de grandes variations inter-annuelles, pour une couverture aérienne semblable et avec les

mêmes conditions de dénombrements. En 1999 et en 2001, les effectifs présents au Mali

représentent 75% des oiseaux comptés en Afrique de l’Ouest (Girard et al. sous presse).

Tringa nebularia Chevalier aboyeur. La seule espèce de chevalier pour laquelle nous

avons assez systématiquement enregistré nos observations. L’effectif maximal ne

16

O. Girard et al

Malimbus 28

représente qu’une petite partie de l’effectif présent, vraisemblablement de plusieurs

milliers d’individus (Girard et al sous presse).

Tableau 3: Effectifs de quelques espèces de limicoles dénombrés dans le delta

intérieur du Niger en janvier 1999, 2000 et 2001.

Laridae

Seulement six espèces ont été identifiées lors de ces missions (Tableau 4). La Mouette

à tête grise, le Goéland brun, la Sterne hansel et la Sterne Caspienne ont été vus lors

des comptages aériens. La Guifette leucoptère Chlidonias leucopterns et la Guifette

moustac C. hybridiis n’ont été observées que lors des prospections terrestres. Les

effectifs dénombrés sont partiels et ne reflètent qu’imparfaitement ceux présents à

cette époque de l’année

Tableau 4: Effectifs de quelques espèces de Laridae dénombrés dans le delta

intérieur du Niger en janvier 1999, 2000 et 2001.

Remerciements

Nous tenons à remercier les organismes, en particulier la Commission Européenne

(DG VIII), l’Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage (France), la

Direction Nationale de la Conservation de la Nature et les Directions Régionales de la

Conservation de la Nature, l’IRD/Bamako et Wetlands Intemational/Sévaré (Mali),

2006

Oiseaux d’eau au Mali

17

ainsi que toutes les personnes qui ont contribué à la réussite de ces missions. Nous

adressons également nos remerciements à T. Dodman et P.W.P, Browne pour leurs

remarques constractives sur la première version de ce manuscrit.

Bibliographie

Bie, s. de & Morgan, N. (1989) Les oiseaux de la réserve de la biosphère “Boucle du

Baoulé”, Mali. Maîimbus 11: 41-60.

Brown, L.H., Urban, E.K. & Newman, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa, vol 1.

Academie Press, London.

Dodman, T. & Diagana, C.H. (2003) African Waterbird Census 1999, 2000 & 2001.

Wetlands International, Wageningen.

Dodman, T. & Taylor, V. (1995) African Waterfowl Census 1995. IWRB, Slimbridge.

Dodman, T. & Taylor, V. (1996) African Waterfowl Census 1996. Wetlands

International, Wageningen.

Dodman, T., de Vaan, C., Hubert, E. & Nivet, C. (1997) African Waterfowl Census

1997. Wetlands International, Wageningen.

Dodman, T. Béibro, H.Y., Hubert, E. & Williams, E. (1999) African Waterfowl

Census 1998. Wetlands International, Dakar.

Girard, O. (2004) The anatids (Anatidae) wintering in the inner Niger delta — Mali.

P. 178 in Waterbirds around the World. Wetlands International, Wageningen.

Girard, O. & Thal, J. (2005) La Cigogne noire Ciconia nigra m Mali. Maîimbus 27: 42-44.

Girard, O., Thal, J. & Niagaté, B. (2004) The anatids (Anatidae) wintering in the

inner Niger delta (Mali). Game Wildl. Sci. 21: 107-137.

Girard, O., Thal, J. & Niagate, B. (sous presse) Les limicoles au Mali. Maîimbus

Kamp, j. van DER & Diallo, M. (1999) Suivi Ecologique du Delta Intérieur du Niger:

les Oiseaux d’eau comme Bio-indicateurs. Recensements crue 1998-1999.

Wetlands International, Sévaré.

Lamarche, B. (1980) Liste commentée des oiseaux du Mali, 1ère partie: non-

passereaux. Maîimbus 2: 121-158,

Mariko, a., Mahe, g. & Servat, E. (2003) Les surfaces mondées dans le Delta intérieur

du Niger au Mali par NOAA, AVHRR. Bull Soc. Fr. Photogram. TélédéL 172: 61-68.

Perennou, c. {1991) African Waterfowl Census 1991. IWRB, Slimbridge.

Perennou, C. {1992) African Waterfowl Census 1992. IWRB, Slimbridge.

Taylor, V. & Rose, P.M. (1994) African Waterfowl Census 1994. IWRB, Slimbridge.

Trolliet, B. & Girard, O. (2001a) Record counts of Ferruginous Duck in Sahelian

Africa. Threatened Waterfowl Specialist Group Bull. 13: 56-57.

Trolliet, B. & Girard, O. (2001b) Numbers of Ruff Philomachus pugnax wintering

in West Africa. Wader Study Group Bull. 96: 74—78.

Wymenga, E., Kone, B., Kamp, J. van der & Zwarts, L. (2002) Delta Intérieur du Niger.

Ecologie et Gestion Durable des Ressources Naturelles. Wetlands International, Sévaré.

18

Malimbus 28

Les oiseaux de la région de Sassandra, Côte d’ivoire

par Olivier Lachenaud

1070 Avenue de Fès, 34080 Montpellier, France. <ilachenaud@numericable,fr>

Reçu 18 février 2005; revu 22 septembre 2005.

Résumé

L’avifaune de la région de Sassandra, dans le sud-ouest de la Côte d’ivoire,

était jusqu’alors mal connue. Une liste de 208 espèces est ici présentée, basée

principalement sur les observations entre 1998 et 2002. De nombreuses

espèces rares en Côte d’ivoire ont été découvertes dans la région, tandis que

d’autres ont été observées en-dehors de leur aire connue.

Summary

Birds of the Sassandra region. Ivory Coast. The avifauna of the Sassandra

area in SW Ivory Coast was hitherto little-known. A list of 208 species is

presented, based mainly on observations between 1998 and 2002. Many

species rare in Ivory Coast have been discovered in the area, while others

have been found out of their known range.

Introduction

La région de Sassandra (4°57Tsl, 6°8'W) est située à l’embouchure du fleuve Sassandra, l’un

des plus grands de la Côte d’ivoire. Son avifaune était jusqu’alors mal connue; Thiollay

(1977, 1985) et Demey & Fishpool (1991) n’en mentionnent qu’un petit nombre d’espèces.

Entre 1998 et 2002, j’ai effectué 24 visites dans la région, durant chacune 1-2 jours, soit

l’équivalent de 29 jours d’observation au total. Ces visites étaient réparties sur tous les mois

de septembre à mai, avec un pic (14 jours d’observation) pour les mois de jan-mars. Les

observations présentées ici ont été réalisées dans un triangle entre Grand-Dréwin (7 km à l’ouest

de Sassandra), Gaoulou (15 km au nord) et Dagbégo (20 km à l’est) (Fig. 1). Deux séances

d’observation en mer (jusqu’à 20-25 km au large) ont également eu lieu en février et mai.

Description des milieux

La région ainsi délimitée est traversée d’est en ouest par la route Abidjan-Tabou dite

“côtière”, et du nord au sud par trois cours d’eau: le Sassandra, son affluent la Davo,

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Oiseaux de Sassandra

19

et la Dagbé. Le climat du sud de la Côte d’ivoire est de type subéquatorial à quatre

saisons: deux saisons sèches (la “grande” de décembre à mars-avril et la “petite” en

août-septembre) et deux saisons des pluies (“grande” de mai-juillet et “petite” en

octobre-novembre). La pluviométrie moyenne annuelle est de 1600 mm environ, ce

qui fait de Sassandra la localité la plus sèche de la côte ivoirienne; le mois de juin

(500 mm) est le plus arrosé.

A leur embouchure, le Sassandra et la Dagbé forment deux lagunes d’assez faible

étendue. Le relief est peu marqué, sauf aux abords de la côte où se dressent des

collines aux pentes assez fortes. La côte est bordée de plages de sables assez étroites,

à l’arrière desquelles se trouvent des collines; localement, les plages sont

interrompues par des pointes rocheuses où les collines plongent directement dans la

mer. L’ arrière-plage et les premières pentes des collines sont couvertes d’un fourré

littoral dense composé d’arbustes (Baphia nitida, Chrysobalanus elUpticus, Ixora

iaxiflora, Napoleonaea vogelii, Phoenix recUnata).

Figure 1. La région de Sassandra, Noms des localités souligné, des rivières en

italique. Forêts Classées: DN = Dassioko (bloc nord), DS = Dassioko (bloc sud),

MO - Monogaga, NI - Niégré.

Vers l’intérieur, le fourré littoral cède rapidement la place à la forêt dense. Les

forêts de terre ferme de la région appartiennent au groupement à Eremospatha

20

O. Lachenaud

Malimbus 28

macrocarpa et Diospyros mannii (Mangenot 1955, Guillaumet & Adjanohoun 1971).

Leurs strates supérieures sont dominées par des légumineuses, notamment Dialium

aubrevillei, Erythrophleum ivorense, Berlinia occidentalis et Bussea occidentalis . Le

parasolier Musanga cecropioides, dont les fruits sont très appréciés par les oiseaux,

est un élément typique des lisières et des jeunes recrûs.

Les forêts de la région ont été en grande partie défrichées et sont aujourd’hui

remplacées par des plantations, notamment d’agrumes et de palmiers à huile, ou par

des friches à Chromolaena odor ata, plante introduite très envahissante formant des

fourrés denses. Quelques îlots de forêt secondaire assez bien conservée subsistent

cependant, notamment sur la rive est du Sassandra. Les forêts classées de Dassioko,

de Monogaga et de la Niégré, qui se trouvent en périphérie de la région étudiée, sont

encore relativement intactes, et mériteraient d’être explorées. La forêt ripicole, où

abondent Uapaca heudelotii, Pterocarpus santalinoides et le palmier rotin Calamus

deeratus, borde les fleuves. Sur les sols gorgés d’eau, croît une forêt marécageuse à

Raphia hookeri et Mitragyna dilata.

Les lagunes de Sassandra et de Dagbégo sont bordées de mangroves à Rhizophora

racemosa et Avicennia germinans; les arbustes Dalbergia ecastaphyllum,

Machaerium lunatum et Hibiscus tiliaceus y forment localement des fourrés denses

au voisinage de l’eau. De grands bancs de vase sont découverts à marée basse, ce qui

attire des limicoles, des hérons et surtout de très nombreuses sternes. Contrairement à

la plupart des lagunes ivoiriennes, l’eutrophisation est ici très faible. La végétation

flottante est peu développée sur la lagune de Dagbégo et totalement absente sur celle

de Sassandra; cela explique peut-être l’absence remarquable de certaines espèces

d’oiseaux, comme Ardeola ralloides.

Les nombreux rochers au milieu des fleuves constituent un habitat particulier

auquel plusieurs espèces d’oiseaux sont associées (glaréoles, vanneaux, oedicnèmes).

La plupart de ces rochers étaient autrefois submergés en saison des pluies, mais sont

maintenant émergés toute l’année, l’établissement du barrage de Buyo (c. 100 km au

nord) ayant entraîné une baisse des eaux du Sassandra. Ce phénomène peut expliquer

la sédentarisation d’oiseaux habituellement migrateurs, comme Glareola nuchalis ou

Van el lus al biceps.

Dans la ville de Sassandra et aux environs se trouvent des marais à végétation

herbacée, avec quelques arbustes et petits arbres {Rhizophora racemosa. Ficus

trichopoda) regroupés en bouquets épars; l’un de ces bosquets, au centre de la ville,

abrite un dortoir de hérons et de cormorans, où se rassemblent plusieurs centaines

d’oiseaux.

Enfin, une savane côtière dégradée, de faible étendue, subsiste autour de

l’aéroport de Sassandra, à 6 km à l’ouest de la ville.

Aucune étude n’est disponible sur la faune de la région; quelques espèces

remarquables de mammifères et de reptiles peuvent cependant être mentionnées. Un

petit groupe d’Hippopotames Hippopotamus amphibius vit toujours sur le Sassandra.

Trois espèces de singes, la Mone de Campbell Cercopithecus campbelli, le Hocheur à

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Oiseaux de Sassandra

21

nez blanc C. peîaurista et le Cercopithèque diane C diana, sont encore assez

fréquentes. Le Lamantin Trichechus senegalensis existe encore sur la lagune de

Sassandra, bien qu’il y soit devenu rare. Les crocodiles Crocodylus niloticus et

Osteolaemus tetraspis peuvent être observés sur le Sassandra. Au moins deux espèces

de tortues marines, la Tortue-luth Dermochelys coriacea et la Tortue olivâtre

Lepidochelys oiivacea, se rencontrent en mer. La flore n’a pas été étudiée en détail,

mais elle est potentiellement riche; le sud-ouest ivoirien est en effet connu comme

foyer d’endémisme (Guillaumet & Adjanohoun 1971).

Résultats

Aux observations personnelles de l’auteur (191 espèces) s’ajoutent celles de Philippe

Lachenaud (PL) et Jean-Marie Lepage (JML), ainsi que les données déjà publiées par

Thiollay (1977, 1985) et Demey & Fishpool (1991). Les espèces non observées par

Fauteur sont signalées d’un astérisque. La nomenclature suit celle de Borrow &

Demey (2001), et les descriptions d’abondance (peu commun, fréquent, commun,

abondant) suivront Morel & Tye (1995).

Procellariidae

Calonectris diomedea Puffm cendré. Fréquent au large de Sassandra, fév, mai.

Hydro baies pelagicus Océanite tempête. Commun en fév et mai au large de

Sassandra; un oiseau à seulement 5 km de la côte. Deux observations antérieures en

Côte dTvoire, oct, nov (Cheke & Fishpool 1992).

Phalacrocoraddae

Phalacrocorax africanus Cormoran africain. Commun sur le fleuve et la lagune; le

dortoir de hérons peut abriter jusqu’à 100 individus, dont beaucoup d’immatures.

Anhingidae

Anhinga rufa Anhinga d’Afrique. Peu commun durant la saison sèche (nov, jan-

mars), observé soit dans le dortoir de hérons, soit en vol. Gatter (1997) suspecte

l’existence d’une colonie à l’ouest de Sassandra; la forte proportion d’immatures

(plus de la moitié des individus observés) accrédite cette hypothèse. L’espèce,

commune au début du 20ème siècle (Bouet & Millet-Horsin 1 9 1 6-7), a pratiquement

dispara de Côte d’ivoire.

Ardeîdae

Tigriornis leucolophus Onoré à huppe blanche*. Un oiseau observé en plein jour

dans la mangrove bordant la lagune de Sassandra, 21 fév 2000 (PL, JML). Sans

doute plus fréquent: difficile à observer en raison de ses habitudes nocturnes.

Nycticorax nycticorax Bihoreau gris. Plusieurs oiseaux (dont des immatures) dans le

dortoir de hérons à Sassandra, jan-fév 2002.

Butorides striata Héron strié. Commun sur les lagunes et sur le fleuve.

Bubulcus ibis Héron garde-bœufs. Commun dans les marais et les milieux ouverts.

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O. Lachenaud

Malimbus 28

Egretta gularis Aigrette dimorphe. Commune sur la lagune de Sassandra et au bord

du fleuve.

E. garzetta Aigrette garzette. Abondante sur la lagune et dans les marais.

E. intermedia Aigrette intermédiaire. Peu commune^ observée plusieurs fois sur la

lagune de Sassandra en compagnie d’autres aigrettes.

E. alba Grande Aigrette. Commune dans les marais et a bord des lagunes; le dortoir

de hérons en abrite quelques dizaines.

Ardea cinerea Héron cendré. Fréquent sur les lagunes et sur le fleuve.

A. goliath Héron goliath. Peu commun mais régulier sur le Sassandra, surtout au nord

de la côtière. Quitterait normalement la région durant la saison des pluies; cependant,

un cas d’estivage a été noté en 2000 (JML). Rare et localisé en Côte d’ivoire

(Thiollay 1985, Demey & Fishpool 1991).

Ciconiidae

Ciconia abdimii Cigogne d’Abdim*. Un oiseau en avr 1981 à Dagbégo (Demey &

Fishpool 1991).

C episcopus Cigogne épiscopale. Migratrice, commune sur la lagune de Sassandra et

sur le fleuve, déc-avr. Groupes comptant jusqu’à 18 oiseaux lors de la migration (JML).

Threskiornîthidae

Bostrychia hagedash Ibis hagedash. Fréquent sur le Sassandra à Gaoulou.

Anatidae

Dendrocygna viduata Dendrocygne veuf. Migrateur (probablement non nicheur)

commun en saison sèche sur les rochers du Sassandra au sud de la côtière, en effectifs

fluctuants, atteignant 150-200 oiseaux; quitte la région durant la saison des pluies

(JML).

Nettapus auritus Anserelle naine. Trois sur le Sassandra au sud de la côtière, 24 fév 2002.

Anas acuta Canard pilet*. Un oiseau observé à trois reprises sur le Sassandra au sud

de la côtière, en compagnie d’un groupe de Dendrocygna viduata, déc 1999 (JML).

Migrateur rare en Côte d’ivoire (Balchin 1988, Demey & Fispool 1991).

Acdpitrîdae

Pandion haliaetus Balbuzard pêcheur. Fréquent sur la lagune de Sassandra et sur le

fleuve jusqu’à Gaoulou. Un oiseau bagué au nid à Korpo, Finlande, 11 sep 1996,

trouvé mort à Sassandra, 17 mar 1997 (Rainey & Lachenaud 2002).

Aviceda cuculoides Baza coucou. Fréquent en forêt dégradée au bord du fleuve. En

Côte d’ivoire, Thiollay (1985) considère cette espèce comme résidente, se basant

probablement sur ses observations dans la région de Lamto (Thiollay 1975). Dans le

sud, l’espèce pourrait n’être que migratrice en saison sèche, nov-mars (obs. pers);

cela reste toutefois à confirmer.

Pernis apivorus Bondrée apivore. Fréquent en mangrove et en forêt ripicole durant la

saison sèche.

Macheiramphus alcinus Milan des chauves-souris. Un oiseau à Sassandra, 2 mai 1998.

Milvus migrans Milan noir. Migrateur abondant en saison sèche, niche dans les grands

fromagers (Ceiba pentandra). Seule la sous-espèce africaine parasitus a été notée.

2006

Oiseaux de Sassandra

23

Haliaetus vocifer Pygargue vocifère*. Un oiseau à Sassandra, mars 2002 (JML et

PL). Abondante au début du siècle sur les lagunes et les grands fleuves, l’espèce est

devenue très rare en Côte d’ivoire (Thiollay 1985, Rainey & Lachenaud 2002).

Gypohierax angolensis Vautour palmiste. Abondant en mangrove et dans la forêt

ripicole au bord du Sassandra.

Circaetus beaudouini Circaète de Beaudouin*. Une observation (la seule sur la côte

ivoirienne) près de Sassandra, fév (Thiollay 1985).

Polyboroides typus Petit serpentaire. Commun en forêt secondaire. Transport de

matériaux de nid, avr.

Accipiîer badius Epervier shikra. Peu commun: trois observations à Sassandra, sep,

nov, mars. Nouvelle localité; cette espèce, répandue dans les savanes (Thiollay 1985),

s’est récemment établie autour d’Abidjan (Rainey & Lachenaud 2002).

Accipiîer tachiro Autour tachiro. Fréquent en forêt secondaire, à Dagbégo et

Gaoulou.

Urotriorchis macrourus Autour à longue queue. Une observation sur la piste de

Dagbégo, sep.

Kaupifalco monogrammicus Autour unibande*. Signalé de Sassandra par Thiollay

(1977) mais n’y a pas été revu, alors qu’il s’agit d’une espèce très facilement

repérable.

Buteo auguralis Buse d’Afrique. Peu commune, dans les milieux ouverts.

Hieraaetus pennatus Aigle botté . Un oiseau (phase pâle) avec des Milvus migrans à

Sassandra, 16 déc 2001. Identifié par l’allure générale rappelant celle d’//. ayresii, le

dessus brun avec une marque blanche au croupion, le dessous pâle, et les couvertures

sous-alaires pâles contrastant nettement avec les rémiges noires. Première observation

sur la côte ivoirienne, pour cette espèce des savanes (Thiollay 1985).

H. ayresii Aigle d’ Ayres. Commun à Gaoulou, fréquent au sud jusqu’à la côtière, en

forêt ripicole. A son approche les calaos Tockus fasciatus se mettent à crier et

s’envolent de tous côtés. Un oiseau transportant une brindille à Gaoulou, 6 jan 2001.

Rare, surtout dans la zone de forêt sempervirente (Thiollay 1985, Demey & Fishpool

1991).

Spizaetus africanus Aigle-autour de Cassin*. Signalé de Sassandra par Thiollay

(1977), n’a pas été revu, mais passe facilement inaperçu.

Falconîdae

Falco subbuteo Faucon hobereau. Un adulte à Sassandra, 14 nov 1999. Plusieurs

observations possibles d’immatures.

F. peregrinus Faucon pèlerin. Un adulte capturant une hirondelle, sur le Sassandra au

sud de la côtière, 6 jan 2002. La grande taille, la coloration assez pâle du dessous et la

localité suggèrent plutôt un oiseau d’origine paléarctique qu’un représentant de la

sous-espèce minor (habituellement rencontrée dans les régions montagneuses).

Phasianidae

Francolinus ahantensis Francolin d’Ahanta. Entendu à deux reprises dans la savane

côtière autour de l’aéroport.

24

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Turnkidae

Turnix sylvaîicus Tumix d’Andalousie. Un oiseau le 15 déc 2001 et un couple le 23

fév 2002 sur la piste de l’aéroport de Sassandra.

Rallidae

Amaurornis flavirostra Râle à bec jaune. Commun dans les marais à végétation

herbacée dense.

Sarothrura pulchra Râle perlé. Commun dans la forêt ripicole au bord du Sassandra.

Gallinula angulata Gallinule africaine. Deux observations sur le Sassandra au nord de

la côtière; probablement plus commune, mais discrète.

Heliornithidae

Podica senegalensis Grébifoulque d’Afrique. Commun sur les rives boisées du

Sassandra. Vu se nourrir de crabes.

Jacanidae

Actophilornis africana Jacana à poitrine dorée. Abondant dans les marais herbacés,

vu également sur les rochers du Sassandra. Un adulte avec deux poussins, jan.

Haematopodidae

Haematopus ostralegus Huîtrier pie*. Un oiseau à Sassandra, déc 1988 (Demey &

Fishpool 1991).

Burhinidae

Burhinus senegalensis Oedicnème du Sénégal. Fréquent sur les rochers du Sassandra.

Burhinus vermiculatus Oedicnème vermiculé. Quatre sur la lagune de Dagbégo, 20

mai 2002.

Glareolidae

Pluvianus aegyptius Pluvian d’Egypte*. Un oiseau à Sassandra, déc 1988 (Demey &

Fishpool 1991).

Gîareola nuchalis Glaréole auréolée. Abondante sur les rochers du Sassandra et de la

Dagbé. Présente toute l’année, même en été (JML, cf. Thiollay 1985). L’étab=

lissement du barrage de Buyo, et la baisse consécutive des eaux du Sassandra, ont

peut-être permis sa sédentarisation.

Charadriidae

Charadrius hiaticula Grand gravelot. Fréquent sur la côte et sur la lagune de

Sassandra.

Pluvialis squatarola Pluvier argenté. Un oiseau à Sassandra, 16 déc 2001.

Vanellus albiceps Vanneau à tête blanche. Fréquent, 1-2 couples sur les rochers du

Sassandra. Présents toute l’année (JML), peut-être suite à l’établissement du barrage

de Buyo (cf Thiollay 1985).

V. spinosus Vanneau armé*. Un oiseau sur un rocher du Sassandra, au sud de la

côtière, 7 avr 2002 (PL).

Scolopacidae

Limosa limosa Barge à queue noire*. Un oiseau à Dagbégo, avr 1981 (Demey &

Fishpool 1991).

L. lapponica Barge rousse. Fréquent en hiver à Sassandra (cf Demey & Fishpool 1991).

2006

Oiseaux de Sassandra

25

Numenius arquaîa Courlis cendré. Un oiseau en vol au-dessus de l'aéroport de

Sassandra, 15 déc 2001.

N. phaeopus Courlis corlieu. Commun toute Tannée y compris en été (JML) sur la

lagune de Sassandra. Thiollay (1985) ne mentionne pas d’oiseaux estivant.

Tringa totanus Chevalier gambette*. Une observation sur la lagune de Sassandra (JML).

T. nebuiaria Chevalier aboyeur . Fréquent sur la lagune de Sassandra et dans les

marais voisins.

Actitis hypoleucos Chevalier guignette. Abondant au bord des lagunes et des rivières,

de nombreux oiseaux estivent (JML).

Calidris minuta/ temminckii Bécasseau minute/de Temminck. Groupe de c. 25 sur les

vasières de la lagune de Sassandra, 5 mars 2000.

Calidris alba Bécasseau sanderling. Deux observations à Tembouchure du Sassandra.

Semble avoir régressé en Côte d’ivoire depuis Thiollay (1985) qui le disait abondant.

Arenaria înterpres Toumepierre à collier*. Une observation à l’embouchure du

Sassandra (N. Armandy corn. pers.).

Phaîaropus fuUcarius Phalarope à bec large. Commun, en petits groupes, au large de

Sassandra, fév, mai. Cinq mentions antérieures en Côte d’ivoire, dont quatre dans

l’intérieur (Thiollay 1985, Demey & Fishpool 1991).

Stercorariidae

Stercorarius parasiticus Labbe parasite. Probablement fréquent au large: deux le 23

fév 2002 et deux le 19 mai 2002. Rare sur la côte: un oiseau à Sassandra, 10 sept

2000. Tous en phase sombre.

Larîdae

Larus fuscus Goéland bran. Peu commun mais régulier sur la lagune de Sassandra, en

compagnie de groupes de sternes. Deux observations d’oiseaux de première année,

mars 2000, jari 2001. Trois oiseaux, tous en plumage de troisième année, fév 2001;

l’un d’eux paraissait correspondre à la sous-espèce graellsii (dos gris ardoise

relativement clair), un autre était nettement plus sombre, et le troisième intermédiaire.

Huit mentions antérieures (Thiollay 1985, Demey & Fishpool 1991).

Sternîdae

Sterna maxima Sterne royale. Abondante sur la lagune de Sassandra

S. sandvicensis Sterne caugek. Abondante sur la lagune de Sassandra, formant avec S.

maxima des bandes mixtes de plusieurs centaines d’oiseaux.

S. hirundo Sterne pierregarin. Fréquente sur la côte, abondante au large.

Chlidonias leucopterus Guifette leucoptère. Groupe d’environ 15 en plumage nuptial,

en compagnie de sternes pierregarin à Sassandra, 2 mai 1998. Thiollay (1985) la

mentionne jusqu’en mars seulement.

C. niger Guifette noire. Deux observations sur la côte mais très abondante au large de

Sassandra en mai.

Rhynchopidae

Rhynchops flavirostris Bec-en-ciseaux d’Afrique*. Un oiseau sur les rochers du

Sassandra, à 10 km environ de la côte, 12 fév 2000 (JML). Il pourrait s’agir d’un

26

O. Lachenaud

Malimbus 28

nicheur rare, étant donné l'habitat et la saison: niche en déc-mars au Liberia (Gatter

1997), en fév dans le sud-ouest de la Côte d'ivoire (Demey & Fishpool 1991),

Columbidae

Treron calvus Colombar à front nu . Abondant en forêt.

Turîur tympanistria Tourtelette tambourette . Fréquente en forêt ripicole, mais aussi

dans les marais arbustifs ouverts.

T. afer Tourtelette émeraudine. Commune dans les milieux ouverts.

Streptopeiia semitorquata Tourterelle à collier. Abondante dans les milieux ouverts,

particulièrement dans les marais arbustifs où elle forme des groupes atteignant 200

oiseaux.

S. senegalensis Tourterelle maillée. Commune dans les milieux ouverts.

Psittaciidae

Psittacus eriîhacus Perroquet jaco. Encore commun en forêt bien qu'il se soit

considérablement raréfié en Côte d'ivoire.

Musophagidae

Corythaeola cristaîa Touraco géant. Cet oiseau, victime de la chasse, a beaucoup

régressé en Côte d'ivoire, mais il est toujours commun dans la région; en forêt,

généralement dans les cimes de Dialium aiibrevillei dont il apprécie les fruits.

Tauraco macrorhynchus Touraco à gros bec. Fréquent en forêt.

Crinifer piscaîor Touraco gris. Fréquent dans les fourrés littoraux.

Cuculidae

Oxylophus levaillanti Coucou de Levaillant. Fréquent dans les fourrés littoraux et la

végétation ripicole au bord du Sassandra; en saison sèche (déc-fév).

Cuculus canorus Coucou gris. Un oiseau sur le Sassandra, au niveau de la côtière, 19

mars 2000. Le dessous de la queue, observé dans de bonnes conditions (l'oiseau

survola le fleuve à quelques mètres au-dessus de notre pirogue, avant de se poser dans

un arbre sur la rive), était nettement noir avec seulement de petites taches blanches

(comme chez les C canorus que nous avons pu voir en Europe) et non barré

transversalement de blanc comme chez le Coucou africain C gularis; la nuance

chamois sur la poitrine indiquait une femelle. Troisième observation en Côte d'ivoire

et la première sur la côte (Thiollay 1985, Gartshore et al 1995) mais passe

évidemment inaperçu; régulier au Libéria (Gatter 1997).

Chrysococcyx cupreus Coucou foliotocol. Commun en forêt.

C. klaasi Coucou de Klaas. Peu commun en forêt secondaire.

C caprius Coucou didric. Fréquent dans les milieux ouverts, en particulier les marais

arbustifs.

Ceuthmochares aereus Malcoha à bec jaune. Fréquent en forêt, également observé

dans les fourrés arbustifs bordant la mangrove.

Centropus grillü Coucal de Grill. Un oiseau sur une piste bordant des friches à

Chromolaena odorata, près de Sassandra, 26 sep 1999.

C senegalensis Coucal du Sénégal. Commun dans les milieux ouverts. La forme

mélanique ‘‘"epomidis'l pourtant répandue dans la zone forestière, et qui représente

2006

Oiseaux de Sassandra

27

près de la moitié des individus dans la région d’Abidjan, n’a jamais été observée dans

la région de Sassandra.

C. monachus Coucal moine. Peu commun à Sassandra, où il fréquente les marais à

hautes herbes.

TytonMae

Tyto alba Effraie des clochers*. Observée régulièrement à Sassandra (JML).

Strîgidae

Bubo afrîcanus Grand-duc africain*. Un oiseau à Fhôtel “L’Hélice”, à 7 km à l’ouest

de Sassandra, 15 déc 2001. N’avait été vue que deux fois dans la région côtière

(Thiollay 1985, Rainey & Lachenaud 2002).

Apodidae

Rhaphidura sabini Martinet de Sabine. Peu commun mais régulier sur le Sassandra au

nord de la côtière.

Telacanthura ussheri Martinet d’Ussher. Commun dans les milieux ouverts.

Neafrapus cassini Martinet de Cassin. Deux oiseaux à Gaoulou, 6 déc 1998.

Cypsiums parvus Martinet des palmiers. Abondant dans les milieux ouverts.

Apus apus Martinet noir. Commun dans les milieux ouverts, au moment des passages

d’automne et de printemps, formant en mars des groupes de plusieurs centaines

d’oiseaux au-dessus de la lagune. Rare ou absent déc-jan.

A. affmis Martinet des maisons. Abondant dans les milieux ouverts; niche sous le pont

de la côtière.

Alcedinîdae

Halcyon ieucocephala Martin-chasseur à tête grise*. Signalé de Sassandra par Demey

& Fishpool (1991), l’oiseau n’a pas été revu.

K malimbica Martin-chasseur à poitrine bleue . Abondant en mangrove, rare en forêt

ripicole (Gaoulou).

H. senegaiensis Martin-chasseur du Sénégal. Commun dans les milieux ouverts, en

particulier les marais et les bords de rivières.

Ceyx pictus Martin-pêcheur pygmée. Commun dans les milieux ouverts.

Aicedo cristata Martin-pêcheur huppé. Fréquent dans les marais arbustifs, et sur le

Sassandra au sud de la côtière.

A. quadribrachys Martin-pêcheur azuré. Fréquent sur le Sassandra à Gaoulou, plus

rare au sud de la côtière.

Megaceryie maxima Martin-pêcheur géant. Commun au bord des lagunes et sur le

Sassandra jusqu’à Gaoulou.

Ceryie rudis Martin-pêcheur pie. Fréquent dans la mangrove bordant les lagunes de

Sassandra et Dagbégo.

Meropîdae

Merops gularis Guêpier noir. Fréquent en forêt ripicole, où il affectionne tout

particulièrement les palmiers rotins au bord de l’eau; plus rare en forêt dégradée loin

des rivières, et une observation en mangrove.

M pusillus Guêpier nain. Commun dans les milieux ouverts.

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M albicollis Guêpier à gorge blanche. Migrateur, abondant en saison sèche dans les

milieux ouverts.

Coraciidae

Eurystomus glaucurus Rolle africain. Migrateur, commun en saison sèche dans les

milieux ouverts et en forêt ripicole au bord du Sassandra. Groupes de 50-100 autour

des essaims d’insectes en mars.

Bucerotidae

Tropicranus albocristatus Calao à huppe blanche. Commun en forêt.

Tockus fasciatus Calao longibande. Abondant en forêt. Nid à Gaoulou, déc.

Bycanistes fistulator Calao siffleur. Abondant en forêt (surtout ripicole) et mangrove.

B. cylindricus/subcylindricus Calao à joues brunes/à joues grises*. Deux oiseaux sur

le Sassandra au sud de la côtière, 7 avr 2002 (PL).

Lybiidae

Gymnobucco calvus Barbu chauve. Fréquent en forêt secondaire à Gaoulou.

Pogoniulus scolopaceus Barbion grivelé. Peu commun en forêt, également observé

dans les fourrés littoraux.

P. subsidphureus Barbion à gorge jaune. Commun en forêt mais aussi (entendu et

observé) dans les fourrés littoraux, les brousses secondaires, et même la vieille

mangrove. P. biUneatus, facilement détectable par son chant, est absent de la région.

Tricholaema hirsuta Barbu hérissé. Fréquent (entendu) en forêt.

Lybius vieilloti Barbu de Vieillot. Une observation dans la savane côtière près de

l’aéroport.

Picidae

Dendropicos pyrrhogaster Pic à ventre rouge. Commun à Gaoulou en forêt secondaire.

Hîrundinidae

Psalidoprocne obscura Hirondelle fanti. Commune dans les milieux ouverts, surtout

au bord du fleuve à Gaoulou.

Riparia riparia Hirondelle de rivage. Trois observations sur le Sassandra au sud de la

côtière: une avec d’autres hirondelles 19 mars 2000; deux, 16 déc 2001; six, 6 jan

2002. Rare en Côte d’ivoire (Thiollay 1985, Walsh 1986, Balchin 1988, Demey &

Fishpool 1991).

Hirundo semirufa Hirondelle à ventre roux. Peu commune dans les milieux ouverts.

H. senegalemis Hirondelle des mosquées. Commune mais toujours observée sur le

même site, à quelques kilomètres au nord de Sassandra, en lisière d’une plantation;

présente sep-avr au moins. Thiollay (1985) la mentionne seulement de l’extrême

nord; locale aujourd’hui jusque sur la côte (Lachenaud 2004).

H. abyssinica Hirondelle à gorge striée. Abondante dans les milieux ouverts.

H. nigrita Hirondelle noire. Abondante sur les rochers du Sassandra et de la Dagbé.

Nid trouvé dans un bateau, sep (JML).

H. aethiopica Hirondelle d’Ethiopie. Commune à Sassandra, jan-mai au moins.

Collecte de matériaux de nid, mars; un immature, fév. En phase d’expansion vers

l’ouest (Grimes 1987, Demey & Fishpool 1991, Lachenaud et al. en préparation).

2006

Oiseaux de Sassandra

29

H. rustica Hirondelle de cheminée. Abondante en saison sèche, dans les milieux

ouverts.

Motacillidae

Motacilla flava Bergeronnette printanière. Fréquente en saison sèche dans les milieux

ouverts. La sous-espèce thunbergi a été identifiée dans la région, mais d’autres sous-

espèces peuvent se rencontrer.

M aguimp Bergeronnette pie. Commune sur les rochers du Sassandra près de

Gaoulou; une observation au bord de la lagune à Sassandra.

Anthus leucophrys Pipit à dos uni. Commun dans les milieux ouverts.

Macronyx croceus Sentinelle à gorge jaune. Peu commune, dans les milieux ouverts.

Pycnonotidae

Andropadus virens Bulbul verdâtre. Commun en forêt dégradée.

A. gracilis Bulbul gracile. Observé à Dagbégo, se nourrissant des fruits de Tréma

guineensis. Probablement plus commun.

A. curvirostris Bulbul curvirostre. Une observation à Gaoulou. Probablement plus

commun.

A. gracilirostris Bulbul à bec grêle . Observé à Dagbégo, se nourrissant des fruits de

Tréma guineensis en compagnie d'A. gracilis.

A. latirostris Bulbul à moustaches jaunes. Commun en forêt, vu à Gaoulou et à

Dagbégo.

Baeopogon indicator Bulbul indicateur. Peu commun en forêt, vu à Dagbégo.

Chlorocichla simplex Bulbul modeste. Abondant dans les fourrés littoraux.

Thescelocichla leucopleura Bulbul des raphias. Abondant en forêt ripicole.

Bleda canicapillus Bulbul fourmilier. Peu commun (surtout entendu) en forêt, mais

également dans le fourré littoral.

Criniger barbatus Bulbul crinon. Une observation en forêt secondaire sur la piste de

Dagbégo. Probablement plus commun.

Pycnonoîus barbatus Bulbul commun. Abondant dans les milieux ouverts.

Turdidae

Cossypha niveicapilla Cossyphe à tête blanche. Fréquent dans les fourrés littoraux.

Saxicola rubetra Traquet tarier. Un oiseau à l’aéroport de Sassandra, 23 fév 2000.

Sylviidae

Cisticola erythrops Cisticole à face rousse. Commune dans les zones défrichées des

fourrés littoraux. Nourrissage de jeunes, sep.

C. cantons Cisticole chanteuse. Une observation dans la savane côtière près de

l’aéroport.

C. lateralis Cisticole siffleuse. Commune dans les friches autour de Sassandra.

C. galactotes Cisticole roussâtre. Commune surtout dans les marais, mais aussi en

milieu sec, dans les herbes bordant la piste de l’aéroport.

C. brachypterus Cisticole à ailes courtes. Peu commune, dans les défrichements des

fourrés littoraux.

Prinia subflava Prinia commune. Commune dans les milieux ouverts.

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Apalis sharpii Apalis de Sharpe. Peu commune en forêt; entendue à Dagbégo et sur le

Sassandra au sud de la côtière.

Camaroptera brachyura Camaroptère à dos gris. Abondant dans les fourrés littoraux

et les milieux ouverts.

C superciUaris Camaroptère à sourcils jaunes. Peu commun, en forêt dégradée.

M kempi Nasique de Kemp*. Signalé de Sassandra par Demey & Fishpool (1991),

M concolor Nasique grise. Fréquente en forêt à Gaoulou, observée également dans le

fourré littoral à Sassandra.

Sylvietîa virens Crombec verte. Commune dans les fourrés littoraux et les

défrichements en forêt.

Phyiîoscopus sibilatrix Pouillot siffleur. Peu commun mais régulier en saison sèche

(surtout mars-avr, une observation J an) en forêt secondaire, vu également dans un

jardin.

Hyiia prasina Hylia verte. Commune en forêt et dans les fourrés littoraux.

Musckapîdae

Fraseria cinerascens Gobe-mouches à sourcils blancs. Commun à Gaoulou, dans la

forêt ripicole au bord du Sassandra.

Muscicapa striata Gobe-mouches gris. Migrateur fréquent en saison sèche (nov-

mars) dans les milieux ouverts.

M cassini Gobe-mouches de Cassin. Abondant à Gaoulou sur les rochers du

Sassandra. Transport de matériaux de nid, déc 1998; adulte nourrissant un jeune, avr

2000.

Monarchidae

Terpsiphone rufiventer Tchitrec à ventre roux. Commun en forêt et dans les fourrés

littoraux.

Platysteiridae

Bias musiciis Bias musicien. Peu commun, observé plusieurs fois à Gaoulou, en vol

au-dessus de la forêt secondaire.

Dyaphorophyia castanea Pririt châtain. Fréquent en forêt à Gaoulou.

Platysîeira cyanea Pririt à collier. Commun dans les fourrés littoraux, la savane

côtière près de Faéroport, et les jardins.

Timaliidae

Illadopsis fuivescem Akalat bran. Vu une fois à Gaoulou, en forêt secondaire.

Nectariniidae

Anthreptes gabonicus Souimanga brun. Commun en mangrove et en forêt ripicole.

Deux nids occupés (Sassandra, Gaoulou), jan.

A. seimundi Souimanga de Seimund. Une observation à Dagbégo, en lisière de forêt

secondaire. Probablement plus commun, mais difficile à détecter.

Deleornis fraseri Souimanga de Fraser. Abondant en forêt à Gaoulou.

Anabathmis reichenbachü Souimanga de Reichenbach. Commun dans une plantation

d'agrumes au nord de Sassandra, plus rare dans la ville même; observé souvent sur

des guis (Loranthaceae) en fleurs. Immatures, jan, mars.

2006

Oiseaux de Sassandra

31

Cyanomitra verîicaîis Souimanga à tête verte. Une observation dans un jardin à

Sassandra, déc.

C. olivacea Souimanga olivâtre. Commun en forêt, mais également dans les fourrés

littoraux.

Chalcomiîra adeîberti Souimanga à gorge rousse. Fréquent en forêt.

Hedydipna collaris Souimanga à collier. Abondant en forêt et dans les fourrés

littoraux, pénètre même dans les jardins. Mange les fruits de Rauwoifia vomitoria.

Nourrissage de jeunes volants, déc.

Cinnyris chloropygius Souimanga à ventre olive. Abondant dans les fourrés littoraux,

les jardins et les défrichements en forêt. Nourissage d’un jeune, jan.

C. superbus Souimanga superbe. Peu commun, observé en forêt à Gaoulou; visite les

fleurs à^Erythrina miidbraedii.

C. cupreus Souimanga cuivré. Commun dans les jardins à Sassandra.

Zosteropidae

Zosîerops senegalensis Zostérops jaune. Commun dans la savane et les fourrés

littoraux, également dans les jardins, où on le voit souvent dans les filaos {Casuarina)

dont il mange les graines. Espèce répandue en Côte d’ivoire dans la zone des savanes,

beaucoup plus locale sur la côte (Thiollay 1985, Demey & Fishpool 1991). Ces

oiseaux, qui ont le dessous d’un jaune assez pâle et une teinte verte apparente sur les

côtés de la poitrine, pourraient appartenir à la sous=espèce demeryi

Laniidae

Lanius collaris Pie-grièche fiscale. Peu commune à Sassandra, dans les jardins et les friches.

L. senator Pie-grièche à tête rousse. Un oiseau à Sassandra, 18 fév 2001 (sous-espèce

senator).

Dicruridae

Dicrurus modestus Drongo modeste. Commun en forêt.

Corvidae

Corvus albus Corbeau pie. Abondant dans les milieux ouverts.

Sturnidae

Poeoptera lugubris Rufipenne à queue étroite. Fréquent à Gaoulou, en forêt ripicole;

toujours seul ou par paires.

Onychognathus fulgidus Rufipenne de forêt*. Signalé de Sassandra par Thiollay

(1985), n’y a pas été revu.

Lamprotornis cupreocauda Choucador à queue bronzée. Deux observations de petits

groupes en forêt, à Gaoulou et sur le Sassandra au sud de la côtière. En périphérie de

la zone étudiée, commun en forêt de Dassioko. Espèce quasi-menacée (Stattersfield &

Capper 2000).

L. splendidus Choucador splendide. Commun en forêt ripicole et dans les jardins;

particulièrement abondant dans les marais arbustifs avec quelques bouquets de grands

arbres.

Cinnyricinclus leucogaster Spréo améthyste. Abondant dans la savane côtière autour

de l’aéroport, groupes de 100-200 oiseaux, déc, fév. Jamais observé à Sassandra même.

32

O. Lachenaud

Malimbus 28

Passeridae

Passer griseus Moineau gris. Commun dans la ville de Sassandra.

Ploceidae

Ploceus nigricollis Tisserin à cou noir. Abondant dans les fourrés littoraux et les

milieux ouverts.

P. aurantius Tisserin orangé. Abondant dans les marais arbustifs et les fourrés

bordant la mangrove, remonte le long du Sassandra dans la végétation ripicole. Niche

en colonies avec P. cucullatus et P. nigerrimus.

P. nigerrimus Tisserin noir. Abondant dans les marais arbustifs.

P. cucullatus Tisserin gendarme. Abondant dans les marais arbustifs et les jardins,

niche en compagnie des deux espèces précédentes.

Malimbus nitens Malimbe à bec bleu. Fréquent en forêt.

M. malimbicus Malimbe huppé. Fréquent sur les îles de Gaoulou, en forêt

marécageuse.

M. scutatus Malimbe à queue rouge. Commun en forêt ripicole.

M. rubricollis Malimbe à tête rouge. Commun en forêt.

Euplectes macrourus Euplecte à dos d’or. Peu commun, dans les friches autour de la

ville de Sassandra.

E. hordeaceus Euplecte monseigneur. Espèce apparemment erratique: abondant au

nord de Sassandra, nichant dans les hautes herbes, sep 1998; une seule observation

par la suite (date non notée).

Amblyospiza albifrons Gros-bec à front blanc*. Signalé de Sassandra par Thiollay

(1985), n’a pas été revu.

Estrildidae

Nigrita canicapillus Nigrette à calotte grise. Commun en forêt.

N. bicolor Nigrette à ventre roux. Commun en forêt et dans les fourrés littoraux.

Transport de matériaux de nid, oct (Dagbégo), déc (Gaoulou).

Estrilda melpoda Astrild à joues orange. Abondant dans les milieux ouverts.

Lonchura cucullata Spermète nonnette. Abondant dans les milieux ouverts.

L. bicolor Spermète à bec bleu. Commun dans les milieux ouverts, souvent en

compagnie des deux espèces précédentes.

Viduîdae

Vidua macroura Veuve dominicaine. Abondante dans les milieux ouverts.

Discussion

L’avifaune de la région s’élève à 208 espèces. Cette liste est cependant incomplète et

reflète un biais dans la prospection des habitats. La plupart des observations ont été

effectuées sur le fleuve et la lagune, ou dans la brousse côtière et les milieux

anthropisés aux environs de la ville de Sassandra. Les observations d’oiseaux

forestiers ont eu lieu principalement sur les îles du Sassandra près de Gaoulou, en

2006

Oiseaux de Sassandra

33

forêt dégradée; en dehors de deux visites à Dagbégo, la forêt à l’est du Sassandra,

encore assez bien conservée, n’a pu être visitée, ce qui explique le nombre

relativement peu élevé d’espèces forestières. La savane côtière n’a été visitée qu’à

deux reprises, et mériterait également d’être davantage explorée.

Trois espèces considérées comme menacées (Stattersfield & Capper 2000) ont été

observées dans la région, Tigriornis leucolophus (Données Insuffisantes), Rhynchops

flavirostris et Lamproîornis cupreocauda (tous deux Quasi-menacés), et une espèce à

répartition restreinte {Apaîis sharpii). R. flavirostris et L. cupreocauda sont rares dans

la région, et le premier n’y est peut-être qu’un visiteur accidentel. L’abondance de T.

leucolophus est plus difficile à évaluer car il s’agit d’une espèce nocturne, mais il

pourrait n’être pas rare; les mangroves et forêts ripicoles de la région constituent un

habitat très favorable pour cette espèce. La Chouette-pêcheuse rousse Scotopelia

ussheri n’a pas été observée, mais pourrait se rencontrer dans les mêmes milieux.

Certaines espèces observées, qui ne sont pas menacées au niveau mondial, le sont

cependant en Côte d’ivoire: c’est le cas de Anhinga rufa, dont la nidification est à

rechercher dans la région, Haliaetus vocifer et peut-être Ardea goliath.

Plusieurs espèces ont été observées en-dehors de leur aire ivoirienne connue:

Hirundo senegalensis, signalée uniquement de l’extrême nord, mais découverte

récemment en quelques localités du sud du pays (Lachenaud 2004), H. aethiopica et

Anabaîhmis reichenbachii inconnus dans la moitié ouest du pays; Accipiter badius et

Bubo africanus observés pour la première fois dans le sud-ouest. Un certain nombre

de migrateurs paléarctiques, considérés comme rares ou peu communs en Côte

d’ivoire, ont également été notés: Cuculus canorus. Anas acuta, Larus fuscus, Riparia

riparia, Falco peregrinus, F. subbuteo. Deux espèces pélagiques très rarement

signalées de Côte d’ivoire jusqu’alors, Hydrobates pelagicus et Phalaropus

fulicarius, ont été trouvées en abondance.

Remerciements

Je remercie tout d’abord Jean-Marie Lepage, qui m’a guidé sur le fleuve, et dont

l’expérience m’a été extrêmement utile. Mon père Philippe Lachenaud, ainsi que Nathalie

Armandy, m’ont aimablement confié leurs observations. Je suis également reconn-

aissant à Volker Salewski et Tommy Pedersen pour leurs précieux conseils, à Hilaire

Yaokokore-Beibro, qui m’a fourni une carte de la région, ainsi qu’à Ron Demey et

Lincoln Fishpool pour leurs commentaires sur une première version de l’article.

Bibliographie

Borrow, N. & Demey, R. (2001). Birds of Western Africa. Christopher Helm,

London.

34

O. Lachenaud

Malimbus 28

Bouet, g. & Millet-Horsin, H. (1916-17) Liste des oiseaux recueillis ou observés à

la Côte dlvoire en 1906-1907 et en 1913-1914. Revjr, Orn. 4: 345-349, 371-

375; 5: 3-6.

Cheke, R. A. & Fishpool, L.D.C. (1991) British Storm-Petrels Hydrobates pelagicus

off Côte d'ivoire. Malimbus 14: 24-25.

Demey, R. (1986) Two new species for Ivory Coast. Malimbus 8: 44.

Demey, R. & Fishpool, L.D.C. (1991) Additions and annotations to the avifauna of

Cote d'Ivoire. Malimbus 12: 61-86.

Ecoles, S.D. (1985) Reichenbach's Sunbird Nectarinia reichenbachii new to Ivory

Coast. Malimbus 7: 140.

Gartshore, M.E., Taylor, P.D. & Francis, I.S. (1995) Forest Birds in Côte

d’Ivoire. Study Rep. 58, BirdLife International, Cambridge.

Gatter, W. (1997) Birds of Liberia. Pica Press, Mountford.

Grimes, L.G. (1987) The Birds of Ghana. British Ornithologists' Union, Tring.

Guillaume!, J.-L. & Adjanohoun, E. (1971) La végétation de la Côte dTvoire.

Mém. ORSTOM 50: 161-261.

Lachenaud, O. (2004). La distribution de FHirondelle des mosquées Hirundo

senegalensis en Côte d’ivoire. Malimbus 26: 38-39.

Mangenot, g. (1955) Etude sur les forêts des plaines et plateaux de la Côte d'ivoire.

Etud. éburn. 4: 5-61

Morel, G. & Tye, A. (1995) Guidelines for avifaunal papers in Malimbus. Malimbus

17: 35-39.

Rainey, H. & Lachenaud, O. (2002) Recent bird observations from Côte d’Ivoire.

Malimbus 24: 23-37.

Stattersfield, A.J. & Capper, D.R. (eds) (2000) Threatened Birds of the World.

Lynx, Barcelona.

Thiollay, J.-M. (1977) Distribution saisonnière des rapaces diurnes en Afrique

occidentale. Oiseau Rev. fr.Orn. 46: 253-294.

Thiollay, J.-M. (1985) The birds of Ivory Coast: status and distribution. Malimbus

1: 1-59.

Walsh, J.F. 1986. Notes on the birds of Ivory Coast. Malimbus 8: 89-93.

2006

35

Changes in the number of cooperative breeding groups of

Yellow-billed Shrike Corvlnella corvina at the University of

Ghana, Legon, over 34 years

by L.G. Grimes

3 St Nicholas Court, Warwick CV34 4JY, U.K. <lgrimes@freeuk.com>

Received 15 June 2005; revised 3 October 2005.

Summary

The number of groups of the Yellow-billed Shrike Corvinella corvina and the

total number of shrikes on the campus of the University of Ghana at Legon

were determined in 2004 and compared with similar data obtained in the

1970s. Both had increased despite the general degradation of the campus due

to major building programmes and a tenfold increase in student numbers.

Breeding data indicate that number of clutches laid has been unaffected by the

changes in the environment and infrastructure of the campus, but whether the

breeding success of individual groups or of the population has changed since

the 1970s remains to be studied.

Résumé

Les changements du nombre de groupes de reproduction en coopération

de la Corvinelle à bec jaune Corvinella corvina à l’Université du Ghana à

Legon pendant 34 ans. Le nombre de groupes de Corvinelle à bec jaune

Corvinella corvina et le nombre total de Corvinelles ont été déterminés en

2004 et comparés avec des données similaires obtenues dans les années 70.

Tous deux avaient augmenté malgré la dégradation générale du campus avec

ses importantes constructions et un décuplement du nombre d’étudiants. Les

données de la reproduction indiquent que le nombre de pontes n’a pas été

affecté par les modifications de l’environnement et de T infrastructure du

campus; mais que le succès de la reproduction des groupes individuels ou de

la population ait changé depuis les années 70, reste à étudier.

Introduction

The group behaviour and breeding biology of the Yellow-billed Shrike Corvinella

corvina was studied on the campus of the University of Ghana for five years from 1970

36

L.G. Grimes

Malimbus 28

(Grimes 1980). Each group then consisted of c. 12 individuals (range 6-25), which took

part (in varying degrees) in the defence of the group territory, in feeding the breeding

female at the nest-building stage and while she incubated and brooded young, and in

the care of fledglings. The average group territory was 16.6 ha (range 10.6-27.1) and

the population density was 0.8 birds per ha. The sex ratio (female/male) in a group

was not constant and in one group during a three-year period varied between 5/3 and

4/9. Shrikes sometimes moved between groups, over distances up to 2000 m. Clutches

were recorded in all months except Oct, though most were laid Jan-Aug. Up to three

broods were raised by some groups during a breeding season and the clutch following

a successful breeding was laid while fledglings were being cared for by other group

members. Groups usually have one breeding female but a second female may compete

for breeding status either during a breeding season or at the beginning of a season.

Twenty-three groups were present at the start of the study and two new groups

(Groups 24 and 25, Fig. 1) formed early in 1974 in areas not previously occupied by

the shrike. Apart from Groups 2, 13 and 15 (Fig. 1), little or no detectable change

occurred in either the territorial areas of the other groups or their boundary locations.

Figure 1. The distribution of group territories of the Yellow-biiled Shrike on the

campus of the University of Ghana at Legon in 1975 (after Grimes 1980).

2006

Yellow-billed Shrike numbers at Legon

37

After trees were cut down during the “Operation Feed Yourself’ government

programme in the early 1970s, Group 2 annexed part of the territory of Group 3,

Group 13 part of the territory of Group 14, and Group 15 part of that of Group 16.

I had the opportunity to return 30 years later, and surveyed the location and number

of shrike groups on the campus from late January 2004 for three months. In addition,

the breeding activities and numerical strengths of most of the groups were recorded.

Methods

The number of groups and their locations were obtained by systematically surveying

the campus, usually during the first and last 2 h of daylight but also at other times as

opportunity arose. The existence of a group was considered proven if territorial

disputes with neighbouring groups took place or if eggs, nestlings or fledglings were

found. Nests were readily located through the characteristic calls, audible at distances

up to 1 00 m, given at the nest by the breeding female during all stages of a breeding

Figure 2. Yellow-billed Shrike groups on the campus of the University of

Ghana in 2004. Those in white circles coincide with groups found in the

1970s and are numbered as in Fig. 1. The buildings shown are those

present in 1993 but many others have since been constructed (see text).

38

L.G. Grimes

Malimbus 28

cycle (nest building, incubation and brooding) and by other group members when

visiting the nest (Grimes 1980). As a result most, if not all, groups and their nests on

the campus were located during my stay. When not directly observed, the date of

completion of a clutch was estimated using either the hatching date or the date when

young left the nest. The number of shrikes in a group was counted either during

territorial disputes or during playback of territorial calls when they invariably, but not

always, clumped together and sought the source of the calls. Some group sizes were

obtained as members either entered or left their communal roost.

Environmental changes

The residential areas of Little Legon, Legon Hill, Lower Hill, East Legon and Ayido

Valley had changed little since the 1970s but since 1993 further residential areas, not

shown in Fig. 2, have been built south of Little Legon. Open grassland existed

between most of the houses, though some areas, e.g. between Ayido Crescent and

Ayido Valley, were covered with thicket, mainly Neem Azadirachta indica saplings,

and shrikes no longer occurred there. Most gardens had a scattering of shrubs and or

trees and those on the periphery of the campus had small plantations of cassava and

clumps of banana and paw-paw trees. All roads were lined with trees originally

planted in the 1950s, and these were more than twice their 1970s height and their

canopies were often continuous.

Since 1993, other student residences have been built on land south of the main

campus and between East Legon and South Legon, and several faculties have had

extra buildings erected mainly on the north side of University Avenue, which runs

from east to west and bisects the main campus (Fig. 2). Several new buildings were

under construction when I arrived. During my stay extensions to the Balme Library

were started and plans for a new Physics laboratory were well advanced. Thus in the

last decade up to 20 ha of ground have been cleared of vegetation formerly consisting

mainly of grass and thicket with scattered trees.

The factor that has had the most effect on the environment has been the increase

in student numbers, particularly in the last decade. Numbers totalled 2360 in 1971-2

and the average rate of increase was just under 90 per year during that decade. It then

averaged 200 per year in the 1980s, 1000 per year in the 1990s, and > 4000 per year

in 2002 and 2003. The student population at the beginning of the 2004 academic year

was 24,876. In addition, the increase in noise level due to the extra traffic and student

numbers (5-6 to a room compared with a maximum of two in the early 1990s) was

marked.

The number of vehicles on the campus increased in step with student numbers and

a continuous flow of traffic occurred throughout the day on most of the campus roads,

especially those connecting faculties and student residences (Fig. 2). Cars were parked

under any convenient shade tree, some of which were used unsuccessfully as nest

2006

Yellow-billed Shrike numbers at Legon

39

sites by the shrike. A thriving market with additional public transport facilities

covered the 1970s territories of Groups 12 and 13, and these were no longer suitable

for shrikes.

Tracks that provided short cuts between lecture rooms and accommodation

blocks, criss-crossed the campus everywhere and the grass cover in the central

campus was minimal, particularly on the north side of University Avenue. In addition,

most areas between the annexes were bare of grass due to their overuse as football

pitches. Plastic bag and bottle litter did not exist in the 1970s but was now a major

concern. In addition, food stalls, which provided an alternative food supply to that

supplied by residential halls, were set up each day and contributed to the general

pollution.

Results

In spite of the environmental degradation of the central section of the campus, the

Yellow-billed Shrike was widespread throughout (Fig. 2). Of the 33 groups located,

the positions of 21 (Groups 1-11, 14-20, 23-25, coloured white in Fig. 2), coincided

essentially with those found in the 1970s and have, therefore, been numbered the

same as in the 1970s. The other 12 are coloured grey in Fig. 2. The areas occupied by

the 1970s Groups 12, 13, 21 and 22 were visited on several occasions but no shrikes

were found, and these numbers are not used in Fig. 2. The area east of Ayido

Crescent, which was part of the 1970 territory of Group 3, was overgrown with Neem

in 2004 and it has been assumed that Group 3 moved across the Legon road and

annexed part of the 1970 territory of Group 1.

No estimates of the size of Groups 2, 6, 23, 24, 27 and 32 were possible. The

maximum number of shrikes recorded in the other 27 groups on the campus ranged

from four to 15 (Table 1). The average maximum number per group for the 17 groups

that occupied 1970s areas (white in Fig. 2) was 9.47 ± 2.84 (SD) birds and that for the

ten grey groups was 8.30 ± 3.26 birds. These are not statistically different.

Table 1. Maximum numbers of Yellow-billed Shrikes recorded in 27 groups from

late January to late April 2004. Group identifier numbers in parentheses (Fig. 2).

40

L.G. Grimes

Malimbus 28

Of the 33 groups found on the campus, 21 laid one or more clutches prior to and

during the three months of my stay (details in Appendix 1). Nests were built by ten

other groups but no eggs were laid in these as far as it was known (Appendix 1). Of

these ten, those built by Groups 7, 17, 20 and 37 were abandoned through unknown

factors, those of Groups 31 and 32 through building construction, those of Groups 10

and 27 through disturbance due to road traffic and those of Group 6 and 33 through

student activities. No nests were found for Groups 16 and 23. It is likely that several

of these groups bred successfully later in the breeding season, which lasts until

September in some years (Grimes 1980). There was evidence that a second female

competed unsuccessfully for breeding status in groups 14, 19 and 28 (see Grimes

1980 p. 181 and Appendix 1).

Groups 14, 15, 19 and 25 built nests very close to University buildings and

fledglings were raised in all of them despite the disturbance from students. Outdoor

tutorials were regularly held within 5 m of the nest of Group 19. The nests of Group

25 were within 10 m of a student residence, and the shrikes foraged and fed fledglings

within the inner quadrangles of the crowded hall. Those of Groups 14 and 15 were in

close proximity to two major thoroughfares, which were used throughout the day.

Discussion

Both the number of shrike groups and the total population of shrikes on the University

campus had increased since the 1970s but the timing and rate of increase are

unknown. A census in March 1973, when there were 23 shrike groups on the campus,

yielded an average of 12 per group giving an estimated total population of 276 shrikes

(Grimes 1980 p. 174). The corresponding data for 2004 are 33 groups and 297

shrikes: an average of 9 per group.

Both pollution of the environment and infrastructure development have occurred

at Legon since the 1970s, particularly in the last two years, but to a far lesser extent

than in areas of the Accra plains that adjoin the campus. In the 1970s and 1980s,

grassland, thicket and scattered trees surrounded the campus but these have now been

replaced by housing and the campus is effectively a vegetation oasis in a sea of urban

development. Some shrike groups therefore may have moved from the plains into the

campus as the surrounding areas have been urbanised. However, shrike groups still

occur on the Accra plains around Abokobi (8 km north of Legon) and towards

Kwabenya (8 km northwest of Legon), and in the older residential suburbs of Accra

and in hotel gardens near the International Airport (5 km to the south). As the

territories of Groups 12, 13, 21 and 22 became uninhabitable they may have moved

into the main campus or else dispersed and joined other groups but their histories are

not known. The data suggest that the population of Yellow-billed Shrikes on the

campus have been little affected so far by the building programme and the explosion

in student numbers. That the number of clutches (21) found in 2004 compares

2006

YelloW“billed Shrike numbers at Legon

41

favourably with those found in the same period in the 1970s (14 in 1970, 17 in 1971

and 1972, 23 in 1973 and 22 in 1974) would support this conclusion.

Although the difference between the mean maximum number of shrikes in the old

territories and the newer territories was not statistically significant, their breeding

success may be different. In addition, the increase in the number of groups might

reduce the overall breeding success of the population from that in the 1970s. The

breeding data gathered in this study were insufficient to address these questions.

Acknowledgments

I thank the Registrar of the University of Ghana for permission to adapt the map of

the campus that appears in the booklet University of Ghana published in 1993. Dr

Frank Walsh read and helpfully commented on an earlier draft and George and Rene

Dako kindly supplied the tree names.

Reference

Grimes, L.G. (1980) Observations of group behaviour and breeding biology of the

YelloW“billed Shrike Corvine! la cot^ina. Ibis 122; 166-192.

Appendix 1

Territorial interactions and breeding success of groups of Yellow-billed Shrike

at Legon, Ghana, in 2004.

Little Legon

Group 1. Territorial interactions with Gp 3 observed regularly. Dependent fledglings

most of Mar, suggests laying Jan.

Group 2. Nest with five eggs in bamboo, 8 Mar; two eggs and two young, 17 Mar.

Following heavy rain, nest empty, 21 Mar. Eggs laid late Feb to early Mar.

Group 3. Territorial interactions with Gps 1 and 2. Two fledglings about to leave

nest, 27 Jan. Second nest under construction in another Neem tree, 8 Mar. Four eggs

21 Mar; four nestlings c. 1 week old, 2 Apr; two fledglings, 18 Apr.

Group 26. Dependent fledglings, 3 Apr. This group possibly linked with Gp 27.

Group 7. Interactions with Gp 8. Nest in bamboo thicket, female regularly called

from it throughout Feb.

Group 8. Interactions with Gp 7, Feb-Mar. Dependent fledglings throughout Feb and

early Mar.

42

L.G. Grimes

Malimbus 28

South side of Legon Hill

Group 5. Dependent fledglings, 12 Feb, being fed while female was involved with a

new nest. Fledglings from latter nest, 25 Mar. Female calling from a new nest placed

high in Copper Pod tree Peltophorum pterocarpum, 27 Mar.

Group 6. Nest in a grove of Neem trees, female called regularly from it throughout

Feb-Apr. Locality unusual, as grass was long and trees quite dense.

Group 20. Territorial interactions with Gps 18 and 30. Female called from nest in tree

on lower slopes of hill, 25 Mar, but this was not located.

Group 28. Female called from nest in bamboo clump, late Jan, but this was

abandoned when some shoots were cut down. A second nest was built in Copper Pod

tree c. 30 m from the bamboo, and female called throughout Feb and into Mar.

Nestlings present mid-Mar; left the nest 12 Apr. Whilst fledglings were being fed, 13

Apr, the breeding female built a third nest in the same Copper pod tree and called

from it throughout the rest of my stay.

Whilst the breeding female was incubating, a second female began calling on 5 Mar

from a nest in a Tabebuia mimosa tree, c. 100 m north of the Copper Pod tree.

Perhaps competing for breeding status within the group, she called daily from this

nest until 22 Mar, then abandoned the site.

Group 29. Interacted with Gp 4. Dependent fledglings, 30 Jan; still being fed, though

infrequently, 3 Mar. Female called regularly from nest in Neem tree throughout Feb,

Mar and up to 14 April. First egg laid 7 Apr but nest empty 9 Apr.

Group 30. First nest found late Jan but abandoned due to disturbance. A second built

in a Candle ZanthoxyUum xanthoxyloides tree, 18 Feb; three eggs, 4 Mar; one 7 Mar;

none 8 Mar, but nest still used by female throughout Mar; one egg in same nest, 26

Mar; three 28 Mar; four 31 Mar; all hatched by 15 Apr. Period between laying of first

egg and hatching of first egg, 17 days.

Volta Basin group

Group 19. Territorial interaction with Gp 25. Nearly independent fledglings, 25 Feb;

empty nest in a Frangipani Plumeria bush next to University Avenue. Two fledglings,

barely able to fly, 5 Mar, but nest not found. New nest built in bamboo clump c. 50 m

from first nest, 6 Mar, some material taken from the first nest. Three noisy nestlings, 7

Apr; left nest, 15 Apr. From late Jan, a second female called from a nest in a Candle

Tree, 26 Jan, c. 30 m from the bamboo clump; continued to do this throughout Feb-

Mar, though less frequently, and again in Apr. A fledgling seen on 5 Mar was found

the next day at the base of this Candle Tree. Adult shrikes fed it while this second

female called from her nest and was visited and fed by adult shrikes. Probably

represents a female competing for breeding status within the group.

Halls of Residence group

Group 25. Three small fledglings, 8 Feb and throughout Feb-Mar. New nest

built early Mar. Two fledglings c. 1 week out of nest, 1 1 Apr.

2006

Yellow-billed Shrike numbers at Legon

43

Lower Hill groups

Group 4. Two fledglings, c. 1 week out of nest, 31 Jan; still being fed 29 Feb.

Group 24. Fledglings Mar.

Mensah Sarbah Hall group

Group 33. Nest in large Ficus tree, 19 Feb. Female called from nest during the rest of

Feb and early Mar but abandoned probably due to disturbance from soccer games

regularly played nearby. Female called from new nest in Anogeissus leiocarpus tree c.

30 m from Ficus tree, mid-Mar to early Apr but again abandoned. A third nest, in a

more remote Cassia tree, was used throughout the rest of my stay.

Primary School compound

Group 9. Interactions with Gp 27. Nest in Copper Pod tree near edge of ring road, 19

Feb. Two fledglings, 25 Feb. Three days later, female began building a new nest in a

Copper Pod tree c. 15 m from first tree. Regularly called from this nest throughout

Mar and into Apr.

Group 27, Interactions with Gp 9. Female used nest in Copper Pod tree from third

week of Feb to early Mar before abandoning it through disturbance from traffic and

school children. Second nest built mid- Apr.

East Legon

Group 10. Nest in Copper Pod tree, 6 Feb. Female called from it throughout Feb to

late Mar, but abandoned due to disturbance from traffic.

Group 11. Interactions with Group 14. Two noisy fledglings throughout Feb were

still begging 1 9 Mar but not in Apr.

Physics/Geology/Geography/Balme Library

Group 14. Territorial disputes with Gp 32. Female called from nest in a Mahogany

Khaya senegalensis tree, 6 Feb. Fledglings, c. 1 week out of nest, 23 Mar. Same

fledglings, 30 Mar, within 2 m of the tree in which a second female had built a nest

and probably was competing for breeding status. First female called from new nest c.

30 m west of the first one, late Mar and into Apr. Construction of nest by competing

female started 26 Mar and she called regularly from it during the rest of my stay. She

was often fed on the nest.

Group 31. Female called from nest in Copper Pod tree at NE comer of University

Library in late Jan. Abandoned through disturbance from constmction work. Second

nest built in a Copper Pod tree, early Feb, but abandoned by 20 Mar. A third nest

started on 2 1 Apr.

North of Commonwealth Hall, Balme Library and Science departments

Group 15. Dependent juveniles throughout Mar and early Apr.

Group 16. Interacted with Gp 32, Feb-Mar.

44

L.G. Grimes

Malimbus 28

Group 18. Interacted with Gp 20. Female called from nest in Tabebnia pentaphylla

throughout Mar and early Apr; fledglings, 1 2 Apr.

Group 34. Interactions with Gp 18. Fledglings, c. 1 week old, late Jan; with adults

throughout Feb.

Group 32. Interacted with Gp 16. Female called from nest throughout early Mar.

Construction of a new block of offices was continuous during this period and nest was

abandoned.

Botanical Gardens

Group 17. Interactions with Gp 37, late Jan-Feb. Nest in a low branch of Silk Cotton

Ceiba pentandra tree being built mid-Apr.

Group 37. Possibly same as Gp 32. Interaction with Gp 17, late Jan. Female called

from nest in bamboo clump, late Jan and early Feb.

Group 35. Nest built in Bougainvillea shrub, early Feb; two eggs 20 Mar; five 24

Mar. Nest failed. New nest in bamboo thicket at the W edge of the gardens, 16 Apr,

also abandoned. Third nest started in another Bougainvillea clump, 22 Apr.

Group 36. Female called from nest in Gliricidia sepium tree, end of Jan. Young

fledglings, 1 0 Apr.

2006

45

Short Notes — Notes Courtes

Observations at a Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis nest

The solitary nesting, monogamous and territorial Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra

senegalensis is commonly double-brooded or sometimes treble-brooded and usually

builds a new nest for each brood (Fry et al. 2000). The female builds the nest and may

take 3-6 days (Fry et al 2000). Nests are usually found in borders of woodland and

open ground, often near or over water, and commonly in thickets of bushes and small

trees growing on Macrotermes termite mounds (Fry et al 2000). Many different tree

species are used, with the nest suspended from a twig (Fry et al. 2000, Cheke & Mann

2001). The species is a common resident in Nigeria (Elgood et al 1994). In Ilorin, two

to three broods were raised in the same nest from March to October, while in another

case at Jos, the broods were at six-month intervals (Elgood et al 1994).

On 1 9 Mar 2004 we found a nest of this species suspended from an electric lamp

holder outside the main building of the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research

Institute (9°53'N, 8°59'E), in Amurum Forest Reserve, Laminga, Plateau State,

Nigeria. It was oval, made of grass, dry leaves and woolly strands, with the entrance

at the side-bottom. Observations were made from the ground on most days in the

periods 19 Mar to 1 May, 24 May to 4 Jun, 1 1-18 Aug and 31 Aug to 2 Sep, with

occasional observations between these dates, totalling 82 h of observations. We

climbed to check inside the nest at 1-7 day intervals during these observation periods.

When we first found the nest, on 19 Mar, the female made repeated visits,

collecting materials to thicken the walls; this continued for about seven days, during

which period the male visited the nest only twice, the second visit being on the last

day the female brought materials, when male and female arrived together. On 29 Mar

the nest was still empty. On 5 Apr, a warm egg was discovered in the nest, suspected

to have been laid between 3 1 Mar and 4 Apr, because from 3 1 Mar to 1 3 Apr, the

time intervals that the female spent in the nest ranged between 1 1 and 63 min.,

compared to 3-16 min. between 14 and 30 Apr. The egg hatched between 06h00 12 Apr

and 06h00 13 Apr. Both parents fed the chick. The chick stuck out its head 28 and 30

Apr, and fledged 30 Apr or 1 May, as neither adults nor chicks were present on 1 May.

The sunbirds then disappeared for about three weeks until a female was seen

leaving the nest on 24 May. Two eggs were found already being incubated. On 3 Jun,

two chicks were found in the nest. Both parents fed the chicks, which were still

present on 15 June. The nest was empty on 18 June.

The sunbird had already started feeding two more chicks when regular

observation started for the third brood, on 1 1 Aug. Feeding continued until 2 Sep

when the chicks fledged. Thus the chicks remained in the nest for at least 23 days,

three days longer than the maximum quoted by Cheke & Mann (2001).

46

Short Notes

Maiimbus 28

The same nest was used for all three broods, with an interval of three weeks

between the first and second brood and six weeks between the second and third. We

believe that the same parents were involved in all three.

This study was funded by the A.P. Leventis Foundation. Many thanks to Martin

Stervander for reading the manuscript. The kind assistance of Martha Samuel and

Jonathan Azi, who took part in field observation, is also highly appreciated. This is

report no. 14 from the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Institute.

References

Cheke, R.A. & Mann, C.F. (2001) Sunbirds. A Guide to the Sunbirds,

Flowerpeckers, Spiderhunters and Sugarbirds of the World. Christopher Helm,

London.

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B., Moore, A.M., Nason, A.M., Sharland, R.E. &

Skinner, N.J. (1994) The Birds of Nigeria. Checklist 4, 2nd ed., British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Fry, C.H., Keith, S. & Urban, E.K. (eds) (2000) The Birds of Africa, vol. 6.

Academic Press, London.

Received 19 May 2005 Mary Molokwu, Ulf Ottosson & John Azi

Revised 13 September 2005 A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute,

University of Jos, PO Box 13404, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

<mnm04ng(^yahoo.com>

Rufous Scrub Robin Cercotrichas galactotes at Fusa Hills, Plateau State,

Nigeria

On 10 Apr 2005, during a trek into the Fusa Hills range in the Jos East local

government area of Plateau State, Nigeria, a Rufous Scrub Robin Cercotrichas

galactotes was sighted and photographed at about 9h00 near Kudedu village

(9°5r45''N, 9°W25"E), c. 25 km southeast of Jos. The bird was plain sandy rufous-

brown above, with plain sandy-white underparts, rufous rump, and fan-shaped rufous

tail boldly tipped black and white, with a creamy-white supercilium bordered below

by a narrow blackish eye-stripe (Borrow & Demey 2001). It was gathering grass

stems and other nesting materials into a crevice c. 1.5 m from the ground in the straw

fence of a hut. No attempt was made to approach the bird or nest.

This is the first sighting of this species on the Jos plateau (U. Ottosson & M.

Hopkins pers. comm.). There are two distinct subspecies in Nigeria: the migratory

nominate galactotes and the resident minor (Elgood et al. 1994, Keith et al. 1992).

The observed bird is believed to be the resident C. g. minor (as shown by the nest

2006

Notes Courtes

47

building), with a southern limit in Nigeria hitherto placed at Zaria (Elgood et al. 1994)

c. 180 km northwest of Jos.

We are grateful for the support of Thomas de Douhet and Yves Gattepaille of Padaka-

eri during the trek, as well as the guidance of Dr Ulf Ottosson and Dr Mark Hopkins.

This is Contribution 13 of APLORI.

References

Borrow, N. & Demey, R. (2001) Birds of Western Africa. Christopher Helm,

London.

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B., Moore, A.M., Sharland, R.E. & Skinner, N.J.

(1994) The Birds of Nigeria. Check-list 4, 2nd ed., British Ornithologists’ Union,

Tring.

Keith, S., Urban, E.K. & Fry, C.H. (1992) The Birds of Africa, vol. 4. Academic

Press, London.

Received 10 June 2005 Temidayo Osinubi & Babajide Agboola

A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute,

PO Box 13404, Laminga, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. <taymida@yahoo.co.uk>

A sight record of the Brown Nightjar Caprimulgus binotatus in Nigeria

On the evening of 1 Mar 2002, a truck in which I was riding flushed a nightjar from

the road near the village of Iko Esai, Cross River State, Nigeria. The bird settled again

farther down the road and we were able to approach it closely (to about 8 m) and

study it in the beam of the headlights for several minutes before it flew off.

The bird was small and very dark uniform brown above, with slightly paler

underparts, a buff or off-white line on the scapulars, and a small white patch on the

side of the throat. The tail was not especially long or short. In flight it showed no pale

wing patches or tail comers, and the tail seemed to have a square or slightly forked

tip.

Identification of nightjars by sight, especially under artificial light, is usually

problematic, but in this case it was relatively straightforward. The combination of

small size, dark, unvariegated coloration and lack of white in the flight feathers is

diagnostic of Brown Nightjar Caprimulgus binotatus, a poorly known forest species

not previously recorded in Nigeria (Fry et al. 1988, Elgood et al. 1994, Cleere &

Numey 1998, Borrow & Demey 2001, P. Hall pers. comm.). There are no similar

species (Cleere & Numey 1998). Although I did not see the small “ear tufts” or the

“tent” shape of the tail that this species is supposed to have, and the bird did not

vocalize, all other nightjars of the region could be eliminated on the basis of

48

Short Notes

Malimbus 28

coloration and habitat (forest edge in a largely forested landscape). Only a few other

W African nightjars (all described below) lack pale wing patches. The female Bates’s

Nightjar C. batesi, the only other African rainforest nightjar is much larger, with more

variegated plumage, and also unrecorded from Nigeria (Fry et al 1988, Cleere &

Nurney 1998, Borrow & Demey 2001). The female Eurasian Nightjar C. europaeiis is

a greyer bird of more open habitats and not normally found in SE Nigeria (Elgood et

al 1994, Borrow & Demey 2001). Egyptian Nightjar C. aegyptins is a pale grey

species of arid habitats and unrecorded in S Nigeria (Elgood et al 1994, Cleere &

Nurney 1998, Borrow & Demey 2001). Standard-winged Nightjar Macrodipteryx

longipennis is paler, has a broad rufous nuchal collar, and inhabits open savanna and

farmland (Elgood et al 1994, Cleere & Nurney 1998, Borrow & Demey 2001). The

female Pennant-winged Nightjar M vexillahus is a paler, slightly larger, grassland

and open woodland species, also with a rufous nuchal collar, and not recorded in

Nigeria before April (Elgood et al. 1994, Borrow & Demey 2001).

Brown Nightjar is thought to have a patchy distribution in lowland rainforest from

Liberia to N Gabon and central Congo (Cleere & Nurney 1998, Clements 2000,

Borrow & Demey 2001). There is a known population in W Cameroon extending

more or less to the Nigerian border, within 80 km of Iko Esai (Borrow & Demey

2001). It is recorded from Korup National Park (Cleere & Nurney 1998), which is

contiguous with Nigeria’s Cross River National Park, which in turn is contiguous with

the Iko Esai forest. It thus seems reasonable that the range of the above population

would extend into Nigeria; in fact, the range map in Cleere & Nurney (1998) suggests

that it does so. The mature, if not primary, lowland forests of Cross River State have

not been studied extensively by ornithologists (Elgood et al. 1994, P. Hall pers.

comm.). It is not surprising that a scarce, secretive species such as Brown Nightjar

would escape notice until now, and it seems likely that it will prove to be distributed

more continuously in mature forest throughout the region.

I wish to thank Cercopan Forest Monkey Rehabilitation and Conservation Centre

(now the Centre for Education, Research, and Conservation of Primates and Nature)

for facilitating, and providing logistical support during, my visit to Nigeria. Phil Hall

offered commentary on my observations and encouraged the writing of this note. Two

referees provided helpful suggestions and additional references.

References

Borrow, N. & Demey, R. (2001) A Guide to the Birds of Western Africa. Princeton

University Press, Princeton.

Cleere, N. & Nurney, D, (1998) Nightjars: A Guide to the Nightjars, Nighthawks,

and Their Relatives. Yale University Press, New Haven.

Clements, J.F. (2000) Birds of the World: A Checklist. Ibis, Vista, CA.

Fry, C.H., Keith, S., & Urban, E.K. (1988) The Birds of Africa, vol. 3. Academic

Press, London.

2006

Notes Courtes

49

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B., Moore, A.M., Nason, A.M., Sharland, R.E. &

Skinner, N. J. (1994) The Birds of Nigeria. Check-list 4, 2nd ed., British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Received 5 May 2005 Kenneth M. Burton

Revised 19 October 2005 1207 Gassaway Rd, McKinleyville, CA 95519, U.S.A.

<kmburton@sbcglobaLnet>

Minimum survival data of some tropical passerine species in Comoé

National Park, Ivory Coast

Knowledge of individual life history traits such as longevity is crucial for

understanding the population dynamics of birds. There are, however, few long-term

studies of tropical passerines in West Africa {e.g. Thiollay 1970, 1971, Morel &

Morel 1972, Brosset 1990) and therefore hardly any field data on longevity.

During a project on the winter ecology of Palaearctic migrants we mist-netted

birds regularly in Comoé National Park, NE Ivory Coast, between mid-September and

late April of 1994-5, 1995-6 and 1996-7. Some birds had already been captured

during a preliminary study in Feb-Mar 1994. Afrotropical species of selected families

assumed to have a similar ecology compared to some Palaearctic migrants in the area

were marked either with an aluminium ring or an individual combination of colour

rings. Additional mist-netting took place in the northern winters 1997-8 and 2000-1,

when no Afrotropical birds were marked but recaptures from the former study were

recorded. A separate project also marked birds between 1990 and 1995 (Brendle

1 997) although no information about precise ringing dates could be obtained. Some of

these birds were captured by us and are also included here. Here, we report minimal

survival times indicated by recaptured or observed individuals of 17 Afrotropical

passerine species based on these data (Table 1). The minimal survival of an individual

is the difference between the first capture and the last record in days. We refrain from

calculating survival rates with capture-recapture models because of the low number of

recaptured birds, the uneven capture effort at various sites and the combination of

different recapture methods (mistnetting vs colour-ring sightings).

Individuals survived up to six years in Grey-headed Bristlebill and Snowy-

crowned Robin-Chat. The two individuals with the longest minimum survival were

ringed by the previous project and could therefore have been up to three years older

than indicated by our analyses. Excluding Beautiful Sunbird and Fork-tailed Drongo,

of which only three individuals were ringed, encounter rates after at least one year

were up to 18% (Northern Crombec) and at least 5% for all species. Encounter rates

after at least two years were up to 10% (Puvel’s Illadopsis) and after more than three

years up to 3% (Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat).

Table 1. Minimum survival of some passerine bird species in Comoé National Park. Minimal survival is the difference

(days) between first capture and last record when the difference exceeds one year.

% still alive after

Species (n ringed) Minimal survival >ly >2y >3y

50

Short Notes

Maiimbus 28

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2006

Notes Courtes

51

These are the first published data on minimum survival in West Africa for many

of the listed species. Similar data for a few of these species are available from Lamto,

Ivory Coast, where Thiollay (1971) recorded recaptures after at least six years for

Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat (one out of seven ringed), Grey-backed Camaroptera

(one out of three) and Common Wattle-eye (one out of four), while the proportion of

birds recaptured after c. 2.5 years was 38% for Grey-headed Bristlebill (n = 8), 20%

for Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat (5), 43% for Grey-backed Camaroptera (7) and 40%

for Common Wattle-eye (5) respectively (after Table 10 of Thiollay 1971). Therefore,

with a smaller sample, Thiollay (1971) recaptured a much higher proportion of birds

compared to our analysis after the comparable two years. However, our results are

probably biased by irregular capture effort and show minimal survival times which

might be in fact much higher.

The Ministère des Eaux et Forêts de la Côte d’ivoire gave permission to work in

Comoé National Park and K.E. Linsenmair allowed us to use the camp of the

University of Würzburg. S. Eggers, K.H. Falk, J. Fry, F. Goken, K. Kouadio, A.

Kouakou Kouadio, Lakado, G. Nikolaus, L. Pommerencke, S. Schmidt, D.v.

Stünzner-Karbe, D.T. Tietze and K.P. Yoa helped with mist-netting. P. Jones gave

useful comments on the manuscript. The study was supported by the Deutsche

Forschungsgemeinschaft and Volkswagen AG.

References

Brendle, R. (1997) Populationsstudie an einer Waldvogelart (Cossypha niveicapilla,

Turdinae) in einer Mosaik-Waldlandschaft der Subsudan-Savanne, Republik

Elfenbeinküste. Ph.D. thesis, Johann-Wolfgang-Universitat, Frankfurt am Main.

Brosset, a. (1990) A long term study of the rain forest birds in M’Passa (Gabon). Pp.

259-274 in Keast, A. (ed) Biogeography and Ecology of Forest Bird

Communities. Academic Publishing, The Hague.

Morel, G. & Morel, M.Y. (1972) Recherches écologiques sur une savane sahelienne

du Ferlo Septentrional, Senegal: Favifaune et son cycle annuel. Terre Vie 26:

410-439.

Thiollay, J.-M. (1970) Recherches écologiques dans la savane de Lamto (Côte

d’ivoire): le peuplement avien. Essai d’etude quantitative. Terre Vie 120: 108-144.

Thiollay, J.-M. (1971) L’avifaune de la région de Lamto (Moyenne Côte d’ivoire).

Ann. Univ. Abidjan 4: 5-132.

Received 25 November 2005 Volker Salewski\ Franz Bairlein^ & Bernd Leisler^

'institut fiir Vogelforschung “Vogelwarte Helgoland”,

An der Vogelwarte 21, 26386 Wilhelmshaven, Germany

Max-Planck-Institut für Ornithologie, Vogelwarte Radolfzell,

Schlossallee 2, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany

52

Malimbus 28

News & Letters — Nouvelles & Lettres

Index to Bulletin of the African Bird Club

I have prepared an index for volumes 1-12 (1994-2005) of Bulletin of the African

Bird Club. It is available as a pdf file, free on demand, from <dowsett@aol.com>.

R.J, Dowsett

£500,000 fund to connect African ecologists

Scientists in Africa can now seek support from a new fund to help them research

major challenges, such as climate change, desertification and biodiversity loss. The

British Ecological Society’s “Building Capacity for Ecology Fund”, launched in

January 2006, will develop ecological science in the region by helping create national

and regional associations of scientists studying African ecology. BES has committed

£500,000 for the first five years. This will be used, in part, to bring scientists together,

and to provide administrative support to newly-formed associations in their first

couple of years. Full details and an application form for the Building Capacity for

Ecology Fund are available at <www.britishecologicalsociety.org/grants/bcef>.

Alan Tye

2006

53

Reviews — Revues

Floodplain Rehabilitation and the Future of Conservation and Development.

Adaptive management of success in Waza-Logone, Cameroon, by P. Scholte,

2005. 344 pp. incl. 32 col. plates. Tropical Resource Management Papers 67,

Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen. ISBN 90-6754-953-3,

paperback, €15. Available from the author <scholkerst@cs.com> and online at

<http://www.leidenuniv.nl/cml/bieb_intemet/dissertations.html>.

This is the published version of the author’s Ph.D. thesis from Leiden University.

However, its relevance is far broader than its title and origin might suggest. It is a

masterly piece of work about a unique 15-year (so far) project, and both project and

book contain enormously important lessons for conservationists.

Scholte has worked in the Waza-Logone area of N Cameroon since 1990, mainly on

the far-sighted floodplain rehabilitation project. This book is mainly about that project

but also places it in a global context, and deals comprehensively with related subjects of

intense interest to the challenge of making conservation work in Africa, such as the roles

of training and of community involvement. The project is of immense importance as the

first large-scale attempt to rehabilitate a semi-natural floodplain following severe

degradation caused by ill-planned hydrological changes. In this case, constmction of a

road, and of a dam for an irrigated rice scheme, cut off the annual flood in 1979, from

1500 km of the floodplain, which includes the Waza National Park as well as fertile

grazing and fishing grounds. This resulted in severe vegetation degradation, rapid

declines in wildlife and hardship to local fishermen and pastoralists, all very well

documented. The rice scheme failed, creating a rare opportunity for rehabilitation, with

almost all interested parties in favour. A pilot reflooding of 400 km , begun in 1994,

demonstrated rapid regeneration of perennial grassland, rebound in wildlife populations

and improvements to cattle grazing and fisheries. Not all elements came back equally,

nor to pre-dam levels, so predictions are made for the future progress of the regeneration.

The fishermen and cattle recovered faster than the vegetation and wildlife, indicating a

need to build in adequate controls to prevent over-use. Reflooding increased grazing

intensity, and the rate of incursions by pastoralists into Waza NP did not clearly fall,

which was one desired outcome. This could eventually destroy the gains of reflooding

unless controlled. Local communities can be given incentives to defend these rich

resources, such as by implementing immigration controls, but these experiences

strongly indicate a need for conservation and development projects such as this to

think regionally, rather than creating, by means of local development alongside a

conservation area, honey-pots which draw people in from surrounding under-

privileged areas, thereby increasing pressure on the area which the project seeks to

conserve. The study highlights the need to incorporate a protection element, too often

54

Reviews

Malimbus 28

forgotten in simplistic applications of the conservation-and-development approach,

with park guards or other authorities enforcing both national and local rules.

Several of the book’s 12 chapters have been published or are in press as journal

articles, while other aspects of the author’s comprehensive studies in Waza-Logone

have been published elsewhere, including in Malimbus (21: 16-50; 22: 29-31).

Chapter 1 gives a general introduction and demonstrates the unprecendentedly

comprehensive nature of the studies undertaken, including reviews of pre-dam

surveys in the well-studied Waza area, and detailed investigation of the effects of the

dam on vegetation, wildlife, grazing and fisheries, which demonstrate conclusively

the ecological and social disaster it caused. The point is made that this project

succeeded in part because it attempted to re-establish natural and traditional use,

whereas most failed conservation-and-development projects have sought to establish

new developments. There is a 32-page section that tells the book’s story very

effectively in colour photographs and captions. Chapter 2 outlines the human and

environmental history of the area, and chapters 3-7 examine the effects of the

reflooding on vegetation, waterbirds, antelope and pastoralists. Chapter 8 looks at the

risks of success — development increasing pressure on natural resources — while 9

considers the success of the consensual management planning approach and

emphasises the importance of regional planning. Chapters 1 0 and 1 1 review training

at the three African colleges of wildlife management, especially at Garoua, where the

author taught for some years. Chapter 12 is an excellent synthesis, marred only by the

abstract and not-very-useful analysis in incomprehensible development-speak.

My main criticisms reflect the book’s origin as a thesis and separate papers:

repetition of introductory material; too many near-identical maps but none at the

beginning to show all main features mentioned; a confusing use of “years” related to

the flood cycle, where “Feb 1991” might actually mean “Feb 1992”, which might

have been useful to the author but should have been changed for publication. The

English is poor in some sections, despite the author’s attempts to get the text proofed

by native English-speakers: they let him down in places, resulting in ambiguities or

occasionally incomprehension. But these should not stop anyone reading the book.

The whole book is in effect a balanced review of the pros and cons of the old

conservation “protection” and the more recent “integrated conservation and

development” approaches. The latter is criticised where criticism is due, especially

for its simplistic reliance on development carrots and neglect of the need for

regulation, or even neglect of the conservation raison d’être of the project. The

supreme importance of majority community approval for conservation projects,

regional planning, and protection against abuse are emphasised, and other conclusions

and recommendations are carefully considered and sensible. Given that these

recommendations come from a success story, they should be taken very seriously.

This book should be required reading for all conservation scientists and managers.

Alan Tye

2006

55

Society Notices — Informations de la Société

WAOS Website

In 2004, Council decided to make the foil text of Malimbus, except for the most recent

three years, available on the website (http://malimbus.free.fr). Visitors can download pdfs

of complete issues. Recently, an alternative method of accessing the foil text has been

introduced. Visitors can now view, download and print individual pages of Malimbus.

Also available are three pointers to individual Malimbus pages. The species

index, the tables of contents and the country references are visible on the screen

simultaneously with the Malimbus page. Hence, researchers interested in particular

species, or particular locations or countries, or particular articles, can see, download

or print the relevant Malimbus pages. This new feature is unique in African

ornithology and an important research tool.

Not all years are yet online, but it is intended to cover volumes 1-24 during 2006.

Because there may be “bugs” in this new system, users are encouraged to let the

Webmaster know of any difficulties encountered, or any suggestions for

improvement.

Peter Browne

Webmaster <pbrowne@cybems.ca>

Site web SOOA

En 2004, le Conseil a décidé de rendre le texte intégral de Malimbus, sauf pour les

dernières années, disponible sur le site Web (http://malimbus.free.fr). Les visiteurs

peuvent télécharger des numéros complets au format pdf Récemment, un autre

moyen d’accès au texte complet a été introduit: les visiteurs peuvent ainsi consulter,

télécharger et imprimer des pages au choix de Malimbus. Disponibles sont aussi les

trois pointeurs aux pages désirées de Malimbus. L’index des espèces, les tables des

matières et les références par pays sont visibles sur l’écran en même temps que la

page de Malimbus. Ainsi, les chercheurs intéressés par une espèce, un endroit, un

pays ou un article particulier peuvent voir, télécharger ou imprimer les pages

correspondantes de Malimbus. Cette nouvelle disposition est unique en ornithologie

africaine et constitue un important instrument de travail. Toutes les années ne sont pas

encore en ligne mais c’est notre dessein de traiter les volumes 1-24 au cours de 2006.

Comme ce nouveau système peut avoir des bogues, les utilisateurs sont priés de faire

savoir au Webmestre toute difficulté rencontrée ou toute idée d’amélioration.

Peter Browne

Webmestre <pbrowne@cyberus.ca>

56

Society Notices

Malimbus 27

West African Ornithological Society

Société d’Ornithologie de FOuest Africain

Revenue Account for the year ended 31 December 2005

Income 2004

Subscriptions, donations and back numbers £3034 £2051

Interest ^ 103

£3130 £2154

Expenditure

Malimbus production and distribution £3268 £1195

WAOS Research Grants 638 1013

Council expenses 0 _81

3906 2289

Deficit for year 776 135

£3130 £2154

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2005

Assets

Bank balances £643 1 7207

Less subscriptions paid in advance 225 225

6206 6982

Accumulated funds

Balance at 1 January £6982 £7117

Less deficit for year 776 135

£6206 £6982

These Accounts include transactions in Euro converted at the rate of €1.3 = £1.

R.E. Sharland, Treasurer

Certified that I have verified the Society’s bank balances.

G.D. Field

Instructions to Authors

Malimbus publishes research papers, reviews and news about West African ornithology.

Papers and Short Notes must be original contributions; material published elsewhere, in

whole or in part, will not normally be accepted. Short Notes are articles not exceeding 1500

words (including references) or three printed pages in length. Wherever possible, manuscripts

should first have been critically scrutinised by at least one other ornithologist or biologist before

submission. Manuscripts will be sent for critical review to at least one relevant authority.

Items for News & Letters should not exceed 1000 words.

Contributions are accepted in English or French; editorial assistance will be made available

to authors whose first language is not one of these. Submission by email (attached file) is

preferred. For submissions on paper, two copies are required, typed on one side of the paper, with

double spacing and wide margins. Consult the editor for further details, e.g. acceptable software.

All Papers (but not Short Notes) should include a Summary, not exceeding 5% of the

paper’s length. The Summary should include brief reference to major findings of the paper and

not simply review what was done. Summaries will be published in both English and French and

will be translated as appropriate by the Editorial Board.

Format of tabular material, numbers, metric units, references, etc. should match recent

issues. Note particularly: dates are written 2 Feb 1990 but months standing alone may be written

in full; times of day are written 6h45, 17h32 and coordinates in the form 7°46'N, 16°4'E (no

leading zeros); numbers up to ten are written in full, except when followed by abbreviated units

{e.g. 6 m), numbers from 1 1 upwards are written in figures except at the beginning of a sentence.

All references mentioned in the article, and only such, must be listed in the bibliography.

Avifaunal articles must contain a map or gazetteer, including all localities mentioned. They

should include brief notes on climate, topography, vegetation, and conditions or unusual events

prior to or during the study (e.g. late rains etc.). Species lists should include only significant

information; full lists are justified only for areas previously unstudied or unvisited for many

years. Otherwise, include only species for which the study provides new information on range,

period of residence, breeding etc. For each species, indicate range extensions, an assessment of

abundance (Malimbus 17: 36) and dated breeding records; indicate migratory status and period

of residence only as shown by the study. Where appropriate, set data in context by brief

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(e.g. Malimbus 25: 4-30, 24: 15-22, 23: 1-22, 1: 22-28, or 1: 49-54) or in the textual format of

recent issues. Taxonomic sequence and scientific names (and preferably also vernacular

names) should follow Borrow & Demey (2004, Field Guide to the Birds of Western Africa,

Christopher Helm, London), or Dowsett & Forbes-Watson (1993, Checklist of Birds of the

Afrotropical and Malagasy Regions, Tauraco Press, Liège) or The Birds of Africa (Brown et al.

1982, Urban et al. 1986, 1997, Fry et al. 1988, Keith et al. 1992, Fry & Keith 2000, 2004,

Academie Press, London), unless reasons for departure from these authorities are stated. A more

complete guide for authors of avifaunal papers, including the preferred abundance scale,

appeared in Malimbus 17: 35-39; a copy may be obtained from the Editor, who will be happy to

advise on the presentation of specific studies.

Figures should be prepared as for final reproduction, allowing for 20-50% reduction. When

designing Figures, pay attention to Malimbus page-shape. Figures prepared in or scanned into an

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as graphics files, and not pasted into a text file. Low-resolution files and poor-quality printouts

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Ten offprints of Papers (but not of Short Notes) will be sent to single or senior authors, gratis.

Offprints will not be stapled, bound, or covered; they are merely cut from copies of the journal.

MALIMBUS M(l) March 2006

Contents — Table des Matières

Altitudinal distribution of birds in Mukowa primary forest, Irangi area,

eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

R.B. Kizungu 1-6

Dénombrements d’oiseaux d’eau dans le delta intérieur du Niger (Mali)

en janvier 1999, 2000 et 2001.

O. Girard, J. Thaï & B. Niagaté 7-17

Les oiseaux de la région de Sassandra, Côte d’ivoire.

O. Lachenaud 18-34

Changes in the number of cooperative breeding groups of

Yellow-billed Shrike Corvinella corvina at the

University of Ghana, Legon, over 34 years

L.G. Grimes 35-44

Short Notes — Notes Courtes

Observations at a Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis

nest. M. Molokwu, U. Ottosson & J. Azi 45-^6

Rufous Scrub Robin Cercotrichas galactotes at Fusa Hills,

c Plateau State, Nigeria.

T. Osinubi & B. Agboola 46-47

A sight record of the Brown Nightjar Caprimulgus binotatus

in Nigeria. K. Burton 47-49

Minimum survival data of some tropical passerine species in

Comoé National Park, Ivory Coast.

V. Salewski, F. Bairlein & B. Leisler 49-51

News & Letters — Nouvelles & Lettres 52

Reviews — Revues 53-54

Society Notices — Informations de la Société

55-56

^s'i

hlAol

MAUAWUS

Journal oS West African Ornithology

Revue d*OmitholoG^e de l’Ouest Af ricrin

VOLUME Z8 Number 2 September 200b

ISSN 0331-3689

published by:

publiée par:

West ASHemm Oniitholoi^eal Society

Société ^Oraitlioloi^e ûe l’Ouest Afiiicain

West African Ornithological Society

Société d’Ornithologie de l’Ouest Africain

Conseil:

Président: Dr Gérard J. Morel

Vice-Président: ProP C„ Hilary Fry

Trésorier et chargé des abonnements: Robert E. Sharland

Rédacteur en Chef: Dr Alan Tye

Secrétaire du Conseil: Dr Roger Wilkinson

Secrétaire adjoint: Dr Hazell S.S, Thompson

Webmestre: P.W. Peter Browne

Membre du Conseil: Nils Robin

Comité de Rédaction: Prof R. A. Cheke, Dr W.RJ. Deaa R. Demey, RJ. Dowsett, Dr F,

Dowsett-Lemaire, Dr O. Girard, AA Green, Dr L.D.C. Fishpool Prof C.H. Fry, Dr P J. Jones

Site web: <http://malimbus.freeTr/> Distribution de Malimbusi G.D. Field

La correspondance doit être adressée comme suit:

— au Rédacteur en Chef (Dr A, Tye, CDRS, Casilla 17-01-3891, Quito, Ecuador;

<atye@fcdarwin.org.ec>) pour les articles à soumettre à MaUmbus,

— au Trésorier (l Fisher’s Heron, East Mills, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 2JR,

U. K.; <bob@sharland2002Tsnet.co.uk>) pour les abonnements, les questions

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— au Secrétaire du Conseil (Zoological Gardens, Chester CH2 ILH, U. K.;

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— au Secrétaire adjoint (BirdLife International, ICIPE Campus, Kasarani Road, P.O.

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— au Président (1 Route de Sallenelles, 14860 Bréville-les-Monts, France;

<gjmorel@wanadoo.fr>) pour les questions d’intérêt général.

La Société tire son origine de la ''Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society”, fondée en 1964.

Son but est de promouvoir Fomithologie ouest-africaine, principalement au moyen de

sa revue Malimbus (anciennement Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists' Society).

Les demandes d’adhésion sont les bienvenues. Les cotisations annuelles sont de £10

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cotisations peuvent être payées en £ sterling au Trésorier ou en Euro au Président).

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le courrier aérien (demander au Trésorier le tarif).

Anciens Numéros: Les Volumes 11-14 (1975-78) du Bulletin of the Nigerian

Ornithologists ’ Society (du même format que Malimbiis) sont disponibles à £2/€3.50 par

numéro (£4/€7 par volume) ou £15/€25 l’ensemble. Les Volumes 1-9 de Malimbus sont

disponibles à £3/€5 par numéro (£6/€10 par volume) et, à partir du Vol. 10, à £5/€8.50

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Veuillez joindre le paiement à votre commande et l’adresser au Trésorier.

Bourses de Recherches de la S.O.O.A.: Les conditions à remplir pour les

candidatures se trouvent dans Malimbus 25: 72-75 et sur le site web, ou peuvent être

obtenues auprès du Secrétaire du Conseil (adresse d-dessus).

2006

57

Avifaunal and environmental changes on the campus of the

University of Ghana^ Legon, between the 1960s and 2004

by Llewellyn Grimes ^ ^

3 St Nicholas Court, Warwick CV34 4JY, U.K. <lgrime/@freeukxom>

Received 20 July 2005; revised 29 March 2^06.

Summary

PCI 0 7 20OS

LiBRAR't-5,

Of 1 1 1 bird species recorded regularly and annually from late Januaiy to late April

on the University of Ghana campus at Legon, in the 1960s and 1970s, only 83

were recorded in the same period in 2004. Of these, seven were considered more

common and 13 less common than from 1960 to 1975. The environmental

changes that have occurred during the intervening years are considered the main

reason for the loss of most of the 28 species (24 Afrotropical and 4 Palaearctic).

Five species not present from 1960 to 1975 were regularly recorded in 2004.

Résumé

Changements dans I’avifaune et l’environnement sur le campus de

l’Université de Ghana, Legon, entre les années 1960 et 2004, Sur les 111

espèces d’oiseaux observées régulièrement chaque année de fin janvier à fin

avril sur le campus de l’Université du Ghana à Legon pendant les décades de

1960 et 1970, seulement 83 furent observées pour la même période en

2004. Sur celles-ci, sept étaient considérées plus communes et 13 moins

communes qu’entre 1960 et 1975. Les changements survenus entre temps

dans le milieu sont considérés comme la raison principale de la perte de la

plupart des 28 espèces (24 afrotropicales et 4 paléarctiques). Cinq espèces

absentes entre I960 et 1975 ont été régulièrement observées en 2004.

Introduction and methods

I was resident at Legon from 1960 to 1975 and gathered data on the birds foun4 on

and in the immediate vicinity of the University of Ghana campus. In 2004 I had' the

opportunity to return for the period late January to late April, and made daily

observations as time allowed.

It is well documented that an increase in pollution and environmental changes and

infrastructure development in a locality have direct and indirect impacts on its

58

L.G. Grimes

Malimbus 28

avifauna (BirdLife International 2004). Many environmental changes have occurred

on the University campus and its environs since the 1970s, particularly in the last

decade. As rare or infrequently recorded birds would not be adequate indicators of the

effect of environmental changes on a local avifauna subject to relatively limited recent

observation, I limited this study to species that were invariably encountered or often

found, singly or in numbers, in their preferred habitats at Legon from late January

through to end of April in the 1960s and 1970s (taken from Grimes 1987), and that

were recorded annually or which bred.

Nomenclature and sequence follow Brown et al (1982), Urban et al (1986,

1997), Fry et al (1988, 2000), Keith et ai (1992) and Fry & Keith (2004).

Changes in the environment

In the 1960s, the campus was part of the transition zone between the grass savanna

and the thicket zone of the Accra Plains and was surrounded by a mixture of

grassland, thicket and scattered trees which characterised the western sector of the

plains (Brammer 1967). Some indigenous trees grew on the campus but it was

landscaped by mainly exotic species. The suburbs of Accra were beginning to spread

northwards and by the mid 1970s had reached the International Airport some 5 km

south of Legon. Just 1 km or so north from Legon along the Dodowa road was the

village of Madina, and on the plains northeast of Legon the only major construction

was the Atomic Reactor and associated staff housing at Kwabenya. Today, in marked

contrast, the campus is effectively an island in a sea of urbanisation in which Madina

and Kwabenya have been swallowed.

The number of staff bungalows in Little Legon, Legon Hill, Lower Hill, East

Legon and Ayido Valley (Fig. 1) had not changed but, since 1993, further residential

areas have been built south of Little Legon on land formerly the research site of the

Physics Department. An international student hostel has been erected between East

Legon and South Legon and other student accommodation has replaced the cricket

pitch south of Mensah Sarbah Hall. In the late 1970s several student annexes were

built south of Akuafo Hall, Legon Hall and Mensah Sarbah Hall (Fig. 1) and the areas

in between converted to playing fields, which through over use were in 2004 bare of

grass. In addition, some science faculties erected extra buildings, mainly on the north

side of University Avenue (Fig. 1) and several new buildings were under construction

in 2004. Extensions to the Balme Library were started in early February and plans for

a new physics laboratory were well advanced by the time I left.

Notwithstanding these developments, the campus was an oasis of relatively lush

vegetation. All roads were still lined with trees planted in the 1950s, e.g. Copper Pod

Peltophorum pterocarpum along the Estate and Akuafo Roads, MilUngtonia hortensis

along the roads leading into Lower Hill, Mahogany Khaya senegalensis along the

University Avenue and Tabebuia mimosa trees, infected with mistletoe, along roads

2006

Avifaunal changes at Legon

59

Lower Hill

Little Legon

» ' f

■LITTLE

Ayido Valley

' Teak

I Plantation

Botanical

Gardens

AYIDO

-Volta Hall

Legon Hall

^Zoology

Mensah Sarbah Hall

iPptting

;Shè'ds

'Botany

Balme Library,

EAST«'

LE60N

'‘^Akuafo Hall

University Avenue

, SOUTH

L£@ON

yen* I

Dodowa Road

South Legon

VILLAGE

Figure 1. The campus of the University of Ghana in 1993 and the approximate

locations of the new staff and students accommodation built since 1993, and the

newly planted Teak plantation.

New Staff

Accommodation

International

Students Hostel

bordering the Botany and Zoology Departments. The majority were more than twice

their 1970s height and their canopies were often continuous. Specimens of Rain Tree

Samanea saman were still flourishing in older residential areas and several Silk

Cotton Ceiba pentandra trees on Legon Hill were now large enough to house a

vulture’s nest each. Open parkland, of grass with scattered trees and shrubs, existed

between most of the houses, though some areas, e.g. between Ayido Crescent and

Ayido Valley and southwest of Little Legon, were overgrown with thicket of mainly

Neem Azadirachta indica saplings. Houses with gardens had mixed borders of shrubs

and trees and those on the periphery of the campus had small plantations of cassava,

and clumps of banana and paw-paw trees, much as they did in the 1970s. In the 1970s,

Legon Hill had staff residences on the south side and the west and north sides were

covered with lush grass, thicket patches and shrub vegetation. By 2004 this vegetation

60

L.G. Grimes

Malimbus 28

was degraded through cut and bum farming and that on the north side had been

cleared and replaced by a young teak plantation.

Although the infrastmcture of the Botanical Garden (Fig.l) had been neglected,

the variety of trees and their density were little changed. The Mother of Cocoa

GUricidia sepium plantation still existed south of the pond (Fig. 1) but the large Silk

Cotton tree that grew near it, and housed a vulture’s nest in the 1970s, had fallen. The

canopy of the semi-deciduous forest trees planted in the 1950s near the potting sheds

was now continuous and the light intensity at ground level was low.

The most important factor that has affected the environment has been the increase

in student numbers, particularly in the last decade. Numbers were 2360 in 1971-2,

reached 16000 in 2001-2 and then shot up to just over 24800 in 2003-4. Public

transport and service vehicles have increased in step with student numbers, and a

continuous flow of traffic occurred throughout the day along most roads linking the

faculties and student residences (Fig. 1). Short-cut tracks, between lecture rooms and

accommodation blocks, criss-crossed the campus everywhere, and grass cover in the

central campus was minimal, particularly between Volta Hall, the Balme Library and

the Science block. Noise pollution and litter of plastic bags and bottles did not exist in

the 1970s but both were now major concerns. In addition, many food stalls

contributed to the general pollution.

Results

The 1 1 1 indicator species selected, which were recorded in the period late January to

late April in the 1960s and 1970s, are listed in Table 1, together with their assessed

status for the same months in 2004. Of the 83 present in 2004, seven were more

common and 13 less common.

Table 1. Bird species regularly and commonly recorded at Legon from late

January to late April in the 1960s and 1970s, and their status in 2004. Status

symbols: + more common; ” no change; - less common; 0 not recorded.

Status in 2004

Ardeidae

Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night Heron 0

Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret +

Accipitridae

Elanus caeruleus Black-shouldered Kite -

Milvus migrans Black Kite +

Necrosyrtes monachus Hooded Vulture +

Accipiter badius Shikra =

Kaupifalco monogrammicus Lizard Buzzard =

2006

Avifaunal changes at Legon

6!

Fakoeidae

Falco tinnunculus Common Kestrel

F. ardosiaceus Grey Kestrel

F. subbuteo African Hobby

Pliasîanîdae

Francoiinus bicalcaratus Double-spurred Francolin

Rallidae

Amaurorms flavirostris Black Crake

Jacanidae

Actophilornis africana African Jacana

Ciiaradriidae

Vanellus senegallus Wattled Plover

V. iugubris Senegal Plover

Columbidae

Treron calva African Green Pigeon

Turtur afer Red-bilied Wood Dove

T. abyssinicus Black-billed Wood Dove

Streptopelia semitorquata Red-eyed Dove

S. vinacea Vinaceous Dove

A senegalensis Laughing Dove

Psittaddae

Poicephalus senegalus Senegal Parrot

Musophagidae

Tauraco persa Green Turaco

Musophaga violacea Violet Plantain-eater

Crimfer piscator Grey Plantain-eater

CucuMdae

Oxyiophus levaillantii Levaillant’s Cuckoo

Cuculus guiaris African Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx Maas Klaas’s Cuckoo

C caprius Didric Cuckoo

Centropus senegalensis Senegal Coucal

Tytoeidae

Tyto alba Bam Owl

Strigidae

Oîus scops senegalensis Common Scops Owl

O. leucotis White-faced Scops Owl

Glaucidium periatum Pearl-spotted Owlet

Caprimulgidae

Caprimulgus cUmacurus Long-tailed Nightjar

Macrodipteryx longipennis Standard-winged Nightjar

Status in 2004

0

+

0

62

L.G. Grimes

Malimbus 28

Status In 2004

Apodidae

Cypsiurus parvus African Palm Swift =

Apus affmis Little Swift =

Akedinidae

Halcyon senegalensis Woodland Kingfisher =

H. chelicuti Striped Kingfisher 0

Ceyx picta African Pygmy Kingfisher =

Meropidae

Merops pusUlus Little Bee-eater =

M albicolUs White-throated Bee-eater =

M apiaster European Bee-eater 0

M malimbicus Rosy Bee-eater 0

Coraciidae

Eurystomm glaucurus Broad-billed Roller =

Phoenkulidae

Phoenicuius purpureus Red-billed Wood-Hoopoe =

Bucerotidae

Tockus fascîaîus African Pied Hombill =

T. nasutus African Grey Hombill =

Capitonidae

Pogoniidus chrysoconus Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird ==

Lybius vieilloti Vieillot’s Barbet -

L. bidenîaîus Tooth-billed Barbet =

Picîdae

Campeîhera punctidigera Fine-spotted Woodpecker =

Dendropicos goerîae Grey Woodpecker =

Alaudidae

Mirafra rufocinnamomea Flappet Lark 0

Hirundinidae

Hirundo senegalensis Mosque Swallow -

MotacilMdae

Motacilla flava flava Blue-headed Wagtail 0

M/ thunbergi Grey-headed Wagtail 0

Anthiis leucophrys Plain-backed Pipit 0

A. trivialis Tree Pipit 0

Macronyx croceus Yellow-throated Longclaw 0

Campephagidae

Campephaga phoenicea Red-shouldered Cuckoo-Shrike =

Pycnonotidae

Andropadus virens Little Greenbul 0

Chlorocichia simplex Simple Greenbul =

2006

Avifaunal changes at Legoe

63

Status in 2004

Pycnonotus barbatus Common Buibu! =

Turdidae

Lusdnia megarhynchos Nightingale 0

Cossypha niveicapiila Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat =

Turdus pelios African Thrash =

Sylviidae

Melocichia mentalis Moustached Grass- Warbler 0

Hippoiais poiygioiia Melodious Warbler =

Cisticola erythrops Red-faced Cisticola -

C cantans Singing Cisticola 0

C. natalensis Croaking Cisticola 0

C. brachypterus Sifflieg Cisticola 0

C. juncidis Fan-tailed Cisticola 0

Prinia subflava Tawny- flanked Prinia =

Helioiais erythroptera Red-winged Warbler =

Camaroptera brachyura Bleating Warbler =

Eremomeia pusilla Senegal Eremomela =

Phyiloscopus trochUus Willow Warbler =

P. sibilatrix Wood Warbler =

Muscieapidae

Musdcapa striata Spotted Flycatcher -

Timaliidae

Turdoides plebejus Brown Babbler =

T. reinwardtii Blackcap Babbler =

Nectarînlîdae

Cyanomitra verticalis Green-headed Sunbird =

Cinnyris chloropygia Olive-bellied Sunbird 0

C coccinigastra Splendid Sunbird =

C. cuprea Copper Sunbird =

Zosteropidae

Zosterops senegalensis Yellow White-eye 0

Laniidae

Corvineiia corvîwaYellow-billed Shrike +

Malaconotidae

Malaconotus bianchoti Grey-headed Bush-Shrike

M sulfureopectus Orange-breasted Bush-Shrike

Tchagra senegala Black-crowned Tchagra

Dryoscopus gambensis Northern Puffback

Laniarius aetMopicus Tropical Boubou

L. barbarus Yellow-crowned Goneiek

Niiaus afer Brabra

0

64

L.G, Grimes

Malimbus 28

Birds more common in 2004

In the following, the first sentence gives status in the 1960s and 70s; second sentence

2004.

Cattle Egret. Visited campus each day but did not roost there. A roost of at least

300 in trees overhanging the pond in the Botanical Gardens and many in breeding

dress in late April.

Black Kite. Roosted in small numbers in the Botanical Gardens and a pair nested

near the University Guest Centre. At least 30 roosted regularly within the gardens and

two pairs bred, one on Legon Hill and the other at the site used in the 1970s.

Hooded Vulture. A pair nested annually in a Silk Cotton tree near the pool in the

Botanical Gardens. Twelve nests with young were located on the campus, three

clustered around Commonwealth Hall, three in trees along the University Avenue,

two in Little Legon and the rest on Legon Hill; up to 50 birds rested during mid-day

on a watered playing field near Mensah Sarbah Hall and many roosted on the campus.

Senegal Parrot. Infrequent in the mid-1960s but their numbers increased in the

1970s as trees increased in size and their foliage became more profuse. This was even

2006

Avifaueai changes at Legon

65

more apparent in 2004, when noisy flocks were daily present in the Botanical Gardens

and in all of the residential areas; pairs were investigating nest holes.

Yel!oW“billed Shrike. Twenty-three groups (c. 276 birds) present in Mar 1973

(Grimes 1980). Thirty-three groups {c. 297 shrikes) there in Mar 2004 (Grimes 2006).

Pied Crow. Regular visitor to Legon and nested there but nearest roost was at

Achimota, som,e 8 km to the west. Large roosts present in trees along University

Avenue and within Legon and Akuafo hails: in a 10-min. period at dusk on 27 Feb

2004, 66 birds moved into the Legon Hall roost from the west; several pairs beginning

to build nests, early April

Northern Grey-headed Sparrow. Present and some pairs nested. Pairs were

breeding in ail the halls of residence and in roofs of staff houses.

Birds less common in 2004

As in the previous section, the first sentence gives status in the 1960s and 70s; second

sentence 2004.

Black-shouldered Kite. Regularly sighted, usually above Legon Hill and within

the Botanical Gardens, including a nest with two eggs, 5 Feb 1974, in a tree which

also contained a Yellow-billed Shrike's nest. Only record one bird near southern edge

of campus, 3 Mar.

Grey Kestrel. Nested in 1970s and regularly sighted on campus. Single birds only

seen, 20 Feb and 13 Mar.

Double-spurred Francolin. Frequent in cassava farms bordering campus and in

thickets in Botanical Gardens. Only occasional in farms bordering Little Legon.

Senegal Plover. Frequently visited playing fields at night, usually in noisy groups

of 4—6. Only once heard near Legon Hall, 7 Mar.

White-faced Owl. Regularly recorded and bred annually, Oct-Feb. Only one, 7

Apr.

Green Turaco. Usually seen, singly or in pairs, on each visit to the Botanical

Gardens. Only once recorded there, 1 6 Apr.

Vieillot’ s Barbet. Duetting pairs were a feature of the acoustical landscape and

bred in the residential areas. Only heard duetting 18 Apr. ^

Mosque Swallow. Often recorded hawking over Legon. Few sightings.

Red-faced Cisticola. Duets a feature of the acoustical landscape in areas with rank

grass and thickets. Only recorded in Little Legon on four occasions.

Spotted Flycatcher. Regular visitor to well established gardens in Little Legon.

Only twice recorded.

Tropical Boubou. Bell-like calls a feature of the thicket areas of the Botanical

Gardens and on Legon Hill. Only heard 23 Apr.

Gonolek. Occurred in all thicket patches within the Botanical Gardens and in the

residential areas and heard regularly. Only two pairs regularly heard in Little Legon.

Bar-breasted Fire-Finch. Frequent in small groups in mature gardens, often

visiting garden pools. Only recorded Little Legon, 8 Mar.

66

L.G. Grimes

Malimbus 28

Birds not recorded in 2004

Because the 28 species not recorded were readily identifiable in the field, either through

sight or sound or both, Î am confident that they would have been detected if they had

been present. Of these species, the following illustrate typical data collected in the 1960s

and 1970s. Black-crowned Night Heron occurred regularly in the Botanical Gardens and

roosted near the pond. African Green Pigeon was resident and found within the

residential areas and the Botanical Gardens. Standard-winged Nightjars were regularly

spotted at night on roads around Legon Hill. Striped Kingfishers frequented playing

fields and were particularly vocal mid-Feb to mid-Mar. The European Bee-eater was

infrequently recorded in the early 1 960s but flocks of > 20 birds were present in the

1970s, either feeding within cassava plots or hawking over the campus, and flocks (> 10

birds) of Rosy Bee-eaters were regularly recorded hawking over the campus in the early

morning in the 1970s. In the 1960s, Little Greenbuls, Nightingales and Olive-bellied

Sunbirds were regularly heard singing or calling from within an extensive area of thicket

in the Botanical Gardens. Initially this was protected because of its unique structure,

density and composition but by the mid-1970s much of this had been removed and all

three species suffered, the Little Greenbul and Olive-bellied Sunbirds being extirpated

before the Nightingale. The Yellow Wagtail was a regular visitor and foraged on

landscaped grassed areas of the campus and on playing fields, late Sep to end of Mar or

early Apr; my only record in 2004 was at Sakumo lagoon, some 30 km east of Legon,

18 Apr. Both Plain-backed and Tree Pipits occurred on playing fields and open

parkland, the latter often with wagtails. Family groups of White Helmet-Shrikes often

passed through the residential areas of Little Legon and Legon Hill in the late 1960s and

70s, suggesting that some groups were probably resident elsewhere on the plains. The

distinctive songs, song flights or calls of the Vinaceous Dove, Flappet Lark, Yellow-

throated Longclaw, Moustached Grass- Warbler, the four cisticolas, Yellow White-

eye, Brabm, Yellow-mantled Widowbird and Pin-tailed Whydah were a feature of the

acoustical landscape in the 1960s and 70s, and males of the last two species were in

breeding dress in late Mar or early Apr. The only male pin-tails located in Mar and

Apr 2004 were in the Aburi Botanical gardens, some 30 km north of Legon.

Species not recorded on the campus in the 1960s and 1970s but present in 2004

Of the species not present at Legon in the 1960s and 1970s, two had been recorded

elsewhere on the Accra plains in the 1970s; Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri

in the Shai Hills c. 50 km east of Legon and Blue-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon

malimbica at Achimota c. 8 km to the west (not at Legon as stated in Grimes 1978).

The Red-fronted Parrot Poicephaim guiielmi, a rain forest species, sighted in a flock

of Senegal Parrots (13 Feb 2004) was probably an escapee as it is often kept as a

captive bird in Accra ( R.J. Dowsett in Utt.).

Both the Splendid and Long-tailed Glossy Starlings were established species at

Legon in 2004 and one at least was breeding. The Splendid, a mainly lowland forest

species, was the most abundant and noisiest glossy starling on the campus, even at 3h00,

2006

Avifaunal changes at Legon

67

and the most pugnacious. It competed for nesting sites with Long-tailed in trees near

Commonwealth Hall chapel and with Purple Glossy Starling elsewhere on the campus.

One pair was feeding young in a nest hole in a tree near the University Guest Centre in

February and early April. Its arrival time in the Accra area is not known, though flocks

were twice recorded at Legon in 1988 (Dutson & Branscombe 1990, see also Allan

1996). In the 1970s, Long-tailed inhabited the drier areas north of the forest belt. In

2004, a group of three was always present in trees just south of Commonwealth Chapel

and in nearby areas of Legon Hill, one was twice recorded in the Botanical Gardens (2

Feb, 6 Mar), and an adult was seen carrying a leaf on several occasions in Feb. It is not

known when Long-tailed Glossy Starling reached the Accra Plains but small numbers

were recorded in Accra, though not at Legon, as early as 1988 (Dutson & Branscombe

1990). It may well have arrived on the Plains through the drier Volta Region corridor.

Discyssion

The reduction in size of thicket, grass savanna and playing fields, and the general

degradation of the vegetation surrounding the Legon campus can adequately account

for the absence of most of the 28 species that were not seen in 2004 and the reduction

in numbers of 13 others. In addition, the general disturbance and noise due to the 10-

fold increase in student numbers would also make the campus unattractive to many

species. At the same time, the easy availability of food from the numerous food stalls

and undisposed waste on the campus would account for the increase in numbers of the

Black Kite, Hooded Vulture, Pied Crow and Grey-headed Sparrow. The likely causes

for the change in status of other species are more difficult to identify and would

require longer observation. The species list will permit assessment of future changes

in the avifauna at Legon due to environmental changes. These will undoubtedly occur

as a further increase in student numbers is planned. I was pleasantly surprised to find

the campus much as I remembered it and it was a delight to walk in familiar territory

and hear familiar and new sounds. It remained a haven of rest for visitors from

bustling Accra despite the explosion in student numbers, and may it long continue so.

Acknowledgments

Dr Frank Walsh read an earlier draft of this paper but the format has been much im-

proved through the comments of referees. To all, especially the latter, I am indebted.

References

Allan, D. (1996) Birding in Ghana. Afr. Birds Birding 1(4): 21-23.

68

L.G. Grimes

Malimbus 28

Birdlife International (2004) State of the World’s Birds 2004. Birdlife

International, Cambridge,

Brammer, H, (1967) Soils of the Accra Plains. Mem. Soil Res. Inst. Kumasi 3.

Brown, L., Urban, E.K. & Newman, K. (eds) (1982) The Birds of Africa, vol 1.

Academic Press, London.

Dutson, G. & Branscombe, J. (1990) Rainforest Birds in South-west Ghana. Study

Rep. 46, International Council for Bird Preservation, Cambridge.

Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. (eds) (2004) The Birds of Africa, voL 7. Christopher Helm,

London.

Fry, C.H., Keith, S. & Urban, E.K. (eds) (1988) The Birds of Africa, vol 3.

Academic Press, London.

Fry, C.H., Keith, S. & Urban, E.K. (eds) (2000) The Birds of Africa, vol 6.

Academic Press, London.

Grimes, L.G. (1980) Observations of group behaviour and breeding biology of the

Yellow-billed Shrike Corvinella corvina. Ibis 122: 166-192.

Grimes, L.G, (1987) Birds of Ghana. Check-list 9, British Ornithologist’s Union,

London.

Grimes, L.G. (2006) Changes in the numbers of cooperative breeding groups of the

Yellow-billed Shrike Corvinella corvina at the University of Ghana, Legon, over

34 years. Malimbus 28: 35-44.

Keith, S., Urban, E.K. & Fry, C.H. 1992. The Birds of Africa, vol. 4. Academic

Press, London.

Urban, E.K., Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. (1986) The Birds of Africa, vol. 2. Academic

Press, London.

Urban, E.K., Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. (1997) The Birds of Africa, vol. 5. Academic

Press, London.

2006

69

Social interactions, moult and pre-migratory fattening

among Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava in the Nigerian Sahel

by Christopher Paul Bell

Conservation Programmes, Zoological Society of London,

Regent’s Park, London NWl 4RY, U.K. <chris.bell@zsLorg>

Received 10 January 2006; revised 20 March 2006.

Summary

Yellow Wagtails were studied at Nguru, northern Nigeria, just before pre-

nuptial migration, and the findings are compared with results of similar

studies carried out elsewhere in the country. Wagtails foraged mainly on

farmland, as recently observed elsewhere in Nigeria, but in contrast to 30

years earlier when they fed mostly around cattle and at water margins. Males

defended compact territories in which females appeared to feed

opportunistically, contributing to a high level of aggression and indicating a

densely packed population. Subspecies, age and sex composition were

consistent with previous studies in northern Nigeria. When compared with

more southerly wintering populations, the preponderance of males and adults,

and a diverse range of subspecies characteristic of breeding areas in southern

Europe, indicate marked differential and leap-frog migration patterns. Pre-

migratory fattening was detected only in adult males, in contrast to previous

studies in the same area showing fattening across all population classes over

the same calendar period. Together with low weights among non-fattening

birds, lack of overlap between fattening and moult, and a high density and

level of agonistic behaviour, this suggests a population under stress, '

consistent with recent catastrophic loss of available habitat in the local area.

Résumé

Intéractions sociales^ mue et engraissement pré-migratoires chez la

Bergeronnette printanière Motacilla flava au Sahel nigérian. Les

Bergeronnettes printanières ont été étudiées à Nguru, nord du Nigéria, juste

avant la migration prénuptiale, et les résultats sont comparés à ceux d’études

similaires menées ailleurs dans le pays. Les bergeronnettes se nourrissaient

surtout dans les champs, comme on l’a récemment observé ailleurs au

Nigéria, mais non plus comme 30 ans plus tôt surtout près du bétail et au bord

de l’eau. Les mâles défendaient de petits territoires où les femelles semblaient

se nourrir de façon opportuniste, ce qui contribuait à un haut niveau

70

C.P. Bell

Malimbus 28

d’agressivité et indiquait une forte densité de population. La répartition en

sous-espèces, âges et sexes correspondait à celle des études précédentes dans

le nord nigérian. La comparaison de cette population à celles hivernant plus

au sud, la prépondérance des mâles et des adultes ainsi qu’une distribution des

sous-espèces caractéristiques des zones de reproduction au sud de l’Europe,

indiquaient un système de migration différentiel prononcé et en saute-mouton.

L’engraissement pré-migratoire n’a été mis en évidence que chez les mâles

adultes, contrairement à des études antérieures dans la même région

qui montraient l’engraissement pour toutes les classes de population durant la

même période. Aussi bien les poids faibles parmi les sujets n’ayant pas

engraissé que l’absence de chevauchement entre engraissement et mue de

même qu’une forte densité et le niveau élevé d’agressivité, révèlent une

population sous tension, ce que confirme la récente et catastrophique perte

d’habitat disponible dans la région locale.

Introduction

For migratory birds, and particularly long-distance migrants, the period

immediately prior to pre-nuptial migration is critical. Preparation and departure

must be timed to enable arrival on the breeding grounds at the optimal time to

maximise breeding success (Moller 1994). Insectivorous Palaearctic migrants

wintering just south of the Sahara need to build up a large fat depot to enable

crossing of the desert, at a time when many wintering areas have experienced no

rain for up to half a year, and arthropod availability is at an annual low. Many such

migrants also undergo substantial moults in late winter, creating an additional

energetic requirement that may conflict with the need to acquire an energy surplus

to lay down fat reserves.

The Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava is an insectivorous Palaearctic migrant that

has been relatively well studied in its sub-Saharan wintering area, mainly due to the

relative ease of trapping large numbers at mass roosts (Smith & Ebbutt 1966, Fry et

ai. 1972, Wood 1978). The species has marked leap-frog and differential migration

patterns, the latter partly mediated by a gradual southerly shift in population over the

course of the winter that varies in degree among population age and sex classes. It has

also been shown to depart the wintering ground in sequence according to breeding

latitude, with more southerly breeding (and northerly wintering) populations

migrating earlier (Wood 1975, 1992).

In order to understand how the species manages its energy in the period prior to

migration, I studied pre-migratory fattening, moult, and social organisation in a

population of Yellow Wagtails in the Sahel of N Nigeria, where energy trade-offs

may be particularly acute. I compare results with previous studies carried out in the

same area and elsewhere in Nigeria, in the context of short- and long-term changes in

the environment, and ideas about the origin of migration patterns.

2006

Pre-migratory Yellow Wagtails

71

Methods

Fieldwork was carried out between 12 and 31 Mar 2005 at Ngura (12®52'N, 10®27'E)

in N Nigeria. Ngum is situated at the N edge of the floodplain of the Hadejia and

Jama’are rivers, where the annual flood supports a dry season “recession farming”

economy, in which plots are cultivated by hand in the wake of receding flood waters

(Hollis et al. 1993). Primary crops are cowpea, groundnuts, okra and onions, and such

farmland forms the principal foraging habitat of wagtails wintering in the area. The

study area comprised a c. 50 ha strip of farmed land, sandwiched between dry,

uncultivated savanna to the north and flooded areas to the south supporting extensive

stands of Typha australis.

Mist netting was carried out daily using two 12-m, four-panel nets in cultivated

plots either side of the main Nguru-Hadejia highway, between 3 and 5 km west of

Nguru. Mist-netting rapidly became confined to the 2-3 h following sunrise, and 1-2

h before sunset, owing to a persistent NE wind that prevailed in the middle of the day.

Individual netting sessions were rotated around six sites scattered across the cultivated

area, to minimize habituation to, and avoidance of, the nets by foraging wagtails. Each

captured wagtail was ringed, weighed using a spring balance, and aged and sexed

where possible using standard criteria (Alstrom & Mild 2003). Diagnostic subspecific

characters were recorded, and each bird was also examined for moult.

Mist-netting operations afforded ample opportunity to observe social interactions

and territoriality among the focal populations. The variable plumage of the wagtails in

the area meant that individuals became quickly recognisable, enabling mapping of

some of the territories near the nets. This proved possible at the five out of six sites

where netting was carried out on at least five days.

Weights were obtained at varying times of day, so for analyses Ngura weights are

corrected to sunset (18h30) assuming a linear weight gain of 1.2g during the hours of

daylight (this applies to the analyses presented in Figs 1 and 2 and Tables 2 and 3).

Results

Subspecies, sex, and age

The 81 wagtails captured and examined varied greatly in subspecific characteristics,

as determined primarily by colour and head markings Table 1). Most males were

assignable either to M f. flava or M f. cinereocapUla (Fig. 1), while a few resembled

the plumage variants M / ''clombrowskif\ with a relatively dark blue crown and blue-

black ear coverts, or M. f '‘‘superdliarf, with an entirely blue-black crown, both

with a white supercilium (Fig. 2; Alstrom & Mild 2003). The majority of females

resembled typical M / flava, but some resembled females of the dark-headed

populations of the Mediterranean basin, either lacking a pale supercilium or with a

relatively dark crown (Alstrom & Mild 2003), and in many cases showing both of

72

C.P. Bell

Malimbus 28

these characteristics. Females were assigned to subspecies as follows: pale head and

well-defined supercilium = M. f flava\ dark head and ill-defined supercilium =

cinereocapilla; any other = “intermediate” (considered equivalent to ''dombrowskif

or ‘‘'superciiiaris'' among males). Two birds had entirely green crowns and bright

yellow supercilia and undei*parts (Fig. 3), and were assigned as females as both had

shorter wings than any of the males examined.

The sex ratio in the mist-net sample showed a slight preponderance of males, and

of the birds that it was possible to age accurately, only one in five proved to be a first

winter bird (Table 1).

Table 1. Trapped wagtail age, sex and “subspecies” categories.

Weight

Four birds were retrapped on a later date (Fig. 4), and the two that were still moulting

when retrapped, both of which were territory-holding males, had lost weight. One of

these birds was also retrapped twice on the date of first capture, showing a marked

Figure 1. Male M. / flava (left) and M. f. cinereocapilla.

2006

Pre-migratory Yeüow Wagtails

73

decrease in weight over the course of a few hours (Fig. 4). Since short-term weight

loss may have been an effect of the capture itself, retraps are excluded from

subsequent analyses of weight. No weight increase over time was detectable among

Figure 3. Female with green crown and yellow supercilium.

females (mean weight 15.3 g) or first-winter males (mean 16.7 g), but adult males

increased steadily in weight at a mean rate of 0.25g per day (Fig. 4, Table 2). This

compares with a rate of 0.43g per day in a population sampled using a similar

74

C.P. Bell

Malimbus 28

protocol on familand near Jos in central Nigeria (9M9'N, 8°54'E) in early April 2004

(Bell in press), corresponding to a prediction that southerly wintering populations

should fatten more quickly (see Discussion). The difference between the two studies

approaches significance (ss = 8.867, F| = 2.195, P = 0.07 one-tailed, 95%

confidence interval for the difference of -0.058 to 0.406), despite the high error

variance for slope inherent in data sets of this kind (Bell in press).

The trends in weight at Nguru contrast sharply with those indicated by a study

carried out within 1° of latitude of Nguru at Kano (12®0'N, 8®30'E), where a marked

increase in weight was noted among both males and females over the same calendar

period in two successive years (Wood 1976, 1992). Trends differ significantly

between the two datasets for both males and females (Table 3). Nguru adult males,

though increasing in weight, did so around 6-8 days later than males in the earlier

sample (Fig. 4). Nguru females were also significantly lighter than females sampled at

Kano prior to the start of pre-migratory fattening in early March (Fig. 5).

Date (March)

Figure 4. Weights of Yellow Wagtails at Nguru, 2005. Solid symbols indicate

moulting birds. Solid regression lines: adult males (upper) and females (lower).

Dashed lines: regressions for males and females in a 1974 sample from Kano

(Wood 1976). Dotted lines: weight changes in retrapped birds.

2006

Pre-migraîoiy Yellow Wagtails

75

Table 2. Analysis of covariance of weights of Yellow Wagtails at Nguru, March

2005. Model simplification proceeds with removal of non-significant levels of the

interaction between sex-age category and date, followed by removal of the age

factor within females only, to give the minimum adequate model.

Table 3. Analysis of covariance comparing weights of Yellow Wagtails at Nguru

with those at Kano, March 1974.

Weight (g)

Figure 5. Weights of female Yellow Wagtails at Nguru in March 2005, compared

to Kano, early March 1974 (data from Wood 1992). Mean weight for Kano birds

is significantly greater (ss ” 3.68, Fi,6o ^ 4.86, 0.03).

76

C.P. Bell

Malimbus 28

Moult

Moulting birds were found throughout the study, though the proportion showing

evidence of moult declined (Fig. 6 and Table 4). Females may have lagged behind

males in the progress of moult, as previously noted in Nigeria (Wood 1976). Most

females were still moulting at the end of the study, but no moulting males were seen

after 26 March (Fig. 6). Moult was complete in all of the heavy males seen during the

latter part of the study period (Fig. 4), suggesting that pre-migratory fattening began

in earnest only when moult had ended.

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Date (March)

Figure 6. Numbers of wagtails in three consecutive stages of moult.

2006

Pre-migratory Yellow Wagtails

77

Table 4. Analysis of covariance of moult stage among Yellow Wagtails at Nguru,

where birds showing wing and/or tail moult = 0, body moult only ” 1, completed

moult - 2, A binomial error structure and logit link function were used with

scaled deviance to adjust for overdispersion of the data.

Social Organisation

The area around at least five of the six mist-netting locations was divided up into

territories, held almost exclusively by males and defended vigorously against

intruding wagtails. Defended areas were small, typically no more than around 30 m in

diameter. Some females also occupied consistent foraging areas, and some agonistic

interactions between females were seen. However, only two females were seen to

defend territories against intruding males. Most females appeared non-territorial, fed

opportunistically in male territories, but retreated on the approach of the territory

owner. Of the trapped birds, 1 1 were identified as territory holders, all of which were

males. Nine of these were aged, and all except one were second-winter or older.

Two male wagtails appeared to abandon territories after being trapped, and on

both occasions the vacant territory was immediately occupied and defended by

another wagtail, in one case a female. The replacement male was subsequently

trapped and was found to be older than one year, perhaps suggesting the presence of

mature males among the non-territorial population.

Discussion

Social behaviour in relation to the environment

The territorial behaviour seen at Nguru is in sharp contrast to the situation on similar

habitat at Jos in April 2004, where wagtails formed roving flocks of up to 200 birds (Bell

in press) and showed no evidence of territorial behaviour. This difference almost certainly

relates to differences in the agricultural regime. At Jos, fields of tomatoes and peppers

relied on periodic irrigation with water pumped from nearby bon'ow pits. This was done in

rotation, with different embanked enclosures irrigated in turn over a period of days, and

wagtail flocks would generally alight in areas that had been recently irrigated. Flocking

behaviour may therefore reflect the fact that food availability is always highest in the area

most recently irrigated. By contrast at Ngum, the crops rely on a more stable high water

table, and defence of territories is appropriate for dominant males at least.

Territories at Nguru were considerably smaller than areas used by breeding

wagtails in Europe: generally several hectares when young are in the nest (Bell 1995).

78

C.P. Bell

Malimbus 28

The tightly packed territories of c. 0.1 ha also indicate a much higher density of

wagtails than at Jos, where about 75 ha of farmland held around 300 wagtails (Bell

2006). A similar area at Nguru might hold up to 750 territories, and if the trap sample

reflects overall sex ratio in the population, the density including non-territorial birds

might be double this, especially if, as seems likely, there were many first-year and

some adult males in the floating population. Competition to re-establish temporarily

undefended territories might have contributed to the weight loss of two retrapped

territory holders, since both frequented an area with particularly high densities and

high frequency of agonistic interactions.

The concentration of wagtails in areas of cultivation at both Nguru and Jos

contrasts with the situation observed in both areas in the 1970s, when the primary

habit of wagtails on the Jos plateau was foraging around herds of cattle, while further

north they were confined to water margins (Wood 1976). Very little evidence for

association with cattle was seen in 2004-5, though cattle herds were searched for

wagtails during initial prospecting at both at Jos and Nguru, and itinerant cattle herds

regularly passed by study areas at both sites. At Jos, flocks of wagtails were

occasionally seen to break off from foraging among crops to feed around a passing

herd of cattle, but this was never seen to happen at Nguru.

This apparently widespread switch in behaviour may be related to the marked

increase in the area under cultivation in Nigeria over the same period (Wint & Bourn

1 994), particularly dry season cultivation (contrasting with a recent local decrease in

this habitat at Hadejia-Nguru: Anon 2005, see below). The likely continuation of this

trend might be beneficial for Yellow Wagtails, since dry season farming appears to

create extremely valuable wintering habitat for the species. Interestingly, the change

in wintering habitat parallels a switch in breeding habitat in Europe from pasture to

arable land (Wilson & Vickery 2005).

Migration Patterns

The variable head colour of wagtails at Nguru gives clues to the breeding range of the

population. Ringing recoveries indicate that wagtails wintering in Nigeria breed along

a corridor from the central Mediterranean to the Baltic, and this corresponds to the

variety of subspecies found in Nigeria in winter, mainly M / JIava, but also M. f

thimbergi, cinereocapilla and feldegg (Wood 1982), the latter two occurring only in

the north of the country, and thunbergi only in the south outside migration periods.

In this study only M / cinereocapilla and M. f flava were identified with

certainty. The former clearly breed in Italy or nearby, while the latter could potentially

originate in a wide area from Hungary and Romania north to S Finland and NW

Russia. However, given the general leap-frog pattern indicated by subspecies distrib-

ution and ringing recoveries, the southern portion of this zone is perhaps most likely.

No birds belonging to M / feldegg were found, but several corresponded to either

''dombrowskir or ''snperciliaris'", two types conventionally considered intermediate

between M f. flava and feldegg, whose breeding origin is generally assigned to a zone

2006

Pre-migratory Yellow Wagtails

79

of overlap between these two subspecies. Alstrom and Mild (2003) define this zone as

extending from the Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic and its immediate hinterland,

through N Albania and Macedonia to Bulgaria, and around the N coast of the Black

Sea to the N Caucasus. The most likely breeding area for these birds, therefore, is the

westernmost portion of this zone, stretching from Slovenia to Macedonia and W

Bulgaria, where it overlaps with the zone of recovery for Nigerian-ringed birds.

The two green-headed individuals corresponded rather closely to M / flavissima

or M / lutea, which breed in the British Isles and the lower Volga region,

respectively. However both of these regions are well outside the zone of origin

defined by ringing recoveries, and since green-headed birds are known from central

European breeding populations (Alstrom & Mild 2003) it seems likely that these birds

originated there.

The sex and age composition of the Nguru sample compared to wintering

populations observed elsewhere in Nigeria is consistent with differential migration.

The slightly male-biased sex ratio in the Nguru sample (54% male) is similar to that in

the Kano study, where 62% (n = 207) and 60% (n = 236) males were obtained over

the period Feb-Apr 1974-5 (Wood 1976). This contrasts with the sample obtained at

Jos in April 2004 in which only 35% (n = 95) were male, which is consistent with an

earlier study in the Jos area that showed the proportion of males declining from about

50% in mid winter to around 40% in mid-March (Wood 1976). The same study

showed no temporal trend in the proportion of first year birds, which comprised 36%

of the sample (n = 996), compared with 20% at Nguru. These data all tend to indicate

a differential migration pattern in which adult males predominate in the populations

wintering closest to the breeding grounds, with greater proportions of first-years and

females in more distant wintering areas, as well as a greater tendency for females to

move south over the course of the winter.

Comparison of the rate of increase in mean weight between Nguru and Jos is

relevant to the hypothesis that differential and leap-frog patterns reflect variation in

optimal latitude for fattening in relation to the timing of spring migration (Bell 1996,

2005, in press). Increase in mean weight in the Jos population was higher than among

adult males at Nguru, corresponding to a prediction that southerly wintering

populations fattening in the wake of drought-breaking rains should do so more

quickly than those wintering in the north, which migrate before the end of the dry

season. Any inference about the utility of the theory is weak, however, since

conditions at Nguru in 2005 were far from typical, as discussed below. Moreover, Jhe

competing energetic demands of moult may have helped to reduce the rate at which

the sampled cohort gained weight compared to the Jos birds, which fatten later in the

year when moult is complete.

Timing of pre-migratory fattening

The lack of weight gain among females and the relatively late timing of weight gain

among males, compared to a population sampled at Kano some 30 years earlier.

80

C.P. Bell

Malimbus 28

confounds expectations arising from the tendency towards earlier spring migration

among migrants breeding in Europe over the same period (Lehikonen et al. 2003).

The Kano study indicates that male wagtails reached departure weight around the end

of March, and females about a week later, which corresponds well with the usual

arrival time and timing of the breeding season in the southern European breeding sites

of locally wintering populations (Spina et al. 1994). In the population studied at

Nguru, only the heaviest males would have been able to migrate at the end of March,

and if the trend among adult males continued most would not be able to depart until

well into April, while departure by females would be impossible until late in the

month. Such late arrival on the breeding grounds would be likely to profoundly

depress breeding success, unless optimal arrival time has become later over recent

years, which seems unlikely.

One possible cause of the apparent delay in pre-migratory fattening is energetic

constraint, and several other lines of evidence suggest this may have been significant.

Although moult and fattening periods overlap, there is little evidence for overlap at an

individual level, suggesting that it may have been difficult to moult and fatten at the

same time under the prevailing circumstances. That this is not always the case is

shown by the frequency with which wagtails arrive on spring passage in Europe while

moult is still in progress (Serra et al. 1992). Additionally, the occurrence of many

birds at low weights in the population suggests that low-status birds, in particular

females, were finding it difficult to maintain body condition.

The evidence converges on the conclusion that conditions encountered by the

population at Nguru in 2005 were significantly worse than those enjoyed by

populations studied previously at Kano and elsewhere through the period of pre-

nuptial migration. One possibility is that low rainfall in the prior wet season could

have caused low food availability, so that by the following March, towards the end of

the dry season, food was even more scarce than usual. Only about 200 mm of rain fell

in the Nguru area during the 2004 wet season, compared to 600-800 mm in an

average year. However a similar low rainfall occurred in N Nigeria in the 1973 wet

season, immediately prior to the first year of the Kano study, so this cannot explain

the difference between the two sets of results.

If general weather and climatic conditions are not implicated, the cause may be

found in conditions local to Nguru. The environment of the Hadejia-Jama’are

floodplain has recently undergone profound changes, as a result of extensive silting

and blockage of several major river channels. Consequent diversion of flow into the

northern sector of the floodplain has led to catastrophic flooding, and the growth of

stands of Typha covering huge areas. All of these factors have resulted in a dramatic

shrinkage in the area under cultivation (Anon. 2005), which is the main foraging

habitat used by Yellow Wagtails in the area. Such habitat loss could explain not only

the delay in pre-migratory fattening, but also many of the other findings, including the

densely-packed population, which may be the result of a historically large population

being squeezed into a declining area of habitat over a relatively short timescale. The

2006

Pre-migratory Yellow Wagtails

81

high level of aggression, seen particularly from territory-holding males, also fits with

intense competition for shrinking resources.

The interpretation outlined above has implications for some fondamental aspects

of the ecology of migrants during this critical phase of the annual cycle. The multiple

signs of stress shown by the population provide circumstantial evidence for density

dependent mortality in the form of poor body condition, and also possibly for lowered

breeding success if delayed spring migration causes Nguru birds to lose out in

competition for breeding territories with birds that have wintered elsewhere. This

suggests that wagtails do not simply respond to loss of traditional wintering sites by

moving elsewhere. If they did, population density would be expected to adjust rapidly,

and there would be none of the social and physiological effects seen among the Nguru

population. This in turn suggests that habitat loss in sub-Saharan wintering areas has

the potential to contribute to overall population decline.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Chris Otata-Odey and Ulf Ottosson of the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research

Institute and to Phil Hall for logistical support. Invaluable background on the situation in

the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands was provided by the Joint Wetlands Livelihoods Project.

References

Alstrom, P, & Mild, K. (2003) Pipits and Wagtails of Europe, Asia and North

America. Christopher Helm, London.

Anonymous (2005) Escalating Poverty Crisis in the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands. Joint

Wetlands Livelihoods Project, Department for International Development, London.

Bell, C.P. (1995) An enquiry into evolutionary aspects of geographic variation' in

avian biology, with special reference to the Yellow Wagtail and Meadow Pipit.

Ph.D. thesis, University of London.

Bell, C.P. (1996) Seasonality and time allocation as causes of leap-frog migration in

the Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava. J. Avian Biol. 27: 334-342.

Bell, C.P. (2005) Inter- and intrapopulation migration patterns, ideas, evidence, qnd

research priorities. Pp. 41-52 in Greenberg, R. & Marra, P.P. (eds) Birds, of

Two Worlds: The Ecology and Evolution of Migration. Johns Hopkins University

Press, Baltimore. ■

Bell, C.P. (in press) Timing of pre-nuptial migration and leap-frog patterns in Yellow

Wagtail {Motacilla flava). Ostrich.

Fry, C.H., Ferguson-Lees, I.J. & Dowsett, R.J. (1972) Flight muscle hypertrophy

and ecophysiological variation of Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava races at Lake

Chad. J. Zool. (Bond.) 167: 293-306.

82

C.P. Bell

Malimbus 28

Hollis, G.E., Adams, W.M. & Aminu-Kano, M. (eds) (1993) The Hadejia-Nguru

Wetlands: Environment, Economy and Sustainable Development of a Sahelian

Floodplain Wetland. lUCN, Gland,

Lehikonen, E,, Sparks, T.H. & Zalakevicius, M. (2004) Arrival and departure dates.

Adv. Ecol. Res. 35: 1-31.

Moller, A.P. (1994) Phenotype-dependent arrival time and its consequences in a

migratory bird. Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol. 33: 1 15-122

Serra, L. (1992) Ageing criteria and moult conditions in the Yellow Wagtail,

Motacilla flava^ during spring migration. Riv. Ital. Ornitol. 62: 22-28.

Smith, V.W. & Ebbutt, D. (1965) Notes on yellow wagtails wintering in central

Nigeria. 7^/5 107: 390-393.

Spina, F., Massi, A. & Montemaggiori, A. (1994) Back from Africa: who’s running

ahead? Aspects of differential migration of sex and age classes in Palaearctic-

African spring migrants. Ostrich 65: 137-150.

WiNT, G.R.W. & Bourn, D.M. (1994) Land Use Change in Nigeria: 1976-90.

Environmental Research Group Oxford Ltd. Oxford.

Wilson, A.M. & Vickery, J.A. (2005) Decline in Yellow Wagtail Motacilla Jlava

flavissima breeding on lowland wetland grassland in England and Wales between

1982 and 2002. Bird Study 52: 88-92.

Wood, B. (1975) The distribution of the races of the yellow wagtail overwintering in

Nigeria. Bull. Nigerian Orn. Soc. 1 1: 19-26.

Wood, B. (1978) Weights of Yellow Wagtails wintering in Nigeria. Ringing Migr. 2:

20-26.

Wood, B. (1982) The trans-Saharan spring migration of Yellow Wagtails {Motacilla

flava). J. Zool. (Land.) 197: 267-283.

Wood, B. (1992) Yellow Wagtail Motacilla Jlava migration from West Africa to

Europe: pointers towards a conservation strategy for migrants on passage. Ibis

134 Suppl. 1:66-76.

Wood, J.B. (1976) The biology of Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava L. overwintering

in Nigeria. Ph.D. thesis. University of Aberdeen.

2006

83

Biométrie en période de reproduction du Petit Calao à bec

rouge Tockm erythmrhynchus au Sénégal

par Moussa Séga Diop

191 SICA de Mbao, BP 20077 Dakar-Thiaroye, Sénégal. <mousediop@yahoo.fr>

Reçu 20 juillet 2005; revu 13 avril 2006.

Résyiné

Des relevés biométriques effectués sur 184 Petits Calaos à bec rouge Tockus

erythrorhynchus kempi, capturés à la Réserve Ecologique Expérimentale de

Mbour, montrent une différence significative entre mâles et femelles aussi

bien pour leur poids que pour les longueurs des ailes et du bec. Pendant quatre

saisons de reproduction, les mesures hebdomadaires effectuées sur 43

femelles et 1 1 1 oisillons dans les nichoirs ont montré que le poids de la

femelle enclose augmente considérablement et dépasse par moments celui des

mâles. Après l'éclosion des œufs et durant Télevage des jeunes, le poids des

femelles encloses diminue entre les quatrième et huitième semaines de

claustration alors que celui des oisillons augmente.

Symiîiary

Biometrics of Red-billed Hornbill Tockm erythmrhynchus during the

breeding period in Senegal Biometrics of 184 Red-billed Hombills T. e.

kempi caught in the Experimental Ecological Reserve of Mbour show a

significant difference between males and females for weight, wing length and

bill length. During four breeding seasons 43 females and 1 1 1 chicks were

monitored weekly inside sealed nest boxes. The weight of enclosed females

increased considerably, sometimes even exceeding the males' weight. After

hatching and during chick growth, the weight of the enclosed females

decreased between the fourth and the eighth weeks after nest closure, whereas

the weight of chicks increased.

Introduction

Les calaos sont caractérisés par leur reproduction durant laquelle la femelle (en dehors

de deux espèces) s'enferme dans une cavité et rebouche l’entrée en y laissant une

petite fente par laquelle elle reçoit la nourriture apportée par le mâle (Kemp Î976,

Serle & Morel 1988). Au Sénégal, une des espèces de calao plus communes est le

84

M.S. Diop

Malimbus 28

Petit Calao à bec rouge Tockus erythrorhynchus (Morel & Morel 1990, Barlow &

Wacher 1997). Les individus adultes trouvés au Sénégal, en Gambie et de la Guinée

au Delta intérieur du Niger au Mali ont la peau périorbitaîe noire. Ces populations ont

été nommées T. e. kempi (Tréca & Erard 2000, Delport 2001). T. erythrorhynchus est

inféodé à la savane arbustive et absent des savanes humides (Serle & Morel 1988).

Cette espèce qui se reproduit normalement dans les cavités d'arbre, peut aussi occuper

des nichoirs artificiels adéquats fixés dans des arbres. La femelle de T. e.

kempi s'enferme dans le nid pour 53 jours en moyenne (Diop 1999).

Méthodes

Pour la capture des calaos des pièges sont posés à la Réserve Écologique

Expérimentale de Mbour (REEM), Sénégal (14°23'N, 16°58'W). Cette réserve couvre

une superficie de 70 ha de savane arbustive, de jardins et d'une lagune. En dehors des

nichoirs, la capture des calaos est effectuée au moyen de nasses et de filets japonais.

Trois nasses sont appâtées de graines d'arachide et placées à des endroits différents de

la REEM. Les nasses utilisées fonctionnent de 07h00 au coucher du soleil et sont

visitées toutes les 45-60 minutes. Des filets japonais, à une ou quatre poches de 2.5 m

de haut et de 6, 8, 12, ou 15 m de long, sont placés à proximité des arbres et sont

ouverts le matin de 07h00 à llhOO et de 16h00 à 19h00. Les calaos capturés sont

bagués (bagues métalliques du Muséum de Paris) afin de les reconnaître en cas de

recapture. Les mensurations du tarse et du bec sont effectuées au moyen d'un pied à

coulisse; celles de l’aile et de la queue avec une règle et celle du poids avec un peson.

La date, le sexe, T âge, le numéro de bague et les différentes valeurs biométriques sont

relevés. Les données biométriques sur les jeunes ne concernent que les individus

capturés dans les nasses ou dans les filets. Les juvéniles sont reconnaissables par la

couleur de leur bec.

Le modèle de nichoir à toit amovible (Diop & Tréca 1993) permet d'en observer

l’intérieur et de prendre les mesures telles que les variations pondérales des femelles

encloses et des oisillons. Les prises de mesure et les observations des femelles

encloses, du nombre d’œufs puis des oisillons sont effectuées à l’intérieur du nichoir

muni de toit amovible et visité toutes les semaines. Afin de comparer ces données

biométriques, une analyse de variance (ANOVA) est effectuée.

Résultats

Données biométriques

Les mesures biométriques concernent 74 adultes (43 mâles et 31 femelles) et 110

jeunes (57 mâles et 53 femelles). Les F. e. kempi présentent un dimorphisme sexuel

aussi bien chez les adultes (Fig. 1) que chez les jeunes (Fig. 2). Les mâles sont plus

2006

Biométrie de Tockus erythrorhynchus

85

lourds que les femelles, aussi bien chez les adultes (182 ± 11 g contre 148 ± 10 g) que

chez les jeunes (157 ± 12 g contre 136 ± 1 1 g). La longueur de la queue, de l'aile et

du bec, est supérieure chez les mâles, aussi bien jeunes qu’adultes, la différence étant

plus significative chez ces derniers (ANOVA, P < 0.0001), la croissance des jeunes

continuant après leur sortie du nid.

150

100

50

0

Poids (g) Aile (mm) Queue (mm) Bec (mm) Tarse (mm)

Figure L Biométrie sur les mâles (bandes blanches, n - 43) et les femelles adultes

(n “ 31) de r, & kempL

200

150

100

50

0

Figure 2, Biométrie sur les jeunes mâles (bandes blanches, n = 57) et femelles (e

- 53) de T. e, kempL

Poids (g) Aile (mm) Queue (mm) Bec (mm) Tarse (mm)

86

M.S. Diop

Malimbus 28

Femelles encloses

Aussitôt après leur claustration, les femelles perdent toutes leurs plumes de vol par

une mue. Durant les six premières semaines de claustration, le poids des femelles

augmente de 12% et dépasse celui de la femelle libre la plus lourde (165 g). Ce n’est

qu’à partir de la septième semaine que le poids des femelles encloses reste inférieur

au maximum de poids des femelles adultes libres. La diminution progressive du poids

des femelles encloses (Fig. 3) n’a jamais atteint celui de la femelle adulte libre la plus

légère (120 g).

200

180

160

S

^ 140

'5

Q.

120

100

^ Eclosion des oeufs

1 1 1

S2 (n = 17) S3 (n = 18) S4 (n = 18) S5 (n = 18) S6 (n = 18) S7 (n ^ 18) S8 (n = 10) S9 (n ^ 1)

Claustration en semaines

Figure 3. Poids moyen des femelles encloses de T. e. kempi, avec: - - - - poids

maximal et minimal et =— poids moyen des femelles adultes libres; — - poids

moyen des mâles adultes.

Poids des oisillons

Les pesées hebdomadaires, à partir de la première éclosion, ont permis de constater

qu’à l’intérieur d’un même nichoir le premier éclos possède un poids supérieur aux

suivants durant les deux premières semaines. A partir de la troisième semaine, le

poids de certains oisillons dépasse celui de leurs aînés (Fig. 4).

Le poids moyen des oisillons dans l’ensemble des nichoirs augmente rapidement

durant les cinq premières semaines, la plupart d’entre eux atteignant alors leur poids

maximal (Fig. 5). Durant cette période, il est multiplié par huit. Le bec de l’oisillon

croit rapidement; sa longueur a quintuplé en six semaines d’âge (Fig. 5). La

croissance se poursuit jusqu’à la sortie de l’oisillon du nid. Cependant la taille

n’atteint pas le minimum de longueur (60 mm) chez tous les T. e. kempi jeunes et

adultes observés en dehors des nichoirs. Le retard de croissance chez les derniers

éclos, les derniers à sortir du nid, explique la diminution des moyennes de poids et de

longueur de bec à partir de la semaine 6.

2006

Biométrie de Tockus erythrorhynchus

87

Semaines après la première éclosion

Figure 4. Exemples de variation du poids de quatre oisillons de T. e. kempi dans

un seul nichoir.

Âge en semaines

Figure 5. Variation de la moyenne du poids (cercles solides) et de longueur du

bec des oisillons de T. e, kempi dans 33 nichoirs.

Discussion

La différence de taille entre les mâles et les femelles de T. e. kempi est significative.

Les jeunes mâles ont leur poids et leur longueur de l’aile, de la queue et du bec

88

M,S. Diop

Malimbus 28

supérieurs à ceux des femelles de la espèce. Cette différence se manifesterait déjà

dans le nid car certains oisillons d'un même nichoir pendant la même saison de

reproduction ont parfois des tailles qui dépassent celles de leurs aînés (Diop 1999). La

biométrie des oisillons dans un même nid permettrait, à six semaines d'âge, une

détermination approximative du sexe des oisillons avant leur sortie du nid. Par contre

pour les adultes, le problème ne se pose pas. Kemp (1995) a montré que les mâles de

T. erythrorhynchus sont plus grands que les femelles. Mes observations effectuées au

Sénégal ont donné les mêmes résultats.

Le dimorphisme sexuel des calaos déterminerait-il les tâches attribuées aux mâles

et aux femelles. Sans tenir compte de la taille, Diop & Tréca (1996) ont montré le rôle

dévolu à chaque conjoint durant la préparation du nid chez T. e kempL Selon Kemp

(1995), la taille du bec des calaos joue un rôle dans la défense du territoire, Pattraction

de la femelle et la recherche de nourriture pour la femelle enclose et pour ses

poussins. Pour la variation pondérale de la femelle enclose, la taille des œufs ne

semble pas très déterminant car même après la ponte, le poids de la femelle enclose

reste largement supérieur à la moyenne de poids de leurs homologues libres. Par

contre le facteur énergétique semble plus décisif. La femelle enclose dépense moins

d’énergie. La sédentarité et la qualité de nourriture apportée par le mâle

contribueraient alors à l’augmentation de poids des femelles encloses. Pour Kemp

(1995) le poids de la femelle de Calao de Monteiro T. monteiri augmente pendant la

période d’incubation puis chute après l’éclosion, la femelle utilisant alors ses réserves

et laissant la nourriture apportée par le mâle aux oisillons. Nos observations sur T. e.

kempi ont donné les mêmes résultats.

Remerciennents

Pour leur disponibilité et leur soutien, je tiens à remercier sincèrement tout le

personnel de l’IRD (ex ORSTOM) du Sénégal particulièrement Mamadou Sakho,

Daouda Sylla, Pierre Reynaud, aux regrettés Pap Samb et Bernard Tréca. Ces

remerciements sont aussi adressés aux correcteurs pour la pertinence de leurs

commentaires.

Bibliographie

Barlow, C. & Wacher, T. (1997) A Field Guide to Birds of The Gambia and

Senegal Christopher Helm, London,

Diop, M.S. (1999) Diversité Aviaire et Comportement Reproducteur du Petit Calao à

Bec Rouge (Tockus erythrorhynchus^ et du Petit Calao à Bec Noir (Tockus

nasutusj dans les Aires Protégées de la Petite Côte du Sénégal. Thèse de 3ème

cycle 44, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar,

2006

Biométrie de Tockus erythrorhynchus

89

DiOP, M.S. & TrÉCA, b. (1993) Nichoirs artificiels utilisés par le Petit Calao à bec

rouge {Tockus erythrorhynchus). Malimbus 15: 81-88.

DiOP, M.S. & TrÉCA, b. (1996) Distribution of nest preparation tasks between mates

of the Redbilled Hombill Tockus erythrorhynchus. Ostrich 67; 55-59.

Delport, W. (2001) The Taxonomic Status of the Damaraland Redbilied Hornbill

(Tockus erythrorhynchus damarensisy); a Behavioural, Morphological and

Molecular Analysis. MSc Thesis, University of Pretoria.

Kemp, A.C. (1976) A Study of the Ecology, Behaviour and Systematics o/ Tockus

Hornbills (Aves: Bucerotidae) . Transvaal Museum, Pretoria.

Kemp, A.C. (1995) The Hornbills. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Morel, G.J, & Morel, M.-Y. (1990) Les Oiseaux de Sénégambie, ORSTOM, Paris.

Serle, W. & Morel, G.J. (1988) Les Oiseaux de T Ouest Africain. Delachaux &

Niestlé, Paris.

TrÉCA, b. & Erard, C. (2000) A new subspecies of the Red-billed Hombill Tockus

erythrorhynchus from West Africa. Ostrich 71 : 363-366.

90

Malimbus 28

The birds of Mbam and Djerem National Park, Cameroon

by K. Serge Bobo , Eddie Williams , N. Dennis Anye , M. Francis Njie

Roger C. Fotso^ & Marc Languy^

'Ministry of Forests and Wildlife, Direction of Wildlife and Protected Areas,

Yaoundé, Cameroon. <bobokadiri@yahoo.fr>

6 Newbold Grove, Croxteth Park, Liverpool, LI 2 ONS, U.K. <eddieirene@aol.com>

^Cameroon Biodiversity Conservation Society,

PO Box 3055, Messa Yaoundé, Cameroon <cbcs@iccnet.cm>

“^NYZS/The Wildlife Conservation Society Cameroon Biodiversity Project,

Yaoundé, Cameroon, <wcscam@aol.com>

^WWF-EARPO, PO Box 62440, Nairobi, Kenya <mlanguy@wwfearpo.org>

Received 3 December 2001; revised 20 April 2006.

Summary

In the first inventory of the avifauna of the recently established Mbam and

Djerem National Park in central Cameroon, based on fieldwork carried out in

March 2000, a list of 362 confirmed species was compiled, A number of species

rare in Cameroon are documented and many records extend the known range

of species to the north or south. These preliminary surveys show that Mbam

and Djerem NP is the richest protected area in bird species in Cameroon,

Résumé

Les oiseaux du Parc National du Mbam et Djerem, Cameroun. Sur la base

du premier inventaire des oiseaux effectué en mars 2000 dans le nouveau Parc

National du Mbam et Djerem au centre du Cameroun, une liste de 362 espèces

confirmées est donnée. Certaines espèces rares du Cameroun y sont aussi

décrites et la distribution connue de beaucoup d’espèces s’est étendue vers le

nord ou le sud. Ces premiers inventaires montrent que le PN du Mbam et Djerem

est Faire protégée la plus riche en espèces d’oiseaux de tout le Cameroun.

Introduction

The Mbam and Djerem National Park was gazetted in January 2000 and consists of

416,512 ha in central Cameroon, 50 km south of Tibati and 20 km northeast of Yoko.

It lies between 5°30' and 6°14'N, and 12°20' and 13°15'E. The climate has two

seasons of almost equal length: the rainy season from mid- April to mid-October and

2006

K. S. Bobo et al.

91

the dry season from mid-October to mid- April. The annual rainfall is c. 1900 mm and

the average annual temperature is 24°C. The vegetation is sudano-guinean, between

the guinean dense forest of S Cameroon and the wooded savanna of the Adamaoua

plateau. The habitat is primarily forest-savanna mosaic with an area of primary

lowland rainforest in the south of the park. In the wooded savanna, the following trees

dominate: Annona semgalensis, Lophira lanceoiata, Viteliaria paradoxa, Dan lei la

oliveri, Azadirachta indica and Anogeissus leiocarpus, with Borassus aethiopium near

the Djerem river. Hyparrhenia rufa, Imperata cylindrica and Pennisetum purpureum

dominate the herb layer. In forest areas there are more semi-deciduous plants like

Irvingia gabonemis, Enantia clauranta, Lophira alata and Triplochiton scleroxylon.

More details of the vegetation may be found in Maisels et ah (2000) and Maisels

(2004). The relief is almost flat, but there is an altitudinal drop from 930 m to 650 m

from the north to the south of the park. The park is bisected by a tributary of the

Sanaga River known as the Djerem River, which passes through the Mbakaou

reservoir 1 1 km north of the park (Fig. 1).

12' 20

A/ PfB-k limits

Bii'dlife sm-v^ey route

A/ WCS siin'ey route

Forest

Savmuiali

Goiiaotoiia a

Sengbe

Douiiie

Naotim

30K111

5' 30

Source: IGN maps Tib<4i & Yoko 1:200.000

Arc View GTS 3 . 2

Author: Bobo K,S, 1 2'30

12' 20

I

2' 30.

I Yoko

Mbakaou resei voii'

•Mnkoiu'i

+

Figure 1. The study area.

92

Birds of Mbam and Djerem NP

Malimbus 28

Methods

Two teams surveyed the park in March 2000. The first team, composed of KSB, EW

and DNA; carried out a survey 9-21 March as part of the Important Bird Areas (IBA)

programme of Birdlife International, implemented by the former Cameroon

Ornithological Club (COC), now known as the Cameroon Biodiversity Conservation

Society (CBCS). This team entered the park from Mbakaou village at Miyéré

waterfalls (6°12'N, 12°45'E), and followed the Djerem River south across forest-

savanna mosaic and eventually into the lowland rainforest area towards the south of

the park. A number of eastward and westward transects were made to cover areas

distant from the river. The second team consisted of RF and MEN. This team

surveyed two areas: the southwest and the northwest of the Park, for 12 and seven

days respectively, in March 2000. Both surveys started at the western border of the

park, respectively at 5°46'N (Ngum village) and 5°57'N (Sengbe village) going

eastwards and southeastwards to about the centre of the Park (Maisels et al. 2000),

and used a combination of observations whilst walking, song identification, and early

morning mist-netting.

All bird species recorded by sight and sound were logged daily. We used

the colour plates from Borrow & Demey (2001), kindly made available by

the authors before publication. Many species were tape-recorded, especially

those unsupported by visual identification, and tapes were later compared

with Chappuis (2000). A few species were also filmed. Mist-netting was

done by the WCS team, generally between 6h00 and 9h00.

Assessment of abundance follows Morel & Tye (1995): A = Abundant (11-100

may be seen or heard in suitable habitat per day; C = Common (1-10 may be seen or

heard in suitable habitat per day); F = Frequent (often seen or heard but not every

day); U = Uncommon (one or few records only). Habitats are: R = Riverine (Djerem

River); LF = Lowland rainforest; GF = Gallery forest; F-S = Forest-savanna mosaic; S

= Savanna; WS = Wooded savanna. Sequence and nomenclature follow Brown et al.

(1982), Urban et al. (1986), Fry et al. (1988, 2000), Keith et al. (1992), Urban et al.

(1997) and Fry & Keith (2004).

Results

Phalacrocoraddae

Phalacrocorax africanus Long-tailed Cormorant. C; R.

Ardeidae

Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night Heron. F; R.

Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron. F; R within F-S.

Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret. C; usually in association with small herds of domestic

cattle in the north.

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93

Egretta intermedia Intermediate Egret. F; R.

Ardea purpurea Purple Heron. One, Djerem River, 1 1 Mar.

A. melanocephala Black-headed Heron. F; R.

Scopidae

Scopus umbreîta Hamerkop. C; R.

Ciconiidae

Anastomus lameîligerus African Openbill Stork. One, Djerem River, 12 Mar.

Ciconia abdimii Abdim’s Stork. A; flocks of up to 200 recorded.

C. episcopus Woolly-necked Stork. U; R and WS.

Leptoptiios crumeniferus Marabou Stork. F; R and WS.

Threskiornithidae

Bostrychia hagadash Hadada. C; R.

Bostrychia rara Spot-breasted Ibis. F; R and GF.

Anatidae

Plectropterus gambensis Spur-winged Goose. One, Djerem River, 10 Mar.

Pteronetta hartlaubii Hartlaub’s Duck. One in small pool within gallery forest, 1 1 Mar.

Accipitridae

Pandion haliaetus Osprey. One at the northern boundary of the park near Mbakaou,

20 Mar.

Macheiramphus alcinus Bat Hawk. One over the Djerem River, 13 Mar.

Milvus migrans Black Kite. A; throughout. Mainly M m. parasitus.

Haliaeetus vocifer African Fish Eagle. F; R.

Gypohierax angolensis Palmnut Vulture. C; throughout.

Necrosyrtes monachus Hooded Vulture. U; WS and S.

Gyps africanus African White-backed Vulture. One adult at southern edge of the

savanna mosaic at 5°57'N, 12°52'E, 14 Mar.

Circaetus cinereus Brown Snake Eagle. F; throughout.

Terathopius ecaudatus Bateleur. One adult over savanna, 1 2 Mar.

Polyboroides typus Harrier Hawk. F; throughout.

Circus aeruginosus European Marsh Harrier. F; mainly R.

Micronisus gabar Gabar Goshawk. U; S.

Accipiter tachiro African Goshawk. U; forest edge.

A. castanilius Chestnut-flanked Sparrowhawk. U; R and forest edge.

A. badius Shikra. U; S,

A. ovampensis Ovambo Sparrowhawk. An adult of the grey morph in flight over

wooded savanna, 13 Mar, at 6°3'N, 12°50'E. This is outside the Jun-Dec period of

most of the records to date for W Africa {e.g. Thiolley 1985, Barlow et al. 1997). The

species possibly breeds in W Africa and may be more widespread than records

suggest (Salewski 1998).

Urotriorchis macrourus Long-tailed Hawk. U; LF.

Butastur rufipennis Grasshopper Buzzard. One, WS, 1 1 Mar.

Kaupifaico monnogramicus Lizard Buzzard. U; LF.

94

Birds of Mbam and Djerem NP

Malimbus 28

Biiteo biiteo Common Buzzard. One in flight over wooded savanna at 6°7'N,

12°50'E, 10 Mar. Louette (1981) rejects one 1961 record. Since then there have been

three more: Mt Oku, Oct-Nov 1988 (Holyoak & Seddon 1990), Feb 1998 (F. Dowsett-

Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett pers comm.); Yoko, Mar 99 (H. Slabbekoom pers. comm.).

B. aiiguraUs Red-necked Buzzard. C; mainly F-S.

Aquila wahlbergi Wahlberg's Eagle. Three sightings of adults over savanna, two dark

phase and one pale phase individual.

Hieraaeîiis ayresii Ayres's Hawk Eagle.. An adult over gallery forest at 6°12'N,

12°45'E, 9 Mar. Reported with increasing frequency in Cameroon, where it was

unrecorded until recently (Clark 1 999).

Lophaetus occipitalis Long-crested Eagle. One over gallery forest in the north of the

park, 9 Mar.

Siephanoaetus coronatas Crowned Eagle. U; GF. Well known to local hunters and

constantly imitated by Cossypha spp.

Falconidae

Falco alopex Fox Kestrel. One, WS in central area of the park over the Djerem River.

Unusual habitat for this species which is usually associated with rock outcrops.

F. chicquera Red-necked Falcon. U; WS and S.

F. cuvierii African Hobby. U; F-S.

Phasianidae

Francolinm iathami Latham's Forest Francolin. U; LF.

F squamatus Scaly Francolin. F; LF.

F. bicarcaratus Double-spurred Francolin. F; F-S.

Guttera pucherani Crested Guineafowl. U; LF.

Numida meieagris Helmeted Guineafowl. C; in the north.

Coturnix chinemis Blue Quail. One seen along the Ngoum-Yoko road in the south.

Rallidae

Sarothrura pulchra White-spotted Flufftail. F; GF.

Heliornithidae

Podica senegalensis African Finfoot. U; R.

B'Urhinidae

Burhinus senegalensis Senegal Thick-knee. F; R.

Glareola nuchalis Rock Pratincole. A; R.

Charadriidae

Plmialis sqimtarola Grey Plover. One seen on sandbank along the Mékié River

(5°46'N, 12°41 'E) late in the afternoon.

Vanellns senegallus African Wattled Lapwing. F; R.

V. albiceps White-headed Lapwing. C; on the river.

V. snperciliosus Brown-chested Lapwing. F; R. A pair defending a breeding territory

against European Marsh Harriers, in grassy savanna alongside the Djerem River.

Scolopaddae

Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper. U; R,

2006

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95

Actitis hypoieucos Common Sandpiper. C; R.

Columbidae

Treron waaiia Bruce’s Green Pigeon. F; forest edge.

T. caiva African Green Pigeon. A; mainly GF and LF; occasionally WS.

Turtur brehmeri Blue-headed Wood Dove. U; LF.

T. tympanistria Tambourine Dove. U; GF and LF.

T. afer Blue-spotted Wood Dove. A; WS. F; LF,

Columba unicincta Afep Pigeon. F; F-S. Five at 6°3'N, 12°50'E, 12 Mar, constitute

the northernmost records in Cameroon together with those at Takamanda (Languy &

Njie 2003) and Ako (pers. obs.).

Streptopelia semitorquata Red-eyed Dove. A; throughout.

S. vinacea Vinaceous Dove. A; S.

Psittacidae

Psittacus erithacus Grey Parrot. F; LF.

Poicephalus guiieimi Red-fronted Parrot. U; LF.

Agapornis pullarius Red-headed Lovebird. F; WS,

Musophagidae

Corythaeola cristata Great Blue Turaco. C; LF and adjacent GF. Not in GF in the

north.

Tauraco persa Green Turaco. F; GF.

T. ieucolophus White-crested Turaco. U; heard in evenings north of the park, in a

gallery forest at 5°59'N, 12°39'E.

Cuculidae

Oxylophus ievailiantii Levaillant’s Cuckoo. One seen near Mékié River crossing a

burnt savanna.

Cucuius solitarius Red-chested Cuckoo. U; F-S.

C. clamosus Black Cuckoo C; throughout.

C. canorus European Cuckoo. One, F-S.

C. gularis African cuckoo. U; F-S. !

Cercococcyx mechowi Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo. F; LF and adjacent GF, Not in the

north.

C. olivinus Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo. U; LF. Heard and netted.

Chrysococcyx cupreus Emerald Cuckoo. F;. mainly LF; rarer in GF.

C. flaviguiaris Yellow-throated Cuckoo. F; GF north to 6°3'N, 12°50'E. Apparently

absent from LF.

C. kiaas Klaas’s Cuckoo. C; throughout.

Ceuthmochares aereus Yellowbill. C; GF and LF.

Centropus senegalensis Senegal Coucal. F; S.

C monachus Blue-headed Coucal. F; GF.

Strigidae

Otus senegalensis African Scops Owl. One heard at Mangare 2 (5°47'N, 12°36'E)

and another along the Ngoum-Yoko road.

96

Birds of Mbam and Djerem NP

Malimbus 28

Bubo africanus Spotted Eagle Owl. Heard once at night in GF in the north of the park

(5°57'N, 12°36T).

Glaucidium îephronotum Red-chested Owlet. One heard at night in GF in the north of

the park(5°57X 12°36'E).

Strix woodfordii African Wood Owl. F; GF and LF.

[Scotopelia bouvieri Vermiculated Fishing Owl. Although we did not record this

species, local fishermen recognised the call from tape. They stated that birds stopped

calling with the onset of the rains, which could account for our lack of records.]

Caprimulgidae

Caprimuigm climacurm Long-tailed Nightjar. F; S.

C. nigriscapu laris Black-shouldered Nightjar. One singing in S in the north of the

park, 1 9 Mar,

C inornatus Plain Nightjar. A female, WS, 12 Mar.

C. tristigma Freckled Nightjar. One heard and one seen along the Ngoum-Yoko road,

21 Mar.

C europaeus European Nightjar. One heard, in S in the north of the park., 19 Mar.

Macrodipteryx longipennis Standard-winged Nightjar. A male, WS, 19 Mar.

M vexillarius Pennant- winged Nightjar. F; in shrubs along the Ngoum-Yoko road

and along the Mékié River.

Apodidae

Rhaphidura sabini Sabine’s Spinetail, F; LF and GF north to 6°8'N, 12°50'E.

Telocanthura ussheri Mottled Spinetail. U; flying over the Mékié River.

Neafrapus cassini Cassins Spinetail. F; LF and GF.

Cypsiuriis parvus African Palm Swift. A; F-S.

Apus apiis European Swift. C; in the north.

A. affinis Little Swift. C;. in the north.

Tachymarptis melba Alpine swift. One sighting of two individuals at Mangaré 1

(SMé^N, 12°33'E) in the south.

Coliidae

Colius striatus Speckled Mousebird. C; mainly GF.

Trogonidae

Apaloderma narina Narina Trogon, F; GF.

A. aequatoriaie Bare-cheeked Trogon. One in the forest 500 m from Mékié River.

Alcedinidae

Halcyon badia Chocolate-backed Kingfisher. C; GF and LF.

H. leucocephala Grey-headed Kingfisher. A; WS. Several breeding sites found.

H. malimbica Blue-breasted Kingfisher. C; GF and LF.

H. chelicuti Striped Kingfisher. C; WS.

Ceyx lecontei African Dwarf Kingfisher. Two netted in GF in the north.

C picta African Pygmy Kingfisher. F; GF,

Alcedo leucogaster White-bellied Kingfisher. U; GF. One netted in GF in the north.

A. cristata Malachite Kingfisher. C; R.

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97

A. quadribrachys Shining-blue Kingfisher. F; R.

Megaceryle maxima Giant Kingfisher. F; R,

Ceryle rudis Pied Kingfisher. U; R.

Meropidae

Merops gularis Black Bee-eater. F; GF. One found excavating a nest hole in a mud

furrow within a gallery strip.

M pusillus Little Bee-eater. A; S.

M variegatus Blue-breasted Bee-eater. F; S.

M albicolUs White-throated Bee-eater. A; GF and LF.

Coraciidae

Eurystomus gularis Blue-throated Roller. U; LF.

E. glaucurus Broad-billed Roller. C; mainly WS.

Phoeniculldae

Phoeniculus purpureus Green Woodhoopoe. U; WS.

P. aterrimus Black Woodhoopoe. U; WS.

Upupidae

Upupa epops Floopoe. F; WS.

Bucerotidae

Tockus albocristatus White-crested Hombill. F; LF.

T. hartlaubi Black Dwarf Hombill. One, LF at 5°52'N, 12°53'E, 17 Mar.

T. camurus Red-billed Dwarf Hombill. C; GF.

T .fas ciaîus African Pied Hombill. C; GF and LF.

Ceratogymna fistulator Piping Hombill. C; GF and LF.

C subcylindricus Black-and-white-casqued Hombill. A; GF and LF.

C. albotibialis White-thighed Hombill. C; LF, occasionally GF.

C. aîraîa Black-casqued Wattled Hombill. C; LF and GF.

Capitonidae

Gymnobucco bonapartei Grey-throated Barbet. Two seen once at LF in the south.

G. peli Bristle-nosed Barbet. A group of 10 in LF at 5°52'N, 12°53'E, 17 Mar.

Pogoniulus scolopaceus Speckled Tinkerbird. C; LF and GF.

P. atroflavus Red-mmped Tinkerbird. F; LF and GF.

P. subsulphureus Yellow-throated Tinkerbird. C; LF and GF to 6°N, 12°52'E.

P. bilineatus Yellow-mmped Tinkerbird. A; LF; GF and WS.

Buccanodon duchaillui Yellow-spotted Barbet. C; LF and GF.

Tricholaema hirsuta Hairy-breasted Barbet. F; LF.

Lybius vieilloti Vieillot’ s Barbet. C; WS.

Trachyphonus purpuratus Yellow-billed Barbet. F; LF.

Indkatoridae

Indicator maculatus Spotted Honey guide. F; LF and GF. Five netted, in south and north.

/. indicator Greater Honey guide. F; WS.

7. minor Lesser Honey guide. F; WS.

/. willcocksi Willcocks’s Honeyguide. U; LF and GF.

98

Birds of Mbam and Djerem NP

Malimbus 28

Picidae

Jynx ruficoUis Red-throated Wryneck. U; S.

Campethera abingoni Golden-tailed Woodpecker. U; S.

C cailliautii Green-backed Woodpecker. F; LF and GF.

C. nivosa Buff-spotted Woodpecker. Two in GF in the north, 19 Mar.

C caroU Brown-eared Woodpecker. F; GF along Mangaré stream (5°46'N, 12°32'E)

in the south.

Dendropicos fuscescens Cardinal Woodpecker. F; GF.

D. xantholophus Yellow-crested Woodpecker. F; GF..

D. goertae Grey Woodpecker. U; WS.

D. obsoletus Brown-backed Woodpecker. U; S.

Eurylaimidae

Smithornis capensis African Broadbill. U; GF.

Hirundinidae

PsaUdoprocne nitens Square-tailed Saw-wing. C; LF and GF.

P. pristoptera Black Saw-wing. A; LF and GF, Maximum 30, 9 Mar.

Riparia paludicola African Sand Martin. One sighting of two individuals along the

Mékié River in the south.

R. riparia European Sand Martin. F; R. Maximum five, seen with Hirundo preussi, 10

Mar.

Pseudohirundo griseopyga Grey-rumped Swallow. U; R.

Hirundo senegalensis Mosque Swallow. U; R, WS and S.

H. abyss inica Lesser Striped Swallow. F; S.

H. daurica Red-ramped Swallow. U; R.

H. preussi Preuss's Cliff Swallow. C; R. Groups of up to five associated with other

hirandines over the Djerem River.

H. aethiopica Ethiopian Swallow, U; Forest edge in the south,

H. rustica Bam Swallow. A; WS and S. A roost of over 5000 by the Djerem River in

the north of the park.

Delichon iirbica House Martin. C; WS and S. Maximum 10 together, 10 Mar. Usually

with other hirandines.

Motacillidae

Motacilla Jlava Yellow Wagtail. A; WS and S. Races flava and thunbergi identified.

Much less common where grazing cattle were absent.

M clara Mountain Wagtail, U; along Mékié River in the south and along the Ngoum-

Yoko road in the north.

M aguimp African Pied Wagtail. C; R.

Anthus ieucophrys Plain-backed Pipit. F; S. In more open areas of savanna, especially

where recently burnt. Birds of race zenkeri appeared much paler both above and

below than as illustrated in Keith et al (1992).

A. trivialis Tree Pipit. A; WS and edges of GF. Up to 60 seen on a single day.

Macronyx croceus Yellow-throated Longclaw. F; S.

2006

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Campephagidae

Campephaga phoenicea Red-shouldered Cuckoo-Shrike. F; GF,

C. petiîi Petit’s Cuckoo-Shrike. F; GF.

C. quiscalina Purple-throated Cuckoo-Shrike. F; GF. Seen as far north as 6°8'N

12°52'E. All of the above three Campephaga species were occasionally present in the

same mixed feeding party.

C pectoralis White-breasted Cuckoo-Shrike. U; S.

Pycnonotidae

Andropadus virens Little Greenbul. A; GF.

A. virens Little Grey Greenbul. C; LF and GF.

A. ansorgei Ansorge’s Greenbul. F; LF.

A. curvirostris Cameroon Sombre Greenbul. U; LF. Two netted in the south.

A. graciiirostris Slender-billed Greenbul. C; LF and GF.

A. latirostris Yellow-whiskered Greenbul. F; LF. Netted.

Baeopogon indicator Honeyguide Greenbul. A; LF and GF.

Chlorocichla flavicollis Yellow-throated Leaflove. A; GF and R. Ail were of ssp. soror.

Thescelocichla leucopleura Swamp Palm Greenbul. C; R.

Pyrrhurus scandens Leaflove. C; GF.

Phyllastrephus icterinus Icterine Greenbul. U; LF. One netted.

P. albigularis White-throated Greenbul. F; LF. Three netted.

Bleda syndactyla Red-tailed Bristlebill. F; LF and GF north to beyond the northern

boundary of the park.

B. notata Lesser Bristlebill. U; LF.

Criniger chloronotus Eastern-bearded Greenbul. F; LF and GF.

C. calurus Red-tailed Greenbul. F; LF and GF.

Pycnonotus barbaîus Common Bulbul. A; S, and forest edge.

Tordidae

Stiphrornis erythrothorax Forest Robin. U; LF. Probably under-recorded.

Sheppardia cyornithopsis Lowland Akalat. U; LF. Two netted at Mékié River in the

south.

Cossypha polioptera Grey-winged Robin-Chat. F; F-S, GF. Netted in the south and

north.

C. cyanocampter Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat. U; LF along Djerem River,

C. natalensis Red-capped Robin-Chat. One sighting in primary forest along the

Djerem River at 5°57'N, 12°52'E, 18 Mar. Until recently overlooked in Cameroon.

C. niveicapilla Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat. F; GF. Netted.

Alethe diademata Fire-crested Alethe. F; LF and GF.

A. poliocephala Brown-chested Alethe. C; LF and GF.

Neocossyphus rufus Red-tailed Ant-Thrush. F; GF. Formerly thought restricted to pri-

mary forest and, in Cameroon, only in the south and east (Louette 1981, Keith et ai 1992).

N. fraseri Rufous Flycatcher-Thrush. C; LF and GF,

Saxicola rubetra Whinchat. A; S. Most common in the north, up to 20 recorded per day.

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Birds of Mbam and Djerem NP

Malimbus 28

Cercomela famiHaris Familiar Chat. U; S.

Myrmecocichla nigra Sooty Chat. C; WS.

M albifrons White-fronted Black Chat. F; WS. All birds encountered were of the

white-shouldered variant.

Zoothera cameronensis Brown-eared Ground Thrush. One netted in forest

understorey, 1 2 Mar.

Turdns pelios African Thrush C; GF.

Sylviidae

Bathmocercm rufus Black-faced Rufous Warbler. U; LF and adjacent GF.

MelocicMa mentalis Moustached Grass Warbler. F; S with long grass.

Acrocephalus arnndinacem Great Reed Warbler. One in long grass in savanna, 19 Mar.

Hippolais pallida Olivaceous Warbler. U; GF.

H. icterina Icterine Warbler. U; S at Mékié River.

Cisticola erythrops Red-faced Cisticola. C; S.

C. cantans Singing Cisticola. U; WS.

C lateralis Whistling Cisticola. A; S.

C. natalensis Croaking Cisticola, U; S.

Prinia subflava Tawny-flanked Prinia. A; long grass and scrub.

P. bairdii Banded Prinia. U; LF.

Schistolais leucopogon White-chinned Prinia. C; GF edge.

Apalis Jlavida Yellow-breasted Apalis. F; GF. Also in gardens in Mbakaou.

A. riifogiilaris Buff-throated Apalis. C; LF.

A. bamendae Bamenda Apalis. C; GF. Recorded from the northern boundary of the

park south to 6°3'N, 12°50'E, in most gallery strips visited. These records further

extend the range of this species (Bobo et al. 2001).

Camaroptera brachyura Grey-backed Camaroptera. A; S and F.

C. superciliaris Yellow-browed Camaroptera. F; LF.

C. chloronota Olive-green Camaroptera. C; LF, occasionally GF.

Macrosphenus flavicans Yellow Longbill. U; LF.

M concolor Grey Longbill. F; LF.

Eremomela pusilla Senegal Eremomela. C; usually in small groups in WS.

E. badiceps Rufous-crowned Eremomela. F; forest edge along Mékié River.

Sylvietta brachyura Northern Crombec. F; S. A nest with young suspended c. 2.5 m

from the ground in a bush, 1 2 Mar,

S. Virens Green Crombec. C; LF and GF.

S. denti Lemon-bellied Crombec. U; LF.

Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler. F; GF.

P. sibilatrix Wood Warbler. C; GF and LF edge.

Hypergerus atriceps Oriole Warbler. C; R in the north. Apparently absent from

lowland forest.

Hyliota Jlavigaster Yellow-bellied Hyliota. F; WS and GF edge.

Hylia prasina Green Hylia, U; LF.

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101

Muscicapidae

Fraseria ocreata Fraser’s Forest Flycatcher. C; LF and GF.

F. cinerascem White-browed Forest Flycatcher. One netted in LF in the south.

Meiaenormis edoUoides Northern Black Flycatcher. F; WS.

Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher. One, WS, 21 Mar.

M gambagae Gambaga Flycatcher. F; S and forest edge.

M caerulescens Ashy Flycatcher. F; GF.

M Cassini Cassie’s Flycatcher. F; R.

M adusta Dusky Flycatcher. F; GF.

M comiîata Dusky-blue Flycatcher. U; LF.

M infuscata Sooty Flycatcher. F; LF and adjacent GF.

Myioparus piumbeus Grey Tit-Flycatcher. C; F and S.

Ficeduia hypoleuca Pied Flycatcher. F; WS and GF.

MonarcMdae

Erythrocercus mccallii Chestnut-capped Flycatcher. C; LF.

Elminia longicauda African Blue Flycatcher. F; S and F edge.

Trochocercus miens Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher. F; LF and adjacent GF.

Terpsiphone viridis African Paradise Flycatcher. C; GF and LF edge.

T. rufocinerea Rufous-vented Paradise Flycatcher. One with a mixed feeding party,

LF; 17 Mar.

T. riifiventer Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher. F; GF and LF,

Platysteiridae

Megabyas flammuiatus Shrike-Flycatcher. U; LF.

Bias musicus Black-and-white Flycatcher. F; LF edge and GF.

Dyaphorophyia castanea Chestnut Wattle-eye. F; LF. Eight netted.

D. tonsa White-spotted Wattle-eye. A male and a female netted together in GF.

D. chaiybea Black-necked Wattle-eye. A singing bird in lowland forest along the

Djerem River at c. 700 m, 5°56'N, 12°5rE, 18 Mar. Associated with submontane

forest at 1050-1950 m in SW Cameroon but with lowland forest in the south.

Platysteira cyanea Scarlet-spectacled Wattle-eye. C; all habitats visited.

Batis senegaiensis Senegal Batis. U; S,

B. minor Black-headed Batis. A; WS and F edge.

Timaliidae

liladopsis fulvescens Brown Illadopsis. U; LF.

/. rufipennis Pale-breasted Illadopsis, F; LF and GF. Caught in net.

1. cleaveri Blackcap Illadopsis. F; LF.

/. puveli Puvel’s Illadopsis. F; GF.

Ptyrticus turdinus Thrush-Babbler. C; GF.

Turdoides reinwardii Blackcap Babbler. F; R.

T. piebejus Brown Babbler. U; WS.

Paridae

Parus leucomeias White-winged Black Tit. C; WS.

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Birds of Mbam and Djerem NP

Malimbus 28

P. albiventris White-bellied Tit. F; WS.

Anthoscopus parvulus West African Penduline Tit. U; S.

Certhiidae

Salpornis spilonotus Spotted Creeper. F; WS.

Nectariniidae

Anthreptes longmmarei Western Violet-backed Sunbird. F; GF.

A. seimimdi Little Green Sunbird. A group of five in gallery forest, 12 Mar.

Deleornis fraseri Fraser’s Sunbird. F; LF.

Cyanomitra verticalis Green-headed Sunbird. U; WS.

C. cyanolaema Blue-throated Brown Sunbird. C; GF and LF.

C. obscura Olive Sunbird. C; GF and LF.

Chalcomitra rubescens Green-throated Sunbird. F; LF and S.

Hedydipna collaris Collared Sunbird. F; GF.

H. platura Pygmy Sunbird. U; LF.

Cinnyris chloropygius Olive-bellied Sunbird. U; Forest edge.

C reichenowi 'Northern Double-collared Sunbird. F; WS.

C bouvier i Orange-tufted Sunbird. C; WS.

C. venustus Variable Sunbird. One (of the white-bellied morph) at the northern

boundary of the park, 20 Mar.

C coccinigastra Splendid Sunbird. C; GF.

C. cupreus Copper Sunbird. F; in or near GF.

Zosteropidae

Zosterops senegalensis Yellow White-eye. A; in all habitats visited.

Oriolidae

Oriolus oriolus European Golden Oriole. F; WS.

O. auratus African Golden Oriole. U; WS and S.

O. brachyrhynchus Western Black-headed Oriole. C; LF and GF.

O. nigripennis Black-winged Oriole. U; GF.

Malaconotidae

Ni I ans a fer Brubm. C; WS.

Dryoscopus gambensis Northern Puffback. C; GF.

D. senegalensis Black-shouldered Puffback, A; LF and GF.

D. sabini Sabine’s Puffback. A male in GF in the north of the park, 20 Mar.

Tchagra minuta Marsh Tchagra. U; R.

T. australis Brown-crowned Tchagra. F; WS.

T. senegala Black-crowned Tchagra. C; WS.

Laniarus luehderi Liihder’s Bush Shrike. U; LF along Mangaré stream (5°46'N, 12°36'E).

L. aethiopicus Tropical Boubou. C; WS and GF.

L. barbatus Yellow-crowned Gonolek. U; GF and WS.

L. leucorhynchus Sooty Boubou. F; GF.

Malaconotus bocagei Grey-green Bush Shrike. C; GF.

M. sulfureopectus Sulphur-breasted Bush Shrike. F; in or near to GF.

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K. S. Bobo et al.

103

Nicaîor chioris Western Nicator. F; LF and Forest edge.

N. vireo Yellow-throated Nicator. F; GF. Usually considered a lowland forest species,

it was seemingly absent from the forest block in the south.

Dicruricae

Dicrurus ludwigii Square-tailed Drongo. C; GF; WS.

Dicrurus atripennis Shining Drongo. C; GF and LF.

D. adsimilis Fork-tailed Drongo. F; WS.

D. modestus Velvet-mantled Drongo. U; LF.

Sturnidae

Grafisia îorquata White-collared Starling. A; F-S.

Lamprotornis purpureiceps Purple-headed Glossy Starling. C; LF and adjacent GF.

Absent from GF in the north.

L. chloropterus Lesser Blue-eared Starling. C; WS in the north only.

L. splendidus Splendid Glossy Starling. A; LF and GF.

Cmnyricinclus leucogaster Violet-backed Starling. A; WS and GF,

Passeridae

Passer griseus Grey-headed Sparrow. C; Forest edge and farmbush along the

Ngoum-Sengbe road.

Petronia dentata Bush Petronia. A; WS.

Ploceidae

Ploceus nigricoiiis Black-necked Weaver. F; GF,

P. nigerrimus Vieillot’s Black Weaver. A; R. Many breeding colonies along the river.

P. cucuUaîus Village Weaver, C; near villages.

P. Zr/co/or Yellow-mantled Weaver. U; LF.

P. bicolor Dark-backed Weaver. C; LF and GF.

Malimbus nitens Blue-billed Malimbe. U; GF.

M malimbicus Crested Malimbe. F; LF. Two seen with nesting material.

M Cassini Cassin’s Malimbe. U; GF.

M riibricoliis Red-headed Malimbe. F; GF just north of the lowland forest block.

Qneiea erythrops Red-headed Quelea. U; S.

Q. quelea Red-billed Quelea. A; WS.

Euplectes macrourus Yellow-mantled Whydah. A; WS.

Estrildidae

Nigrita canicapilla Grey-crowned Negrofinch. F; LF and GF.

N. fusconota White-breasted Negrofinch. C; GF and LF.

Pyîilia hypogrammica Yellow-winged Pytilia. F; WS.

Spermophaga haematina Western Bluebill. U; LF.

Mandingoa nitidula Green Twinspot. U; GF. One netted in the south.

Clytospiza monteiri Brown Twinspot. U; WS.

Euschistospiza dybowski Dybowski’s Twinspot. C; WS, especially in the north.

Breeding at 6°7'N, 12°27'E, 21 Mar: both sexes apparently tending young in a rather

large, untidy, spherical nest c. 3 m above ground in a bush alongside a large boulder.

104

Birds of Mbam and Djerem NP

Malimbus 28

Lagonosticta rara Black-bellied Firefmch. C; WS.

L. rufopicta Bar-breasted Firefmch. U; WS.

L. rubricata African Firefmch. A male with other seedeaters in S in the north, 20 Mar.

Estrilda melpoda Orange-cheeked Waxbill. C; WS.

E. nonmda Black-crowned Waxbill. U; WS.

Uraeginthus bengahis Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu. F; locally in the north only.

Common just north of the park.

Lonchura cucullata Bronze Mannikin. C; WS.

L. bicolor Black-and-white Mannikin, U; WS.

Viduidae

Vidua macroura Pin-tailed Whydah. One near Sengbe on the western boundary of the park.

V. interjecta Exclamatory Paradise Whydah. A female in WS, 1 1 Mar. Identified

primarily on known range and the presence in the area of its host Pytilia

hypogrammica (Payne 1 997).

Fringillidae

Serinus mozambicus Yellow-fronted Canary. C; WS.

S. gu laris Streaky-headed Seed-eater. U; S.

Emberizidae

Emberiza tahapisi Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting. U; S.

E. affinis Brown-rumped Bunting. U; WS.

E. cabanisi Cabanis Bunting. F; WS.

Discussion

A total of 362 species was confirmed in the park. Biiteo buteo was recorded for the

fourth time in Cameroon. The records of Accipiter ovampensis, Cossypha natalensis

and Apalis flavida all confirm the recent increase in records of these species that now

appear more common and widespread than previously thought Grafisia torquata, a

typical species of transitional area was better represented in the park than in

surrounding areas. Breeding was recorded for the uncommon Vanellus superciliosus

and a nest of Euschistospiza dybowskii was found. The park contains substantial

numbers of certain Palaearctic migrants, notably Hirundo rustica, Anthus trivialis and

Saxicola rubetra.

The gallery forest strips contained an avifauna more distinct from the park’s

lowland forest than anticipated. Several species {e.g. Chrysococcyx Jlavigularis,

Neocossyphus ri{fus, Nicator vireo) usually associated with lowland rainforest were

found in the gallery forest but apparently absent from the lowland forest. Apalis

bamendae was common in most gallery forests visited, further increasing its known

range; in the extensive lowland rainforest towards the south it was replaced by A.

rufogularis, suggesting that the two species are mutually exclusive (see also Bobo et

al. 2001). Some forest species were found well to the north of their known range in

2006

K.S. Bobo et al.

105

Cameroon, such as Gymnobucco peli, Colomba imicmcta, Francolinus lathami,

Chrusococcyx flaviga laris, Tockus hartlaabi and T. camurus.

The inventory probably shows a bias towards gallery forest and savanna species

against those of lowland rainforest. As the latter habitat occurs in the more remote

regions of the park less time was spent there than would have been desirable to make

an accurate assessment of its avifauna. It is likely that a significant number of forest

species have therefore remained unrecorded. Some apparent absences may

nevertheless be genuine, especially those of some otherwise common forest species

such as Eastern Bearded Greenbul Criniger chloronotus and Naked-faced Barbet

Gymnobucco calvus, mostly confined to the Atlantic forest in Cameroon. Several

other otherwise abundant forest species were found in greatly reduced numbers. The

fact that these forests lie so far to the north is likely to explain these absences. This

forest area would greatly repay further scrutiny.

Large numbers of nightjars, including Caprimulgus climacurus, C.

nigriscapu laris and Macrodipteryx longipennis were observed at dusk along the

Mbakaou-Tibati road just to the north of the park. It is therefore likely that these

species were under-recorded inside the park.

With over 360 species confirmed for the National Park and at least a further 40 to

be expected, Mbam and Djerem constitutes a priority area for conservation in

Cameroon. One of the most interesting features of the site is its position at the ecotone

between lowland forest and sudano-guinean savannas with an interrupted gradient and

a complex mosaic between these two biomes. Should major climate changes occur in

the next decades, this site would most likely conserve distinct components of both

biomes and their bird species.

Acknowledgments

The visit of the BirdLife-COC team to Mbam and Djerem NP was part of the

Important Bird Areas Project in Cameroon, sponsored by GEF-UNDP/BirdLife

International. The second team was sponsored by WCS in the course of a multi-

resources survey in the Park. We thank both institutions for their financial assistance.

Many thanks to Dr Fiona Maisels for her advice. We also thank Emmanuel Yamga,

Guy Ferdinand Tchappi, our guides Roland Mbarsola and Blaise Adamou and our

canoeists Robert Sodeah and André Bouba. We also extend our thanks to the Chief of

the village of Mbakaou for his hospitality.

References

Barlow, C., Wacher, T. & Disley, T. (1997) A Field Guide to the Birds of The

Gambia and Senegal. Pica Press, Robertsbridge.

106

Birds of Mbam and Djerem NP

Malimbus 28

Bobo, K.S., Njabo, K.Y., Anye, D.N. & Languy, M, (2001) Status and distribution of

the Bamenda Apalis Apalis bamendae in Cameroon, Central Africa. Ostrich

SuppL 15: 110-113.

Borrow, N. & Demey, R. {2^Q\) Birds of Western Africa. Christopher Helm, London.

Brown, L.H., Urban, E.K. & Newman, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa, vol. 1.

Academic Press, London.

Chappuis, C. (2000) Oiseaux d’Afrique. 15 CDs. Société d’Etudes Ornithologiques de

France, Paris.

Clark, W.S. (1999) Ayres’ Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus (dubius) ayresi sightings in

Cameroon. Bull. Afr. Bird Club 6: 1 15-1 16.

Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. (2004) The Birds of Africa, vol. 7. Christopher Helm, London.

Fry, C.H, Keith, S. & Urban, E.K (1988, 2000) The Birds of Africa, vols 3, 6.

Academic Press, London.

Holyoak, D.T. & Seddon, M.B. (1990) Notes on some birds of western Cameroon.

Malimbus 11: 123-127.

Keith, S., Urban, E.K. & Fry, C.H. (1992) The Birds of Africa, vol. 4. Academic

Press, London.

Languy, M. & Njie, F. (2003) Birds of Takamanda Forest Reserve, Cameroon, Pp.

95-110 in CoMiSKEY, J.A., SUNDERLAND, T.C.H. & Sunderland-Groves, J.L.

(eds), Takamanda: the Biodiversity of an African Rainforest. SI/MAB Ser. 8,

Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC.

Louette, M. (1981) The Birds of Cameroon. An annotated check-list. Verhandl. Kon.

Acad. Wetensch. Lett. Schone Kunst. Belg. 43: 1-295.

Maisels, F., Fotso, R.C. & Hoyle, D. (2000) Mbam Djerem National Park,

Cameroon: Conservation Status, March 2000 Large Mammals and Human

Impact. NYZS/WCS, Cameroon Biodiversity Project, Yaoundé.

Maisels, F. (2004) Cameroun: Mbam Djerem. Canopée 27: 3-6.

Morel, G.J. & Tye, A. (1995) Guidelines for avifaunal papers in Malimbus.

Malimbus 17: 35-37.

Payne, R.B. (1997) Field identification of the brood parasitic Whydahs, Vidua, and

Cuckoo Finch Anomalospiza imberbis. Bull. Afr. Bird Club 4: 18-28.

Salewski, V. (1998) A record of an immature Ovambo Sparrowhawk Accipiter

ovampensis from Ivory Coast. Bull. Afr. Bird Club 5: 120-121.

Thiollay, J.-M. 1985. The Birds of Ivory Coast: status and distribution. Malimbus 7:

1-59.

Urban, E.K, Fry, C.H, & Keith, S. (1986, 1997) The Birds of Africa, vols 2, 5.

Academic Press, London.

2006

107

Les oiseaux du Parc National du Banco et de la Forêt

Classée de FAnguédédou, Côte d’ivoire

par Olivier Lachenaud

1070 Avenue de Fès, 34080 Montpellier, France. <olivier.lachenaud@laposte.net>

Reçu 26 janvier 2004; revu 28 juin 2006.

Résumé

Le Parc National du Banco et la Forêt Classée de FAnguédédou, qui

comptent parmi les dernières forêts de la région d’Abidjan, étaient presque

inconnus sur le plan ornithologique. Des visites régulières sur le terrain entre

1998 et 2002 ont permis d’identifier 198 espèces, dont cinq considérées

comme menacées: le Calao à joues brunes Bycanistes cylindricus, l’Indicateur

à pieds jaunes Meiignomon eisentrauti, le Bulbul à queue verte Bleda

eximius, le Bulbul à barbe jaune Criniger olivaceus et le Choucador à queue

bronzée Lamproîornis cupreocauda, et une espèce à répartition restreinte,

l’Apalis de Sharpe Apaiis sharpU. La liste comporte des notes sur l’écologie,

le chant et la nidification.

Summary

The birds of Banco National Park and Anguédédou Forest Reserve, Ivory

Coast. The avifauna of Banco NP and Anguédédou FR, which are among the

last remaining forests in the Abidjan area, was almost unknown. During

regular visits in 1998-2002, 198 species were identified, including five

threatened species: Brown-cheeked Hombill Bycanistes cylindricns, Yellow-

footed Honeyguide Meiignomon eisentrauti. Green-tailed Bristlebill Bleda

eximius. Yellow-throated Olive Greenbul Criniger olivaceus and Copper-

tailed Glossy Starling Lamprotornis cupreocauda, and the Restricted-Range

species Sharpe’s Apaiis Apaiis sharpii. The list includes notes on ecology,

voice and breeding.

Introduction

Le Parc National du Banco (PNB) et la Forêt Classée de FAnguédédou (FC A) sont

deux forêts mitoyennes situées aux environs immédiats d’Abidjan, capitale

économique de la Côte d’ivoire. Malgré leur facilité d’accès, ces forêts ont été

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O. Lachenaud

Malimbus 28

presque totalement délaissées par les ornithologues. Brunei & Thiollay (1969),

Thiollay (1985) et Demey & Fishpool (1991) ne citent du PNB que sept espèces au

total. D’autres observations plus anciennes sont dues à Paulian (1949), entomologiste

qui se rendit au Banco durant Pété 1945 pour étudier la canopée, milieu alors

inconnu. Paulian n’était pas un ornithologue et ne mentionne que neuf espèces

d’oiseaux parmi les plus remarquables. Ces données sont néanmoins intéressantes, car

deux espèces semblent aujourd’hui éteintes {Corythaeola cristata et Ceratogymna

atraîa). Aucune donnée n’est disponible concernant l’avifaune de la FCA.

Présentation du Parc National du Banco et de la Forêt Classée de FAnguédédou

Le PNB et la FCA sont situés en périphérie nord-ouest d’Abidjan, à proximité

immédiate de la lagune Ebrié, sur des plateaux d’altitude 50-100 m entrecoupés de

vallées aux pentes très marquées. Les sols sont des sables tertiaires appauvris,

typiques de la frange lagunaire de l’est de la Côte d’ivoire.

Le PNB, couvrant 3200 ha, est encerclé aux sud, est et nord par l’agglomération

d’Abidjan (communes d’Abobo, Adjamé et Yopougon). Il est traversé par la petite

rivière Banco, qui prend sa source à la limite nord du parc et se jette dans la lagune

Ebrié au pied de son entrée sud. En son centre se situent une école forestière, un

arboretum, une ferme piscicole et un village. Le PNB fut classé Réserve forestière

(l’une des trois premières de Côte d’ivoire) en 1926. Des travaux sylvicoles

(reboisement de zones défrichées et plantations d’enrichissement) y ont alors été

menés jusqu’en 1953, date de son classement en Parc National. Depuis, les

interventions humaines ont été très limitées en ce qui concerne les défrichements,

97% du parc étant encore boisé (Lauginie et ai 1996); un braconnage intensif a

malheureusement entraîné la disparition des grands mammifères.

La forêt du PNB est une forêt sempervirente; De Koning (1982) et Lauginie et al.

(1996) y distinguent quatre types de formations naturelles. La plus importante est la

forêt de terre femie psammohygrophile à Turraeanthus africanus et Heisteria

parvifolia. Cette formation végétale, décrite par Mangenot (1955), croît sur des sols

sableux tertiaires pauvres en argile, et couvre une étroite bande côtière dans l’est de la

Côte d’ivoire. Les arbres dominants des strates supérieures sont T. africanus,

Synsepahim afzelii, Berlinia confusa, Blighia welwitschii. Coula edulis, Dacryodes

klaineana, Lophira alata, Petersianthus macrocarpus, Piptadeniastrum africanum; la

plupart de ces espèces sont communes dans toutes les forêts sempervirentes, mais les

deux premières, abondantes ici, sont ailleurs beaucoup plus dispersées. Les strates

dominées sont marquées par l’abondance de Chrysophyllum subnudum, Drypetes

chevalieri, Eriocoelum pungens, Monodora myristica, Tabernaemontana crassa et

Xylopia acutiflora.

Dans trois autres formations naturelles, l’avifaune, assez semblable à celle de la

forêt de terre ferme, comporte cependant quelques espèces spécifiques {Sarothrura

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Oiseaux de Banco et d’Anguédédou

109

pulchra, Thescelocichla leucopleura, Cyanomitra cyanolaema, Lamprotornis

cupreocauda, Ploceus albinucha). L’une de celles-ci est la forêt marécageuse à

Miîragyna ledermannU, Alsîonia boonei, Uapaca paludosa et Symphonia globuiifera,

qui présente une canopée assez ouverte et un sous-bois dense où les palmiers {Raphia,

Laccosperma) sont abondants. Le deuxième est la forêt périodiquement inondée,

poussant sur des sols soumis à des inondations ou ruissellements temporaires (souvent

en périphérie des forêts marécageuses). Les arbres Hymenostegia afzeUi, Sacoglottis

gabonemis, Parkia bicolor et Coeiocaryon oxycarpum sont typiques de cette

formation. La troisième est la forêt ripicole, localisée sur le cours supérieur du Banco

et dominée par Cynometra ananîa qui forme d’importants peuplements.

Du fait de l’exploitation passée (plantations) et actuelle (récolte de produits

dérivés) par l’homme, la forêt du PNB reste une forêt secondaire âgée. Les ouvertures

sont localisées aux alentours du village, au bord de la rivière et de certaines pistes.

Les vieilles plantations forestières, d’espèces autochtones (Acajou Bassam Khaya

ivorensis, Azobé Lophira alaîa) ou allochtones (Niangon Tarrietia atilis. Okoumé

Aucoumea klaineana), antérieures à 1950, sont aujourd’hui plus ou moins intégrées à

la forêt.

Les seuls milieux non forestiers du PNB sont les étangs de la ferme piscicole et

leurs abords, quelques clairières autour du village et sur les lisières du parc, et les

marais herbacés à Cyrtosperma senegalense qui bordent localement la rivière Banco.

Au nord-ouest du PNB, la FCA couvre 5700 ha dont la majorité sont occupés par

des plantations industrielles d’hévéas Hevea brasiliensis. La surface restante est une

mosaïque de forêt naturelle (quelques dizaines d’hectares seulement), de forêt

dégradée, de plantations de reboisement (au total 1700 ha de surface boisée) et de

clairières. Elle est arrosée par deux petites rivières, le Niangon à l’est et

l’Anguédédou à l’ouest. L’autoroute du Nord (Abidjan-Yamoussoukro) la traverse.

Les formations forestières du PNB se retrouvent en FCA, mais sous un état

beaucoup plus secondarisé, marqué par l’abondance d’arbres et arbustes héliophiles

{Cieistophoiis patens, Harungana madagascariensis, Macamnga spp,, Mnsanga

cecropioides, Pycnanthus angolensis et Tetrorchidinm didymostemon). Beaucoup de

ces arbustes donnent des fruits très appréciés par les oiseaux; Discoglypremna

caloneura (Euphorbiaceae), par exemple, est l’une des rares espèces à fructifier en

pleine saison sèche, où ses petits fruits d’un rouge vif attirent un très grand nombre

d’oiseaux (au PNB, dix espèces comptées simultanément en février sur le même

arbre) pour lesquels elle pourrait avoir une importance vitale. Les recrûs qui au PNB

sont localisés aux alentours du village et au bord de certaines pistes, se trouvent un

peu partout en FCA.

La majorité de la surface boisée est cependant occupée par des plantations

forestières. Les essences les plus plantées sont Khaya ivorensis, le Framiré

Terminalia ivorensis, le Fraké T. superba et le Samba Triplochiîon scleroxylon,

quatre espèces autochtones, et des essences allochtones comme Aucoumea klaineana,

le Sao Hopea odorata, divers Eucalyptus, le Pin caraïbe Pinus carribaea et V Acacia

110

O. Lachenaud

Malimbus 28

mangium (Behagel & M’Bla 1998). Les plus vieilles plantations forestières datent de

1965; le sous-bois et les strates moyennes s’y sont partiellement reconstitués, ce qui

permet la survie de certains oiseaux forestiers.

Les clairières sont nombreuses et souvent envahies par l’Herbe de Guinée

Panicum maximum. Enfin, les plantations industrielles d’hévéas couvrent la plus

grande partie de la “forêt classée”. On trouve également quelques plantations

d’agrumes, de cacaoyers et de bananiers.

La faune du PNB et de la FCA semble n’avoir fait l’objet d’aucune étude récente.

Parmi les mammifères, le PNB abrite encore les Céphalophes bai Cephalophus

dorsalis et de Maxwell C. maxwelli, le Guib harnaché Tragelaphus scriptus, le

Pangolin à longue queue Manis tetradactyla, le Hocheur à nez blanc Cercopithecus

petaurista, la Mone de Campbell C. Campbell i (assez commune et facilement visible à

l’entrée du parc) et au moins deux espèces d’écureuils {Protoxerus stangeri et

Paraxerus poensis), tous observés au cours de cette étude. Béligné (corn, pers.)

mentionne également la présence de la Civette Civettictis civetta, de la Genette

Genetta genetta et du Daman des arbres Dendrohyrax dorsalis. Plus surprenant, un

petit groupe (10-15 individus) de Chimpanzés Pan troglodytes se maintient toujours.

Les grands mammifères ont depuis longtemps disparu du parc. Seuls Paraxerus

poensis et Dendrohyrax dorsalis ont été notés en FCA,

La flore de la région est riche de près de 850 espèces de phanérogames

(Aubréville 1936, 1959, De Koning 1983, Aké Assi 2001-2), dont plus de 800 pour le

seul PNB. Plus de 60 sont des endémiques ouest-africaines, dont certaines sont très

rares, et quatre ne paraissent exister qu’aux environs immédiats de la ville d’Abidjan:

Albertisia cordifolia, Dichapetalum dictyospermum, Milletia takou et Tapinanthus

praetexta. Macaranga beillei a également une aire très restreinte dans la région

d’Abidjan-Dabou. Ces espèces, qui peuvent être localement abondantes (du moins les

deux premières) sont néanmoins très menacées et leur survie dépend pratiquement de

celle du PNB.

Le climat du sud de la Côte d’ivoire est de type subéquatorial à quatre saisons:

deux saisons sèches (la “grande” de décembre à février et la “petite” en août-

septembre) et deux saisons des pluies (grande de mai-juillet et petite en octobre-

novembre). La pluviométrie moyenne annuelle est de 2000 mm, juin étant le mois le

plus arrosé. La température moyenne est de 26°C, avec des valeurs mensuelles

minima et maxima de 2i°C et 32°C (Lauginie et al. 1996, Behagel & M’Bla 1998, De

Koning 1983). L’humidité minimale moyenne est de 59% pour le mois le plus sec,

janvier.

Méthodes

Ayant résidé à Abidjan de décembre 1997 à juillet 2002, j’ai pu visiter régulièrement

ces deux forêts durant tous les mois de l’année, à l’exception de juillet et août. Les

2006

Oiseaux de Banco et d’Anguédédou

données ici présentées sont presque entièrement basées sur mes observations ainsi que

sur celles de Nathalie Armandy, Bruno Boedts et Hugo Rainey, résidents en Côte

d’ivoire durant la même période.

L’abondance sur les deux sites, l’habitat, la distribution verticale de l’espèce,

ainsi que d’éventuelles informations sur la nourriture, le comportement ou la

nidification, sont présentés. Concernant la distribution verticale, les hauteurs données

sont très approximatives; (1)5-20 m signifie que l’oiseau occupe principalement les

strates entre 5 et 20 m, descendant parfois jusqu’à 1 m. Les catégories d’abondance

(Morel & Tye 1995) sont: A (abondant) >10 oiseaux observés ou entendus

quotidiennement dans leur habitat; C (commun) 1-10 oiseaux observés/entendus

quotidiennement dans leur habitat; F (fréquent) observé/entendu régulièrement, mais

non quotidiennement, dans son habitat; U (peu commun): plusieurs observations par

an; R (rare) moins d’une observation par an (espèces sédentaires); V (accidentel)

moins d’une observation par an (espèces migratrices).

Les espèces disparues de la région, ou dont la présence est douteuse, sont

signalées entre crochets. La nomenclature suit celle de Borrow & Demey (2001,

2004).

Résultats

Ardeidae

Ixobrychus sturmii Blongios de Stürm. PNB: un oiseau vu régulièrement, jan-mai

1988 à la ferme piscicole (Demey & Fishpool 1991).

Tigriornis ieucolopha Onoré à huppe blanche, PNB: un oiseau en forêt marécageuse

au bord du Banco, 4 sep 2002 (B. Boedts corn. pers.).

Nycticorax nycticorax Bihoreau gris, PNB, F (étangs): sans doute résident (nombreux

oiseaux encore présents en juin).

Buîorldes striata Héron strié. PNB, C (étangs). FCA: une seule observation au bord

du Niangon.

Bubulcus ibis Héron garde-boeufs. FCA, U (clairières).

Ardea cinerea Héron cendré. PNB: 1-2 oiseaux vus régulièrement aux étangs, en

hivernage.

Anatidae

Pteroneîta hartlaubii Canard de Hartlaub. PNB: un oiseau aux étangs, nageant

entièrement à découvert, 14 mai 2000. Probablement plus commun sur les rives

boisées de la rivière, mais d’observation difficile.

Nettapus auritus Anserelle naine. PNB: une femelle aux étangs, 1 1 fév 2001.

Accipitridae

Aviceda cmuloides Baza coucou. PNB: un oiseau, 15 nov 1998 (B. Boedts corn,

pers.). Le statut de cette espèce en Côte d’ivoire reste à préciser: Thiollay (1985) la

dit sédentaire, mais dans la région côtière je ne l’ai vue qu’en saison sèche.

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Pernis apivorus Bondrée apivore. PNB: un oiseau dans la forêt marécageuse au bord

du Banco, 25 mar 2000.

Milvus migrans parasitus Milan noir. PNB, A; FCA, A (clairières).

Gypohierœc angolensis Palmiste africain. PNB et FCA: trois observations seulement,

forêt et plantations. Paulian (1949) rapporte qu’il était commun en 1945 et très

apprécié pour sa chair, ce qui a sans doute causé sa forte diminution.

Dryotriorchis spectabilis Serpentaire du Congo. PNB: un oiseau en forêt dense au

coeur du parc, houspillé par des passereaux (notamment Prionops caniceps), 24 fév

1999. Les deux oiseaux que j’ai observés en Côte d’ivoire présentaient une zone pâle

à la base des rémiges primaires sur le dessus de l’aile; ce caractère n’apparaît sur

aucune illustration.

Polyboroides typus Gymnogène d’Afrique. PNB, U; FCA, F: forêt dégradée,

plantations et bords du Banco; absent de la forêt dense.

Circus aeruginosus Busard des roseaux. FCA: un mâle en vol au-dessus d’une

clairière, 4 mar 2002.

Accipiter tachiro Autour tachiro. PNB, F; FCA, U. Forêt dense ou dégradée.

A. erythropus Epervier de Hartlaub. PNB: un mâle observé à l’arboretum, poursuivant

un souimanga Cyanomitra obscura, }an 2000.

A. melanoleucus Autour noir. PNB et FCA: quatre observations au total, forêt dense

et îlots forestiers.

Urotriorchis macrourus Autour à longue queue. PNB, F: forêt dense; un immature,

oct. Semble absent de la FCA.

Kaupifalco monogrammicus Autour unibande. PNB: un oiseau à l’arboretum, 24 déc

2000.

Buteo auguralis Buse d’Afrique. FCA, U: clairières.

Hieraaetus ayresi Aigle d’Ayres. PNB: un immature aux étangs, 21 mai 2000. FCA:

un adulte en vol au-dessus des plantations de Khaya, 1 juin 2000.

Spizaetus africanus Aigle-autour de Cassin. FCA: un oiseau chassant en vol au-dessus

de la forêt, 24 mai 2000.

Stephanoaetus coronatus Aigle couronné. PNB: au moins un couple observé

régulièrement au bord du Banco. Présence pour le moins surprenante, étant donné la

faible superficie du parc et l’ampleur du braconnage. Risque de disparaître si la

pression humaine continue à s’exercer.

Falconidae

Falco ardosiaceus Faucon ardoisé. FCA, R: clairières.

F. cuvierii Faucon de Cuvier. FCA, U: clairières.

F. biarmicus Faucon lanier. PNB: un immature observé à deux reprises aux étangs,

fév 2002.

Phasianidae

F. ahantensis Francolin d’Ahanta. FCA: une observation, de nombreux oiseaux,

probablement en parade (très bruyants; courses, poursuites et sauts observés) dans les

repousses sous une jeune plantation de Terminalia, 19 déc 2000.

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Numididae

[Guîtera pucherani Pintade huppée. PNB: présence rapportée par les guides, mais

certainement éteinte aujourd’hui; aucun indice de sa présence (plumes) n’a été

trouvé.]

Rallidae

Saroîhrura pulchra Râle perlé. PNB, A; FCA, A. Forêt marécageuse ou de bas-fond.

Amaurornis flavirostra Râle à bec jaune. PNB, U (étangs).

Heliornithidae

Podica senegalensîs Grébifoulque d’Afrique. PNB, F: sur le Banco, parfois aussi aux

étangs.

Jacanidae

ActophUornis africana Jacana à poitrine dorée. PNB, A (étangs). Immatures presque

toute l’année.

Charadriidae

Vamllus albiceps Vanneau à tête blanche. PNB: un oiseau aux étangs, 2 avr 2000.

Scolopacidae

Tringa ochropus Chevalier cul-blanc. PNB: un oiseau 2002 aux étangs, jan-fév.

Actiîis hypoleucos Chevalier guignette. PNB, F (étangs).

Columbidae

Treron calvus Colombar à front nu. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt et vieilles plantations;

mange les fruits de Ficus et Musanga.

Turtur brehmeri Tourtelette demoiselle. PNB: citée par Brunei & Thiollay (1969); un

chant entendu provenait de cette espèce d’après H. Rainey.

T. tympanistria Tourtelette tambourette. PNB, F; FCA, C. Forêt marécageuse ou

dégradée (non en forêt dense de terre ferme) et plantations; mange les fruits de

Pycnanthus angolensis.

T. afer Tourtelette améthystine. FCA, C: clairières.

Columba iridiîorques Pigeon à nuque bronzée. PNB, F en forêt dense. FCA, R, forêt

dégradée et vieilles plantations de Khaya. Pic de chant en jan.

Streptopelia semitorquaîa Tourterelle à collier. PNB, R (en limite du parc); FCA, C.

Clairières et plantations.

Psittacidae

Psittacus erithacus Perroquet jaco. PNB: un oiseau (sous-espèce non déterminée),

juin 2002, probablement échappé de captivité.

Poicephalus senegalus Perroquet youyou. FCA, U: clairières, souvent avec Psittacula

krameri.

Agapornis swindernianus Inséparable à collier noir. PNB: un Agapornis cité par

Paulian (1949) ne peut être que cette espèce; observé deux fois en 2000 et 2001 (P.

Yapo corn. pers.). Rare en Côte d’ivoire, quatre sites connus (Thiollay 1985, Demey

& Fishpool 1991, 1994, Gartshore et al. 1995, Rainey & Lachenaud 2002).

Psittacula krameri Perruche à collier. PNB: une observation d’un petit groupe en vol

au-dessus de la forêt. FCA, F: clairières et plantations é' Eucalyptus.

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Musophagidae

[Coryîhaeola cristata Touraco géant. PNB: Présent en 1945 (Paulian 1949), disparu

depuis.]

Tauraco macrorhynchus Touraco à gros bec. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt dense ou

dégradée, 3-30 m, rare dans les vieilles plantations; membre occasionnel des rondes.

Recherche les fruits de Dialium dinklagei dont il mange la pulpe blanche entourant la

graine (P. Yapo corn. pers).

Cuculidae

Oxylophus levaillantii Coucou de Levaillant. PNB et FCA: trois observations en

lisière de forêt, pendant la grande saison sèche.

Cuculus solitarius Coucou solitaire. PNB, U, repéré uniquement par son chant.

C clamosus Coucou criard. PNB, F: forêt dense, repéré uniquement par son chant.

Semble absent de la FCA.

Cercococcyx olivinus Coucou olivâtre. PNB: un oiseau entendu et brièvement

observé, 5 nov 2000.

Chrysococcyx cupreus Coucou foliotocol. PNB, A; FCA, C. Forêt et plantations

{Khaya, Terminalià), 8-20 m, accompagnant parfois les rondes d’oiseaux.

C. JJavigularis Coucou à gorge jaune. PNB: cité par Brunei & Thiollay (1969), non

revu.

C klaas Coucou de Klaas. PNB, C; FCA, C. Clairières, plantations et ouvertures en

forêt (bords du Banco).

C. caprius Coucou didric. PNB, U; FCA, C. Clairières et ouvertures en forêt (bords

du Banco).

Ceiiîhmochares aereus Malcoha à bec jaune. PNB, F, en forêt marécageuse, absent de

la forêt dense de terre ferme. FCA, C: forêt dégradée et plantations, 5-30 m, toujours

dans les secteurs riches en lianes. Membre fréquent des rondes d’insectivores; souvent

en compagnie d’écureuils.

Centropus leucogaster Coucal à ventre blanc. PNB, U: entendu seulement en forêt

marécageuse au bord du Banco. FCA, F: forêt marécageuse et plantations, 0-5 m, une

fois dans une ronde d’insectivores.

C senegalensis Coucal du Sénégal. PNB: une observation aux limites du parc en

1987 (R. Demey corn. pers.). FCA, F: clairières.

Strigidae

Bubo poensis Grand=duc à aigrettes. PNB: deux observations en forêt marécageuse au

bord du Banco, probablement plus commun.

[Glaucidium capense Chevêchette du Cap. La présence de cette espèce au PNB,

signalée par Thiollay (1985) demande à être confirmée. Elle n’est pas connue de

Yapo (Demey & Fishpool 1994) et habite normalement les forêts semi-décidues à

voûte ouverte (F. Dowsett-Lemaire corn, pers.)]

Apodidae

Rhaphidura sabini Martinet de Sabine. PNB, U: observé régulièrement, toujours 1-2

oiseaux, souvent en compagnie d’autres espèces {Apus affinis, Cypsiurus parvus,

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115

Telacanîhura ussheri). Jamais observé en FCA, bien qu’il soit adaptable à la forêt

dégradée.

Telacanthura meianopygia Martinet de Chapin. PNB: un oiseau en vol au-dessus de

l’arboretum, 25 mar 2000.

T, ussheri Martinet d’Ussher. PNB, C; FCA, C. Clairières et ouvertures en forêt,

souvent avec d’autres martinets et hirondelles.

Neafrapus cassini Martinet de Cassin. PNB: bords du Banco, deux observations (1-2

oiseaux) en fév et juin.

Cypsiurus parvus Martinet des palmiers. PNB: A; FCA: A, au-dessus de la forêt et

des clairières.

Apus apus Martinet noir. PNB, F; FCA, F, au-dessus des clairières; présent durant

l’hivemage, jusqu’à la fin mai (plusieurs petits groupes, FCA, le 28 mai 2000).

A. affmis Martinet des maisons. PNB, A; FCA, A. Clairières et ouvertures en forêt

(bords du Banco), en compagnie d’autres martinets et hirondelles.

Alcedinidae

Halcyon malimbica Martin-chasseur à poitrine bleue. PNB: un oiseau entendu, 30 mai

1987 (R. Demey corn, pers.); aucune donnée supplémentaire malgré son chant

typique.

H. senegaîensis Martin-chasseur du Sénégal. PNB, F: étangs. FCA, F: clairières et

très jeunes plantations.

Ceyx pictus Martin-chasseur pygmée. PNB: une observation en 1986 (R. Demey corn,

pers.). FCA: une seule observation en lisière de forêt.

Aicedo Îeucogasîer Martin-pêcheur à ventre blanc. PNB: une observation sur le

Banco près des étangs; probablement plus commun mais discret. Cri très aigu et assez

faible, rappelant Ceyx pictus.

Ceryle rudis Martin-pêcheur pie. PNB: deux oiseaux aux étangs, 7 nov 2000.

Abondant à quelques kilomètres de là, sur les bords de la lagune Ebrié.

Meropidae

Merops gularis Guêpier noir. PNB: deux oiseaux près de l’arboretum, 30 mai 1987

(R. Demey corn. pers.).

M pusiilus Guêpier nain. PNB, R: limites du parc. FCA, F: clairières.

M aibicoiiis Guêpier à gorge blanche. PNB, A; FCA, F. Migrateur non nicheur (sep-

mai), occupant tous les milieux y compris la canopée de la forêt dense.

Coraciidae

Eurystomus gularis Rolle à gorge bleue. FCA, U: plantations {Terminalia,

Eucalyptus), Couple nourrissant un jeune (gorge brune, poitrine et ventre bleu-gris

pâle), 28 mai 2000. Présence probable mais non confirmée au PNB.

E. glaucurus Rolle africain. FCA: un oiseau dans une clairière, 23 déc 2001.

Phoeniculidae

Phoeniculus casîaneiceps Irrisor à tête brune. PNB, U: forêt dense, quatre

observations (1-2 oiseaux) dont deux parmi des rondes d’insectivores.

P. boliei Irrisor à tête blanche. PNB: deux oiseaux en vol au-dessus du Banco, 6 fév 2000.

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Bucerotidae

Tropicramis albocristatus Calao à huppe blanche. PNB, C; FCA, C, Forêt et vieilles

plantations, 0-10 m; vu fréquemment suivre les groupes de singes.

Tockus fasciatus Calao longibande. PNB, A; FCA, A. Tous milieux; mange les fruits

de Guarea. Assez rare en 1945 d’après Paulian (1949), peut-être bénéficié de la déforestation.

Bycanistes fistulator Calao siffleur. PNB, F; FCA, U. Forêt marécageuse ou de bas-

fond, jamais loin des rivières et bien moins abondant que l’espèce précédente; d’après

Paulian (1949) c’était pourtant l’inverse en 1945.

B. cylindricus Calao à joues brunes. PNB: un oiseau, 4 sep 2002 (B. Boedts corn,

pers.). Aucune autre observation de cette espèce pourtant facilement repérable

n’ayant été faite, l’oiseau était probablement un visiteur: l’espèce est sujette à des

migrations locales. Déjà rare en 1945 d’après Paulian (1949).

[Ceraiogymna atrata Calao à casque noir. PNB: Commun en 1945 d’après Paulian

(1949), semble aujourd’hui disparu.]

Capitonidae

Gymnobucco calvus Barbican chauve. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt et plantations, 10^0

m. Colonies actives en nov.

G. peli Barbican à narines emplumées. PNB, F; FCA, F. Mêmes milieux que l’espèce

précédente (distinction difficile sur le terrain). Les deux espèces se nourrissent des

fruits de nombreux arbres {Ficus, Musanga, Pycnanîhus, Cleisîopholis, Psydrax).

Pogoniulus scolopaceus Barbion grivelé. PNB, U; FCA, F. Recrûs, plantations,

ouvertures en forêt (rivière Banco, bords des pistes), 3-20 m. Adulte nourrissant un

immature avec des fruits de Ficus exasperata en fév (PNB); mange également les

fruits de Discoglypremna.

P. subsulphureus Barbion à gorge jaune. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt et plantations.

Mange les fruits de Discoglypremna. P. bilineatus n’existe pas dans la région. Il

semble en fait être totalement absent de la zone forestière (obs. pers.) où il a été

signalé probablement par confusion avec P. subsulphureus.

P. atrojlavus Barbion à croupion rouge. PNB, F; FCA, F. Forêt et plantations,

Identification basée uniquement sur le chant; l’oiseau n’a jamais été observé.

Buccanodon duchaillui Barbican à taches jaunes. PNB, U. Une observation en 1986

(R. Demey corn, pers.); données personnelles basées uniquement sur le chant.

Tricholaema hirsuta Barbu hérissé. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt, recrûs et plantations

{Khaya, Terminalia, Triplochiîon), (5)8-25 m. Se nourrit des fruits de Pycnanîhus,

Rauwolfia, Macaranga; également membre occasionnel des rondes d’insectivores.

Lybius vieilloti Barbican de Vieillot. FCA: entendu à deux reprises dans une clairière

en limite de la forêt classée.

Trachylaemus purpuratus Barbican pourpré. PNB, C; FCA, F. Forêt, surtout dans les

bas-fonds; plus rarement dans les plantations.

Indicatoridae

Prodotiscus ins ignis Indicateur pygmée. PNB: un oiseau en sous-bois de forêt dense,

à 2 m de haut, 24 fév 1999; vu capturer en vol un insecte sur un tronc. FCA: un oiseau

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117

à 30-40 m de haut dans un arbre isolé dans une clairière, 24 déc 2001. Plusieurs

autres observations probables.

Melignomon eisentrauti Indicateur d’Eisentraut. PNB: observation probable d’un

immature, 7 avr 2002 (H. Rainey com. pers.). FCA: un oiseau à la lisière d’un îlot

forestier et d’une vieille plantation de pins, à 4-12 m de haut, accompagnant une

ronde d’insectivores du sous-bois {Malimbus rubricolUs, Terpsiphone rufivenîer,

etc.), 25 nov 2001; vu chasser des insectes au vol à la façon d’un gobe-mouche; et

capturer un insecte sur un tronc. Observé à quelques mètres et dans d’excellentes

conditions, l’oiseau correspondait parfaitement à l’illustration dans Bowden eî ai.

(1995). Les caractères suivants ont été notés: taille intermédiaire entre Prodoüscus

insignis et Indicator conirosîhs; allure plus élancée que ce dernier et dos d’un vert

olive nettement plus vif; dessous gris pâle (sans teinte verte sur la poitrine); rectrices

externes presque entièrement blanches, avec de petites taches grises à leur extrémité;

oeil sombre; bec jaune vif relativement fin pour un indicateur, pattes également jaune

vif Espèce découverte très récemment en Côte d’ivoire, dans la moitié nord de la

zone forestière (Rainey et al. 2003).

Indicator maculatus Indicateur tacheté. PNB: deux observations à l’arboretum.

/. conirostris Indicateur à gros bec. PNB, F; FCA, F. Forêt et vieilles plantations de

Khaya, 5-20 m, fréquemment en compagnie de Gymnobucco peli que l’on suspecte

être son hôte principal; une fois dans une ronde d’insectivores.

/. wiîlcocksi Indicateur de Willcocks. FCA: deux oiseaux en lisière d’un îlot forestier,

16 sep 2001. Observés à quelques mètres de distance; identifiés par l’absence de

moustache noire, la tête et la poitrine fortement lavées de vert olive (/. exilis et

conirostris ont ces parties plus grises, et tous deux présentent une moustache noire);

taille légèrement inférieure à celle d’/. conirostris et bec notablement plus petit. L’un

d’eux explorait des trous de Gymnobucco (entrant presque entièrement à l’intérieur)

dans un arbre mort à 5-10 m de hauteur, tandis que l’autre (mâle?) se tenait à

quelques mètres à l’écart, peut-être pour détourner l’attention des barbus. Ceux-ci

chassèrent ensuite le premier oiseau en poussant des cris très forts évoquant ceux d’un

rapace. Il est donc possible que cette espèce parasite les Gymnobucco; ses hôtes sont

encore inconnus (Fry et al 1988). Rare en Côte d’ivoire (Thiollay 1985, Demey &

Fishpool 1991).

Picidae

Sasia africana Picumne de Verreaux. FCA: une femelle (pas de tache rousse au front)

à la lisière d’une plantation de Terminalia et d’un îlot forestier, explorant les rameaux

d’un arbre défeuiîlé à 5-10 m de haut, 3 nov 2000. Espèce rare en Afrique de l’Ouest:

deux observations en Côte d’ivoire (Demey & Fishpool 1994, Gartshore et al. 1995),

deux au Libéria (Gutter 1997) et deux au Ghana (Macdonald & Taylor 1977, Dutson

& Branscombe 1990).

Campethera nivosa Pic tacheté. PNB et FCA: seulement deux observations (1-2

oiseaux) dans les rondes du sous-bois, en forêt dense et dégradée.

C. caroii Pic à oreillons bruns. PNB: couple observé à deux reprises au même endroit,

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Malimbus 28

dans une ronde d’insectivores du sous-bois.

Dendropicos gabonensis Pic du Gabon. PNB, U; FCA, F. Forêt dégradée (absent ou

plus rare en forêt dense), recrûs et plantations de Khaya, 8-35 m. Tambourinage en

nov.

D. pyrrhogaster Pic à ventre de feu. PNB, F; FCA, C. Forêt dense, mais surtout forêt

dégradée et plantations {Khaya, Terminalia), (1)5-15 m. En couples, souvent dans les

rondes d’insectivores,

Eurylainiidae

Smithornis capensis Eurylaime du Cap. FCA: couple nourrissant un juvénile, à 10-15

m de haut en lisière de forêt marécageuse dégradée au bord du Niangon, 19 déc 2000.

Distingué de S. rufolateralis (espèce de forêt dense), par la taille supérieure, le dessus

moins sombre et nettement strié, et l’absence de coloration orange à la poitrine. Cette

observation est surprenante, S. capensis habitant plutôt les marges nord de la zone

forestière; plus au sud, il est signalé de Taï par Thiollay (1985), mais non par

Gartshore et al. (1995).

Pittidae

Pitta angolensis Brève à poitrine fauve. PNB: un oiseau en jan 1979 (Nicole in

Demey & Fishpool 1991); non revu depuis.

Hirundinidae

Psalidoprocne nitens Hirondelle à queue courte. PNB: quatre en vol au-dessus de

l’arboretum, 25 mar 2000. Espèce commune à Yapo (Demey & Fishpool 1994, obs.

pers.) mais très rare aux environs d’Abidjan (obs, pers.),

P. obscura Hirondelle fanti. PNB, A; FCA, A. Lisières, clairières et bords du Banco,

en groupes atteignant souvent 20-30 oiseaux. Mue des rectrices en mar-avr.

Hirnndo senegalensis Hirondelle des mosquées. FCA, F: fréquente au moins de sep à

mai, en groupes atteignant 25-30 oiseaux, dans une clairière en limite de la forêt

classée. Restreinte à l’extrême nord de la Côte d’ivoire d’après Thiollay (1985), elle

est aujourd’hui localement commune dans le sud (Lachenaud 2004). H. semirufa,

fréquente autour d’Abidjan, n’a pas été observée au PNB/FCA.

H. abyssinica Hirondelle striée. PNB, A; FCA, A. Clairières et ouvertures en forêt.

Nids occupés sous un pont en-dessous de l’autoroute (FCA), avr.

H. rustica Hirondelle de cheminée. PNB, C; FCA, C, en hivernage: clairières et bords

du Banco.

Motacillidae

Anthus leucophrys Pipit à dos uni. FCA, F: clairières. Immatures en mai et sep.

Campephagidaë

Coracina azurea Echenilleur bleu. PNB, U; FCA, U, Forêt dense, 15^0 m,

généralement dans les rondes d’insectivores. En Côte d’ivoire, semble nettement plus

fréquent dans les forêts semi-décidues du centre de la zone forestière (Divo, Mopri)

que dans le sud (obs. pers.).

Pycnonotidae

Andropadus virens Bulbul verdâtre. PNB, R: clairières aux alentours du village et au

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bord du Banco. FCA, C: recrûs, jeunes plantations, fourrés dans les zones défrichées,

0-3 m; absent de la forêt où il est remplacé par^. latirostris.

A. gracilis Bulbul gracile. PNB, U; FCA, C. Recrûs et plantations, ouvertures en forêt

(clairières, trouées, bords de pistes), peut-être aussi en forêt dense; souvent sur les

arbres en fruits {Harungana, Macaranga) en compagnie d’autres Andropadus;

membre occasionnel des rondes d’insectivores.

A. ansorgei Bulbul d’Ansorge. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt, rarement dans les vieilles

plantations; 15-35 m (souvent plus bas sur les lisières). Membre régulier des rondes

d’insectivores; se nourrit également de fruits {Discoglypremna, Harungana,

Macaranga), souvent en compagnie d’autres Andropadus. Chant en mai-juin (saison

des pluies); le reste de l’année seul le cri est émis.

A. curvirosîris Bulbul curvirostre. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt, recrûs, plantations, 2-

10 m; fréquemment dans les rondes d’insectivores; se nourrit également de fruits

{Cleistopholis, Harungana, Macaranga) en compagnie d’autres Andropadus.

A. gracilirostris Bulbul à bec grêle. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt, plantations {Khaya,

Terminalia, Eucalyptus...) et recrûs, (1)5-30 m. En couples ou en groupes

(familiaux?) de 3-4, explore toutes les strates, mais principalement la canopée.

Mange les fruits de l’herbe Palisota hirsuta et de nombreux arbustes {Macaranga,

Harungana, Rauwolfia), souvent en compagnie des trois espèces précédentes.

A. latirostris Bulbul à moustaches jaunes. PNB, A; FCA, F. Forêt et vieilles

plantations, 0-3 m; remplacé par A. virens dans les plantations plus jeunes. Parfois

dans les rondes d’insectivores. Pic de chant de mai à nov.

Calyptocichia serina Bulbul doré. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt et vieilles plantations,

(1)7-40 m. Seul ou par couples, habituellement dans les rondes d’insectivores; mange

également les fruits de l’herbe Palisota hirsuta. Immature en sep, FCA.

Baeopogon indicator Bulbul à queue blanche. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt et vieilles

plantations, 10-35 m; membre régulier des rondes d’insectivores, se nourrit

également de fruits {Discoglypremna).

Ixonotus guttatus Bulbul tacheté. PNB, C; FCA, F. Forêt, 15-30 m; plus rare dans les

recrûs (2-10 m) et les plantations. En petits groupes (jusqu’à 30 oiseaux), parfois

dans les rondes d’insectivores; se nourrit également de fruits {Discoglypremna).

Chlorocichla simplex Bulbul modeste. FCA, F: clairières; vu se nourrir sur des

Harungana et Macaranga en fruits, en compagnie à" Andropadus spp.

Thescelocichla leucopleura Bulbul des raphias. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt marécageuse,

ne s’éloigne jamais des rivières.

Phyllastrephus icterinus Bulbul ictérin. PNB, U, toujours dans les rondes

d’insectivores du sous-bois; jamais observé en FCA, alors qu’il est commun en forêt

de Yapo (Demey & Fishpool 1994).

Bleda syndactylus Bulbul moustac. PNB: cité par Brunei & Thiollay (1969); un

oiseau suivant une colonne de fourmis, 1 8 mar 2000.

B. eximius Bulbul à queue verte. PNB: 5-6 oiseaux suivant une colonne de fourmis,

25 déc 1998; un immature observé par H. Rainey (com. pers.).

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B. canicapillus Bulbul fourmilier. PNB, U; FCA, A. Forêt dégradée (rare en forêt

dense où il est sans doute en partie remplacé par ses deux congénères) et vieilles

plantations de Khaya, 0-2 m. Membre souvent dominant des rondes du sous-bois. Pic

de chant, nov-mar.

Criniger barbaîus Bulbul crinon. FCA, U. Forêt marécageuse dégradée, souvent

associé à C. calurus dans les rondes du sous-bois.

C. calurus Bulbul à barbe blanche. PNB, F; FCA, C. Forêt (semble préférer les bas-

fonds) et vieilles plantations de Khaya, 0-3(10) m, toujours dans les rondes

d’insectivores.

C. olivaceus Bulbul à barbe Jaune. PNB: 2-3 oiseaux observés à deux reprises au

même endroit, en sous-bois de forêt dense, parmi les rondes d’insectivores (avec

notamment C. calurus), avr 2002. Abondance difficile à estimer en raison de sa

discrétion; commun en forêt de Yapo (Demey & Fishpool 1994, obs. pers.). Septième

site connu en Côte d’ivoire (Thiollay 1985, Gartshore 1989, Demey & Fishpool 1991,

1994, Gartshore et al. 1995, Fishpool & Evans 2001). La diffusion du chant de C.

olivaceus enregistré sur les disques de Chappuis (2000) déclenche des réactions

territoriales chez C olivaceus, mais également chez C calurus, dans la forêt dense du

PNB ou les deux espèces cohabitent et s’associent au sein des mêmes rondes, mais

également dans les plantations en FCA et dans la forêt-galerie du Bandama à Lamto,

où seul calurus est présent.

Pycnonotus barbatus Bulbul commun. PNB, R: limites du parc; FCA, A: clairières et

plantations. Mange les fruits de Musanga et de Cleistopholis.

Nicaîor chloris Bulbul nicator. PNB, F; FCA, F. Forêt marécageuse (absent de la

forêt dense de terre ferme) et plantations.

Turdidae

Stiphrornis erythrothorax Rougegorge de forêt. PNB et FCA: deux observations, en

forêt dense (PNB) et en lisière d’un îlot forestier (FCA). La rareté de cette espèce,

commune en forêt de Yapo (Demey & Fishpool 1994) et facilement repérable par son

chant, est remarquable.

Alethe diademata Alèthe à huppe rousse. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt et vieilles

plantations, rarement observé mais localisé par son chant.

Sîizorhina fmschi Stizorhin de Finsch. PNB, A; FCA, C. Forêt dense (surtout dans les

secteurs marécageux et les bas-fonds), plus rare dans les vieilles plantations, 1-

7(15) m; seul ou par paires, parfois dans les rondes d’oiseaux. Chante toute l’année,

pic marqué, sep-déc.

Sylviidae

Prinia subjlava Prinia modeste. PNB, U: étangs. FCA, C: clairières.

Apalis nigriceps Apalis à calotte noire. FCA, F: canopée des îlots forestiers,

descendant jusqu’à 6-7 m sur les lisières, toujours associée à certaines Mimosacées

{Piptadeniastrum et la liane Acacia pinnata) dont elle explore le feuillage très fin, en

compagnie d’autres petits insectivores.

A. sharpii Apalis de Sharpe. PNB, A; FCA, C. Abondante en forêt dense, rare dans

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121

les vieilles plantations de Khaya et absente des plantations plus jeunes; (5)10-40 m,

parfois dans les rondes d’insectivores.

Camaroptera brachyura Camaroptère à tête grise. FC A, R: fourrés des clairières et

repousses des jeunes plantations.

C superciliaris Camaroptère à sourcils jaunes. PNB, U; FCA, C. Ouvertures en forêt

(clairières, bords du Banco), recrûs et plantations, 2-10 m; absent de la forêt dense.

Souvent dans les rondes d’insectivores.

C. chloronota Camaroptère à dos vert. PNB: entendu une seule fois au bord du

Banco, absent de la forêt dense. FCA, C: sous-bois densément lianescents en forêt

dégradée et dans les vieilles plantations, 0-5 m. Pic de chant avr-oct.

Macrosphenus concolor Nasique grise. PNB, A; FCA, A. Forêt et plantations, 3-

15 m, toujours dans les rondes d’insectivores, explorant les rideaux de lianes. Un

juvénile quémandant en avr, FCA.

Eremomela badiceps Erémomèle à tête brune. PNB: U; FCA, F. Canopée de la forêt

dense, des îlots forestiers et des plantations de Terminalia, 15-30 m. En groupes de

jusqu’à 20, toujours dans les cimes des Terminalia et Pipîadeniastrum, membre

fréquent des rondes d’insectivores. Immatures en mai.

Sylvietîa virens Crombec vert. PNB, R; FCA, C. Lisières de forêt, plantations et

recrûs, 1-10 m; souvent dans les rondes d’insectivores.

S. denti Crombec à gorge tachetée. PNB et FCA: trois observations en forêt dégradée,

5-20 m, toujours dans les rondes d’insectivores. Passe probablement inaperçue en

canopée, en raison de sa petite taille.

Phylioscopus sibilaîrix Pouillot siffleur. PNB: un oiseau en canopée de forêt

secondaire au bord d’une piste, 25 mai 2002. Identifié par l’allure générale, le dessus

vert olive assez vif, la gorge et le haut de la poitrine jaune vif contrastant nettement

avec le reste du dessous blanc, le bec rougeâtre en vue de dessous. Observation

exceptionnellement tardive: signalée au Libéria déc-avr (Gatter 1997), et au Ghana

nov-avr, jusqu’à début mai dans l’extrême nord (Grimes 1987); en Côte d’ivoire,

Thiollay (1985) ne précise pas de dates.

Hyiia prasina Hylia verte. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt, plantations, recrûs, 2-8 m;

fréquemment dans les rondes d’insectivores. Transport de matériaux en mars, et

couple nourrissant deux jeunes en nov sur le même site (FCA).

Musckapidae

Fraseria ocreata Gobemouche forestier. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt périodiquement

inondée (semble absent de la forêt dense de terre ferme), lisières et plantations

{Khaya, Terminalia, Tarrietia), 2-15 m. Toujours en petits groupes (2-10); membre

régulier des rondes (notamment avec Ploceus albinucha). Nourrissage de juvéniles, nov.

Muscicapa caerulescens Gobemouche à lunettes. PNB: deux observations en lisière

de forêt. Espèce répandue surtout dans le nord de la zone forestière, mais déjà connue

de San Pedro (Thiollay 1985) et Taï (Gartshore et al. 1995).

M olivascens Gobemouche olivâtre. PNB: une seule observation, un oiseau dans un

massif de bambous plantés au bord d’une piste dans la forêt dense, à 1.5-2 m de

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Malimbus 28

hauteur, 5 nov 2000; il s'envola ensuite vers la canopée. Reconnaissable par son

comportement typique de gobemouche (posture dressée, chasse les insectes au vol), le

dessus uniformé-ment brun, les lores grisâtres, la gorge et le ventre blancs, la poitrine

et les flancs lavés de brun sans aucune strie. Les deux autres gobe-mouches bruns de

la région (M striata et Melaenornis pallidus) vivent dans des milieux ouverts; M

striata a la poitrine et la calotte nettement striées; M pallidus est plus grand, a le bec

plus robuste, un cercle oculaire pâle assez net, le dessous plus uniforme, et ses lores

ne sont pas grisâtres. Espèce de canopée ne descendant que rarement en sous-bois

(Brosset & Erard 1986).

M comitata Gobemouche ardoisé. FCA, U: couple observé régulièrement sur le

même site, en lisière de la forêt marécageuse bordant le Niangon, 1.5-5 m. Le chant

caractéristique de M tessmannii n’a jamais été entendu.

M ussheri Gobemouche d’Ussher. PNB, F: Ouvertures en forêt (bords du Banco,

arboretum), (8)20-40 m; peut-être aussi en canopée de forêt dense où son observation

est difficile; généralement en petits groupes (max. 20). FCA, R: un oiseau en forêt

marécageuse dégradée au bord du Niangon, sep.

Myioparus griseigularis Gobemouche à gorge grise, PNB: cité par Demey & Fishpool

(1991), non revu. FCA: observé fréquemment sur un seul site dans le sous-bois dense

d’une vieille plantation de Khaya, 2-10 m (peut-être aussi plus haut, mais difficile à

voir). Se joint aux rondes d’insectivores, explorant les enchevêtrements de lianes; ne

paraît pas chasser les insectes au vol, ce qui le distingue des Muscicapa. Le chant

sifflé, fréquemment entendu, est assez différent des enregistrements de Chappuis

(2000) provenant du Gabon. Il s’agit d’une phrase de cinq notes ''tiouuu-ti~tiou-tiou~

tr, de tonalité ascendante (et non descendante). Un chant similaire, enregistré en

Côte d’ivoire et présenté par Chappuis (2000) comme “variante” du chant de M

plumbeus, doit en fait être attribué à M griseigularis (R. Demey in litt.).

M. plumbeus Gobemouche mésange. FCA: deux oiseaux à 10 m de haut dans la

canopée d’une jeune plantation de Terminalia, 13 fév 2000. Espèce principalement

soudano-guinéenne, rare et locale dans la zone forestière (Demey & Fishpool 1991,

1994, Gartshore et al. 1995).

Monarchidae

Terpsiphone rufiventer Tchitrec à ventre roux. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt, recrûs,

plantations {Khaya, Terminalia, pins et même, rarement, hévéas), 2-7 m. Membre

habituel des rondes d’insectivores du sous-bois, souvent avec Dyaphorophyia

castanea. Immatures en nov et avr.

Platysteiridae

Megabyas Jlammulatiis Bias écorcheur. PNB, U: forêt dense, 15-40 m. Seul, par

couples ou en petits groupes (jusqu’à 5-6), souvent dans les rondes d’insectivores;

court sur les branches comme un échenilleur. Un mâle immature en avr. N’a pas été

observé en FCA, bien qu’il s’adapte normalement à la forêt secondaire.

Bias musicus Bias musicien. FCA, C: clairières, recrûs et jeunes plantations; absent

de la forêt; généralement en couples. Niche durant la grande saison des pluies: pic de

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chant et comportement agressif (chasse Dicrurus modesîus) mai-juin, couple

nourrissant deux jeunes au nid en juin (N. Armandy corn, pers.), une famille probable

(un mâle et quatre femelles/immatures), oct.

Dyaphorophyia casîanea Pririt châtain. PNB: C; FCA: C. Forêt dense et dégradée,

plantations, 2-7 m; membre quasi constant des rondes d’insectivores du sous-bois,

notamment en compagnie de Terpsiphone rufiventer. Immature, j an. L’une des appels

de cette espèce, bien que très souvent entendue en Côte d’ivoire, ne semble pas avoir

été décrite: deux notes flûtées, la seconde plus basse: tow”, assez faible, répété.

Bâtis poensis Pririt de Lawson. FCA: deux observations en lisière d’îlots forestiers, au

sein des rondes d’insectivores de la canopée. Très difficile à détecter.

Timaliidae

lUadopsis fuivescens Akalat brun. PNB: citée par Demey & Fishpool (1991), non

revue. FCA, F: sous-bois de la forêt dégradée et des vieilles plantations de Khaya,

0.5-3 m, parfois dans les rondes d’insectivores.

Remizldae

PhoUdornis rushiae Mésangette rayée. PNB: deux observations; FCA, F. Ouvertures

en forêt (clairières, bords de pistes), plantations et recrus, 1-10(35) m; en petits

groupes (1-4), parfois dans les rondes d’insectivores.

Nectariniidae

Anîhreptes recîirostrîs Souimanga à bec droit. PNB, U: régulier autour de

l’arboretum, passe certainement inaperçu en canopée; en couples ou petits groupes.

Mange les fruits de Discogîypremna; très attiré par les fleurs de Turraeanthus, mais

pourrait y rechercher des insectes plutôt que du nectar.

A, seimundi Souimanga de Seimund. PNB, F; FCA, F. Lisières et ouvertures en forêt;

passe peut-être inaperçu en canopée de forêt dense. Toujours en petits groupes

monospécifiques (2-10 oiseaux) comme déjà souligné (Demey & Fishpool 1994).

Souvent attiré par des fleurs pourtant peu voyantes {Alstonia, Rauwolfia, Mitragyna).

Deîeornis fraseri Souimanga de Fraser. PNB, A; FCA, A. Forêt, plus rare dans les

vieilles plantations, 2-10 (15) m. Toujours en petits groupes, membre quasi constant

des rondes du sous-bois dont il pourrait être l’élément central (Fry & Keith 2000). Les

oiseaux remuent fréquemment leurs ailes, peut-être comme un signal visuel.

Cyanomitra cyanolaema Souimanga à gorge bleue. PNB, A; FCA, A. Presque confiné

à la forêt marécageuse, (1.5)10-25 m; visite rarement les plantations avoisinantes.

Très associé aux fleurs rouges de Symphonia globuiîfera; lors de la floraison en fév-

juin, chaque Symphonia en fleurs abrite de nombreux oiseaux, qui défendent chacun

leur territoire contre leurs congénères et contre les individus d’autres espèces, comme

déjà noté au Congo (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 1991). Il est possible que la

distribution de l’arbre conditionne celle de l’oiseau. Défend également les fleurs de

Bombax; attiré par celles de Maranthes et Berlinia mais semble y tolérer les autres

espèces. Se nourrit aussi d’insectes (membre occasionnel des rondes) et même de

fruits {Alchornea, Discoglypremna). Les vieux nids, suspendus à 5-10 m de hauteur,

sont très visibles et restent intacts plusieurs mois après avoir été abandonnés.

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Malimbus 28

C. oUvacea Souimanga olivâtre. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt, plantations et recrûs, 2-10

m. Membre fréquent des rondes. Attiré par les fleurs de Turraeanthus africanus (mai).

Chalcomitra adelberti Souimanga à gorge rousse. PNB, F; FCA, C. Ouvertures en

forêt dense (pistes, bords du Banco), forêt secondaire, lisières et plantations; en

groupes (max. 15) ou par couples. Visite les fleurs de Bombax, Aibizzia et de Farbre

introduit Tabebuia rosea; également membre régulier des rondes d’insectivores dans

les cimes des Terminalia et Piptadeniastrum. Immatures en mar et sep.

Hedydipna collaris Souimanga à collier. PNB, C; FCA, A. Forêt dégradée, clairières,

plantations et ouvertures en forêt dense (rivières, bord des pistes), 2-15 m. Membre

fréquent des rondes d’insectivores, se nourrit également des fruits de l’arbuste

endémique Macaranga beillei, et sans doute aussi de nectar (visite les fleurs

é' Aibizzia et de Loranthacées). Accouplement en fév (PNB); femelles nourrissant des

jeunes, sep et mar; immatures avec quelques plumes vert métallique (indiquant le

passage au plumage d’adulte), mar et mai (FCA).

Cumyris chloropygius Souimanga à ventre olive. PNB, C; FCA, C. Clairières même

petites, plantations et lisières, 2-8 m; absent de la forêt dense. Attiré par les fleurs de

Turraeanthus africanus en mai.

C. minullus Souimanga minule. FCA: petit groupe dans un Maranthes en fleurs à

25 m de haut sur une lisière de forêt dense, en compagnie de Cyanomitra cyanolaema

(sep). Peut-être plus commun mais très difficile à distinguer de C. chloropygius.

C.johannae Souimanga de Johanna. PNB, F; FCA, F. Canopée de la forêt et des vieilles

plantations de Khaya, descendant plus bas en lisière et dans les recrûs; souvent dans

les cimes de Piptadeniastrum. En couples (groupe de cinq en mai), attiré par les fleurs

{Anthocleista, Psydrax, Loranthacées); membre occasionnel des rondes

d’insectivores.

C superbus Souimanga superbe. PNB, U; FCA, F. Lisières et plantations, absent de

la forêt elle-même. Visite les fleurs {Bombax et Loranthacées) et chasse aussi les

insectes (une fois dans une ronde). Femelle sur son nid (à c. 10 m de haut, accroché à

des lianes Acacia pinnata en lisière), FCA, oct. La remarque de Fry & Keith (2000)

sur son absence présumée au sud d’une ligne Taï-Yapo, est infondée; c’est justement

dans le sud du pays que l’oiseau est le plus commun (Brunei & Thiollay 1969).

C. coccinigastrus Souimanga éclatant. FCA, F: clairières et jeunes plantations.

C cupreus Souimanga cuivré. FCA, F: clairières.

Malaconotidae

Dryoscopus sabini Cubla à gros bec. PNB, F; FCA, F. Forêt et vieilles plantations de

Khaya, 5-25 m (sans doute aussi en canopée), généralement dans les rondes

d’insectivores. En FCA, femelle avee un jeune (bec rouge) quémandant en nov; deux

mâles se querellant en présence d’une femelle en mar; les manifestations d’agressivité

incluaient, en plus du cri présent sur le disque de Chappuis (2000), un trille similaire à

celui de Dendropicos gabonensis, et des claquements du bec.

Prionopidae

Prionops caniceps Bagadais à bec rouge. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt dense ou dégradée.

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(0)4-30 m; rare dans les plantations. En petits groupes de 3-10(20) qui suivent

souvent les rondes d’insectivores. Chasse souvent les insectes au vol à la manière

d’un gobemouche; vu également capturer un gros criquet au sol. Immatures déc-fév.

Oriolidae

Oriolus nigripennis Loriot à ailes noires. PNB: une seule observation: un oiseau à

l’arboretum, dans une ronde d’insectivores, fév.

O. brachyrhynchus Loriot à tête noire. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt et plantations, (5)15-

30 m. Seul ou par couples, accompagne les rondes d’insectivores. Adulte nourrissant

un immature en jan (PNB), Contrairement aux affirmations de Thiollay (1985), c’est

O. brachyrhynchus qui est le plus commun des deux loriots en forêt dense humide: O.

nigripennis est rare (Balchin 1988, Demey & Fishpool 1994, obs. pers.) et préfère des

milieux moins denses, comme les galeries et les plantations (obs. pers,).

Dicruridae

Dicrurus modesîus Drongo modeste. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt, mais surtout lisières et

plantations, (2)5-40 m, souvent dans les rondes d’insectivores. Adulte nourrissant un

jeune avec une mante religieuse, FCA, 28 mai 2000.

Corvidae

Corvus albus Corbeau pie. PNB, R; FCA, F, en vol au-dessus des clairières.

Sturnidae

Poeoptera lugubris Rufipenne à queue étroite. PNB, U; FCA, U. Six observations (1-

4 oiseaux) réparties sur toute l’année (jan-fév, juin, sep, nov). Affectionne les

ouvertures en forêt (clairières, bords des rivières); généralement dans les cimes de

Piptadeniasîrum .

Lamprotornis cupreocauda Choucador à queue bronzée. PNB, C; FCA, F. Paraît lié à

la forêt marécageuse bordant les rivières, 10-30 m; visite parfois les plantations

avoisinantes. Souvent en petits groupes de 2-5 oiseaux, rarement jusqu’à 50 (juin).

Mange les fruits de Pycnanthus angolensis (particulièrement) et de Discoglypremna

caloneura; également membre occasionnel des rondes d’insectivores. Probablement

migrateur partiel: plus rare fév à mi-mai. D’après Gatter (1997), favorisée par la

destruction de la forêt, mais ici cela semble être précisément le contraire.

L. spiendidus Choucador splendide. PNB, U; FCA, C. Forêt marécageuse le long des

rivières, mais abondant surtout dans les plantations (Khaya, Eucalyptus), 25-50 m;

absent de la forêt dense de terre ferme.

Cinnyricincius ïeucogaster Spréo améthyste. PNB, U; FCA, C. Migrateur, sep-fév;

clairières, mêmes petites (alentours du village au PNB) et bords du Banco; vols de

50-100 oiseaux en FCA.

Ploceidae

Pîoceus nigricoUis Tisserin à cou noir. PNB, R: lisières du parc. FCA, C: clairières,

jeunes plantations, lisières forestières; membre fréquent des rondes d’insectivores.

P. nigerrimus Tisserin noir. PNB, R: limites du parc. FCA, C: clairières et jeunes

plantations (bambous. Acacia mangium) où il niche par centaines.

P. cucullaîus Tisserin gendarme. PNB, R: limites du parc. FCA, C: clairières et

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plantations é' Acacia mangium (niche avec l’espèce précédente).

P. tricolor Tisserin tricolore. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt et plantations, 7-30(50) m.

Membre habituel des rondes d’insectivores. Colonies (jusqu’à 50 nids) dans les

grands arbres, occupées sep-avr.

P. albinucha Tisserin de Maxwell. PNB, A; FCA, U. Limite entre les forêts

marécageuses et de terre ferme (formations périodiquement inondées et ripicoles),

(5)10-40 m; visite également les plantations avoisinantes en FCA mais s’éloigne peu

des rivières. Toujours en groupes (max. 30), parmi les rondes d’insectivores qu’il

domine souvent numériquement; une des espèces les plus abondantes de son milieu

alors qu’il est généralement rare à peu commun. Immatures déc-avr.

Malimbus nitens Malimbe à bec bleu. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt et plantations, 0.5-5 m;

toujours dans les rondes d’insectivores. Un immature en nov.

M. malimbicus Malimbe huppé. FCA, U: forêt dégradée et vieilles plantations, 2-15

m. Seul ou par paires, toujours dans les rondes d’insectivores en compagnie d’autres

malimbes (M nitens, M. rubricollis). Un mâle immature en mai. N’a pas été observé

au PNB.

M. scutatus Malimbe à queue rouge. PNB, U; FCA, F. Forêt marécageuse (niche dans

les palmiers) et plantations avoisinantes; lisières forestières. Nids en fév; un immature

en déc (PNB).

M. rubricollis Malimbe à tête rouge. PNB, A; FCA, A. Forêt et plantations, (5)10-30

m, toujours associé aux rondes d’insectivores. Nids occupés nov-avr.

Estrildidae

Nigrita canicapillus Nigrette à calotte grise. PNB, C; FCA, C. Forêt, recrûs et

plantations, 5-40 m. Seul ou par couples (neuf oiseaux ensemble, mai). Membre

fréquent des rondes; très attiré par les fruits de Discoglypremna, en compagnie de

l’espèce suivante. Transport de matériaux (bourre de kapok), sep; nombreux

immatures j an-mai.

N. bicolor Nigrette à ventre roux. PNB, C; FCA, C. Mêmes milieux que l’espèce pré-

cédente mais généralement plus bas (2-15 m). Membre habituel des rondes

d’insectivores; se nourrit également de fruits {Discoglypremna). Transport de

matériaux en déc.

N. fusconotus Nigrette à ventre blanc. FCA: deux oiseaux en lisière de forêt

marécageuse, 13 oct 2000.

Estrilda melpoda Astrild à joues oranges. PNB, C (étangs); FCA, C (clairières).

Spermestes cucullatus Capucin nonnette. PNB, C (étangs); FCA, C (clairières).

S. bicolor Capucin bicolore. PNB, C (autour du village); FCA, C (clairières).

S. fringilloides Capucin pie. FCA: deux observations de petits groupes, en compagnie

de S. cucullatus et S. bicolor, dans les clairières envahies par l’herbe Panicum

maximum dont il mange les graines. Immatures en déc.

Viduidae

Vidua macroura Veuve dominicaine. FCA, C: clairières.

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Analyses et discussion

Au total 198 espèces ont été identifiées, 166 au PNB et 147 en FCA. La majorité

d’entre elles sont sédentaires; 15 seulement sont migratrices, dont huit d’origine

paléarctique et sept d’origine africaine. Le statut de Ixobrychns sturmîî et Aviceda

cuculoides est indéterminé.

Cette liste est évidemment incomplète; les espèces plus silencieuses ou difficiles à

reconnaître par leur chant ont pu facilement passer inaperçues. De surcroît, ni

captures au filet, ni visites de nuit n’ont été faites, ce qui explique notamment le peu

de données pour les Strigidae. Une partie des absences notables sont cependant

réelles: les oiseaux de grande taille {Gutîera, Coryîhaeoia, Ceratogymna) sont

aujourd’hui éteints, victimes du braconnage intensif

L’avifaune du PNB-FCA est dans l’ensemble très proche de celle de la forêt de

Yapo, distante de 40 km (Demey & Fishpool 1994). Une absence est cependant

remarquable, celle du Gobemouche à tête rousse Erythrocercus mccallii, commun à

Yapo, mais jamais observé au PNB-FCA; cette espèce, malgré sa petite taille, est très

reconnaissable et d’observation facile. Deux espèces qui comptent parmi les plus

abondantes à Yapo, Phyllastrephm icterinus et Stiphrornis eryîhrothorax, sont rares

au PNB-FCA; à l’inverse, Ploceus albinucha, peu commun à Yapo, est abondant au

PNB. Parmi les facteurs susceptibles d’expliquer ces différences, la composition

floristique différente (la forêt de Yapo appartient au groupement à Diospyros spp. et

Mapania spp., qui est floristiquement plus riche et compte de nombreuses espèces

exclusives), les précipitations légèrement supérieures au PNB-FCA (environ 2000

mm par an contre 1750 à Yapo) et le relief (pratiquement plat à Yapo, nettement

vallonné au PNB-FCA).

Comparaison PNB-FCA

Les différences observées entre l’avifaune des deux forêts sont dues à la présence des

étangs (oiseaux aquatiques) mais surtout au meilleur état de conservation du PNB.

Etant donné son exposition aux interventions humaines et sa faible superficie, celui-ci

abrite en effet un nombre surprenant d’espèces “de forêt dense”. Les espèces

suivantes, toutes observées dans le PNB, sont considérées par Gartshore et al. (1995)

comme “restreintes à la forêt naturelle avec peu ou pas d’influences anthropiques”:

Stephanoaetm coronatus, Agapornis swindernianus, Aicedo leucogaster. Indicator

macuiaîus, Campethera caroli. Pitta angolensis, Bleda eximius, Criniger olivacens,

Mnscicapa olivascens,. Deux de ces espèces. Pitta angolensis et Muscicapa

olivascens, seraient restreints à la forêt primaire non exploitée; ces données montrent

qu’ils s’adaptent également à la forêt secondaire âgée. Tigriornis lencolopha,

Accipiîer melanoleucus, Indicator conirostris, I. willcocksi, Psalidoprocne nitens et

Pholidornis rushiae, cités par Gartshore et al. (1995), sont à exclure de cette liste; ces

espèces sont en effet bien adaptables aux milieux dégradés (Gatter 1997, obs. pers.).

Urotriorchis macrourus, Cuculus clamosns, C. solitarius et Phoeniculus castaneiceps

128

O. Lachenaud

Malimbus 28

peuvent également être inclus dans cette catégorie; ils ont été régulièrement notés au

PNB mais jamais en FCA. C. clamosus, très facilement repérable par son chant,

pourrait être un bon indicateur de l’état de conservation de la forêt.

D’autres espèces existant dans les deux forêts sont nettement plus abondantes au

PNB: c’est le cas de Columba iriditorques, Apaiis sharpii, Muscicapa ussheri,

Lamprotornis cupreocauda et Ploceus albinucha, ou dans une moindre mesure de

Trachyphonus purpura tus et Andropadus ia tiros tris.

A l’inverse, Pogoniulus scolopaceus, Dendropicos pyrrhogaster, Andropadus

gracilis, Bîeda canicapillus et Hedydipna col laris, bien qu’ils soient présents dans la

forêt naturelle du PNB, sont nettement favorisés par les milieux dégradés de la FCA.

D’autres espèces observées régulièrement en FCA ne se rencontrent au PNB qu’en

forêt marécageuse {Turtur tympanistria, Ceuthmochares aereus, Nicator chloris,

Fraseria ocreaîa) ou sur les lisières {Andropadus virens, Camaroptera chloronota, C.

superciliaris, Sylvietta virens, Chalcomitra adelberti Cinnyris chloropygius, C.

superbus, Ploceus nigricollis) voire semblent totalement absentes du parc {Bias

musicus. Malimbus malimbicus). Les habitats originels de ces espèces sont

vraisemblablement les ouvertures en forêt (bords des rivières, trouées, grands chablis)

ou bien la forêt marécageuse qui, comme les formations secondaires, a une canopée

relativement ouverte, et un sous-bois dense et très riche en lianes.

Les espèces observées uniquement en FCA sont soit des espèces de clairières ou de

forêt secondaire (par exemple Bubulcus ibis, Buteo auguralis, Falco ardosiaceus, F.

cuvieri, Francolinus ahantensis, Spermestes fringilloides), soit des espèces forestières

qui existent certainement au PNB, bien que leur présence n'ait pu y être confirmée

(par exemple Eurystomus gularis, Apaiis nigriceps, Nigriîa fusconotus).

Espèces menacées

Cinq espèces considérées comme globalement menacées ou quasi-menacées (BirdLife

International 2004) ont été identifiées: au PNB Bleda eximius (Vulnérable VU, espèce

à répartition restreinte RR), Criniger olivaceus (VU, RR), Bycanisîes cylindricus

(Quasi-menacé NT, RR), Lamprotornis cupreocauda (NT, RR) et peut-être

Melignomon eisentrauti (Insuffisamment documentée DD); en FCA les deux

dernières espèces. Parmi elles, seul Lamprotornis cupreocauda semble commun. Les

quatre autres ont été signalées à une ou deux reprises seulement, bien que cela ne

reflète probablement pas leur abondance réelle: trois d’entre elles sont discrètes et

difficiles à observer, seul Bycanistes cylindricus a difficilement pu passer inaperçu.

Criniger olivaceus pourrait n’être pas rare, au vu de son abondance en forêt de Yapo

(Demey & Fishpool 1994, obs. pers.); de même pour Melignomon eisentrauti,

signalée récemment de plusieurs autres localités ivoiriennes (Rainey et al. 2003).

Apaiis sharpii, espèce à répartition restreinte (RR) est abondante dans les deux forêts.

Avifaune des plantations forestières

Peu de données sont disponibles, concernant l’Afrique de l’Ouest, sur l’adaptation des

2006

Oiseaux de Banco et d’Anguédédou

129

oiseaux aux plantations forestières. Seuls Gartshore et al. (1995) montrent que

l’avifaune des plantations devient relativement riche à partir de 20 ans d’âge. En

FCA, la plupart des espèces forestières colonisent les plantations lorsque les strates

moyennes s’y sont reconstituées, avec des arbres autres que l’essence plantée

atteignant 20-30 m, ce qui correspond à c. 20-25 ans d’âge.

La richesse ornithologique des plantations dépend également de l’essence plantée.

Les plantations d’essences allochtones sont généralement pauvres, surtout pour les

espèces qui ont un couvert dense ou se régénèrent trop abondamment pour permettre

le développement d’autres arbres: les plantations d' Acacia mangiam, Agathis et

Hopea n’hébergent guère que les inévitables Pycnonotas barbatus et quelques autres

espèces ubiquistes. Les vieilles plantations de pins sont plus riches car les lianes et

arbustes s’y développent abondamment; elles attirent plutôt, parmi les oiseaux

forestiers, des espèces du sous-bois et des strates moyennes, contrairement aux

plantations é' Eucalyptus qui, ayant un sous-bois peu dense, sont surtout fréquentées

par des espèces de canopée, notamment les souimangas qui visitent leurs fleurs. Les

plantations les plus riches, cependant, sont de loin celles d’arbres indigènes, et

particulièrement les plantations de Khaya âgées de 30 ans. Deux espèces menacées,

Melignomon eisentrauti et Lamprotornis cupreocauda, ont été observées dans les

plantations; elles y sont toutefois rares et rien ne garantit qu’elles puissent y survivre.

Outre les espèces de forêt dense citées plus haut, Accipiter tachiro, Columba

iriditorques, Coracina azurea, Phyllastrephus icterinus, Criniger barbatus, Apalis

nigriceps et Muscicapa ussheri n’ont jamais été observés dans les plantations (les

espèces observées plus rarement ne sont pas mentionnées). Parmi les espèces peu

adaptables (présentes uniquement dans les vieilles plantations d’essences indigènes,

et y restant nettement plus rares qu’en forêt naturelle), on compte Tauraco

macrorhynchus, Apalis sharpii, Lamprotornis cupreocauda, Ploceus albinucha, et

dans une moindre mesure Trachylaemus purpuratus, Andropadus ansorgei, A.

latirostris, Ixonotus guttatus, Alethe diademata, Stizorhina fmschi, Prionops caniceps

et Cinnyris johannae. Ces espèces pas ou peu adaptables sont principalement des

frugivores ou de petits insectivores de la canopée, du fait de la rareté dans les

plantations des arbres à fruits ou à feuilles fines du type Piptadeniastrum.

Des espèces comme Chrysococcyx cupreus. Indicator conirostrîs, Tropicranus

albocristatus, Andropadus gracilis, Calyptocichla serina, Baeopogon indicator,

Bleda canicapillus, Criniger calurus, Deleornis fraseri, Dryoscopus sabini, Oriolus

brachyrhynchus et Malimbus nitens s’adaptent bien aux vieilles plantations

d’essences indigènes (c’est-à-dire que leur abondance y est voisine de celle en forêt

naturelle), mais sont absentes des plus jeunes ou de celles d’arbres allochtones. Parmi

les espèces adaptables aux plantations mêmes assez jeunes ou d’arbres allochtones, on

peut citer Chrysococcyx cupreus, Pogoniulus subsulphureus, Gymnobucco spp.,

Terpsiphone rufiventer, Dyaphorophyia castanea et Cyanomitra olivacea. Ce sont

pour la plupart des espèces forestières banales.

D’autres espèces enfin, si elles existent en forêt naturelle, sont nettement

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O. Lachenaud

Maiimbus 28

favorisées par les plantations, du moins par celles d’essences locales: c’est le cas

d' Andropadus graciiirosîris, Camaroptera chloronoîa, Fraseria ocreaîa,

Chalcomitra adeiberii, Hedydipm collaris et Lamproîornis splendidus. Eremomeîa

badiceps est favorisé par les plantations de Terminalia mais absent des autres, même

vieilles. Comme d’autres petits insectivores de la canopée {Chalcomitra adeiberü,

Cinnyris johannae), il montre une préférence distincte pour les deux arbres

Terminalia et Piptadeniasirum.

Les plantations d’arbres forestiers, par la relative richesse de leur avifaune,

présentent un intérêt certain, notamment en tant que “corridors écologiques” entre

forêts: elles pourraient permettre des échanges entre populations aujourd’hui isolées

du fait de la déforestation. Le morcellement de l’habitat est en effet l’un des

principaux dangers qui menacent les espèces forestières ouest-africaines.

Conservation

Avec cinq espèces d’oiseaux menacées, cinq endémiques du bloc forestier de Haute-

Guinée et 107 du biome des forêts guinéo-congolaises, l’ensemble PNB-FCA se

qualifie comme IBA (Important Bird Area) selon les critères Al, A2 et A3 définis par

Fishpool & Evans (2001).

Ces forêts comptent parmi les derniers vestiges de forêt psammohygrophile. Cette

formation forestière, originellement restreinte à une frange lagunaire étroite dans l’est

du pays, et qui compte plusieurs espèces végétales propres, a subi une régression

spectaculaire suite au développement agricole et urbain de la région d’Abidjan: 86%

des 93000 hectares couverts à l’origine par cette formation étaient détruits en 1990, le

PNB représentant à lui seul 24% des 13000 ha restants (Lauginie et al 1996). La

surface de forêt psammohygrophile s’est encore beaucoup réduite depuis, ce qui

renforce l’importance du parc pour la conservation de ce milieu.

La FCA est menacée à très court terme par la déforestation et l’extension urbaine

de la ville d’Abidjan. Plus de la moitié des 5700 ha classés sont déjà occupés par des

plantations industrielles d’hévéa. Le PNB, s’il n’est pas immédiatement menacé, l’est

cependant à plus ou moins long terme: le braconnage y continue malgré la raréfaction

du gibier, la récolte de produits dérivés est importante, la disparition des grands

mammifères et notamment des éléphants entraîne des problèmes de régénération pour

certains arbres (Lauginie et al. 1996), et surtout, la faible superficie du parc et son

isolement ne permettent peut-être pas la survie de certaines espèces {Stephanoaetus

coronatus, par exemple). Un projet de “corridor écologique” serait souhaitable, qui

inclurait, outre le PNB et la FCA, la station de recherche d’Adiopodoumé (ex-staîion

de r ORSTOM, appartenant actuellement au Centre National de Recherches

Agronomiques), et la Forêt Classée d’Audouin, située sur le cordon littoral. Cette

forêt semble en bon état de conservation et abriterait encore des Chimpanzés. Une

part importante de sa surface est occupée par des forêts marécageuses, ce qui en fait

un site potentiel pour Scoîopelia ussheri.

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Remerciements

Je tiens à remercier Vincent Béligné, ancien président de l’association Côte d’ivoire

Nature, qui m’a fait découvrir ces deux forêts et m’a fourni une importante

documentation sur le PNB. Bruno Boedts, Ron Demey, Hugo Rainey et Nathalie

Armandy m’ont confié leurs observations personnelles; ils m’ont également

accompagné sur le terrain, de même que beaucoup d’autres, ornithologues ou non,

que je remercie eux aussi: Nonny Bamba, Hilaire Yaokokore Beibro, Annie et Patrick

Brun, Claire Lamarque, Françoise et Michel Marquis, Philippe et Marie-Claire

Métrai, Wilma Wolthuis. Paul Yapo, guide du PNB, m’a renseigné sur la présence de

certaines espèces d’oiseaux. Je suis également reconnaissant à Ron Demey, Robert

Dowsett et Françoise Dowsett-Lemaire, que ont revu l’article; à Nik Borrow, Lincoln

Fishpool, Tommy Pedersen et Volker Salewski pour leurs conseils, ainsi qu’à Jean

Maley et Léandre Karamoko qui m’ont prêté des documents.

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Aubrevîlle, A. (1959) Flore Forestière de la Côte d’ivoire. Tomes 1-3. 2ème éd.

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London.

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Woodcock, M.W. (1995) The Melignomon honeyguides: a review of range

extensions and some remarks on their identifications, with a description of the

song of Zenker’s Honeyguide. Bull Afr. Bird Club 2: 32-38.

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134

Malimbus 28

Bird diversity in Nyassang Forest Park, The Gambia

by Stephanie Ballantyne

Graeme Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland

<0204039b@student.gla.ac.uk>

Received 14 March 2006; revised 7 July 2006.

Summary

The bird diversity of Nyassang Forest Park on the River Gambia has not

previously been studied. I report 1 13 bird species in the park in Jul-Aug 2005,

and predict the forest’s maximum wet season bird diversity to be 300 species.

Out of five habitats studied, forest canopy contained the most bird species,

and a cultivated rice field the fewest.

Résumé

Diversité des oiseaux dans le Parc de la Forêt de Nyassang, La Gambie.

La diversité des oiseaux dans le Parc de la Forêt de Nyassang sur le fleuve

Gambie n’avait pas encore été étudiée. J’y ai noté 1 13 espèces en juillet-août

2005 et prédis un maximum de 300 espèces pour la forêt en saison humide.

Sur les cinq habitats étudiés, c’est la canopée forestière qui a le plus d’espèces

et la rizière cultivée le moins.

Introduction

Nyassang Forest Park (13°38'30"N, 14°59'40"W), is situated in the Central River Division

of The Gambia, covering c. 2500 ha. It lies on the mainland opposite the River Gambia

National Park (RGNP), which was founded in 1 977 to rehabilitate and conserve chimpanzees

Pan troglodytes on its Baboon Islands. However, little is known about the wildlife of

Nyassang. This paper presents the first published bird survey of Nyassang Forest Park, based

on observations in the wet season, Jul-Aug 2005, and examines bird diversity in different

habitats. The results are used to predict maximum wet season bird diversity for each habitat.

Study areas

Five habitats were studied: a used rice field (currently in cultivation), a disused

(formerly cultivated) rice field, open water (the River Gambia), a waterside habitat

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Birds of Nyassang

135

and the canopy of tertiary forest, defined as forest in its third successive generation

after felling of primary and secondary forest.

The used rice field, of c. 3 ha, consisted of paddies separated by small mud walls.

Some of the paddies had recently been cultivated and did not have long grass

sprouting from the water within the paddy. Some of the cultivated paddies contained

lily-pads. The muddy water in each paddy was c. 1 m deep. Some areas of the field

had grass approximately 2.5 m tall. At cross-sections of the walls stood viewing huts

which, as well as 3 m tall sticks projecting from some of the paddies, were used by

birds as perching posts. Hay was strewn at muddy wall cross points. One palm was

located in the field. Tertiary forest surrounded the field.

The disused rice field (c. 3.5 ha) had uniform short grass except for some areas of

taller grass (> 2.5 m), standing water, and a line of sparse trees of various species in

the centre. No mud walls separated individual paddies, so the field could only be

viewed from its periphery. Tertiary forest surrounded the tear-drop shaped field.

The open water habitat consisted of a section (< 1 km) of the River Gambia,

which flows between Island 2 of Baboon Islands and the mainland. The river was

tidal. Vegetation hung over the river edge.

Waterside was a zone up to 30 m from the River Gambia, and included a narrow

394 m trail that meandered parallel to the river, c. 3-8 m from it, and in places was on

a slope. Beyond the track, the slope rose c. 6 m. Small areas of the slope were covered in

long grass. Beyond the track and grass, the area was backed by thick mixed vegetation.

The tertiary forest canopy surrounded the Forest Park camp and stretched from

camp c. 1 km to the disused rice field and 766 m to the used rice field. It consisted of

thick diverse vegetation, with a canopy height noticeably less than that of the primary

forest on Baboon Islands opposite.

Methods

The MacKinnon List technique (Bibby et al 1998) was used to record bird species in

relation to habitat. Five different points within each habitat were noted on sketched

maps, (six points on the waterside, and four points for the open water due to the wide

view). Points were chosen for accessibility and good views. The forest canopy was

viewed from five platforms constructed on a hill above the canopy. A list of the first

eight different bird species seen or heard was made while sitting at a point, then the list

was stopped. In the waterside habitat, the view was restricted by trees, so a 15m radius

was estimated around a point, within which the observer could move to get better views.

The date, habitat and point were recorded for each list completed. The record of which

habitats and points had been recently used was checked before each new day, and the

habitats and vantage points that had the fewest lists completed were chosen to do that day.

Lists were completed in the morning (6h30-12h00), afternoon (12h00-16h30) and

dusk (16h30-18h00). Usually at least three lists were completed in a day, one in each of

136

S. Ballantyne

Malimbus 28

the three periods, usually in different habitats, but often time would allow more lists to

be completed. Over a six week period (Jul-Aug), 16 lists were completed in each habitat.

For used and disused rice fields, birds heard or seen within the field, at the edge

and flying over the fields were included. Open water included birds seen flying over

the river or at the water’s edge, but birds heard in the overhanging forest canopy were

not noted. In waterside, birds heard or seen on the river were excluded but birds

perching on trees over-hanging the river were included, as were birds flying into or

over the waterside habitat. Tertiary forest canopy included birds flying over or in the

canopy but birds flying along the river next to the canopy were not noted. Birds were

identified using Barlow et ai (1999) and Barlow (2002).

To predict maximum wet season bird species for each habitat, an antilog graph

was produced for each habitat from the MacKinnon lists (Bibby et al 1998). The

graphs plot number of new species recorded for each list completed against log

cumulative number of species for that habitat. A negative slope results and the

intercept of the regression line with the x-axis is the predicted number of bird species

for that habitat. The Minitab statistics program produced regression lines that did not

cut the x-axis, therefore the lines were extrapolated.

From the MacKinnon lists a Relative Abundance Index (RAI) can be produced to

examine which bird species are most abundant in which habitats (Bibby et al 1 998).

The RAI is the proportion of the lists completed in which the species occurs.

However, rather than dividing by total number of lists to give maximum RAI of 1 , as

the number of lists in all habitats was the same (16 in each) I simply use number of

lists recorded as RAI. An RAI of 1 6 therefore indicates that a species was recorded in

all 16 lists, and a score of 1 indicates that a species was noted only once in a habitat.

Results

The tertiary forest canopy had the highest observed and predicted bird diversity and

the used rice field the lowest (Table 1). The whole park has a predicted bird diversity

of 300 species, more than double the 113 observed.

Table 1. Observed (Jul-Aug 2005) and predicted Jul-Aug bird diversity for

habitats in Nyassang.

2006

Birds of Nyassang

137

Observed species are listed in Table 2. In the tertiary forest, Yellow-crowned

Gonolek, Broad-billed Roller, Western Grey Plantain-eater, Red-billed Hombill and

Mourning Dove had the highest RAI and 31 species were noted only once. In the

waterside habitat, Vinaceous Dove, Long-tailed Glossy Starling and Yellow-crowned

Gonolek had the highest RAI, and 18 species noted only once. In the open water

habitat. Mourning Dove, Rose-ringed Parakeet and Long-tailed Glossy Starling had

the highest RAI, while 19 species were noted only once. In the used rice field, African

Jacana, Village Weaver, Squacco Heron and Striated Heron were the most abundant

birds, while 17 species were noted only once. In the disused rice field, Vinaceous

Dove, Yellow-crowned Bishop, African Jacana and Mourning Dove had the highest

RAI, with 29 species noted only once.

Table 2. Species list for Nyassang, with Relative Abundance Index values (range

0-16) for the study period. Species that were observed only when not recording

lists are marked X in the relevant habitat column(s) and NH where the species

was seen in the Park but habitat not noted.

UR

Phalacrocoracidae

Phalacrocorax africanus Long-tailed Cormorant

Anhingidae

Anhinga rufa African Darter 2

Ardeidae

Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night Heron 1

Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron 1 5

Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret

Butorides sîriatus Striated Heron 1 2

Egretta ardesiaca Black Egret

E. garzetta Little Egret 1

E. intermedia Intermediate Egret 3

E. alba Great Egret 7

Ardea purpurea Purple Heron 1

A. cinerea Grey Heron

A. meianocephaia Black-headed Heron 1

Threskiornithidae

Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis

Bostrychia hagedash Hadada 1

Threskiornis aethiopicus Sacred Ibis (NH)

Anatidae

Dendrocygna viduata White-faced Whistling Duck 3

Plectropterus gambiensis Spur-winged Goose

Nettapus auritiis African Pygmy Goose 1

DR

2

3

4

2

1

2

1

OW

2

5

6

3

5

2

3

7

4

1

WS

1

TF

2

1

138

S. Bailantyne

Malimbus 28

Accipitridae

Milvus migram Black Kite

Haliaeeîiis vocifer River Eagle

Gypohierax angoiensis Palm-nut Vulture

Necrosyrtes monachus Hooded Vulture (NH)

Gyps africamis White-backed Vulture

Circaeîus gall i eus Brown Snake-Eagle

Aquila wahlbergi Wahlberg’s Eagle

Lophaetus occipitalis Long-crested Eagle

Phasîanidae

Ptilopachiis petrosus Stone Partridge

Rallîdae

Amaurornis flavirosîris Black Crake

Heliornithidae

Podica senegalensis African Finfoot

Jacanidae

Actophiloruis africamts African Jacana

Columbidae

Treron waalia Bruce’s Green Pigeon

Turtur tympanistria Tambourine Dove

T. afer Blue-spotted Wood Dove

T. abyssiniens Black-billed Wood Dove

Oena capensis Namaqua Dove

Strepîopelia semiîorquata Red-eyed Dove

S. decipiens African Mourning Dove

S. vinacea Vinaceous Dove

S. roseogrisea African Collared Dove

S. senegalensis Laughing Dove

Psittaddae

Poicephalus senegalus Senegal Parrot

Psittacida krameri Rose-ringed Parakeet

Musophagidae

Musophaga violacea Violet Turaco

Crinifer piscator Western Grey Plantain-eater

CucuHdae

Oxylophus levaillantii Levaillant’s Cuckoo

Centropus grillii Black Coucal

C. senegalensis Senegal Coucal

Strigidae

Bubo lacteus Verreaux’s Eagle Owl

Glaucidium perlatum Pearl-spotted Owlet

UR DR OW WS TF

2 2

1

3 1

2

X

2 1

1

X

1

X

16 13

X

1

1 1

2 1 1

1 1 1

12 1 2

9 12 8 6

3 14 3 13 3

X X

1 2 1

1 2 2

9 1 10 9 4

1

2 1

3 5 3 7

1

1 1

3 3 2 3 1

X

1

2006

Birds of Nyassang

139

UR DR

Apodidae

Cypsiurus parvus African Palm Swift (NH)

Apus affinis Little Swift 1

Alcedinidae

Halcyon ieucocephala Grey-headed Kingfisher

H. malimbica Blue-breasted Kingfisher 1

H. senegaïensis Woodland Kingfisher 1

Ceyx picta African Pygmy Kingfisher 1 1

Corythorms cristata Malachite Kingfisher 1 1

Ceryle rudis Pied Kingfisher

Meropidae

Merops hirundinem Swallow-tailed Bee-eater

Coradidae

Eurystomus glaucurus Broad-billed Roller 5 3

Phoeniculidae

Phoeniculus purpureus Green Wood-hoopoe

P. aterrimus Black Wood-hoopoe 1

Bucerotidae

Tockus erythrorhynchus Red-billed Hombill 3 3

Capitonidae

Lybius dubius Bearded Barbet

Indicatoridae

Indicator indicator Greater Honeyguide

Picidae

Campethera punctuligera Fine-spotted Woodpecker

Dendropicos goertae Grey Woodpecker

Hirundinidae

Hirundo senegaïensis Mosque Swallow

Oriolidae

Oriolus auratus African Golden Oriole

Campephagidae

Coracina phoenicea Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike

Dkruridae

Dicrurus adsimiiis Fork-tailed Drongo

Pycnonotidae

Chiorocichla flavicoUis Yellow-throated Leaflove (NH)

Pyrrhurus scandens Leaflove

Turdoides reinwardtii Blackcap Babbler

Pycnonotus barbatus Common Bulbul 1

Turdidae

Cossypha niveicapiiia Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat

OW WS TF

2

3 1

1

1 1

1

2 5 10

1

1 1 3

1 2 6

2

1

X

1

1 1

2

1

1 3 1

1 2 2

7 2

140

S. Ballantyne

Malimbus 28

UR

C albicapilia White-crowned Robin-Chat

Sylviidae

Apalis Jlavida Yellow-breasted Apalis

Camaroptera brachyura Grey-backed Camaroptera

Zosteropidae

Zosterops senegalensis Yellow White-eye (NH)

Muscicapidae

Melaenornis edolioides Northern Black Flycatcher

Bradornis palUdus Pale Flycatcher

Muscicapa aquatica Swamp Flycatcher

Ficedula hypoleuca Pied Flycatcher

Monarchidae

Terpsiphone nifiventer African Paradise Flycatcher

Platysteiridae

Platysteira cyanea Common Wattle-eye

Nectariniidae

Chalcomitra senegalensis Scarlet-chested Sunbird

Hedydipna platura Pygmy Sunbird

Cinnyris chloropygia Olive-bellied Sunbird

C. pulchella Beautifijl Sunbird

C venusta Variable Sunbird

Malaconotidae

Malaconotiis blanchoti Grey-headed Bush-Shrike (NH)

Dryoscopus gambensis Northern Puffback

Laniarius barbarus Yellow-crowned Gonolek

Sturnidae

Lamprotonis purpureus Purple Glossy Starling 1

L. chalcurns Bronze-tailed Glossy Starling (NH)

L. chalybaeus Greater Blue-eared Glossy Starling 1

L. caudatus Long-tailed Glossy Starling 4

Passeridae

Passer griseus Grey-headed Sparrow

Ploceidae

Ploceus cucullaîus Village Weaver 15

P. we/owocepWws Yellow-backed Weaver 1

Quelea erythrops Red-headed Quelea

Euplctes franciscanus Northern Red Bishop

E. hordeaceus Black-winged Red Bishop

E. afer Yellow-crowned Bishop 6

E. macroura Yellow-mantled Widowbird

DR QW WS

X

1

1 2

1 1

1

2 9

1

2

4 3 10

1

6 8 11

1

2 7 3

7 8

1

13 1

1

TF

1

3

5

1

12

2

1

5

1

5

1

3

2006

Birds of Nyassang

141

Discussion

In total, 113 bird species were noted in Nyassang Forest Park during a six-week

period in the wet season. The total predicted bird diversity for the park was 300

species. The true total will certainly be much greater than 113, because birds were

only recorded in the wet season, and nocturnal surveying could not be carried out. The

Gambia has been reported to have around 540 bird species (Barlow et al. 1999), and

approximately one fifth of this total was noted in the Nyassang Forest Park, which is

outstanding for a small forest park, perhaps in part because public access is restricted.

The prediction of the maximum wet season bird diversity (300) seems quite high

(over half of The Gambia’s entire avifauna) and ftirther work should be done to refine

this estimate. None of the species recorded in Nyassang is regarded as globally

threatened (Hilton-Taylor 2000), but the rare African Finfoot was observed.

The habitat with the highest bird diversity and the highest predicted bird richness

was, as expected, the tertiary forest canopy, probably because it had more useful tree

species, including such sources of food for frugivorous birds as Boabab Adansonia

digitata, Tabo Cola cordifolia, Keno Pterocarpus erinaceus and Bombax ceiba. Also,

the canopy is directly opposite and < 20 m from Island 2 of Baboon Islands which

contains primary forest. The other habitats (except waterside and open water) do not

have the primary forest close to them.

The disused rice field had the second highest observed and predicted bird

diversity, which gives hope that other disturbed areas may revert to diverse areas. One

possible reason it had such a high diversity may be that it was surrounded by tertiary

forest, which allowed birds to visit the old paddies to bathe or hunt. Many trees

overhanging the field edge contained small birds such as African Paradise Flycatcher

and estrildids. The sparse trees in the middle were popular with birds of prey like the

Long-crested Eagle, and thereby increased its diversity. The unchecked growth of the

grass and reeds also contributed to the high diversity, as the tall grasses in the middle

were popular with Yellow-crowned Bishop and Swamp Flycatcher.

142

S. Ballantyne

Malimbus 28

Open water had the third highest bird diversity, with the peripheral trees

overhanging the river contributing to this. The waterside habitat had the second lowest

bird biodiversity, but this may have been an artefact because recording birds was

more difficult there than in other habitats. The used rice field had the lowest observed

and predicted bird diversity, probably because cultivation reduces vegetation diversity

and human presence deters birds. Unlike the disused rice field, there were no trees in

the middle to attract birds of prey.

Many birds which were most abundant in one habitat were also most abundant in

others, e.g. Yellow-crowned Gonolek in tertiary forest canopy and waterside. The

African Jacana was the most abundant bird in the used rice field and the second most

abundant in the disused rice field. Thus, if one habitat is developed or fragmented

then such birds may be able to survive in other undeveloped areas. Conversely, many

species were only recorded once or in one habitat. Plans for ecotourism development

could prejudice these rarer species, although the planned exclusive tourism will cause

relatively low disturbance while providing income to help sustain Nyassang and

RGNP.

Acknowledgments

I thank the members of the University of Glasgow Gambia 2005 Expedition team,

especially Rory Crawford, Eilidh Spence and Martin Muir, for help with bird

surveying and write-up, David and Stella Marsden and all the park rangers for helpful

information, especially Alien who guided me through the park. Funding was provided

by the Explorers Club (New York), the Royal Geographical Society, the University of

Glasgow, the Carnegie Trust and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species. I would

also like to thank Dr Stewart White for his advice with the project and Dr Reudi

Nager for checking the paper.

References

Barlow, C., Wacher, T. & Disley, T. (1999) A Field Guide to the Birds of The

Gambia and Senegal. A. & C. Black, London.

Barlow, C., Hammick, J, & Sellar, P, (2002) Bird Song of Gambia and Senegal, an

Aid to Identification. CD, Mandarin Productions, Singapore.

Bibby, C., Jones, M. & Marsden, S. (1998) Expedition Field Techniques: Bird

Surveys. Expedition Advisory Centre, London.

Hilton-Taylor, C. (2000) lUCN Red List of Threatened Species. lUCN, Gland.

2006

143

News & Letters — Nouvelles & Lettres

W.A.O.S. Research Grant project report: the Congo Peafowl Afropavo

congensis in Salonga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Field work for this project, at Lokofa (1°41.5'S, 20°34.4E; alt. 361 m) and Ikolo

(1°16.2'S, 20°49.8'E; alt. 353 m) in the Salonga NP and its surroundings was

undertaken from June 2004 to November 2005, to examine the population density,

habitat characteristics, feeding ecology and main threats of the Congo Peafowl

Afropavo congensis,

■j

At Lokofa, the study area consisted of 2 km of undisturbed primary forest (UPF)

and 2 km of old-growth secondary forests (OSF). At Ikolo, the whole study area (4

km ) lies within an UPF. Distance Sampling and acoustic sampling were used for

population density estimation. Two transect lines per study area were chosen at

random each month and walked with a velocity of approximately 1 kmh"'. Birds were

noted together with their distance from the observer, height and vision angle. The

acoustic sampling technique was used at night to record the number of adult cries

from 1 8h00 to 6h00 at points on transect lines.

The microhabitat of the species was characterised using data on vegetation,

topography, indices of perturbation, distances to a watercourse or to human dwellings,

from sites where individuals were sighted or droppings or feathers collected.

Droppings collected in the field, and crop and gizzard of killed individuals collected

in villages, were analysed in the laboratory. Information on diet was collected from

hunters questioned. An inquiry was made on the number and sex of peafowls killed

yearly, in villages surrounding the park. People were also questioned on the trap types

used and other types of threats which the birds face.

In total, 31 Congo Peafowls have been observed, 28 individuals at Lokofa and 3

at Ikolo. Males (46%) were sighted at Lokofa more than females (39%) and young

(14%). Sixty-seven cries have been recorded at Lokofa and 41 at Ikolo, totalling 108

recorded cries during 432 and 288 hours respectively.

If habitat use is reflected by the frequency of sightings, UPF would be the

preferred habitat, but other indications (droppings, feathers and cries) of the species’

presence are more frequent in the OSFs.

The diet of the Congo Peafowl includes fruits of AUanblackia floribunda,

Anonidium manni, Canarium schweinfurthii, Elaeis guineensis, Greenwayodendron

suaveoiens, Margaritaria sp., Microdesmis pnbernla, Klainedoxa gabonensis,

Palisota sp., Strombosia sp., Treciilia africana, Xylopia aethiopica, and unidentified

Caesalpiniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae and other families, Coleoptera,

Heteroptera, Odonata, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Myriapoda, Isoptera, Mollusca,

Acari, Aranea, Opiliones, Blattoidea, Orthoptera, Annelida and unidentified arthropods.

144

News & Letters

Malimbus 28

The number of hunters per village varies from one to 36. Sometimes all the men

older than 14 years are hunters. In general, the yearly capture rate of Congo peafowl is

about 20 animals per village. The most used capture technique is a wire snare,

sometimes baited with palm nuts

Habitat loss and habitat degradation essentially caused by forest exploitation and

agricultural activities, plus destruction of nests and collection of eggs, constitute other

menaces for the Congo peafowl.

This project was supported by the British Ecological Society, the North of England

Zoological Society, Idea Wild, the West African Ornithological Society and the

World Pheasant Association.

M. Mulotwa*, M. Louette, A. Dudu & A. Upoki

'Université de Kisangani, Faculté des Sciences (Biologie),

Département d’Ecologie et Gestion des Ressources Animales et Végétales,

Laboratoire LEGERA, BP 2012, Kisangani, R.D. Congo. <emilemulotwa@yahoo.fr>

2006

145

Reviews ” Revues

The Birds of Sao Tomé and Principe with Annobon, islands of the Gulf of

Guinea, by P. Jones & A. Tye, 2006. 172 + xix pp., 34 col. plates. Checklist 22,

British Ornithologists’ Union, Oxford. ISBN 0”907446~27-2, hardback, £30 (inch

postage) from <www.bou.org.uk>.

When beginning a study of the birds of a poorly known region, having a BOU

checklist is an invaluable help. Thanks to the work of Peter Jones and Alan Tye, we

now have available Checklist 22, for Sao Tomé, Principe and Annobon, islands of the

Gulf of Guinea. These three islands plus Bioko and continental Mt Cameroon make

up a volcanic archipelago along a SW-NE fracture in the earth’s crust.

The book follows the format of the checklist series, beginning with interesting

introductory chapters on climate, physical and human geography, and the avifauna

(annual cycles, ecology, conservation etc.). It then details, species by species, each

and every known piece of information regarding presence, reviewing the entire

known bibliography and supplementing this with unpublished data. This is without

doubt a luxury for those who may have the opportunity to study the birds of these

islands.

Sao Tomé, Principe and Annobon have been included by BirdLife as Endemic

Bird Areas (EBAs) and as Important Bird Areas (IBAs). Despite their total area

amounting to only a little more than 1000 km (scarcely 35 x 35 km), the three islands

possess more than 70 landbird species, including four endemic genera, 18 endemic

species and 13 additional endemic subspecies. To these high endemism figures can be

added the importance of the seabird populations which breed on their cliffs and islets.

The three islands were uninhabited when discovered by Portuguese navigators,

and the story of their birds curiously approaching the first obser-vers to land on the

islands now seems fabulous. Five centuries later, the vegetation has been radically

transformed, above all into cocoa plantations, and the human population density has

become among the highest in Africa.

This new work by Jones and Tye complements the field guide by Patrice Christy

and W.V. Clarke (1998, Guide des Oiseaux de Sao Tomé e Principe, ECOFAC), and

results in the avifauna of the Gulf of Guinea becoming among the best known in

Africa. However, whoever may have the good fortune to visit the islands, will almost

certainly still be able to uncover many unknown facts about the status and biology of

their spectacular birds.

Jaime Pérez del Val

146

Reviews

Malimbus 28

The Bird Atlas of Uganda, by M. Carswell, D. Pomeroy, J. Reynolds & H. Tushabe,

2005. 553 + xi pp., numerous maps. British Ornithologists’ Club, Oxford. ISBN 0-

9522866-4-8, hardback, £55 from <www.bou.org.uk>,

Uganda abuts the W.A.O.S. area of interest and many characteristically W African

birds reach their easternmost limit in its western forests, which lie longitudinally

between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. These represent the

easternmost extent of the W African forest block. This atlas is thus of great interest to

W African ornithologists.

Introductory sections cover Uganda’s landforms, past and present climate,

seasonality, ecological zones and habitats, human impact, ornithological history, an

avifaunal review, conservation, and a review of atlas methods and of those used in the

present one.

This atlas is based on published and contributed records, with few field trips

carried out specifically for the project. Data up to the end of 1999 are included, with

an Appendix giving details of additional species accepted since then. An innovation is

the use of modelling to predict species distributions: important in a country with such

patchy ornithological coverage as Uganda. Quarter-square degrees (of side 0.5°) are

used for pre-1990 records and for any post- 1990 ones without coordinates; points are

used for post- 1990 georeferenced records. Breeding records are not mapped (too

few), but are included in the species texts. The georeferenced records are used to

predict distributions with reference to environmental variables. Of six variables

assessed, rainfall and vegetation gave the most successful combination, as tested on a

range of species with quite well-known distributions. Maps are given for all species

with at least five records, and distributions predicted for all with at least 10 point

records, excepting waterbirds.

The predicted distributions seem best for species that have clear habitat

preferences {e.g. forest or montane birds) or have restricted geographical ranges {e.g.

only in the NE). They are least convincing (or useftil?) for common mobile species

such as raptors and swallows. Like all atlases, the main use of this one will be as a

baseline for recording new information and for future documentation of change. It

will be an essential reference for those working on Uganda’s birds for years to come.

Alan Tye

2006

147

Society Notices — Informations de la Société

Full text of Malimbus Volumes 1-24 on the website

As announced in the last issue, work was then under way to achieve Council’s aim of

putting the entire contents of Malimbus (except the most recent three years) on the

website (http://maiimbus.free.fr). This has now been done for volumes 1-24. Before

the end of 2006, we expect to add Volume 25 to this archive, and a new volume each

year thereafter.

All issues are available as pdf files, based on scanned images of pages. The cost

to the Society of the scanning was about £375. Future volumes will not need to be

scanned, because pdf files of the contents will be made from the files used by the

Editor to compile the issue. The scanning was done at 200 dpi using monochrome, 1-

bit setting, which produced the smallest easily-readable pdf files, resulting in the

shortest download times, to speed up access from slow internet connections. Files are

available in three different formats: pages, articles and issues.

Pages. Files of 2924 individual Malimbus pages are available, allowing easy viewing

of all pages referencing a particular species, with the help of the accompanying index

of 1190 taxa. They are also handy for reading short notes, book reviews, notices,

letters and corrigenda using the adjacent detailed tables of contents and country

indicators, or just for browsing.

Articles. Files of 193 Malimbus scientific articles (three pages or more in length) are

online. For shorter pieces, use the individual page method.

Issues. Files of 46 Malimbus issues are on the site. Normally there have been two

issues per volume, though only one in volumes 6 and 24.

Please let me know of any problems encountered in using these new features.

Peter Browne

Webmaster <pbrowne@cyberas.ca>

Texte complet des volumes de Malimbus 1-24 sur le site web

Comme annoncé dans le précédent numéro, un travail était alors en cours pour

réaliser le projet du Conseil de SOOA, de mettre tout le contenu de Malimbus (sauf

les trois dernières années) sur le site (http://malimbus.free.fr). C’est désormais réalisé

pour les Volumes 1-24. Avant la fin de 2006, nous espérons ajouter à ces archives le

Volume 25, et par la suite un nouveau volume chaque année.

Tous les numéros sont disponibles comme dossiers pdf basés sur des images des

pages numérisées. Pour la Société le coût de la numérisation s’est élevé à environ

£375£ (environ €560). Les prochains numéros n’auront pas à être numérisés, parce

148

Society Notices

Maiimbus 28

que les fichiers pdf de leur contenu seront construits à partir des fichiers utilisés par le

Rédacteur pour composer le numéro. La numérisation a été réalisée en 200

points/pouce en noir et blanc, 1-bit, ce qui a produit les plus petits fichiers pdf

facilement lisibles, avec un temps minimal de téléchargement, pour accélérer ainsi

Faccès des connections internet lentes. Les dossiers sont disponibles en trois formats

différents: pages, articles et numéros.

Pages. Les fichiers des 2924 pages de Malimbus sont disponibles individuellement,

permettant un accès facile à toutes les pages se rapportant à une espèce donnée grâce

à Findex joint des 1 190 taxons. Ils sont également commodes pour consulter les notes

courtes, revues de livres, avis, lettres et correctifs par utilisation des tables jointes et

détaillées des matières ainsi que les index géographiques de pays, ou simplement pour

les parcourir.

Articles. Les fichiers de 193 articles scientifiques de Malimbus (trois pages ou plus)

sont en ligne. Pour les plus courts, employer la méthode de la page individuelle.

Numéros. Les fichiers de 46 numéros de Malimbus sont sur le site. Il y a

normalement deux numéros par volume, sauf un seul pour les volumes 6 et 24.

Veuillez m'informer de toute difficulté rencontrée en utilisant ces nouvelles

fonctionnalités.

Peter Browne

Webmestre <pbrowne@cyberas.ca>

W^A.O.S. membership changes

New members

Giannotti, a., Hall 8, 4 Rue de Firmin Gemier, F-75018, Paris, France

Horàk, D., Dept of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, Vinicna 7, CZ-

128.44 Praha, Czech Republic

Klop, E., Thorbeckstr. 160, 6702 BW Wageningen, Netherlands

Lazell, D., Appletree Cottage, Walsingham Rd., Burnham Thorpe PC31 8HN, U.K.

Watson, P,, 24 Woodlands Rd., Hassocks, W Sussex BN6 8HG, U.K.

Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, Idaho 93709, U.S.A.

Deletions

Anciaux, M.

Lieron, V.

Robert, V.

Sueur, F.

Bara, T.

Cayol, F.

Hardwick, IH.

Hawke, C.

Helsens, T,

Zeibots, Dr W.

Vogel WARTE Radolfzell

2006

149

Name and address changes and corrections

Bulens, P. [not J.], Hougaillard, 47170 Reaup-Lisse, France

Handke, C., Brusselsstr. 25, D- 13353 Berlin, Germany

Lachenaud, C., 1070 Av. des Fes, 34080 Montpellier, France

Manire, K., bp 3 1 94, Lomé, Togo

Manvell, a., 941 Chemin de Fourtrouse, 84200 Carpentras, France

UN1VERSITÀTSBIBLÎOTHEK JOHANN CHRISTIAN Senckenberg, Zietschriftenabteilung/DFG,

BockenheimerlandstraBe 134-138, D-60325 Frankfiirt am Main, Germany

[formerly Senckenbergische Bibliothek]

Zoological Record (Thomson Zoological Ltd.), Innovation Centre, York Science

Park, Innovation Way, Heslington, York YOlO 5DG, U.K. [formerly BIOSIS]

Library Serials Unit/P. Watson, American Museum of Natural History, Central

Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024-=5192, U.S.A.

Editor’s Report for the years 2003-5

Since achieving in 1996 a standard publication schedule (March and September) for the

two issues per year, the flow of manuscripts was sufficient to maintain this schedule for

five years. However, there was a three-month delay in the second issue of 2001, and

enough material for only a single issue in 2002, both due to shortage of material. During

the period covered by the present report, the flow of manuscripts was still low until

2004, when a single issue only was produced during the year. Since then, the situation

has improved and two issues were printed in 2005. Statistics for 2003-5 are

summarized in Table 1 .

Since Volume 1, the average number of pages per volume has been 1 19. Since the last

report, the decline in submissions has reversed, with ftill-length papers making up most of

the increase. It was a lack of full-length papers that contributed most to the previous

decline in material. Encouragingly, more biological and ecological submissions have

recently been received and published.

Table 1, Malimbus publication statistics, 2003-5.

150

Society Notices

Malimbus 28

Ail full-length papers and Short Notes were reviewed by two (occasionally one or

three) referees, in addition to the Editor. Referees are acknowledged in each issue as

the “Editorial Board”.

Three papers were rejected due to inadequate methodology (one) and/or lack of new

data (three). The proportion rejected, of those received the same year, was back to the

norm of previous years (usually 0-10%), following a higher rejection rate (20-25%) in

2001-2, but this was not caused by any change in the standards for acceptance. Rejection

took place within at most nine months of receipt. Of the 45 scientific papers published, 36

(80%) required revision by their authors (beyond minor editorial changes). After receiving

referees’ comments, the time taken by authors to revise their papers varied from same day

return to 15 months (median one month), similar to recent years. The delay between

receiving a final acceptable version of a paper and its publication was one week to 14

months (median 5 months), similar to recent previous years and difficult to reduce fiirther,

given our 6-monthly publication schedule; the longer delays were associated with years

when only one number was issued. Altogether, including the time taken for review by

referees, editing by me and proof-reading by authors, the delay between first receipt of a

submission and its publication varied from two to 24 months (median 10 months), with

76% of papers published within one year of receipt, an improvement over the recent

average.

No Index had been published since that to Volume 17 (1995), until R.J. Dowsett

provided an Index to Vols 18-25 (1996-2003), which was published in 2005 and

placed on the web site. The intention is to update the web-based index annually from

now on, and I thank Bob Dowsett for this work.

I should once again like to express my thanks to all referees for their precious

time and valuable insights, as well as to Peter Browne, Geoffrey Field, Gérard Morel,

Bob Sharland, Hazell Thompson and Roger Wilkinson for their contributions to

managing the journal’s printing, distribution and mailing list, and placing copy

quickly on the web site.

Alan Tye

Rapport du Rédacteur pour la période 2003-5

Depuis l’instauration en 1996 d’un rythme normal de deux publications par an (mars

et septembre), l’arrivée des manuscrits avait suffit à maintenir cette cadence pendant

cinq ans. Il y avait cependant eu un retard de trois mois pour le deuxième numéro de

2001, et juste assez de texte pour une seule livraison en 2002, ces deux faits étant dus

à la pénurie de soumissions. Pendant le période du présent rapport, Farrivée des

manuscrits continua d’être médiocre jusque 2004, année où ne paru qu’une seule

livraison. Depuis lors, la situation s’est amélioré avec la parution de deux numéros en

2005. Les statistiques pour les années 2003-5 sont résumées dans le Tableau 1.

2006

Informations de la Société

151

Table 1. Statistiques des publications pour 2003^5.

Depuis le volume 1, le nombre moyen de pages par volume a été de 119. Depuis

le rapport antérieur, le déclin du nombre des manuscrits reçus s’est arrêté avec la

réception de plus de longs articles. C’était le manque de longs articles qui avait

contribué essentiellement au déclin antérieur. Il est encourageant de recevoir et de

publier maintenant davantage de manuscrits sur la biologie et l’écologie.

Tous les longs manuscrits et les Notes Courtes ont été revus par deux (parfois un

ou trois) lecteurs en plus du Rédacteur. Les lecteurs sont cités dans chaque numéro à

la rubrique Comité de Rédaction.

Trois articles fiirent refusés pour méthodologie inappropriée (un) et/ou par manque

de données nouvelles (trois). La proportion de manuscrits refusés par rapport à ceux

reçus la même année a retourné à celle des années précédentes (habituellement 0-10%),

après un taux de rejet plus élevé (20-25%) pendant le période 2001-2; ce n’était pas dû

à quelque modification des critères d’acceptation. Le refiis eut lieu tout au plus dans les

neuf mois suivant la soumission. Sur les 45 articles scientifiques publiés, 36 (80%)

exigèrent une révision par leurs auteurs (en plus de changements mineurs de la

rédaction). Après avoir reçu les remarques des critiques, la révision faite par les auteurs

allait du retour le jour même jusqu’à 15 mois (moyenne un mois), semblable a celle des

dernières armées. Le délai entre la réception de la version définitive d’un manuscrit et sa

publication ftit d’une semaine à 14 mois (moyenne 5 mois), donc semblable à celui des

années précédentes et difficile à réduire, étant donné notre rythme de parution bisannuel.

Les délais les plus longs s’associaient aux ans où ne paraissait qu’un seul numéro. Au

total, le temps pris par les critiques, mes propres corrections et les lectures d’épreuves

par les différents auteurs, le délai entre la première réception d’un manuscrit et sa

publication a varié entre deux et 24 mois (moyenne 10 mois), 76% des articles étant

publiés dans les 12 mois de leur réception, signe d’une amélioration sur la dernière

moyenne.

Il n’y eut aucune publication d’index depuis celle du volume 17 (1995), jusqu’à

celle préparée par R. J. Dowsett pour les volumes 18-25 (1996-2003), qui parut en

2005 et figure sur la toile web. C’est notre intention de remettre à jour chaque année

cet index basée sur la toile dès maintenant, et je remercie Bob Dowsett pour ce

travail.

152

Society Notices

Malimbus 28

Je tiens de nouveau à remercier tous les critiques pour le temps et les avis qu’ils

ont généreusement données, et Peter Browne, Geoffrey Field, Gérard Morel, Bob

Sharland, Hazell Thompson et Roger Wilkinson qui ont contribué à l’impression du

journal, à sa distribution et à établir la liste des abonnés, ainsi qu’à la saisie rapide sur

la toile.

Alan Tye

Instructions aux Auteurs

Maiîmbus publie des Articles, des Notes Courtes, des Revues de Publications et des Nouvelles

& Lettres traitant de Fomithologie ouest-africaine.

Les Articles et les Notes Courtes doivent être des apports originaux; ceux déjà publiés

ailleurs, en partie ou en totalité, seront nonmaîement refusés. Les Notes Courtes sont des articles de

moins de 1500 mots (références comprises) ou de trois pages imprimées. Autant que possible, les

manuscrits auront été auparavant soumis au moins à un ornithologue ou biologiste pour un examen

minutieux. Les marîuscrits seront envoyés pour critique à au moins un lecteur compétent.

Les textes des Nouvelles & Lettres ne devraient dépasser 1000 mots.

Les textes sont acceptés en anglais et en français; la Rédaction pourra aider les auteurs dont

la langue maternelle n’est pas l’une de celles-ci. Nous préférons les envois de manuscrits par

e-mail (pièce jointe). Pour les envois sur papier, les textes seront tapés en deux exemplaires, d’un

seul côté de la page, avec double interligne et larges marges. Consultez l’Éditeur pour tout détail

supplémentaire, p. ex. les logiciels compatibles.

Tous les Articles (mais non les Notes Courtes) comporteront un Résumé, n’excédant pas 5%

de la longueur totale. Le Résumé mentionnera brièvement les principaux résultats et conclusions de

FAîticle et ne sera pas un simple compte rendu du travail. Les résumés seront publiés à la fois en

anglais et en français et seront traduits au mieux par la Rédaction.

Les conventions concernant les tableaux, les chiffres, îe système métrique, les références, etc.

peuvent être trouvées dans ce numéro et doivent être soigneusement suivies. Notez en particulier

que les dates s’abrègeront comme 2 fév 1990 mais les mois écrits seuls pourront s’écrire en entier;

que les heures s’écriront comme 6h45, 17h00; que les coordonnées s’écriront comme 7°46'N,

16°4'W; que les nombres jusqu’à dix s’écriront en entier, excepté devant une unité de mesure (p.

ex. 6 m), que les nombres à partir de î 1 s’écriront en chiffres sauf au début d’une phrase. Toute

référence citée dans l’article, et aucune autre, doit figurer dans la bibliographie.

Les articles d’avifaune doivent comprendre une carte ou une liste des localités citées. Ils

devraient donner quelques détails sur le climat, la topographie, la végétation et Fenviroraiement (y

compris les événements inhabituels) avant ou durant l’étude (p. ex. pluies tardives, etc.). Les listes

d’espèces ne devraient contenir que des données importantes: les listes complètes ne sont justifiées

que pour les régions encore non étudiées ou délaissées pendant longtemps. Autrement, ne citer que

les espèces sur lesquelles l’étude fournit de nouveaux faits sur la répartition, la période de séjour, la

reproduction, etc. Pour chaque espèce, indiquer l’extension de l’aire, une estimation d’abondance

{Malimbus 17: 38) et les données datées sur la reproduction; indiquer le statut migratoire et la

période de séjour seulement telles qu’elles ressortent de Fétude. Eventuellement, replacez les faits

dans le contexte en les comparant brièvement avec une liste régionale de référence. Les longues

listes d’espèces peuvent être sous forme de tableaux (p. ex. Malimbm 25: 4-30, 24: 15-22, 23: 1-

22, 1: 22-28, or 1: 49-54) ou sous forme de texte des derniers numéros. La séquence

taxonomique et les noms scientifiques (et de préférence aussi les noms vernaculaires) devraient

suivre Borrow & Demey (2004, Field Guide îo the Birds of Western Africa^ Christopher Helm,

London), ou Dowsett & Forbes- Watson (1993, Checklist of Birds of the Afrotropical and Malagasy

Regions, Tauraco Press, Liège) ou The Birds of Africa (Brown et al. 1982, Urban et al. 1986,

1997, Fry et ai. 1988, Keith et al. 1992, Fry & Keith 2000, 2004, Academie Press, London), à

moins de donner les raisons de s’écarter de ces auteurs. Un guide plus complet aux auteurs

d’articles sur Favifaune, comprenant une notation d’abondance des espèces la plus conseillée, est

publié dans Malimbus 17: 35-39. On peut en obtenir une copie de la Rédaction, qui se fera aussi un

plaisir d’offrir ses conseils sur la présentation de ce genre d’études.

Les figures doivent être préparées pour une reproduction directe, permettant une réduction de 20-

50%. Pour le dessin des Figures, tenir compte du fomiat de Malimbus. On préfère les figures préparées

sur logiciel graphique approprié et sauvegardées en haute définition. Elles doivent être envoyées

comme fichiers de logiciel graphique, et ne pas être incluses dans un fichier de texte. Les fichiers de

faible définition et les sorties sur imprimantes de mauvaise qualité seront refusés. On encourage les

auteurs à soumettre des photographies qui illustrent des points importants de leurs articles. Les

photographies doivent être bien contrastées (par être publiées en monochrome) et de haute définition

(au moins 600 dpi). Elles doivent être envoyées comme fichier de logiciel graphique (par ex. jpg ou tif)

et non pas être incluses dans un fichier de texte. Consulter le Rédacteur pour tout renseignement.

Une copie de la livraison dans laquelle paraient les Articles et les Notes Courtes sera envoyée

gratis à Fauteur ou à l’auteur principal.

MALIMBUS 28(2) September 2006

Contents — Table des Matières

Avifauna! and environmental changes on the campus of the

University of Ghana, Legon, between the 1960s and 2004

L. G. Grimes 57-68

Social interactions, moult and pre-migratory fattening among

Yellow Wagtails Moladlla flava in the Nigerian Sahel.

C.P. Bell 69-82

Biométrie en période de reproduction du Petit Calao à bec rouge

Tockus erythrorhynchus.

M. S. Diop 83-89

The birds of Mbam and Djerem National Park, Cameroon.

K.S. Bobo, E. Williams, N.D. Anye, M.F. Njie,

R. C. Fotso & M. Languy 90-106

Les oiseaux du Parc National du Banco et de la Forêt Classée

de FAnguédédou, Côte d’ivoire.

O. Lachenaud 107-133

Bird diversity in Nyassang Forest Park, The Gambia.

S. Ballantyne 134-142

News — Nouvelles 143-144

Reviews — Revues 145-146

Society Notices — Informations de la Société 147-152

SMtTHSONIAN INSTITUTION LIBRARIES

3 9088 01278 3742

r

IjlVIAUMBüS

Journal of West African Ornithology

Revue d’Omithologie de l’Ouest Africain

VOLUME X9 Number 1 March 2007

ISSN 0331-3689

L

published by:

publiée par:

West African Ornitliological Society

Société d’Omithologie de l’Ouest Africain

West ASrican Ornithological Society

Société d’Omithologie de TOuest Africain

Council:

President: Dr Jean-Marc Thiollay

Vice-President: Dr Roger Wilkinson

Treasurer and Membership Secretary: Robert E. Sharland

Managing Editor: Dr Alan Tye

Secretary to Council: vacant

Meetings Secretary: Dr Hazell S.S. Thompson

Webmaster: P.W. Peter Browne

Member of Council: Nils Robin

Editorial Board: C. Barlow, P.W.P. Browne, Prof. R.A. Cheke, RJ. Dowsett, Dr F.

Dowsett-Lemaire, Prof. C.H. Fry, Dr O. Girard, A.A. Green, Dr R.B. Payne, Dr B.

Trolliet, Dr T. Wacher, Dr R. Wilkinson.

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Web site: http://malinfi bus.free.fr/ includes full texts of all Maiimbus volumes except

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— to the Managing Editor (Dr A. Tye, SPREP, PO Box 240, Apia, Samoa;

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— to the Secretary to Council (Zoological Gardens, Chester CH2 ILH, U.K.;

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— to the Webmaster <pbrowne@cyberus.ca>, regarding the web site;

— to the President (2 rue Rivière, F- 10220 Rouilly Sacey, France;

<jm.thiollay@wanadoo.fr>) regarding policy matters.

The Society grew out of the Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society, which was founded in

1964. Its object is to promote West African ornithology, especially by publishing its

journal Maiimbus (formerly the Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists ’ Society).

Applications for Membership are welcome. Annual subscriptions are £10 (€17) for

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2007

Dialects in the song of the Splendid Sunbird

Cinnyris mccimigmtra at the 'University of Ghana,

Legon, Ghana, February^AprillO^^l^gQ^j^^^

by Llewellyn Grimes /

3 St Nicholas Court, Warwick CV34 4JY, U.K. AeAmes@freeuk.com>

llBRAR\î^

Received 20 July 2005; revised 30 October 2T

Summary

Songs of male Splendid Sunbirds were record^, periodically at nine locations

where territorial males sang regularly at davm usually within audible distance

of each other, sometimes < 30 m apart. Dialects were distinguished by visual

inspection of spectrograms and the mean time interval between the start of

consecutive notes in a song (the mean time interval pattern) also characterised

dialects. Three dialects were recorded at localities up to 500 m apart.

Competing males at four locations sang the same dialect but at three others a

sharp dialect boundary occurred and each male, no more than 40 m apart,

sang its own distinct dialect. The spectrograms and mean time interval

patterns obtained at each location remained unchanged for the duration of the

study but none matched those obtained in the same area 30 years earlier. Tlie

estimated mean density of male Splendid Sunbirds in areas where tliey

occurred at Legon was 0.45 ha”^ but their distribution was not uniform (range

c. 0.25-1.85 ha~^). Dialects may have arisen due to the patchy distribution of

suitable habitat at Legon.

Résumé

Dialectes du chant du Soui-Manga éclatant Cinnyris coccinigmtra à

rUniversité du Ghana, Legon, Ghana, février-avril 2004. Les chants de

mâles du Soui-Manga éclatant ont été enregistrés périodiquement à neuf

places où, régulièrement à T aube, les mâles cantonnés chantaient

habituellement à portée de voix, parfois à < 30 m les uns des autres. Les

dialectes étaient distingués à Texamen visuel des spectrogrammes; l’intervalle

de temps moyen au départ des notes consécutives du chant (type de

l’intervalle de temps moyen) caractérisait aussi les dialectes. Trois dialectes

ont été enregistrés à des places séparées de moins de 500 m. Les mâles rivaux

de quatre endroits chantaient dans le même dialecte mais à trois autres

endroits on observait une démarcation marquée des dialectes, et chaque mâle,

2

L. Grimes

Malimbus 29

distant de moins de 40 m, chantait dans son propre dialecte. Les

spectrogrammes et le type de l’intervalle de temps moyen obtenus au même

endroit restèrent stables pendant la durée de l’étude mais sans aucune

correspondance avec ceux obtenus au même endroit 30 ans auparavant. La

densité moyenne estimée de Soui-Mangas éclatants mâles dans ces régions où

on les rencontrait à Legon était de 0,45 ha"' mais leur distribution n’était pas

uniforme (écart-type c. 0,25-1,85 ha"'). Les dialectes ont pu se développer à

la faveur de la distribution morcelée de l’habitat favorable à Legon.

Introduction

During the years 1970-3 I studied the song of the Splendid Simbird Cinnyris

coccinigastra in Ghana (Grimes 1974). Marked geographic variation in the song

occurred between Accra and Cape Coast, but more surprising was the presence of

distinct and readily discernible dialects spatially distributed on the campus of the

University of Ghana at Legon. These were discovered early in the 1970s, when

sample spectrograms of the songs of Splendid Sunbirds, tape recorded at four

localities on the campus, were visually compared. In 1972, songs of a colour-ringed

male, which sang regularly in the same tree, were tape recorded on 10 occasions over

the period 30 May to 3 August 1972. The soimd spectrograms and mean time interval

patterns of his song (Fig. 8 and Table 3 in Grimes 1974) were similar throughout

these two months. At one locality near the Department of Agriculture, the sound

spectrograms were preserved over three years (the duration of the 1970s study). As

visual inspection was sufficient to separate the dialects no other data were abstracted

from the spectrograms.

A typical song of tlie Splendid Simbird consists of 6-7 consecutive glissando

notes (range 4-11), each lasting c. 0.2 sec (Fig. 1), and is repeated as the male

advertises his presence and territory (mean rate in 2004 was 8.95 ± 1.63 songs/min.

(range 6.25-12.83, n = 34). Tire stmctural simplicity of the song lends itself to the

detection and study of dialects in a population.

In January 2004, I returned to the University of Ghana after an interval of 30

years and was able to investigate dialects and their distribution on the campus.

Snatches of territorial song were first heard in early February but it was not until mid-

March that males sang for prolonged periods in competition with others. A summary

of the results is presented here. A report (subsequently termed the Report) containing

all the data apart from spectrograms showing the dialects of competing males which

have been added to this revised edition, has been sent to the Edward Grey Institute at

Oxford, the Natural History Museum at Tring, the British Library in London, the

Percy FitzPatrick Institute at the University of Cape Town, South Africa and the

Department of Zoology, University of Ghana at Legon. Copies of the visual and

soimd recordings made have also been deposited at these Institutions.

2007

Splendid Simbird dialects

3

Figure 1. Spectrogram of a song sequence of Splendid Sunbird showing time

differences (T1/2, T2/3 etc) between the start of consecutive notes, as measured for

all sequences recorded.

Methods

All recordings of singing males were made between 5h40 and 6I1IO, when singing

was prolonged and intense, apart from tliree (one at 8h00 in the Botanical Gardens;

two briefly mid-morning near Commonwealth Hall and the University Library). Tlie

equipment was usually ready before the first male began smging, Tlie locations

chosen were those where Splendid Sunbirds were found singing at dawn m com-

petition with each oüier, found by systematically walking around the campus. Many

were singing in Little Legon and on Lower Hill but only two m East Legon near the

Department of Agriculture and only tliree witliin tlie extensive Botanical Gardens.

Four of the locations where birds were tape recorded were close to areas where

dialects were recorded in the 1970s (near 20 Little Legon, on Legon Hill, near the

Department of Agriculture and witliin the Botanical Gardens). Tliese and five others

(Fig. 2, Table 1) were visited periodically during my three-month stay and songs of

males, singing on each occasion from within the same tree or clmnp of trees at each

locality, were tape recorded. Although none was colour ringed, the 1972 observations

of the colour-ringed male suggest that any male Splendid Sunbird singing at dawn

from the same tree or clump of trees was the same individual on each occasion.

Singing males were tape recorded and filmed using a Sennlieiser MKE 300

directional microphone attached to a Sony video recorder (CCD-TR840E). Males

often sang from exposed perches in the canopy when they were usually visible but

sometimes obscured. On 12 separate occasions (Table 1) I recorded long unambiguous

sequences of competing males in one session by systematically moving from one singhig

4

L. Grimes

Malimbus 29

male to the next while the first bird continued to sing. In addition, the songs of other

more distant males were picked up by the microphone and were audible on play-back.

Figure 2. The locations where songs of male Splendid Sunbirds were tape

recorded on the campus of the University of Ghana, Feb-Apr 2004,

Table 1. Locations and dates of sound recordings obtained in 2004 and numbers

of males recorded.

2007

Splendid Simbird dialects

5

The camcorder data for each recording session (total 44) made at the nine

locations were copied to a Sony high resolution videotape (E-180HR1), rendering

both visual and audio data accessible when played on a television (Matsui TVR 185).

Each session was analysed separately by feeding its audio signal from the television

into a computer and producing a spectrogram of each song, using Praat.exe software

(University of Amsterdam). The sampling rate was 44,100 Hz, which allowed 22 s of

a recording — usually three or four song sequences — to be transferred each time for

analysis. The start time of each note in a song sequence was read directly from its

spectrogram and the time difference between the start of consecutive notes obtamed.

Each spectrogram of a given male yielded shnilar data and all spectrograms for a given

male were used to calculate the mean tune difference between the start of consecutive

notes of its songs (the mean time interval pattern). Mean time interval patterns were

obtained for all males recorded (Table 1). Spectrograms of songs of competmg males

were often present on a 22 s sample and many were clear enougli to provide data on

the time differences between the start of the notes in their songs. Tlius it was possible

to obtain an unambiguous sound spectrogram and time interval pattern of the songs of

two or more competmg males counter-singmg. I did not abstract frequency charac-

teristics of each note in a song sequence, thougli the software provided these data.

Results

Visual inspection of the frequency-time profile of male’s dawn songs at the rune

locations (spectrograms from all nine are illustrated in Figs 3, 5, 7 and 9) is sufficient

to identify eight distinct dialects (A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H). Spectrograms of

recordings made on different dates at each location confirmed the presence of the

same dialect and these are illustrated in the Report. Some dialects were recorded at

more than one location, e.g. Dialect C at 17/19 Little Legon and 550 m further east at

9 Little Legon (Figs 3 and 7), and Dialect D at the Guest Flats and c. 400 m south near

6 Little Legon (Figs 5 and 7). In addition, the male recorded briefly near Common-

wealth Hall (27 Feb) sang four sequences of Dialect H (Fig. 9 and Report), which was

the dialect recorded south of the Registry (30 Mar and 1 1 Apr) some 300 m to tlie west.

The corresponding mean time interval patterns of each song in Figs 3, 5 and 7 are

given in Figures 4, 6 and 8, in which 41 of the 42 recordmg sessions at these eiglit

locations have been used. The remaining one (11 April at 2 Legon Hill) appears in the

Report and follows closely the pattern in Fig. 4. The mean time interval patterns for the

two males recorded on the south side of the Registry (30 March and 1 1 April) appear

in the Report. The mean time difference patterns were reproducible at each location

but whereas some were quite different from each other, e.g. tliose at 2 Legon Hill

(Fig. 4), 17/19 Little Legon (Fig. 4), Agriculture (Fig. 6), and Botanical Gardens (Fig.

6), others were more similar, e.g. at 17/19 Little Legon (Fig. 4) and the Guest Flats

(Fig. 6), although the spectrograms of songs recorded at these two locations were not.

6

L. Grimes

Malimbus 29

60007

5000

4000-!

c 30001

a>

2000-

1000-

% I

2 Legon Hill, 28 February

Dialect A

2

Time (3)

I

I I

6000

5000-

N

X

40001

S'

c

o

3

it

3000

2000

1000

0 -

0

Registry - north, 11 April

Dialect B

12 3 4

Time (s)

6000-

5000-

_ 4000^

N !

X I

c 300oj

S

g

^ 2000-j

1000

17/19 Little Legon, 5 April

Dialect C

Time (s)

Figure 3. Typical spectrograms of song dialects of male Splendid Sunbirds

recorded in 2004 at three localities at the University of Ghana, Legon.

2007

Splendid Sunbird dialects

7

2 Legon Hill

-♦ — h/ble , 8 Feb n = 9

■*— Male , 28 Feb n = 4

- Male, 12 n = 15

IVble, 16 Mar n = 23

Male, 24 Mar n « 1 8

♦“ Male, 1 1 Aprs n ^ 1 7

North of Registry

-♦ — Male, 28 IVbr n = 8

^li — Male, 29 Mar n = 1 1

-ir— Male, 30 hter n « 1 7

Male, 1 1 April n - 22

— Male, 14 April n = 1 0

17/19 Little Legon

^ Male A, 31 Marn = 25

•—Male B, 31 Marn = 17

Male A, 5 Apri n « 25

-■ — Male B, 5 April n = 25

Figure 4. The mean time differences between the start of consecutive notes in the

songs of Splendid Sunbirds recorded in 2004 at the three localities from which spec-

trograms are illustrated in Fig. 3. The x-axis identifies the note pairs used in ob-

taining the time difference (1 = first and second notes, 2 = second and third notes, etc.).

8

L. Grimes

Malimbus 29

6000-r

5000

4000

N

X

S'

c 3000

§

?

^ 2000

1000

0)

0

Guest Flats, 27 March

Dialect D

2

Time (s)

6000-

5000

4000

X

3000

S'

w

Li.

2000h

1000-

Agriculture, 2 April

Dialect E

2

Time (s)

6000t

5000

4000

N

X

3000

2000

1000-i

Botanical gardens, 10 April

Dialect F

2

Time (s)

Figure 5. Typical spectrograms of song dialects of male Splendid Sunbirds

recorded in 2004 at three localities on the campus of the University of Ghana, Legon.

2007

Splendid Simbird dialects

9

Guest Flats

-♦ — IVteile A, 1 4 Mar n = 20

— Mate B, 14 l^r n = 4

■A— fwble, 24 Mar n - 25

-A— Mate A, 27 Marn=21

■^Male B, 27 Marn=24

Mate A, 8 April n = 1 4

Mate B, 8 April n = 25

Agriculture

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Botanical gardens

!

Male in thicket zone, 3

AprB n *= 5

Mate in pottteg sheds

area, 3 Apr n = 15

-A — Mate near circle, 10

AprB n - 25

Mate near circle, 16

April n - 30

Figure 6. The mean time differences between the start of consecutive notes in the

songs of Splendid Sunbirds recorded in 2004 at the three localities from which

spectrograms are illustrated in Fig. 5. X-axis labelling as Fig. 4.

10

L. Grimes

Malimbus 29

6000-

5000-

2000-

37/44 Little Legon, 19 March

Dialect G

1000-

°0 1 2 3 4

Time (s)

6000t

5000^

_ 4000-

n"

X

c 300CH

(D

3

cr

2

20001

1000

Dialect C

9 Little Legon, 6 April

2

Time (s)

Dialect G

6000-

2000

6 Little Legon, 3 April

i Dialect D

1000-1

oi ^ ^ ^

0 12 3 4

Time (s)

Figure 7. Typical spectrograms of song dialects of male Splendid Sunbirds

recorded in 2004 at three localities on the campus of the University of Ghana, Legon.

2007

Splendid Simbird dialects

11

Near 9 Little Legon and Circle

■o

C

8

«

■o

Male C 6 Apr n - 8

htete B 6 Apr n ^ 18

-ét— Male B 6 Apr n = 22

■K— Male 7 April n - 1 8

1 2 3 4 6 6

Near 9 and 37/44 Little Legon

-♦—h/tele, 14 Mar n = 18

Mate A, 1 9 Mar n - 12

ifc — Mate A, 7 April n » 5

Mate B, 7 April n « 26

Near S and 9 Little Legon

Dialect D

Male 3 Apri n ^ 10

-■ — Male 3 April n s 9

— Male 6 April n " 8

Figure 8. The mean time difference patterns for dialects C, D and G recorded in

2004 at the three localities from which spectrograms are illustrated in Fig.7. X-

axis labelling as Fig. 4.

12

L. Grimes

Malimbus 29

6000

5000

^ 4000

N

X

> 3000

O

c

o

□ 2000

1000

0 J

0123 456 78 9

Time (s|

6000

5000

^ 4000

N

X

3000

o

c

2. 2000

%m

1000

0 .

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Time (s)

6000

5000

“n

I

^ 4000

0

1 3000

a*

it 2000

1000

0

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Time |s)

Figure 9. Spectrograms of songs of male Splendid Sunbirds singing in

competition with each other at 2 Legon Hill, at Guest Flats and at the Registry,

Competing males sang the same dialect at the first two locations (dialects A and

D respectively) but different dialects (B and H) at the Registry.

The Registry

llUl

Dialect H

south

I

Dialect B

north

2 Legon Hill Dialect A

2007

Splendid Sunblid dialects

13

Competing males some 20=40 m apart were recorded singing an identical dialect

at 2 Legon Hill (Dialect A in Figs 3 and 9), and at the Guest Flats (Dialect D in Figs 5

and 9), and also, but not illustrated here, at 17/19 Little Legon and at Agriculture. In

contrast, competing males sang quite different dialects on the north and south side of

the Registiy (Dialects B and H in Fig. 9), while in Little Legon at least three dialects

(C, D and G in Fig. 7) were detected within a small area (c. 2.7 ha) which included

gardens of houses 6, 9, 37 and 44 and the parkland bordering the eastern edge of the

Circle (Fig. 2).

The spectrograms (n = 6) and mean time difference pattern (see Report) of the

male’s song briefly recorded near the University Library complex (26 Mar) matched

none recorded elsewhere on the campus. In addition, the frequency/time slope of its

first note was positive whereas in all other songs recorded, except those at 2 Legon

Hill (Figs 3 and 9), the slope was negative.

No playback experiments involving ‘‘foreign” dialects were undertaken but on

three occasions playback of a male’s own song was followed by the singing male

stopping soon after the playback began and remaining silent for some time after the

playback was stopped before beginning to sing again.

The area of the campus within which Splendid Sunbirds were tape recorded at the

eight locations was c. 5 1 ha and the number of sunbirds that could be heard on the

tape recordings at each of the eiglit locations was never more than tliree. Since the

microphone was directional, this yields a population estimate of 23 (Table 1) and a

minimum mean density of males of 0.45 ha“*. However the sunbird was not unifoniily

distributed. Thus in the restricted area (c. 2.7 ha) of Little Legon (total area c. 25 lia),

where three dialects were detected, at least five males occurred (density c. 1.85 lia"^)

whereas within the Botanical gardens only three males occurred within an area of c.

12 ha (density 0.25 ha“^).

Discussion

Neither mean time difference patterns nor spectrograms of the songs of the Splendid

Sunbird recorded on the campus in the 1970s (Figs 3 and 6 in Grimes 1974) match

those obtained in 2004, although there are some similarities in the mean time

difference patterns of the sunbirds singing near the Agriculture Department (Fig. 5 of

this paper and Fig. 3 of Grimes 1974). This is perhaps not surprising as the interval of

time represents at least 30 generations of sunbirds.

The new data confirm the earlier findings (Grimes 1974) that the spectrograms of

songs recorded at a given location were reproducible over time, and that competing

sunbirds may sing the same dialect (Fig. 9), or different ones, in which case the

dialect boundary is relatively sharp (Figs 7 and 9). Recently, two distinct dialects have

been found in a colour-ringed urban population of Orange-tufted Sunbirds Nectarinia

osea in Israel (Leader et aï, 2000). One was sung by 37 males the other by 21, and

14

L. Grimes

Malimbus 29

four males used a hybrid song. A male’s song type did not change over the breeding

season or from year to year, and males of both dialect groups responded more

positively to playback of their own dialect than to playback of the other. Their data

indicate a higlier population density of Orange-tufted Sunbirds (6.4 males/ha) than of

the Splendid Simbird at Legon, with a distribution remarkably uniform compared with

that of the Splendid Simbird at Legon.

Tlie presence of distinct dialects in the population of Splendid Sunbirds at Legon

is in marked contrast to what Payne (1978) foimd in the population on the campus of

Cape Coast University in September 1975. He sampled the songs of most, if not all,

'y

sunbirds singing on the 6 km campus and was not able to distinguish dialects in most

of his birds. Although he confirmed local song variation, he foimd that variations in

space were not grouped into discrete dialects. Subsequently Schnell et al. (1985) have

re-analysed Payne’s data and were able to attach measures of statistical significance to

Payne’s evaluation. Tlieir conclusions were the same as Payne’s, that males furthest

apart had the most dissimilar songs whereas those of close neighbours were relatively

more similar to each other than predicted by chance, and that differences in song were

not due to differences in habitat. At Cape Coast, 39 males occupied c. 237 ha which

gives a density of 0.164 males/ha.

Payne (1978) thouglit that the differences in the results of his study at Cape Coast

and tlie one at Legon were due to differences in sampling methods. He made a short

visit to Legon in November 1975, when Splendid Sunbirds were silent, and

considered the whole of the campus a uniform habitat suitable for Splendid Simbirds.

Although he does not indicate how many he saw he considered it more than likely that

many more Splendid Sunbirds may have occurred on the campus and in the

surroimding areas than were recorded in the 1970s. Tliat is true as it was not intended

to sample all singing simbirds in the 1970s but rather concentrate on those singing in

one location over a period. However, whether or not discrete dialects occur should not

depend on sampling techniques: they are either present or absent. The present data

substantiate that of the 1970s, and suggest that the differences between the findings of

the two studies at Legon and at Cape Coast are real and merit further study.

My observations also suggest that the campus was and is not imiformly attractive

to sunbirds as thouglit by Payne. In 2004, as in the 1970s, no singing sunbirds were

located at dawn in the area of thicket between the southern border of the Botanical

Garden and the Zoology and Botany departments and lecture room complex (Fig. 2),

nor between these buildings and the University Library. In terms of tree cover, the

staff residential areas of Legon Hill, Little Legon, Lower Hill, East Legon and Ayido

valley appear uniform and have changed little from the 1970s, though trees are taller

and their canopies more extensive. A variety of flowering trees is present in the older

residential areas of Legon Hill, Little Legon and East Legon and this is where

sunbirds were foimd singing in the 1970s and in 2004. In contrast, on Lower Hill and

in Ayido Valley the Neem Azadiracta indica tree dominates the landscape and

flowering trees suitable for sunbirds are scarce. The rest of the campus is and was.

2007

Splendid Sunbird dialects

15

although to a lesser extent, equally unfavourable to Splendid Sunbird as much of it

consists of faculty buildings, student Halls and Annexes, and playing fields which are

criss-crossed with foot paths used throughout the day by students. AJtliough flowering

Copper Pods Peltophorum pierocarpum occurred along roads and Rain Trees

Samanea saman around playing fields in the centre of the campus, the increase in

noise level due to traffic and a lO-fold increase in student numbers do not create a

suitable environment for Splendid Sunbirds.

There is no generally accepted explanation of the mechanism maintaining local

dialects or of their functional significance (Catchpole & Slater 1995), nor how they

develop. Leader et al. (2000) suggested that dialects in the Orange-tufted Sunbird may

have arisen from the pattern of human settlement which had began in tlie early 1950s

and that the spatial distribution of the two dialect populations and a low dispersal rate

from dialect areas has helped to maintaiti them. Interestingly, tlie area of tlie Accra Plains

now occupied by the University campus consisted of a mixture of grassland and

thicket patches until the late 1950s when the present campus was lan^caped. Altliougli

the distinctive dialects on the campus at Legon appear genuine and the sunbird distri-

bution is not uniform, the number of males singing the same dialect and the spatial

extent of each remain unknown. Their existence and development may be due to the

patchy nature at Legon of the habitat suitable for sunbirds (P. McGregor pers. comm.).

Acknowledgments

I am most grateful for the helpful comments on the data presented in the Report by Dr

Peter McGregor and Dr J. Wright and thank also Dr F, Walsh and Dr Derek Pomeroy

for encouraging me to prepare a summary of the data for publication. Dr Robert

Cheke helpfully commented on this present script.

References

Catchpole, C.K. & Slater, P.J.B. (1995), Bird song: Biological Themes and

Variations. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Grimes, L.G. (1974). Dialects and geograpliical variation in the songs of the Splendid

Sunbird Aectoriwia coccinigaster. Ibis 116: 314-329.

Leader, N., Wright, J. & Yom-Tov, Y. (2000). Microgeographic song dialects in tlie

Orange-tufted Sunbird (Nectarinia osea). Behaviour 137: 1613-1627.

Payne, R.B. (1978), Microgeographic variation in songs of Splendid Sunbirds

Nectarinia coccinigaster — population plieiietics, habitats and song dialects.

Behaviour 65: 282-308.

Schnell,G.D., Watt, D. J. & Douglas, M.E. (1985). Statistical comparison of

proximity matrices: applications in animal behaviour. Anim. Behav, 33: 239-253.

16

Malimbus 29

Avifauna of Omo Forest Reserve, SW Nigeria

by A. A. Green’, P. Hall^ & A.P. Leventis^

’ 178 Patten Road, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, U.S.A. <greenarthura@hotmail.com>

^27 Mekuwen Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria. < 110226.2654@compuserve.com>

^19 Ilchester Place, London W14 8AA, U.K,

Received 28 October 2005; revised 15 October 2006.

Summary

We recorded 210 bird species of 52 families in Omo Forest Reserve, SW

Nigeria. Amongst these, 20 are Palaearctic migrants and at least 26 others are

either intra-African migrants or exhibit significant local movements. Most

passerines that we recorded are resident species.

Résumé

Avifaune de la Réserve Forestière de I'Omo, SO du Nigeria. Nous avons

emegistré 210 espèces d’oiseaux, de 52 familles, dans la Réserve Forestière

de rOmo, dans le sud-ouest du Nigeria. Parmi celles-ci, 20 sont des

migrateurs paléarctiques, et au moins 26 sont soit des migrateurs intra-

africains, soit des migrateurs locaux. La plupart des passereaux sont des

résidents.

Introduction

Omo Forest Reserve (FR) is one of six contiguous forest reserves covering c. 5000

km in Ogun and Ondo States, c. 160 km east of Lagos, in SW Nigeria. First proposed

in 1916, Omo FR was constituted in 1925, and took its present form in the 1950s. It

lies between 6°35' and 7°5'N and between 4° 12' and 4°33'E, and covers 1391 km^

(Fig. 1). Tlie reserve is divided into four administrative areas, two on each side of the

Omo River: J-4 (NE), J-6 (SE), J-1 (NW), and J-3 (SW). J-4 Town is in the south-

centre of the J-4 Area, 14 km north of tlie Lagos-Benin City (E-W) expressway. Tlie

J-6/J-4 boundary is half way between the town and the expressway. J-4 Town is the

largest of several villages in the J-4 Area and site of a sawmill that has been in

operation since the 1940s. Excepting in the east, most of the J-4 Area and the portion

of the J-6 Area north of the expressway (c. 40% of the reserve) was converted to

Gmelina arhorea tree plantation during the 1970s and 80s, a World Bank project. The

plantation project is an ongoing programme of Ogun State Government.

2007

Birds of Omo FR

17

Figure L Sketch map of Omo Forest Reserve, Ogun State, Nigeria, showing

important areas referred to in the text.

The “Etemi Inviolate Plot” of 4.6 km^ was demarcated in the J-3 Area in 1946.

This became a Strict Nature Reserve in 1954 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in

18

A. A. Green et al.

Malimbus 29

1977. In the interest of elephant protection, the Nigerian Forest Elephant Group

(NFE) was established in the early 1990s. NFE and the Ogun State Department of

Forestry created a Biosphere Extension Area (BEA), a buffer zone around the

Biosphere Reserve, to offer more protection to forest elephants and their habitat. NFE

was given stewardship of the BEA in 1993 and established a study camp (Erin Camp)

on a hilltop 15 km north of J-4 Town in the J-3 Area. Most bird observations made

since the late 1980s were made near Erin Camp, near the Bailey bridge over the Omo

River, and around J-4 Town.

No previous papers have been published on the birds of Omo FR. Farmer (1979)

produced a checklist of birds from around Ile-Ife (7°29'N, 4°33'E), an area of

secondary forest and farmlands north of Omo FR. His area, having three small lakes,

attracted ducks and other water birds not found at Omo FR. Akinpelu (1994a, b) did a

moulting study of two Lonchura species and a breeding study of three estrildid

species at Ile-Ife. Sodeinde (1993) studied the breeding of Laughing Dove

Streptopelia senegalensis at Ijebu-Ode (6°49'N, 3°56'E).

Study Area

Omo FR is near the W limit of the rainforest zone in Nigeria, approaching the Dahomey

Gap. Based on rainfall records at Akilla at the southern end of the J-6 Area (annual

average 2004 mm over 43 years) and Ijebu-Ode, 40 km west of J-4 Town (1626 mm

over 25 years), average annual rainfall is probably 1800-2000 mm over most of the

reserve, with higher amounts in the south near the sea. Although there is considerable

year-to-year variability in the start and end of the rainy season, Nov-Mar can gene-

rally be considered as the dry season (<100 mm rainfall per month). The hottest time

is during Mar-Apr (highs of 36-3 8°C at J-4 Town) until the start of the rains. Temp-

eratures usually remain in the 20s during Jul-Aug, when it is overcast and rainy much

of the time. Night-time temperatures have fallen to 16°C at J-4 Town during Dec-Jan.

The Omo River flows from north to south through the centre of the reserve, while

the Oni River marks the eastern boundary. These rivers join at the southern tip of the

reserve, 5 km from Lekki Lagoon and 25 km from the Atlantic Ocean. Much of the

reserve consists of rolling hills 56-100 m above sea level, with some low

outcroppings in the north reaching 200 m elevation. Soils are derived from underlying

Precambrian granite, gneiss and schist. In the J-6 Area south of the Expressway, on

flat land with sandy soil, barely above sea level, there are extensive freshwater swamps.

“J-4 Pond” is a large, manmade pond near the J-4 Plantation Project guesthouse

on the outskirts of J-4 Town, and there are two fishponds nearby. Other locations are

shown in Fig. 1.

Trees of the swamp forest include Lophira alata, Symphonia globuUfera, Nauclea

pobeguinii, and the palm Raphia hookeri. No-one has yet investigated the avifauna of

this part of Omo FR. The central reserve area (where our bird records were made) is

2007

Birds of Omo FR

19

covered with either moist rainforest, characterized by trees of the Leguminosae and

Meliaceae, or Gmelina arborea plantation interspersed with some small villages,

farms and small cacao plantations. The northern J-1 Area has a drier rahiforest cover

characterized by trees of the Stercuhaceae, Moraceae, and Ulniaceae. Lowe et ah

(1992) is a good source for additional information about the vegetation of Omo FR.

The large mammahan fauna is very unconmion, due to intensive buslnneat

hunting. Hie Leopard is beheved to be extinct; Forest Elephant, Forest Buffalo, and

Western Chimpanzee populations are low but are of particular interest, being the last

remaining ones this far west in SW Nigeria.

Methods

AG observed birds while going about his other project duties. Other authors made

bird- watching forays. Sequence and nomenclature follow Borrow & Demey (2001).

Abundance: R = rare (1 or 2 records), U = uncommon (a few records per year); F =

frequent (seen often, but not every day); C = common (1-10 seen or heard daily); A =

abundant (more than 10 seen or heard daily). Status is usually self-evident, but local

movements are mentioned, as indicated by periods of presence/absence m the area.

Many old records, although well established, lack detailed location, date and

abundance information. Observers’ initials are given where deemed important.

Results

Below we present a list of 210 bird species in 52 families known from Omo FR, of

which 30 % were added to the list during the year 2000.

Podicipedidae

Tachybaptus rufficollis Little Grebe. R. One on a pond near Oloji Village (15 km east

of J-4 Town), 23 Nov 2000 (AG).

Ardeidae

Ixobrychus sturmii African Dwarf Bittern. R. One in aquatic habitat edge, 8 Mar 1998

(PH).

Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret. U. Small flocks along the E-W Expressway (J-6 Area)

Nov-May, but absent Jun-Oct during the period of heaviest rainfall.

Butorides striatus Green-backed Heron. F. Omo River; also J-4 Pond during Dec-Jan.

Egretta garzetta Little Egret. R. One seen 14 Feb 1988 (PH).

E. alba Great Egret. R. One soaring over Abeku Village 1 1 Dec 2000 (AG).

Ardea purpurea Purple Heron. R. Pair at J-4 Pond, 26-28 Mar 2000 (AG).

A. cinerea Grey Heron. U. One at J-4 Pond mid-Feb to early Apr 2000; one soaring

over Erin Camp 28 Nov 2000; one over J-4 Town 5 Dec 2000 (AG).

20

A.A. Green et al.

Malimbus 29

Threskiornithidae

Bostry’chia hagedash Hadada Ibis. C. Omo and Oni rivers and also smaller streams.

Anatidae

Pteronetta hartlaubii Hartlaub’s Duck. U. A pair on a pool by the Osoko Road north

of J-4 Town, mid-Jun 2000; a pair at J-4 Pond 6 Dec 2000; old records.

Accipitridae

Pernis apivoms European Honey Buzzard. R. Old records.

Macheirhamphus alcinus Bat Hawk. R. Old records.

El anus caeruleus Black-shouldered Kite. R. One at J-4 Town from 21 Dec 2000 to

mid- Jan 2001, often resting and hunting from the J-4 sawmill radio tower (AG).

Milvus migrans Black Kite. A. Dry season visitor, absent mid-Jun to late Sep,

becoming abundant by mid-Oct.

Gypohierax angolensis Palm-nut Vulture. C. More common in the Gmelina plantation

and along the Omo River than in true primary or secondary forest.

Necrosyrtes monachus Hooded Vulture. U. Aberu village and in large villages along

the E-W Expressway in the dry season; wet season status unknown (AG).

Polyboroides typus African Harrier Hawk. C. Widespread in all habitats.

Accipiter tachiro African Goshawk. C. Secondary forest and Gmelina plantation.

Urotri orchis macrounis Long-tailed Hawk. R. One seen 8 Mar 1998 (PH).

Kaupifalco monogrammicus Lizard Buzzard. C. More common in Gmelina plantation

than elsewhere.

Buteo auguralis Red-necked Buzzard. C. Dry season visitor (Nov-Mar) to Gmelina

plantation.

Aquila rapax Tawny Eagle. U. Pair near J-4 Town 5 Dec 2000 (AG); old records.

Probably a dry season visitor from the north.

Hieraaetus ayresii Ayres’s Hawk Eagle. R. One seen 22 Feb 1998 (PH); another

resting on a dead tree next to the Omo River, 16 Mar 2000 (photographed, AL). Also

found north of the reserve near Ife (Elgood et al. 1994).

Stephanoaetus coronatus Crowned Eagle. F. Primary and secondary forest; heard calling

more often May-Sep than during the dry season. Rare in Nigeria (Elgood et al. 1994).

Falconidae

Falco tinnunculus Common Kestrel. R. One at Aberu village, 6 Jul 2000 (AG).

F. biormicus Lanner Falcon. U. One, J-4 Town, 21-22 Dec 2000 (AG); old dry season records.

Phasianidae

Francolinus lathami Latham’s Forest Francolin. F. Primary and secondary forest.

F. bicalcaratus Double-spurred Francolin. C. Farmlands near villages in J-4 Area.

Numididae

Gutter a pucker ani Crested Guineafowl. C, Forest and Gmelina plantation.

Rallidae

Himantornis haematopus Nkulengu Rail. C. Found along swampy streams in tlie forest;

heard calling at Erin Camp nearly every niglit or early morning (PH). One running down

a logging road at mid-day, 15 May 2000 (AG). Rare in Nigeria (Elgood et al. 1994).

2007

Birds of Omo FR

21

Sarothrura pulchra White- spotted Flufftail. F. Forest, often heard calling mornings

and evenings near Erin Camp, where there are many swampy streams.

Crex egregia African Crake. C. Tall grassy areas around J-4 Town May-Oct but absent

in dry season (AG). Reportedly present all year in the Lagos area, but other southerly

records are mostly from the dry season (Elgood et ah 1994). However, farther east

along the Niger River near Agenebode (7°N, 6°30'E) it is also a wet season visitor (PH).

Amaurornis flavirosîris Black Crake. F. Found at J-4 Pond, but difficult to observe m

wet season due to the tall vegetation at pond edges (AG).

Gallinula chloropus. Common Moorhen. R. One seen 14 Feb 1988 (PH).

Heiiornithidae

Podica senegalensis African Finfoot. U. One on the Omo River 14 Feb 1988 (PH);

old records.

Jacanidae

Actophilornis africana African Jacana. C. Several at J-4 Pond throughout the year.

Recurvirostridae

Himantopus himantopus Black- winged Stilt. R. One at J-4 Pond, Feb-Mar 2000 (AG).

Charadriidae

Charadrius forbesi Forbes’s Plover, C. A half-dozen seen daily, J-4 Pond, Jan-Apr

2000 (AG).

Vaneiius albiceps White-headed Lapwing. U. Dry season visitor to Omo River.

Scolopaddae

Gallinago gallinago Common Snipe. R. One at J-4 Pond 29 Mar 2000 (AG).

Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank. R. One at J-4 Pond, Feb-Mar 2000 (AG).

T. nebularia Common Greenshank. U. One at J-4 Pond, late Mar to early Apr 2000; a

pair circling J-4 Pond, 12 Nov 2000 (AG).

T. ochropus Green Sandpiper. R. One at J-4 Pond 15 Mar 2000 (AG).

T. glareola Wood Sandpiper. R. One at J-4 Pond during Mar 2000 (AG).

Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper. C. Omo and Oni rivers and J-4 Pond Sep-

Apr; returning birds first noted at the J-4 Town fishponds on 20 Aug 2000 (AG).

Columbidae

Treron calva African Green Pigeon, C. Widespread in all habitats.

Turtur brehmeri Blue-headed Wood Dove. C. Forest understorey (photo by AL).

T. tympanistria Tambourine Dove. A. Widespread, heard callmg all day.

T. afer Blue-spotted Wood Dove. C. Farmland and Gmelina plantation.

Streptopelia semitorquata Red-eyed Dove. C. Omo and Oni Rivers, at villages and

along watercourses in farmland, and in the Gmelina plantation.

Psittacidae

Psittacus erithaciis Grey Parrot. U. In the mid-1990s, flocks of over 100 still

occurred; now uncommon although still widespread (PH).

Musophagidae

Coryîhaeoïa cristata Great Blue Turaco. U. Widespread in the forest but now

uncommon due to hunting pressure and habitat changes caused by intensive loggmg.

22

A.A. Green et al

Malimbus 29

Tauraco macrorhynchiis Yellow-billed Tiiraco. A. Forest and Gmelina plantation. Not

hunted; the most common turaco in coastal forests from the Niger Delta to Lagos (PH).

Cuculidae

Oxylophus levaillantii Levaillant’s Cuckoo. U. Dry season visitor or passage migrant;

one seen 14 Feb 1988 (PH); one near J-4 Pond 27 Mar 2000 (AG).

Clamator glandarins Great Spotted Cuckoo, U. Old dry season records.

Cucuhis solitariiis Red-chested Cuckoo. C. Widespread in forest, heard calling Apr-

Oct, but dry season presence requires confirmation,

C. clamostis Black Cuckoo. F. Widespread in forest in the wet season; possibly

resident (PH).

C. gniaris African Cuckoo. U. Dry season visitor; old records.

Cercococcyx olivinus Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo. RS, r. One, along the Erin Camp

Nature Trail, 6 May 2000 (PH, AL).

Chn’sococcyx cuprens African Emerald Cuckoo. A, Forest and Gmelina plantation,

heard calling all the time.

C. klaas Klaas’s Cuckoo. R. One, 14 Feb 1988 (PH); one near J-4 Pond, 15 Mar 2000 (AG).

C. caprins Didric Cuckoo. C. Secondary forest and Gmelina plantation.

Ceuthmochares aereus Yellowbill. C. Widespread in forest.

Centropns lencogaster Black-throated Coucal. F. Secondary forest undergrowth.

C. Senegal ensis Senegal Coucal. A. Farmland and Gmelina plantation. The dark

morph is common (AG).

Strigidae

Bubo poensis Fraser’s Eagle Owl. C. Often heard calling at Erin Camp and in the

eastern J-4 Area dense forest, and once at J-4 Town on 9 Dec 2000 (AG).

Scotopelia bouvieri Vermiculated Fishing Owl. R. First seen by R. Oladepo of

Akinlaja village on the Oni River, early Oct 2000; one flushed from a tree branch by

the Oni River at Keno hunting camp, crossing the river into Ondo State 24 Nov 2000

(AG). May not be uncommon along rivers in the area. Three records near Lagos

(Elgood et al. 1994); recorded from the banks of the Ogwe River, a tributary of the

Niger near Agenbode (6°57'N, 6°35'E), a considerable distance east of Omo FR (Turk

2000); also found in the Niger delta (PH).

Strix woodfordii African Wood-Owl. C. Widespread, often heard calling at night.

Caprimulgidae

Caprimidgus climacurus Long-tailed Nightjar. C. Dry season visitor, seen on roads

and open areas near villages in the J-4 Area. A large passage noted through J-4 Town

and vicinity, 4-8 Dec 2000. Tail feathers grow to full length during Dec-Feb (AG).

Apodidae

Rhaphidnra sabini Sabine’s Spinetail. U. Twenty over Erin Camp, 22 Feb 1998 (PH).

Neafrapns cassini Cassin’s Spinetail. F. Seen soaring over the forest canopy (PH).

Cypsinnts parvus African Palm Swift. U. Probably resident, but only noted during

Jim-Aug 2000 at streams near villages in the Gmelina plantation (AG).

Apus apus Common Swift. U. Old dry season records, soaring over the forest canopy.

2007

Birds of Omo FR

23

A. affinis Little Swift. A. Found at all large villages in the J-4 Area.

Alcedinidae

Halcyon badia Chocolate-backed Kingfisher. R. Found near streams in prhnary

forest; one heard calling 8 Mar 1998 (PH).

H. leucocephala Grey-headed ICingflsher. C. Dry season visitor, Dec-Mar, at

roadside streams in the Gmelina plantation (AG).

H. maiimbica Blue-breasted Kingfisher. C. Forest and Gmelina plantation.

H. senegalensis Woodland Kingfisher. U. Seen at J-4 Pond, Dec 2000; old records.

Ceyx lecontei African Dwarf Kingfisher. U. Forest; one mist-netted 18 Apr 1997

(PH); old records.

C. pictus African Pygmy Kingfisher. C. Farmland and Gmelina plantation.

Alcedo leucogaster White-bellied Kingfisher. R. Forest streams; one mist-netted 18

Apr 1998 (PH). May be more common than this would suggest. Mist-netting m Korup

NP, Cameroon showed it to be quite common there, althougli rarely observed

(Rodewald fl/. 1994).

A. cristata Malachite Kingfisher. F. A pair seen regularly at the J-4 Pond (AG).

A. quadribrachys Shining-blue Kingfisher. U. Omo River and large streams.

Megaceryle maxima Giant Kingfisher. U. Omo River and large streams.

Ceryle rudis Pied Kingfisher. U. A pair at J-4 Town fish-fann ponds and also at J-4

Pond during Dec-May, but absent Jun-Nov (AG).

Meropidae

Merops gularis Black Bee-eater. F. Forest and Gmelina plantation, often seen at Omo

River Bailey Bridge and in high trees on outskirts of J-4 Town.

M pusillm Little Bee-eater. C. J-4 Town outskirts and J-4 Area farmlands.

M. albicollis White-throated Bee-eater. U. Passage migrant or dry season visitor. A

flock at J-4 Town, 8-12 Dec 2000 (AG); old records.

Coraciidae

Eurystomus gularis Blue-throated Roller. U. Forest edge and clearmgs; four, 14 Feb

1988 (PH); a pair along the upper Omo River near the Biosphere Reserve, mid-Jul

2000 (AG).

E. glaucurus Broad-billed Roller. C. Dry season visitor during Nov-Jmi along the

Omo River, in Gmelina plantation and in farmland (AG).

Phoenkulidae

Phoeniculus castaneiceps Forest Wood-hoopoe. U. Forest; old records.

Bucerotidae

Tropicranus albocristatus White-crested Hombill. F. Found in dense foliage in forest.

Tockus camurus Red-billed Dwarf Hombill. C. Forest; the lauglihig call of small

groups heard daily.

T. fasciatus African Pied Hombill. F. Widespread in Omo FR.

Bycanistes fistulator Piping Hombill. F. Forest edge and secondary forest.

B. subcylindricus, Black-and-white-casqued Hombill. U. Forest canopy; forest edge.

B. albotibialis White-thighed Hombill. C. Forest canopy.

24

A.A. Green et a!.

Malimbus 29

Ceratogymma atrata Black-casqued Hombill U. Forest canopy, the least common

hombill in Omo FR. Elgood et ah (1994) indicated that it was not to be found west of

Benin City, but it is very common in Okomu NP 5°20'E), 100 km southeast

of Omo FR, with upwards of 10 recorded daily (PH).

Capitonidae

Gymnobiicco calvus Naked-faced Barbet. C. Noisy groups in secondary forest.

Pogoniifhis scolopacens Speckled Tinkerbird. C. Widespread, foraging in lower

stratum of dense forest.

P. atrqflavus Red-mmped Tinkerbird. F. Usually found foraging high in forest trees,

heard calling daily,

P. suhsiilphureus Yellow-throated Tinkerbird. C. Widespread, more common in dense

forest than in cacao plantations and farmlands.

P. bilineatiis Yellow-mmped Tinkerbird. C. Widespread, more common in overgrown

farmlands and cacao plantations than in dense forest.

Buccanodon duchailhd Yellow-spotted Barbet. C. Forest canopy.

Tricholaema hirsuta Hairy-breasted Barbet. C. Forest canopy; its distinctive call

heard daily in the vicinity of Erin Camp (AG).

Indicatoridae

Indicator maculatus Spotted Honeyguide. R. One, Erin Camp, 16 Mar 2000

(photographed, AL, PH, AG), the first record for Omo FR. Elgood et a!. (1994)

considered it a rare resident in Nigeria (one collected east of Omo FR in Ondo State,

another netted to the west near Lagos at Badagri).

Picidae

Campethera nivosa Buff-spotted Woodpecker. F. Forest understorey, noted especially

in cacao plantations along the Omo River and at Erin Camp (AG).

Dendropicos fuscescens Cardinal Woodpecker. R, One observed for several minutes

at close range in overgrown farmland near J-4 Town 9 Sep 2000 (AG).

D pyrrhogaster Fire-bellied Woodpecker. C. Widespread, the most common

woodpecker in the reserve.

Eurylaimidae

Smithornis rnfolateralis Rufous-sided Broadbill. R. Forest; one heard, 8 Mar 1998 (PH).

Pittidae

Pitta angolensis African Pitta. R. Forest floor; old records. Considered a rare

rainforest resident by Elgood et al. (1994).

Hirundinidae

Hinmdo semirnfa Rufous-chested Swallow. A. Rainy season visitor, May-Oct, villages and

fannlands of J-4 Area. A pair nested imder the eves of AG’s house, J~4 Town, late May 2000.

H. senegalensis Mosque Swallow. C. Dry season visitor, Dec-May, J-4 Town and Abeku.

H. smithii Wire-tailed Swallow. R. One at J-4 Town for a few days in mid-May and

then a pair there on 26 May 2000 (AG).

H. aethiopica Ethiopian Swallow. A. Found in J-4 Town and other large villages in

the J-4 Area, nesting in houses, schools and other buildings (AG).

2007

Birds of Omo FR

25

H. rusîica Bam Swallow. C. Dry season visitor, Oct-Apr, villages and farmlands of

J-4 Area.

Motacillidae

Motaciiia flava Yellow Wagtail. A. Dry season visitor, Nov-Mar, to villages and

farmlands of the J-4 Area, coming into breeding plumage in early Mar.

M aguimp African Pied Wagtail, C. Rainy season visitor, May-Oct 2000, J-4 Town (AG).

Anthus leucophyrs Plain-backed Pipit. F. Dry season visitor, Dec-May, to school

grounds and football fields at J-4 Town and to the east at Oloji Village (AG).

A. trivialis Tree Pipit. F. Passage migrant; one at J-4 Town 28 Mar 2000 and many

there 13-18 Nov 2000 (AG).

Macronyx croceus Yellow-throated Long-claw. C. Found in tall grass at J-4 Town

near the football field, the sawmill office, and around J-4 Pond (AG).

Pycnonotidae

Andropadus virens Little GreenbuL A. Widespread in a variety of habitats.

A. curvirostris Cameroon Sombre GreenbuL C. Lower stratmn of forest.

A. gracilirostris Slender-billed Greenbul. C. Forest canopy (conmion at Erm Camp)

and tall trees in farmland.

A. latirostris Yellow- whiskered Greenbul. C. Secondary forest, forest edge, and

abandoned farmland with underbmsh.

Ixonotus guUatm Spotted Greenbul. C. Widespread, in large noisy groups.

Thesceiocichia leucopJeura Swamp Palm Bulbul. F. A group was resident in a patch

of forest near the J-4 Pond during 2000-1 (AG).

Phyllastrephus icterinus Icterine Greenbul. U. Lower stratum of forest; three mist-

netted at Erin Camp 18 Apr 1997, and netted there again 8 Mar 1998 (PH).

Bleda syndactyla Red-tailed Bristlebill. U. Forest undergrowth.

B. canicapilla Grey-headed Bristlebill. F. Forest undergrowth and forest edge.

Criniger barbatus Western Bearded Greenbul. C. Lower stratum of forest, heard

calling throughout the day.

C. caîurus Red-tailed Greenbul. C. Widespread in low and middle strata of the forest.

Pycnonotus barbatus Common Bulbul. A. Widespread in all habitats.

Nicator chi oris Western Nicator. C. Bmshy tangles in forest.

Turdidae

Stiphrornis erythrothorax Forest Robin. F. Forest floor and undergrowth.

Alethe diademata Fire-crested Alethe. F. Forest floor.

A. poliocephaia Brown-chested Alethe. F. Forest floor.

Neocossyphus poensis White-tailed Ant Uimsh. F. Forest floor and undergrowtli.

Saxicola rubetra Whinchat. C. Passage migrant in J-4 familand; first noted on 5 Mar,

then found to be common (several per day) during 14-18 Mar 2000 (AG).

Myrmecocichia albifrom White-fronted Black Chat. R. One seen m cultivation 14 Feb

1988 (PH); also known from the Lekke Peninsula between Omo FR and Lagos (PH).

Zoothera princei Grey Ground Thrush. R. Forest floor; first sightmg near Erm Camp

9 Mar 1997 and subsequently mist-netted there 17 Apr 1997 (PH). Elgood et al.

26

A.A. Green et al

Malimbus 29

(1994) mention only one sight record (early 1950s) for Nigeriao Thomas (1991) netted

one just over the Cameroon border in Komp NP.

Turdns pelios African Thrush. U. Farmlands of the J-4 Area.

Sylviidae

Hippolais polyglotta Melodious Warbler. U. Dry season visitor in farmlands.

Cisticola anonymits Chattering Cisticola. C. Tall grass around villages and farms.

Prinia subjlava Tawny-flanked Prinia. C. Fannlands, brushy areas and villages.

Apalis nigriceps Black-capped Apalis. R. Forest canopy; a pair seen 8 Mar 1998 (PH).

A. rufogularis Buff-throated Apalis. F. Forest canopy and amongst lianas.

Camaroptera brachyura Grey-backed Camaroptera. C. Bnishy areas in farmland and

secondary forest edge.

C. siiperciliaris Yellow-browed Camaroptera. C. Forest, often seen near Erin Camp in

secondary growth.

C. chloronota Olive-green Camaroptera. R. Two mist-netted 14 Feb 1988 (PH).

Macrosphenus concolor Grey Longbill. C. Forest, in dense tangles and brush.

Sylvietta virens Green Crombec. C. Forest edge and bmshy areas.

Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler. C. Dry season visitor noted at J-4 Town

during Jan-Feb 2000 (AG).

P. sibilatrix Wood Warbler. U. Dry season visitor to forest edge.

Hylia prasina Green Hylia. C. Forest and forest patches on outskirts of J-4 Town.

Muscicapidae

Fraseria ocreata Fraser’s Forest Flycatcher. F. Forest edge and forest clearings.

F. cinerascens Wliite-browed Forest Flycatcher. R. First recorded 16 Mar 2000 at

forest edge on the bank of the Omo River (PH, AL & AG).

Miiscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher. F. Passage migrant Mar-May and Sep-Nov,

often seen at Omo River Bailey Bridge and around J-4 Town; also several birds in J-4

Town and at J-4 Pond 26 Dec 2000 (AG).

M cassini Cassin’s Flycatcher. C. Riverbanks of Omo and Oni rivers and along the

lower Erija Stream (J-3 Area).

Myiopanis plumbeus Lead-coloured Flycatcher. U. Overgrown farmlands of J-4 Area (AG).

Ficedula hypoleuca Pied Flycatcher. PM, u. Dry season visitor to overgrown

farmlands of the J-4 Area (AG).

Monarchidae

Ery’throcercus mccallii Chestnut-capped Flycatcher. C. Forest mid-stratum and edge.

Elminia nigromitrata Dusky Crested Flycatcher. U. Forest undergrowth; one mist-

netted 18 Apr 1997 (PH).

Trochocerciis nitens Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher. F. Forest undergrowth and

amongst lianas in forest mid-stratum.

Terpsiphone viridis African Paradise-Flycatcher. U. Dry season visitor (white-tailed

birds) in the Gmelina plantation during Dec-Apr (AG).

T. rujiventer Red-bellied Paradise-Flycatcher. A. Widespread in groups (rufous-

backed race) in secondary forest and at forest edge.

2007

Birds of Omo FR

27

Platysteiridae

Dyaphorophyia castanea Chestnut Wattle-eye. C. Widespread in forest mid-stratuni,

often encountered near Erin Camp.

Platysteira cyanea Common Wattle-eye. C. J-4 Town, J-4 Area farmlands and in

forest at Olutasi village, 15 km west of J-4 Town on the Omo River (AG).

Timaliidae

lUadopsis rufipennis Pale-breasted Illadopsis. C. Forest lower stratum and forest

floor; the distinctive call heard all day.

1. fulvescens Brown Illadopsis. F. Forest undergrowth and tliickets.

Remizidae

Pholidornis rushiae Tit-hylia. F. Forest canopy.

Nectariniidae

Deieornis fraseri Fraser’s Sunbird. U. Forest lower and mid-strata.

Cyanomitra cyanolaema Blue-tln*oated Brown Sunbird. F. Forest canopy and edge.

C. obscura Western Olive Sunbird. C. Forest mid-stratum and in tall trees on the

outskirts of J-4 Town.

Chalcomitra adelberti Buff-tliroated Sunbird. F. Forest edge and clearings (often seen

at Erin Camp) and J-4 Town gardens.

Hedydipna coUaris Collared Sunbird. C. Secondary forest, forest edge, farmland and

J-4 Town gardens.

Cinnyris chloropygius Olive-bellied Sunbird. A. Forest, forest edge and village

gardens (the most common smibird in J-4 Town).

C. superbus Superb Sunbird. C. Forest edge, forest clearings and J-4 Town.

C. batesi Bates’s Sunbird. R. Forest canopy; also a pair at forest edge near J-4 Pond

13 Nov 2000 (AG).

Zosteropidae

Zoster ops senegalensis Yellow White-eye. F. Fannlands near J-4 Town.

Malaconotidae

Dryoscopus sabini Sabine’s Puffback. U. Forest upper stratum.

U. gambemis Northern Puffback. R. One seen in Jan 2000 (AG with Manu Sliiiwua)

near Erin Camp, a short distance from extensive fannland at a hunting camp (AG).

Oriolidae

Oriolus nigripennis Black-winged Oriole. C. Forest canopy, especially in secondary forest.

O. brachyrhynchus Western Black-headed Oriole. C. Forest canopy, especially m

undisturbed forest.

Dicruridae

Dicrurus atripennis Shining Drongo. U. Mid-stratum of the forest interior.

D. modestus Velvet-mantled Drongo. R. One seen 14 Feb 1988 (PH).

Corvidae

Corvus albus Pied Crow. C/U. Common resident only along the E-W Expressway.

Very uncommon at J-4 Town in the dry season, becomhig frequent Jul-Sep, then

absent Oct-Nov, reappearing in Dec; also recorded at Abeku, Dec 2000 (AG).

28

A.A. Green et al

Malimbus 29

Sturnidae

Lamprotornis purpureiceps Purple-headed Glossy Starling. U. Forest canopy.

L. splendidus Splendid Glossy Starling. F. Flocks in high trees in J-4 Area villages

and farmlands and in forest canopy along the Omo River.

Cinnyric inclus leucogaster Violet-backed Starling. C. Diy season visitor to open areas

of the reserve; especially noted in J-4 Town during Jan-Feb 2000 (AG).

Passeridae

Passer griseus Northern Grey-headed Sparrow. A. J-4 Town and large villages in the

Gmelina plantation; absent from smaller villages surroimded closely by forest.

Ploceidae

Ploceus nigricollis Black-necked Weaver. C. Forest edge; a pair often seen in the

forest patch near J-4 Pond (AG).

P. nigerrimus Vieillot’ s Black Weaver. A. Towns, villages, farmlands and along J-4

Area streams, frequently nesting in tall oil palms with Village Weavers. Black and

chestnut race castaneofuscus readily distinguished from P. albinuchas, which in the

study area is all black.

P. cucullatus Village Weaver. A. Villages and towns in the J-4 Area.

P. tricolor Yellow-mantled Weaver. F. Forest upper stratum and forest edge.

P. albinuchas Maxwell’s Black Weaver. U. Forest canopy. A flock seen building

nests in a tall Ceiba pentandra tree along the J-3 logging track, 30 Aug 2000 (AG),

Fairly common 100 km southeast of Omo FR in Okomu NP (PH).

P. superciliosus Compact Weaver. C. Pairs at several locations around J-4 Town

(AG).

Malimbus nitens Blue-billed Malimbe. A. Foimd along streams in the Gmelina

plantation, especially in farmlands. A flock building new nests in Raphia palms at J-4

Pond, Jun-Jul 2000, remained near the old nests during the dry season (AG).

M malimbicus Crested Malimbe. F. Primary forest in mid-stratum, forest edge, and in

logged (secondary) forest.

M scutatus Red-vented Malimbe. F. Forest canopy at forest edge.

M. rubricollis Red-headed Malimbe. C. Forest and also in wooded areas of farmland;

a flock building nests in a tree outside Abeku, Dec 2000 (AG).

Estrildidae

Parmoptila woodhousei Red-headed Antpecker. R. Undergrowth near swampy forest

streams; a pair mist-netted 8 Mar 1998 (PH).

Nigrita canicapillus Grey-crowned Negrofinch. C. Forest, mostly in canopy.

N. luteifrons Pale-fronted Negrofinch. F. Forest edge and secondary growth.

N. bicolor Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch. C. Forest, plantation and farmland.

Spermophaga haematina Western Bluebill. F. Forest, especially in imdergrowth.

Estrilda melpoda Orange-cheeked Waxbill. A. Tall grass at J-4 Town and in

farmlands throughout the J-4 Area.

Lonchura cucullata Bronze Mannikin. A. Villages and farmlands.

L. bicolor Black-and-white Mannikin. C. Villages and farmlands.

2007

Birds of Omo FR

29

Viduidae

Vidua macroura Pin-tailed Whydah. A. Fannlands and villages, changing into

breeding plumage during Apr-May 2000 and changing back in Nov 2000 (AG).

Discussion

Of the 20 Palaearctic migrants, ten are passerines. Twenty-six species are either mtra-

African migrants or exhibit local movements, and seven of these are passermes.

Excepting Green-backed Heron, other herons and egrets are uncommon m Omo

FR. The occasional Palaearctic heron turned up at J-4 Pond durmg tlie dry season, and

some Palaearctic shorebirds also stopped off there from mid-dry season onward (pond

water levels were too high to provide a muddy shorelme earlier).

Five common resident raptors are Palm-nut Vulture, Harrier-hawk, West African

Goshawk, Lizard Buzzard, and Crowned Eagle. Most other hawks and eagles on tlie

list above are either uncommon or rare.

Prior to 2000, most birding visitors to the reserve were only mterested m “forest”

species, and paid little or no attention to open country birds. Tliis could explahi why

more of the open country species have not yet been listed.

Acknowledgments

We express our appreciation to the Nigerian Forest Elephant Group and the

Department of Forestry in the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture for assistance and

support given during the collection of these data. Thanks go to J. Frank Walsh who

commented on an earlier draft and to tlie referees who provided many suggestions for

improvements of this paper.

References

Akinpelu, A.I. (1994a) Moult and weight cycles in two species of Lonchura in Ile-

Ife, Nigeria. Maiimbus 16: 88-93.

Akinpelu, A.I. (1994b) Breeding seasons of three estrildid species m Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Maiimbus 16: 94-99.

Borrow, N. & Demey, R. (2001) Birds of Western Africa. Cliristopher Helm,

London.

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B., Moore, A.M., Nason, A.M., Sharland, R.E. &

Skinner N.J. (1994) The Birds of Nigeria. Checklist 4, 2nd ed., British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Farmer, R. (1979) Checklist of birds of the Ile-Ife Area, Nigeria. Maiimbus 1: 56-64.

30

A.A. Green et al.

Malimbus 29

Lowe, R., Caldecott, L, Barnwell, R. & Keay, R. (1992) Nigeria. Pp. 230-239 in

Sayer, J.A., Harcourt, C.S. & Collins, N.M., The Conservation Atlas of

Tropical Forests: Africa. lUCN, Gland.

Rodewald, P.G., Dejaifve, P.-A. & Green, A.A. (1994) Tlie birds of Korap National

Park and Konip Project Area, Southwest Province, Cameroon. Bird Conserv. Int.

4: 1-68.

SODEINDE, O. A. (1993) Breeding of the Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis in

southwest Nigeria. Malimbus 14: 60-62.

Thomas, J. (1991) Birds of the Konip National Park, Cameroon. Malimbus 13: 1 1-23.

Turk, A. (2000) Fishing owls of Agenebode, Nigeria. Bull. Afr. Bird Club 7: 107-108.

2007

31

Nouvelles données sur la reproduction et l’hivernage des

Flamants roses Phoenicopterus roseus en Mauritanie et

confirmation d’échanges avec les colonies méditerranéennes

par Y. Diawara*, A. Arnaud^, A. Araujo^ & A. Béchet^

' Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, BP 5355 Nouakchott,

République Islamique de Mauritanie. <ydiawara00@yalioo.fr>

^ Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat, le Sambuc, 13 200 Arles, France

Reçu 14 mars 2006; revu 7 novembre 2006.

Résumé

Le Flamant rose Phoenicopterus roseus se reproduit en Méditerranéenne et sur

les zones humides côtières de Mauritanie, où il est souvent abondant. Le lien

entre les Flamants roses se reproduisant en Mauritanie et les colonies de Médi-

terranée n’était cependant pas solidement établi. Nous avons suivi les Flamants

roses des zones humides côtières de Mauritanie en 2003-4, en utilisant des

photographies aériennes et des lectures de bagues PVC à la colonie, avec une

cache mobile. Nous mettons les premiers résultats de cette étude en perspective

avec les données des 48 dernières années relatives à cette espèce en Mauritanie.

L’observation de deux oiseaux nés et bagués en Méditerranée, nourrissant des

poussins sur le Banc d’Arguin prouve qu’il existe des échanges entre les

colonies méditerranéennes et mauritanienne. Nous discutons des implications

de ces résultats pour les limites de la métapopulation de cette espèce.

Summary

New data on the breeding and wintering of Greater Flamingos Phoemcoptenis

roseus in Mauritania and confirmation of exchanges with Mediterranean

colonies. The Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus breeds in the Medi-

terranean and in the coastal wetlands of Mauritania, where it is often abundant.

However, the link between the birds breeding in these two areas remained

unclear. We monitored Greater Flamingos in the coastal wetlands of Mauritania

in 2003-4, using flight surveys and sightings of P VC-banded birds, with a mobile

hide. We put the first results of this study in the perspective of the 48 years’

data on this species in Mauritania. The observation of two birds, which were

hatched and ringed in the Mediterranean, feeding chicks on tlie Banc d’Arguin,

proves exchange between the Mediterranean and Mauritanian colonies. We discuss

the imphcations of these results for the limits of the metapopulation of this species.

32

Y. Diawara et al.

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Introduction

Le Flamant rose Phoenic opteras roseus est une des nombreuses espèces fréquentant

les zones humides côtières mauritaniemies. Il est observé toute Tannée, du banc

d’Arguin jusqu’à TAftout es Salieli, le Chatt Boul et le Parc National du Diawling

dans le delta du fleuve Sénégal. La reproduction de cette espèce en Mauritanie a été

mise en évidence à plusieurs reprises mais sa fréquence reste mal connue (Trotignon

1976, Campredon 1987, Cézilly et al. 1994, Gowthorpe et al. 1996) et n’a pas fait

Tobjet d’une syntlièse récente.

Dans les amiées 1970, les flamants hivernaient en grand nombre au banc d’Arguin

(Trotignon et al. 1980, Trotignon & Trotignon 1981). Depuis la fin des amiées 50, il

semble que la reproduction y ait été assez régulière malgré d’importantes variations

d’effectifs et de sites de reproduction (Gowtliorpe et al. 1996). Les flamants ont été

signalés occupant tour à tour Tîlot des Flamants, les îles Petite et Grande Kiaone et

Tîlot des Pélicans. Alors que la reproduction des flamants sur Tîlot des Flamants, ou

dans TAftout es Salieli peut ressembler à celle observée en Méditerranée (îlots plats,

nids de boue surélevés), la disposition des flamants en reproduction sur les Kiaone est

unique au monde. La colonie est mstallée sur mie île de plus de 12 ni au-dessus du

niveau de la mer. Les oeufs sont déposés sur des éboulis ou même sur le plateau gréso-

calcaire de Tîle (Campredon 1987, Gowtliorpe et al. 1996). Deux à trois semaines après

Téclosion, une bonne partie de la crèche descend les parois du plateau et se rassemble

sur un banc de sable au pied de Tîle. D’autres restent au soimiiet jusqu’à Tenvol.

Depuis la création du Parc National du Diawling (PND) et de la réserve naturelle

du Chatt Boul au sud de TAftout es Salieli, quelques milliers de Flamants roses sont

observés chaque aimée en liiver, y compris des juvéniles de Tamiée qui sont observés

surtout entre octobre et mars (Hanierlynck 1996). La reproduction n’y a été observée

qu’en période liivemale à la fin des amiées 80, suite à des précipitations intenses ayant

conduit à la rupture du cordon dmiaire au sud du Chatt Boul, inondant massivement

TAftout es Salieli (Gowtliorpe et al. 1996).

Depuis 1977, mi programme de baguage aimuel des Flamants roses avec des

bagues colorées a été mis en place en Camargue dans le sud de la France (Johnson

2000). Cette opération a également lieu en Espagne depuis 1986 (Rendôn et al. 2001).

Des Flamants roses bagués dans ces deux pays ont été observés régulièrement au

Banc d’Arguin en toute saison depuis 1978 (Trotignon & Trotignon 1981, Johnson

1989). Ces observations ont conduit à émettre Thypothèse qu’il existe des échanges

génétiques entre les flamants nés en Méditerranée et ceux nés en Mauritanie. En

particulier, des flamants nés et bagués en Méditerranée pourraient se reproduire en

Mauritanie. Ceci pourrait correspondre aussi bien à de la dispersion juvénile (flamants

se reproduisant pour la première fois ailleurs que sur le lieu de naissance) qu’à de la

dispersion d’adultes (flamants s’étant reproduits en Méditerranée auparavant). En

1986, A. Jolmson (corn, pers.) a fortement soupçonné mi flamant né et bagué en

France d’être nicheur sur Tîlot des Flamants. En février 1988, J.L. Lucchesi (corn.

2007

Le Flamant rose en Mauritanie

33

pers.) apportait la première preuve que des flamants méditerranéens se reproduisaient

au sud de la Mauritanie en reportant l’observation de deux femelles de flamants nées

et baguées en France nourrissant des poussins dans l’Aftout es Saheli. Jusqu’à ce jour,

la difficulté d’accès aux colonies de Flamants roses en Mauritanie n’avait pas permis

de confirmer la généralité de ces observations. Si l’hypothèse d’échanges entre ces

deux populations se confirme, cela devra être pris en compte lors de l’élaboration

d’un plan pour la conservation de cette espèce afin que celui-ci s’applique à

l’ensemble de l’aire de distribution de la métapopulation.

Cet article vise en premier lieu à présenter une mise à jour synthétique des

effectifs reproducteurs et hivernants de Flamants roses en Mauritanie de 1957 à 2004,

et ensuite à évaluer la validité de l’hypothèse d’une dispersion des flamants

méditerranéens en Mauritanie suite à deux campagnes d’observation de la principale

colonie nicheuse de flamants dans ce pays.

Aire d’étude

Le Parc National du Banc d’Arguin (PNB A), situé de part et d’autre du 20ème

parallèle, longe le littoral mauritanien sur plus de 1 80 km et couvre une superficie de

12000 km composée à parts égales de zones maritimes et terrestres (Fig. 1). Le Banc

d’Arguin est une zone marine très peu profonde (5 m d’eau à 50 km de la côte)

traversée de chenaux et couverte d’herbiers submergés. Cet écosystème côtier excep-

tionnel est baigné par des remontées d’eaux profondes, froides et riches en éléments

nutritifs (“upwelling”). La présence simultanée des herbiers et d’un upwelling important

engendre une productivité biologique élevée qui explique la présence de populations

denses d’oiseaux d’eau, de poissons, d’invertébrés et de mammifères marins.

Au sud, les zones humides côtières de la Mauritanie se concentrent autour du

delta du fleuve Sénégal entre 16°2' et 16°35'N (Fig. 1). Jusqu’à récemment, ce

système deltaïque était alternativement inondé par des eaux marines et des eaux

douces favorisant le développement d’une diversité biologique extrêmement

abondante (Hamerlynck 1996). A partir des années 70, la dégradation des conditions

pluviométriques et les aménagements de la vallée du fleuve Sénégal ont

considérablement dégradé ces écosystèmes. Pour atténuer les impacts de ces

aménagements, la conservation d’une portion du bas delta dans la partie

mauritanienne a été recommandée depuis 1980, conduisant à la création du Parc

National du Diawling (PND) en 1991 et de la réserve du Chatt Boul.

Méthodes

La recherche et le décompte des Flamants roses ont été menés lors de trois survols,

selon des transects prédéfinis visant à couvrir l’ensemble du Parc National du Banc

34

Y. Diawara et al

Malimbus 29

Figure 1. Les principales zones humides côtières fréquentées par les flamants en

Mauritanie : du Nord au Sud, le Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, l’Aftout es

Saheli, le Chatt Boni et le Parc National du Diawling.

2007

Le Flamant rose en Mauritanie

35

d’Arguin ou du delta du fleuve Sénégal selon les cas. Les survols du Banc d’Arguin

ont eu lieu le 26 avril 2003 et le 7 mai 2004. Le survol du delta du fleuve Sénégal a eu

lieu le 15 décembre 2003 suite à une période de fortes précipitations. Lors de ces

survols, le nombre de flamants était estimé visuellement. Des photos ont été prises à

Laide d’un appareil reflex 24 x 36 avec un zoom 50-70 mm à la verticale de Lîle de la

Grande Kiaone où fut identifiée la seule colonie reproductrice. Les flamants sur les

nids et les poussins dans la crèche ont été décomptés sur des agrandissements 75 x 50

cm de ces photos à Laide d’un stylo avec compteur intégré.

La présence de flamants nés en Méditerranée a été évaluée par la recherche et

l’observation de flamants bagués avec des bagues PVC colorées présentant un code

alphanumérique unique (synthèse dans Johnson 2000; liste des bagues posées à

http://www.flamingoatlas.org/dwld_bandsummaries.php). Les bagues sont lisibles à

300 m avec des télescopes grossissant 60 x. Les observations à la colonie de la

Grande Kiaone ont été menées respectivement 26-30 mai 2003, 12-16 août 2003 et

2-6 juin 2004. Les îles Kiaone étaient atteintes après 1-2 heures de lanche

(embarcation de pêche à voile) conduite par des pêcheurs. Ensuite, les observations

étaient faites en avançant à pied dans une cache mobile (un parallélépipède rectangle

d’I m de large et d’1.70 m de hauteur constituée d’une armature d’aluminium

recouverte de toile de jute) à c. 300 m de la crèche sur un banc de sable découvert

pendant 2-3 h à marée basse. Les périodes d’observation étaient caractérisées par des

grandes marées et des basses eaux de fin d’après-midi, pour coïncider avec le retour

crépusculaire des adultes pour nourrir les jeunes à la crèche (Cézilly et a/. 1994).

L’âge moyen des poussins a été estimé d’après A. Johnson (données non publiées).

Résultats

Reproduction

Les Flamants roses se sont reproduits assez réguUèrement au banc d’Arguin depuis

1957 malgré l’absence de données pour 17 des 48 années considérées (Fig. 2, données

de Naurois 1969, Westemhagen 1970, Mahé 1985, Campredon 1987, Wetten et

ai. 1990, Cézilly et a/. 1994, Gowthorpe et al. 1996, notre étude). Si la reproduction

des flamants a été signalée dès 1957 sur la Grande Kiaone (Tixerant in Naurois 1969),

elle était surtout concentrée sur Lîlot des Flamants jusqu’en 1989. A partir de cette

date, Lîlot des Flamants est abandonné au profit des Kiaone. Seuls des œufs ont été

observés à deux reprises sur Lîlot des Pélicans en 1959 et 1974 (Trotignon 1976).

Les survols menés aux printemps 2003 et 2004 ont confirmé la reproduction des

flamants sur la Grande Kiaone. Par contre, Lîlot des Flamants et Lîlot des Pélicans

n’ont pas été occupés ces deux armées (Fig. 2). En 2003, la photo aérieime du 26 avril

a permis d’estimer un total de 8200 couples nicheurs sur la Grande Kiaone. Nos

observations menées du 12 au 17 août juste avant l’envol des premiers juvéniles nous

ont permis de dénombrer 3600 poussins. On peut donc estimer le succès de la

36

Y. Diawara et al.

Malimbus 29

reproduction à près de 44 %. En 2004, le survol a été mené le 7 mai et il ne restait

plus d’adulte sur les nids. La crèche, dénombrée sur une photo aérienne, comptait

5800 poussins. Lors du survol, nous avons compté un total de 19000 flamants de la

baie d’Arguin jusqu’au sud de Tidra (Fig. 1). Il y avait donc un maximum de 9500

couples nicheurs cette année. Le succès de la reproduction est donc estimé à 61 %.

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

Années

Figure 2. Nombre de couples reproducteurs (gris) et nombre de poussins à l’envol

(noir) dénombrés sur quatre localités côtières, 1957-2004. Les étoiles marquent les

dénombrements aériens. Les années sans estimation sont des années sans

dénombrement; les années notées avec un 0 sont des années sans reproduction.

2007

Le Flamant rose en Mauritanie

37

Nous n’avons trouvé la trace que de trois évènements de reproduction dans

l’Aftout es Saheli, en 1986 (quelques centaines de couples), 1987 et 1988 (Fig. 2 ;

J.C. Lucchesi corn. pers.). Le site de reproduction était situé à Liguent au sud du seuil

de Gouéichichit (17° 15 'N, 16°0'W) (Wetten et al. 1990, Gowthorpe et al 1996).

Aucune trace de reproduction des flamants n’a pu être trouvée lors du survol du delta

du fleuve Sénégal (Aftout es Saheli, PND et Chatt Boul inclus) le 15 déc 2003.

Hivernage

Les Flamants roses sont particulièrement abondants en hivernage au banc d’ Arguin où

60000 individus étaient dénombrés en 1978-9 (Trotignon et al 1980, Trotignon &

Trotignon 1981). Malgré une baisse notable au milieu des années 80 (Gowthorpe et al

1996), les effectifs semblent remonter aujourd’hui avec plus de 35000 individus en 1997,

49170 individus en 2000 et 55160 individus en 2001 (Dodman et al 1998, Messaoud et

al 2003). Nous avons dénombré un total de 12965 flamants dans le delta du fleuve

Sénégal en décembre 2003, dont 2700 étaient des juvéniles de l’armée d’origine

inconnue. Ces juvéniles étaient particulièrement abondants dans l’ Aftout es Saheli (c.

2000) et le reste fut dénombré dans le bassin de Bell au Diawling. Ces observations

permettent de compléter la série de données pour le PND et le Chatt Boul (Fig. 3).

Années

Figure 3. Effectifs de Flamants roses recensés à la mi-janvier dans le Parc

National du Diawling et dans le Chatt Boul, 1995-2003.

Lien entre la population méditerranéenne et mauritanienne

En 2003, nous avons lu un total de 28 bagues au pied de la Grande Kiaone pour un

total de 25,5 h d’observation réparties sur 7 jours. Des 16 bagues différentes lues, 11

38

Y. Diawara et al

Malimbus 29

étaient d’origine espagnole, quatre d’origine française et une d’origine italienne.

Panni ces observations, un flamant d’origine inconnue, bagué adulte en Espagne

(Tableau 1) a été observé nourrissant un poussin. Basé sur l’âge moyen des poussins

observés à la crèche, nous estimons que le pic de ponte a eu lieu entre le 10 et le 15

mars 2003.

Tableau 1. Historique des flamants bagués à l’étranger et observés reproduc-

teurs sur l’île de la Grande Kiaone, Parc National du Banc d’Arguin,

Mauritanie, en 2003--4.

No. de Détails de baguage Date d’

bague (lieu, date, age, sexe) observation Lieu d’observation Comportement

8|R6 Laguna de Fuente 16 novl998 Villafranco del

de Piedra (Espagne) Guadalquivir (Espagne)

15 août 1998 30 nov 1998 Veta la Pahna (Espagne)

age > 1 an, mâle 26 mai 2003 Grande Kiaone (Mauritanie) À la colonie

27 mai 2003 Grande Kiaone (Mauritanie) Nourrit un poussin

OjADRLaguna de Fuente 9 avr 2002 Laguna de Fuente de Parade

de Piedra (Espagne) Piedra (Espagne)

23 août 1997 24 juil 2002 Veta la Palma (Espagne)

poussin, femelle 2 mai 2004 Grande Kiaone (Mauritanie) Nourrit un poussin

CJLJ Etang du Fangassier 26 août 1996Etang du Fangassier (France) A la colonie

(France), 7 août 1996 28 juin 2000 Stagno di Molentargius (Italie) A la colonie

poussin, mâle 4 mai 2004 Grande Kiaone (Mauritanie) Nourrit un poussin

En 2004, nous avons lu 29 bagues pour 27, 5h d’observation réparties sur 5 jours.

Vingt d’entre-elles étaient d’origme espagnole et neuf d’origine française. Seuls trois

flamants bagués avaient déjà été observés l’année précédente (deux français et un

espagnol). Parmi ces observations, deux flamants nés et bagués en Méditerranée (un

en Espagne et un en France) ont été observés nourrissant des poussins dans la colonie

de la grande Kiaone au Banc d’Arguin (Tableau 1). Ces flamants, un mâle et une

femelle âgés respectivement de 8 et 7 ans n’avaient jamais été observés reproducteurs

auparavant. Compte-tenu de l’âge moyen des poussins observés à la crèche, nous

esthnons que le pic de ponte a eu lieu entre le 1 et le 10 mars 2004.

Discussion

Les effectifs reproducteurs de Flamants roses en Mauritanie sont marqués par

l’abandon du site de reproduction de Tîlot des Flamants au profit des îles Kiaone à la

fin des années 80. C’est sans doute suite à la submersion plus fréquente de l’îlot des

2007

Le Flamant rose en Mauritanie

39

Flamants, submersion déjà signalée par Naurois (1969), que les flamants ont utilisé la

Petite et la Grande Kiaone de façon régulière. Cette perturbation naturelle a provoqué

une baisse temporaire des effectifs reproducteurs au début des années 90, ceux-ci

revenant aujourd’hui à leur valeur des années 80 avec près de 10000 couples

dénombrés. Il nous faut donc actualiser la dernière tendance publiée (Gowthorpe et al.

1996) et conclure que la population nicheuse des flamants roses en Mauritanie est

aujourd’hui stable. A l’exception de quatre aimées sans suivi (1984, 1987, 1996,

2002), les flamants ont tenté de se reproduire au Banc d’Arguin chaque printemps

durant ces 26 dernières années. Néanmoins, on ne sait que rarement si les tentatives

de reproduction ont produit des poussins à l’envol et si ce fut le cas, quel en était

l’effectif.

En 2003 et 2004, le pic de ponte a eu lieu plus d’un mois plus tôt qu’en 1991 et

1992 (Cézilly et al. 1994) démontrant la variabilité des dates d’installation des

flamants au Banc d’Arguin. La saison de reproduction observée est synchrone avec

les saisons de reproduction en Méditerranée (Cézilly et al. 1995, Rendôn et al.

2001).

L’évolution récente des effectifs hivernants (2001 pour le PNB A, 2003 pour le

Delta du fleuve Sénégal) montre que les Flamants roses sont aujourd’hui abondants en

hiver en Mauritanie, avec des effectifs semblables à ceux observés à la fin des années

70. Suite à la mise en place du Parc National du Diawling et de la réserve du Chatt

Boul, ces sites sont devenus des habitats importants pour les flamants hivernants.

L’hypothèse d’échanges entre les populations méditerranéennes et celle d’Afrique

de l’Ouest est confirmée par nos observations puisque des flamants d’origine

française et espagnole nourrissaient des poussins de la Grande Kiaone en 2004. Nos

données confirment donc les observations passées anecdotiques. Plusieurs études

récentes proposent de considérer que les colonies nicheuses de Flamants roses de

l’ouest de la Méditerranée forment une métapopulation, c’est-à-dire une population

constituée de plusieurs sous-populations (ici les colonies de reproduction) connectées

(Nager et al. 1996, Balkiz et al. sous presse). Les résultats de notre étude suggèrent

que la colonie de la Grande Kiaone est comprise dans cette métapopulation.

Cependant l’importance de ces échanges reste indéterminée comme l’existence

possible d’échanges de la Mauritanie vers la Méditerranée. Il faut noter que les

proportions de bagues observées provenant d’Espagne, de France ou d’Italie, ne nous

permettent en aucun cas de déterminer l’abondance relative de flamants d’origine

différente en Mauritanie. En effet, pour conclure sur cette question, il faudrait estimer

le nombre de flamants de différentes cohortes bagués dans chacun de ces pays ayant

survécu jusqu’alors et disponible pour l’observation.

Le succès de notre stratégie d’approche de la colonie de la Grande Kiaone devrait

nous permettre de prolonger ce suivi à moyen terme afin de mieux quantifier

l’importance des échanges entre les populations méditerranéennes et mauritanienne.

Cela est indispensable pour développer un plan pour la conservation de cette espèce à

une échelle géographique adéquate.

40

Y. Diawara et al

Malimbus 29

Remerciements

Nous tenons à remercier la Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat pour avoir financé

cette étude et le Parc National du Banc d’Arguin pour avoir autorisé notre équipe à

débarquer au pied des îles Kiaone et nous avoir assisté avec la logistique des

expéditions. Nous sommes reconnaissants à Juan Aguilar Amat et Manuel Rendôn

Martos qui nous ont fourni les historiques des oiseaux bagués en Espagne dans le

cadre de leur prograimne de recherche. Un grand merci également à Alan Johnson qui

a corrigé ce texte et a rassemblé durant de longues années la littérature nécessaire à

cette synthèse. Il nous faut aussi remercier Marc Pichaud pour avoir préparé la carte

de la Mauritanie. Enfin, nous tenons à remercier O. Girard, B. Trolliet et P.W.P.

Browne pour leurs commentaires qui ont grandement amélioré la version finale de ce

manuscrit.

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42

Malimbus 29

Short Notes — Notes Courtes

New bird records for Benin

During a visit from 24 Mar to 15 Apr 2006 to the Pendjari National Park (PNP) and

its adjacent buffer zone, in Benin, we recorded four bird species new to the country,

plus one with only a single previous record. All of these species occur in neiglibouring

countries, some with an apparently patchy distribution (Borrow & Demey 2004), so

our observations are unlikely to indicate range extensions but suggest tliat the area is

under-recorded. We also coimnent on the subspecies of one additional species.

Pelecanus onocrotalus Great White Pelican. On 4 Apr a Great White Pelican flew

over a small waterhole at c. 1 1°23'N, 1°36'E m the north of PNP. It was distinguished

from the more greyish Pink-backed Pelican P. rufescens by its pure white plumage

contrasting witli the black remiges. On 7 Apr it was seen swinnning on the water,

when the yellowish pouch and pink bare skin around the eye confirmed the identifi-

cation. It was seen again on 8 Apr. Great White Pelicans occur in Mali, Burkina Faso,

Niger, and Nigeria (Dowsett & Forbes-Watson 1993, Borrow & Demey 2004), S

Ghana (Grimes 1987) and S Togo (Cheke & Walsh 1996). Its distribution map in

Brown et al. (1982) includes Benin, but there appear to be no previous published

records.

Hieraaetus ayresii Ayres’s Hawk Eagle. On 29 Mar VS and C. Schmidl observed a

small eagle flying over savaima at c. 10°52'N, 1°24'E in the buffer zone of the PNP.

Wlien first observed, the black and white mottled underwing coverts and the striped

remiges and tail, togetlier witli its white head were obvious. The Honey Buzzard

Pernis apivorus, which can have a similar colour pattern, was excluded by the short

tail and especially the head. The Cassin’s Hawk Eagle Spizaetus africanus was

excluded by the underwing coverts, wliich were unlike the mainly black underwing

coverts of adult Cassius’s Hawk Eagle and the rufous-streaked underwing coverts of

juveniles (Borrow & Demey 2004). Furthermore, the pure white of the head extended

out along the leading edge of the wing (see Borrow & Demey 2004). Ayres’s Hawk

Eagle has a patchy distribution from Guinea to Congo. Our bird seems to be one of

the nortlienimost records of it, with scattered observations in Gambia, Mali and Chad

(Borrow & Demey 2004). It is included for Benin in the distribution map in Brown et

ai. (1982), but tliere is apparently no confirmed published record.

Luscinia niegarhynchos Nightingale. On 8 and 9 Apr a Nightingale was observed in

a tliicket besides the Pendjari river in the PNP at c. 1 1°28'N, 1°34'W. On 10 one was

mist-netted nearby and its identity confirmed (outermost primary longer than primary

coverts in contrast to Tlirush Nightmgale L. luscinia: Svensson 1992). The bird had a

fat score of seven on the 0-8 scale of Kaiser (1993) indicating that it was preparing

for migration. The Niglitmgale is confirmed for all countries around Benin (Dowsett

I

2007

Notes Courtes

43

& Dowsett-Lemaire 1993, Borrow & Demey 2004). It is included for Benin in the

distribution map in Keith et ai. (1992), but there is apparently no published record.

Myrmecodchla cinnamomeiventris Cliff Chat. We observed in the buffer zone near

Batia at least five pairs of Cliff Chats, of which all the males had distinctive white

head tops whereas those of the females were rufous grey indicating that they were M

c. coronata. The site was very close or identical to the site where Green (1980: Fig. 1,

locality d) recorded M c. bambarae. We cannot, however, confirm that two forms of

Cliff Chat occur in the area, since we visited only one of Green’s localities. The status

of the two forms of this species in Benin remains unclear (cf Keith et al. 1 992).

Cisticola eximius Black-backed Cisticola. Between 3 and 9 Apr at least two pairs

and a single bird of the Black-backed Cisticola were observed on an open grassy plain

at c. 1 1°23'N, 1°36'E. They were heavily streaked black on the top of the head and on

the back, contrasting with the rufous neck and rump. Their behaviour and habitat use

differed markedly from those of Croaking Cisticola C. natalensis. Short-winged

Cisticola C. brachypterus, and Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subjlava, which were also

present. Unlike these species, the Black-backed Cisticolas avoided thick dry grass,

seldom clung onto the grass, and were never seen in bushes. They were most often

observed on the ground in more open and burnt areas with sparse short grass where

they walked in an almost lark-like manner. On 9 Apr one was mist-netted and the

identification confirmed (Fig. 1). The species is recorded from S Ghana (Grimes

1987) and N Togo (Cheke & Walsh 1996), and is not uncommon in Nigeria (Elgood

et al. 1994). Our observations suggest that these populations are connected and that

the species may occur regularly in N Benin in adequate habitats.

Figure 1. Black-backed Cisticola in the Pendjari NP, Benin, 9 Apr 2006.

44

Short Notes

Malimbus 29

Cisticola guinea Dorst’s Cisticola. On 14 Apr we observed a Dorst’s Cisticola in the

buffer zone next to the PNP c. 3 km south of Batia (10°54'N, 1°29'E). It was a

medium-sized cisticola with the head top rufous and the back plain brown. Its

underparts including undertail coverts appeared buffish-rufous. The bird did not call

and was observed only for a short period when it came to drink water dripping out of

rocks at the top of a gorge. It was distinguished from the Short-winged Cisticola by its

larger size and from the Croaking Cisticola and Black-backed Cisticola by the

unstreaked back. Singing Cisticola C. cantans is larger and in general darker than the

bird observed, which was more rufous in general appearance especially on the

underparts. Recently, Dowsett-Lemaire et al. (2005) suggested that C. dorsti is a

synonym of the West African subspecies of Red-pate Cisticola C. ruficeps guinea and

should accordingly be renamed C guinea. According to Dowsett-Lemaire et al.

(2005) there is only one C ruficeps record from Benin, in the north, but no

identification details were given (Holyoak & Seddon 1990).

We thank Aristide Tehou, Brice Sinsin and the Pendjari Park Project for the

opportunity to stay and do research in the PNP and its buffer zone. C. Schmidl kindly

provided Fig. 1. This study was part of the BIOLOG BIOTA-West framework funded

by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research.

References

Borrow, N. & Demey, R. (2004) Birds of Western Africa. Christopher Helm, London.

Brown, L.H., Urban, E.K. & Newman, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa, vol. 1.

Academic Press, London.

Cheke, R.A. & Walsh, J.F. (1996) The Birds of Togo. Checklist 14, British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Dowsett, R.J. & Dowsett-Lemaire, F. (1993) A Contribution to the Distribution

and Taxonomy of Afrotropical and Malagasy Birds. Res. Rep. 5, Tauraco Press,

Liège.

Dowsett, R.J. & Forbes-Watson, A.D. (1993) Checklist of birds of the Afrotropical

and Malagasy Regions. Vol. I: Species Limits and Distributions. Tauraco Press, Liège.

Dowsett-Lemaire, F., Borrow, N. & Dowsett, R.J. (2005) Cisticola dorsti (Dorsf s

Cisticola) and C ruficeps guinea are conspecific. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 125: 305-313.

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B., Moore, A.M., Nason, A.N., Sharland, R.E. &

Skinner, N.J. (1994) The Birds of Nigeria. Checklist 4, 2nd ed., British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Green, A. A. (1980). Two populations of cliff-chats in the Arli-Pendjari region.

Malimbus 2: 99-101.

Grimes, L.G. 1987. The Birds of Ghana. Checklist 9, British Ornithologists’ Union,

London.

Holyoak, D.T. & Seddon, M.B. (1990) Distributional notes on the birds of Benin.

Malimbus 11: 128-134.

2007

Notes Courtes

45

Kaiser, A. (1993) A new multi-category classification of subcutaneous fat deposits of

songbirds. J. Field Orn. 64: 246-255.

Keith, S., Urban. E.K. & Fry, C.H. (1992) The Birds of Africa^ vol. 4. Academic

Press, London.

SvENSSON, L. (1992) Identification Guide to European Passerines. Privately

published, Stockholm.

Received 2 July 2006; revised 1 November 2006.

Volker Salewski’ & Judith Korb^

’Prinz-Rupprecht-Str. 34, 93053 Regensburg, Germany. <salewski@om.mpg.de>

^Biologie I, Universitat Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany.

Bird diversity in Nyassang Forest Park, The Gambia {Malimbus 2Si 134-

142): corrections and further information

Following publication of my article on the birds of Nyassang (Ballantyne 2006), I

have received a number of comments and questions on the records included. I

therefore give the following additional information and (in some cases) corrections.

Turtur tympanistria Tambourine Dove. This was a single record of a bird heard

calling in atypical habitat for tliis species, and I now consider that it was probably a

Black-billed Wood Dove T. abyssinicus or possibly a Blue-spotted Wood Dove T.

afer. This record should therefore be omitted.

T. afer Blue-spotted Wood Dove. The two records of this species were brief

sightings and there remains a possibility of confusion with Black-billed Wood Dove,

so these records require confirmation, although the species is known from Central

River Division (T. Wacher pers. comm.).

Ceyx picta African Pygmy Kingfisher. This species was noted in all habitats except

the open water, while the similar Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristata was noted

only twice, once in each rice field. The two were clearly distinguishable by crest and

size of white cheek patch.

Pyrrhurus scandens Leaflove. The single record of this species was based primarily

on voice and, considering that there have been no records in the country since the

early 1990s (C. Barlow pers. comm.), I now consider that it could have been a

Blackcap Babbler Turdoides reinwardtii, which was common in the area, or perhaps a

Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus, which also has some similar calls (C. Barlow

pers. comm.). This record should therefore be omitted.

Ficedula hypoleuca Pied Flycatcher. Seen once in the disused rice field on 28 Aug

2005, which is a veiy early record of this species.

Terpsiphone viridis African Paradise Flycatcher. ^"Terpsiphone rufïventer African

Paradise Flycatcher” should have read "^Terpsiphone viridis African Paradise Flycatcher”.

46

Short Notes

Malimbus 29

Cinnyris chloropygia Olive-bellied Sunbird. This could have been a mis-

identification of a male (lacking tail streamers) Beautiful Sunbird C. pulchella, which

was common in the area, and should tlierefore be omitted.

Vidua wilsoni Wilson’s Indigobird. One male in full breeding plumage was

observed closely and at length on the ground outside the hut where I lived. It

resembled a Village Indigobird V. chalybeata except that its legs appeared light grey,

and it was in the company of three Bar-breasted Firefmches Lagonosticta rufopicta,

the specific host of Wilson’s Indigobird (Barlow et al. 1999). It was unlike Baka

Indigobird V. larvaticola and Quailfinch hidigobird V. nigeriae in lacking any

greenish tinge to the plumage, and tliese parasitise Black-faced Firefmch L. larvata

and Quailfinch Ortygospiza atricoUis respectively (Borrow & Demey 2001), species

that were not recorded in the area. However, no attention was given to the presence of

a pale wing panel or purplish sheen to the plumage consistent with V. wilsoni, which

remains unconfirmed in Tlie Gambia. Cameroon Indigobird V. camerunensis, which

parasitises various species and might occur in Tlie Gambia (Borrow & Demey 2001),

could not be eliminated, so tliis record remains tentative. Furtlier field work in the area is

recommended, to establish vocal mimicry of L. rufopicta by indigobirds at the site.

From the above corrections, tliree species are omitted from the list in Ballantyne

(2006), making tlie total number of species observed in Nyassang 110 and therefore

tlie predicted bird diversity figure for the park now stands at c. 285 species.

I thank Clive Barlow for drawing these records to my attention as unusual for the

region, and him and Tim Wacher for help in compilmg tliis note.

References

Ballantyne, S. (2006) Bird diversity in Nyassang Forest Park, The Gambia.

Malimbus 28: 134-142.

Barlow, C., Wacher, T. & Disley, T. (1999) A Field Guide to the Birds of The

Gambia and Senegal. A. & C. Black, London.

Borrow, N. & Demey, R. (2001) Birds of Western Africa. Christopher Hehn, London.

Received 15 November 2006; revised 12 December 2006

Stephanie Ballantyne

41 Craiglomong Gardens, Balloch, West Dunbartonshire G83 8RP, Scotland

<stephistheone@hotmail.com>

Brazza’s Martin Phedina brazzae in the Lesio-Louna Reserve, Congo Republic

Brazza’s Martm Phedina brazzae is a rarely-recorded species, endemic to the Congo

basin. It has been recorded on tlie banks of the Congo River, in the general region of

2007

Notes Courtes

47

Brazzaville and Kinshasa, and adjacent savanna woodlands in the Congo Republic

and Democratic Republic of Congo, south to Angola (Fry et al. 1992, Turner 2004).

There is also one probable sighting in SE Gabon (Lekoni: F. Dowsett-Lemaire in lift..

Borrow & Demey 2001). In Congo Republic it is known only from four old records

(Fig. 1; Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire 1989, Dowsett 1991): tlie type locality, Nganchu

near Kwamouth on the Congo River (Oustalet 1886 in Chapin 1953, Malbrant &

Maclatchy 1949), Jul 1884; not rare along the Congo River at Brazzaville, 1955-7

(Salvan 1972); one female collected and four pairs noted around a rocky escarpment

on the side of a valley at Djambala, 1 Nov 1959 (Rand et al. 1959); one netted at a

small pond at Gamakala, 30 km north of Brazzaville, 30 Sep 1962 (Salvan 1972).

Here I report the first observation of P. hrazzae in the Lesio-Louna Reserve, Congo

(Fig 1; see also Dowsett-Lemaire 1997, King et al, 2004).

Figure 1, Locations of published observations of Brazza’s Martin Phedina

brazzae in Congo (stars), and other localities mentioned in the text.

I observed a single P, brazzae during the late afternoon on 20 Jun 2005, from a

rocky outcrop near the village of Mâh, on a sandy, lightly wooded savanna ridge

overlooking Lac Bleu (3°20'S, 15°28'E). The brown upperparts and streaky

underparts characteristic of P. hrazzae were clearly seen on several occasions, with

good light from the evening sun and from a distance of 15-30 m. It appeared to be

hawking for insects along the ridge, along with small numbers of Lesser Striped

48

Short Notes

Malimbus 29

Swallows Hirundo abyssinica and Rock Martins H. fuligula. A single Palm Swift

Cypsiurus parvus was also recorded.

Little is known of the biology of P. brazzae. Chapin (1953) gave observations

made by missionaries in DRC from 1922 to 1951, includrag tliat the species is usually

seen near rivers, that it feeds like a small Riparia, that it nests during the dry season

(c. Jun-Oct) in tunnels like those of Riparia, along sandy banks of rivers and a

drainage ditch, that flocks have been observed in November, and when non-breeding

it commonly forages with H. abyssinica. Salvan (1972) noted it flying often in a

manner shnilar to Riparia riparia.

The Lesio-Loima observation was not made especially close to a river. Although

Lac Bleu is 1.5 km from the site of tlie observation, and the small forested Lesio River

4.5 km, the species has not yet been reported ftoin either of these relatively well-

frequented sites. Neitlier have I observed it during 37 trips along the larger and

sandier forested Louna River, m the final 25 km above its confluence with tlie Lefini

River, or during 15 trips along the much larger Lefini River between its confluence

with the Louna and tlie village of Mbouambé-Lefini, or during 2 1 generally shorter

trips along the Lefini River upstream of its confluence with the Louna (all trips made

between Jan 2003 and Feb 2006). Tliis lack of records suggests that the observation

reported here was of a non-breeding wanderer. This is supported by its association

with other liirundmes, in particular H. abyssinica, as Chapm (1953) noted for non-

breeding birds in DRC. Tliere are still no breedmg records for Congo Republic.

Dowsett-Lemaire (1997) recoimnended searclihig for the species m suitable habitats

between the Congo River and Djambala. This would be particularly useful during the

Jun-Sep dry season (Khig et al. 2004), to try to establish whether or not it breeds in

Congo. Further observations along the Congo River, including at Brazzaville where

tlie species was apparently “not rare” 1955-7 (Salvan 1972), would also help establish

any seasonality in presence in Congo.

I thank the Ministère de TEconomie Forestière et de T Environnement of the Congo

Repubhc, and tlie Jolin Aspinall Foundation (U.K.), for their long-term support of the joint

management project for tlie Lesio-Louna Reserve. Françoise Dowsett-Lemaire provided

constructive comments on tlie text, and Robert Prys-Jones and the staff of the British

Museum (Natural History) at Tring were very helpful during the literature review.

References

Borrow, N. & Demey, R. (2001) Birds of Western Africa . Christopher Helm, London.

Chapin, J.P. (1953) The birds of the Belgian Congo. Part 3. Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist.

75 A: 1-821.

Dowsett, R.J. (1991) Gazetteer of zoological locahties in Congo. Tauraco Res. Rep.

4: 335-340.

Dowsett, R.J. & Dowsett-Lemaire, F. (1989) Liste prélhninaire des oiseaux du

Congo. Tauraco Res. Rep. 2: 29-51.

2007

Notes Courtes

49

Dowsett-Lemaire, F. (1997) The birds of the Léfmi Reserve, Téké Plateau (Congo).

Tauraco Res. Rep. 6: 125"134.

Fry, C.H,, Urban, E.K, & Keith, S. (1992) Hirundinidae, swallows and martins. Pp.

125-196 in Keith, S., Urban, E. K. & Fry, C. H. (eds.) The Birds of Africa, vol 4.

Academie Press, London.

King, T., Tyler, S. & Dallemer, M. (2004) Timing of moult and new species records

of birds in the Lesio-Louna Reserve, Republic of Congo. Malimhus 26: 1-10.

Malbrant, R. & Maclatchy, a. (1949) Faune de l ’Equateur Africain Français. Vol.

1. Oiseaux. Lechevalier, Paris.

Rand, A.L., Friedman, H. & Traylor, M.A. (1959) Birds from Gabon and Moyen

Congo. Fieldiana ZooL 41: 221-411.

Salvan, J. (1972) Notes ornithologiques du Congo-Brazzaville. Oiseau Rev. fr. Orn.

42: 241-252.

Turner, A. K. (2004) Family Hirundinidae (swallows and martins). Pp. 602-685 in

Hoyo, J. DEL, Elliott, A. & Christie, D.A. (eds.) Handbook of the Birds of the

World, vol. 9. Lynx, Barcelona.

Received 27 June 2006

Revised 23 November 2006

Tony King

John Aspinall Foundation, BP 13977, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

<ppgscience@y ahoo . com>

50

Malimbus 29

News & Letters — Nouvelles & Lettres

Abbé René de Naurois, 1906-2006

René de Naurois, French priest and oniitliologist, died on 12 January 2006. Bom in

Paris on 24 November 1906, he spent his childliood and youth as the eldest of five

sons on his father’s large estate, near Toulouse, where he very early developed a keen

liking for wildlife. It took liim many years, however, before he returned to the passion

of his youth. Recently, in a book entitled Aumônier de la France Libre (2004, Perrin,

Paris), he told liis story, of a tremendously active life on many fronts, especially as

chaplain in the Free French Forces during World War II, before he eventually became

a fully fledged omitliologist. As Jacques de Naurois, one of liis many nephews,

observed, in birds he must have found an uncommon sense of peace after the horrors

of the war, a feeling he shared with many omitliologist colleagues. In the first chapter

of tills book, he tells how, when he was barely ten or eleven, he would draw eggs and

nests of all the familiar birds on the estate witii such accurate detail tiiat he still

marvelled at tiiem as an old man when tiiey were rediscovered in the family house.

Every year, too, his mother would make it a special festival for the five boys to

celebrate the day the Hoopoe was first seen in tiie spring over the fields. He also tells

the very moving moment when, some 50 years later, m the depth of a forest in Sao

Tomé, he heard the song of an African species of oriole that recalled to him the

familiar song in liis father’s garden.

His parents having insisted that before becoming a priest (in 1936) he go to

university, he took degrees m matiiematics and physics, then tiieology and finally

Gennan philosophy, wliich he went to study m pre-war Berlin. There, from 1933 till

1939, he was in contact witii Gennan opponents to rising Nazism and was able to

send regular reports to his Archbishop, Mgr Saliège m Toulouse, on tiie awful dangers

looming ahead for Europe. He was therefore very well prepared to take an active part

m tiie local resistance in Toulouse after 1940, helpmg fugitives or Jews to escape

during the occupation of France, tiien joining De Gaulle in England after escaping

himself from Toulouse tiirougli Spain as tiie Gestapo was about to arrest him in 1942.

Tliere, he joined the Kieffer Commando as chaplain and landed with his close friend,

Lord Lovat, on D-Day, on a beach in Normandy. He was made Compagnon de la

Libération, a special order created by De Gaulle for his war companions, but was also

most proud when he received the Mihtary Cross from the hands of Colonel Dawson,

with whom he had also landed and who became his closest friend in England

afterwards until liis death in 1987.

It is only in 1954 tiiat he came out as an ornithologist with a future, after

publication of two articles in Oiseau Rev. fr. Orn. 24, on raptors in the Toulouse

region and vultures and Lammergeier in Morocco. In 1959, he followed Noël

Mayaud’ s and Henri Heim de Balsac’s encouragements to explore the West African

coastal avifauna, and was the first to describe and detail the wealth of nesting species

of Banc d’Arguin, a major investigation in what has become a paradise for

2007

Nouvelles et Lettres

51

ornithologists. South of Nouadhibou (formerly Port-Etienne) in Mauritania, were

multitudes of pelicans, cormorants, herons, spoonbills, flamingos and gulls, as he

made clear in a long article (1959, Alauda 27: 241-308). In 1976, this part of the coast

became the Banc d’ Arguin National Park, now under special protection of the trustees

of the Banc d’ Arguin International Foundation, an initiative led by Luc Hoffmann.

Between 1960 and 1971, de Naurois, by then Researcher at the French CNRS, led

explorations of tliis coast between former Spanish Sahara and the Republic of Guinea,

the results of which eventually went into a Doctorate Thesis. This voluminous work.

Peuplements et cycles de reproduction des oiseaux de la côte occidentale d'Afrique

(1969, Mém. Mus, Nat. Hist. Nat. 56; 312 pp.), would have deserved translation for all

the wealth of first hand observations and descriptions it contained. But most of all, it

offers a remarkable reflection, from a biogeographical viewpoint, on the privileged

position of a maritime coast at a position that both unites and divides the Palaearctic

and Afrotropical zones. AWiough 66 years old by then, René de Naurois went on

undeterred, investigating difficult territories and forlorn islands, witli ever renewed

relish in the same risky landings on uninviting islets every time he sensed he could hit

upon a new species. Over 30 articles published between 1964 and 1992 testify to his

having explored the Cape Verde Islands through and through. In 1995, Comelis J.

Hazevoet, the Dutch ornithologist, published his Birds of the Cape Verde Islands

(British Ornithologists’ Union, Tring) with these words: "'Dedicated to René de

Naurois who has done more for Cape Verde ornithology than anyone else’\ Between

1978 and 1985, the indefatigable Abbé published seven articles on the birds of New

Caledonia and left a nearly finished book on this island in the Pacific Ocean, Again,

from 1973 to 1988, he also issued 18 publications on the birds of Sao Tomé and

Principe islands, and a bilingual guide, in French and Portuguese, Les Oiseaux des

Iles du Golfe de Guinée (Sâo Tomé, Principe et Annohon) (1994, Instituto de

Investigaçâo Cientifica Tropical, Lisbon). This same year, another guide came out

with the same publisher. Les Oiseaux des îles du Cap-Vert. He had an invaluable

collection of bird eggs, collected across the world and the years before 1975, after

which date he refrained from collecting and finally handed over the collection in 1992

to the Museum of Natural History in Geneva.

His last scientific expedition took place in 1987, in New Caledonia, where he

climbed his last tree. After this he still went to Israel in 1989 and to New York in

1994 after being declared “Righteous among the Nations” for the help given to

persecuted Jews during the war, and to Oxford (The Edward Grey Institute) or Tring

for more occasional ornithological work, always very thankful for the warm welcome

and the efficient help and care he would meet there at all times. On 12 January 2006,

he was back from a very tiring trip, in biting cold, to Toulouse to see his dying

brother. He had met there many friends and younger colleagues, and planned ahead

for further publications, and filled his agenda with forthcoming meetings and

collaborations of all kinds. He died so to speak by surprise, of a heart attack, in the

late morning, conscious to the very last, as he had lived.

Gisèle Venet

52

News & Letters

Maliinbus 29

Birds of Mauritania: request for information

An annotated checklist of the birds of Mauritania is m preparation. Ornithologists are

kindly requested to send their records to the main author: Paul Isenmann,

CEFE/CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, F-34293 Montpellier cedex 5, France;

<paul.isenmann@cefe.cnrs.fr>.

Les oiseaux de Mauritanie: demande d’informations.

Une liste commentée des oiseaux de Mauritanie est en préparation. Ceux qui souhait-

eraient enrichir cette hste par leurs observations sont invités à les envoyer à Fauteur

principal: Paul Isenmaim, CEFE/CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, F-34293 Montpellier

cedex 5, France; <paul.isemnaim@cefe.cnrs.fr>.

2007

53

Reviews — Revues

Les Oiseaux du Banc d’Arguin, par Paul Isemnaim (sans date). 190 pp. Fondation

Internationale du Banc d’Arguin, Arles. ISBN 2-9514914-6-8, broché €9 (plus frais

de port). Chez FIBA, La Tour du Valat, Le Sambuc, 13200 Arles, France. The book is

also available in English.

Cet ensemble dTles situé “à la charnière des zones paléarctique et afrotropicale” a été

redécouvert par René de Naurois en 1959 (cf. notice nécrologique dans cette même

livraison) et bénéficia de Factif patronage de Luc Hoffmann (ainsi que l’écrit Fauteur

“en hommage à R. de N. le découvreur et à L. H. le protecteur”). A vrai dire, ces îles

qui font le passage du paléarctique au tropical à l’extrémité occidentale du continent

africain n’étaient pas totalement inconnues mais surtout complètement ignorées. Et

c’est grâce à la sagacité d’Heim de Balsac et de Noël Mayaud que l’activité de R. de

Naurois fut orientée vers leur étude. Disons que ce “paradis de l’ornithologie” devait

se mériter car ces îlots exposés au soleil, balayés par le vent, dépourvus d’eau douce

et d’accès difficile ressemblaient plutôt à un purgatoire (R. de Naurois corn. pers.).

Le Banc d’Arguin est situé entre 27°30'et 15°0'N, et 16°45' et 16°0'W; il est

“avant tout saharien avec une frange méridionale sahélienne” et doit son

exceptionnelle richesse avienne à des remontées d’eau froide, très riches en

phosphates. C’est, selon Fauteur, un “système laguno-marin en pleine mer, reflet d’un

passé sans doute deltaïque”.

L’ouvrage comprend sept chapitres. Le premier chapitre retrace l’histoire du Banc

d’Arguin dans les 50 dernières années, son exploration ornithologique depuis sa

découverte jusqu’à maintenant et les différentes missions qui s’y sont succédées. Le

deuxième décrit l’environnement de ces îles, à savoir rappel de sa géographie, de son

climat, de la complexité des courants marins et de sa végétation. Le chapitre 3

présente une liste commentée des 299 espèces d’oiseaux observées au moins une fois,

leur statut (nicheur ou de passage), leur abondance, leur écologie ainsi que leur

origine. Les chapitres 4 et 5 racontent des colonies d’oiseaux nicheurs (au moins 36

dont deux endémiques Ardea monicae et Platalea leucorodia balsaci), regroupant

entre 25 000 et 50 000 couples, leurs effectifs respectifs, leur répartition sur les

principaux biotopes, leur cycle de reproduction, et de ses 2 000 000 limicoles, sans

doute la zone la plus riche en limicoles de l’Ancien Monde (F. Roux, p. 13). Ce

chapitre comporte des commentaires sur les conditions exceptionnellement favorables

à cet hivernage. Le chapitre 6 analyse l’avenir du Banc d’Arguin et sa protection

reviennent à la République Islamique de Mauritanie. C’est en effet un site unique en

Afrique, à la fois comme haut lieu de la biodiversité mondiale et lieu de vie d’une

grande richesse pour les populations locales. La Mauritanie saura-t-elle préserver ce

trésor face aux menaces que représente l’extraction du pétrole à faible distance?

54

Reviews

Malimbus 29

L’ouverture du parc aux touristes, grâce à la route Nouakcliott-Nouadibou, sera peut-

être la fin du splendide isolement des îles, comiues et utilisées des seuls pêcheurs

Imraguen et des oiseaux. Une bibliograpliie de 1 1 pages arrêtée en juin 2006 paraît

aussi complète que possible. Un index des noms scientifiques des oiseaux, complété

d’un index en français ou en anglais selon les éditions termine cet ouvrage. Il y a une

carte du parc et de sa situation en Afrique. L’abondante et bonne illustration

comprend des photographies de biotopes et d’espèces amsi que des planches de S.

Nicolle. Elles ne figurent pas en face de l’espèce décrite mais sont réparties dans

l’ouvrage. Elles ne comportent pas non plus de renvoi au texte.

En conclusion, ce livre, écrit à l’occasion du trentième anniversaire du PN du

Banc d’Arguin et du vingtième anniversaire de la Fondation Internationale du Banc

d’Arguin, ne peut qu’être recommandé à tous ceux qui veulent découvrir ce haut lieu

de l’ornithologie et aider à sa sauvegarde.

G.J. Morel

2007

55

Society Notices — Informations de la Société

Meeting of W.A.O.S. Council, October 2006, and changes in Council

On Saturday 7 October 2006, a meeting of W.A.O.S. Council was held in Bréville-

les-Monts, France. Council members present were: G.J. Morel (President), N. Robin

and A. Tye. The following additional Council members were consulted by telephone:

H.S.S. Thompson (during the meeting), R,E. Sharland and R. Wilkinson (after the

meeting). Preliminary results were then circulated to all Coimcil members for further

discussion.

Council membership

The main business of the meeting was to discuss possible replacements for several

Council members, who had indicated their desire to step down or reduce their

activities. The President wished to retire from that post, the Vice-President had

wanted to step down for some time and had submitted his formal resignation, the

Treasurer had indicated that he would also like to pass on that task and the Secretary

felt unable to dedicate sufficient time to the work required. Council members

therefore approached a number of possible replacements during 2006.

President. A number of names were discussed during the meeting and subsequently.

The decision was unanimous in favour of Dr Jean-Marc Thiollay, who was

approached and accepted the position. Dr Thiollay is a respected professional

ornithologist with strong West African experience. See his biography below.

Vice-President. Several names were discussed for this role, including the possibility

of abolishing the post. It was decided to maintain the position, and to ask Dr Roger

Wilkinson to accept it. Dr Wilkinson took no part in these discussions, and later

accepted the change in role from Secretary to Vice-President.

Secretary. Once again, several names were discussed in relation to this position, but

the question of a new Secretary remains to be resolved. Until it is. Dr Wilkinson will

continue to carry out the duties of Secretary.

Treasurer. Fewer names were discussed in relation to this post, since accountancy

experience is considered necessary for it. It was also felt that the post should continue

to be based in the U.K., given that the largest number of subscriptions is paid in £

Sterling, and most of the Society’s costs (including printing costs) are incurred there.

Bob Sharland has indicated tliat he is willing to continue in the post until a suitable

alternative can be found. Dr Marie-Yvonne Morel has indicated that she is willing to

continue to collect € subscriptions.

Regional Contact. The question was again raised of appointing to Council a regional

contact with the aim of promoting the Society to resident ornithologists in W African

(especially francophone) countries. However, no person could be identified who

56

Society Notices

Malimbus 29

could take this role actively to all W African countries, and it was therefore decided

not to create a new Council position for this role, but to seek individuals who might

act as country representatives.

Other matters discussed

Accounts, The Treasurer sent the accounts for 2006 up to August. N. Robin noted

variations in income from 2004 to 2005. The Treasurer later confinned that this was

due to late subscriptions. It was agreed that future reports of accounts would include a

brief explanation of such pomts in notes accompanying the balance sheet.

Web site. N. Robin raised the question of using the web site to raise funds, and

questioned whether the completeness of tlie Malimbus files freely available on the site

miglit result in declining income from sales of back numbers and loss of members.

Tills was discussed subsequent to the meeting witli tlie Webmaster, and it was decided

to make no changes to present policy for the time being, but to promote membersliip

of the Society more visibly on the site and by other means.

Malimbus colour and printing. Hie feeling was general that the colour plates

appearing m Malimbus 28(2) were a success and that colour printing was wortli

contmuing, witli the condition that colour photographs should make a useful

contribution to an article.

Membership subscription. G.J. Morel considered tlie cost low, especially considering

tlie improvements made in journal quality over recent years. Tlie subscription has

been unchanged for more than 15 years. Given that mcome is so far still on average

balancing expenditure, and that amiual expenditure on colour was not yet well deter-

mined, it was agreed to wait a year or so to see what effect tlie inclusion of colour

photographs would have on the accounts, before considering a subscription increase.

Research Grants. It was agreed that better follow-up of grants is needed, to ensure

tliat reports are received from grantees. These should include a financial report.

Conclusion of the meeting

It was agreed to send a report and questionnaire on replacement of retiring Council

members to all Council members after the meeting, in order to finalise the selection of

new Council members and clear up outstanding other points.

W.A.O.S. Council

Réunion du Conseil de S.O.O.A. Octobre 2006, et changements au Conseil

Le samedi 7 octobre 2006, une réunion du Conseil de S.O.O.A. s’est tenue à Bréville-

les-Monts, France. Les membres du Conseil présents étaient: G.J. Morel (Président),

N. Robin et A. Tye. En outre, furent consultés par téléphone H. S. S. Tliompson (durant la

réunion), R.E. Sharland et R. Wilkinson (après la réunion). Les premiers résultats

furent alors distribués à tous les membres du Conseil pour discussions ultérieures.

2007

Informations de la Société

57

Composition du Conseil

La principale tâche de la réunion était de discuter du remplacement de plusieurs

membres du Conseil qui avaient exprimé leur désir de se retirer ou de réduire leur

activité. Le Président désirait démissionner, le Vice-Président avait voulu se retirer

quelque temps puis envoya sa démission officielle, le Trésorier avait indiqué qu’il

désirait aussi transmettre sa charge et le Secrétaire se sentait incapable de consacrer

assez de temps à son poste. Les membres du Conseil avaient par conséquent pressenti

un certain nombre de candidats possibles au cours de 2006.

Président. Quelques noms furent proposés au cours de la réunion et après celle-ci. La

décision fiit unanime en faveur du Dr Jean-Marc Thiollay qui avait été consulté et

accepta le poste. Dr Thiollay est un ornithologue professionnel réputé avec une

profonde expérience de l’Ouest africain. Voir sa biographie ci-dessous.

Vice-Président. Plusieurs noms furent proposés pour ce poste, y compris même sa

suppression. On décida de garder cette fonction et de demander au Dr Roger

Wilkinson s’il l’acceptait. Dr Wilkinson ne participait pas aux discussions et accepta

par la suite de passer de Secrétaire à Vice-Président.

Secrétaire. De nouveau, plusieurs noms furent examinés pour cette fonction, mais la

question d’un nouveau Secrétaire reste en suspens. Pour le moment, Dr Wilkinson

continuera à assurer la tâche de Secrétaire.

Trésorier. Il n’y eut que peu de noms proposés pour ce poste, car une expérience de

la comptabilité est jugée nécessaire. On a aussi considéré que le titulaire de cette

fonction devait demeurer au R.U. étant donné que la majorité des cotisations est

payée en livres f et que l’essentiel des dépenses de la Société (y compris

l’impression) y est réglé. Bob Sharland a fait savoir qu’il veut bien continuer jusqu’à

ce qu’une solution convenable soit trouvée. Dr Marie- Yvonne Morel a indiqué qu’elle

veut bien continuer à réunir les cotisations en €.

Contacts Régionaux. La question a de nouveau été soulevée de nommer au Conseil

un représentant régional dans le but de faire connaître la Société aux ornithologues

résidant dans l’Ouest africain (particulièrement francophone). Cependant, personne

ne put être trouvé pour tenir ce rôle de façon active dans tous les pays de l’Ouest

africain; il fut donc décidé de ne pas créer de nouveau poste mais de chercher des

personnes qui joueraient le rôle de représentants régionaux.

Autres sujets discutés

Rapport financier. Le Trésorier envoya le relevé des comptes pour 2006 jusqu’en

août. N. Robin nota des variations dans les recettes de 2004 à 2005. Le Trésorier

confirma ultérieurement que cela était dû au retard dans le paiement des cotisations. Il

ftit convenu que les prochains rapports devraient inclure une brève explication de tels

points en annexe du bilan.

Site web. N. Robin souleva la question d’utiliser le site pour recueillir les fonds et se

demanda si la totalité des dossiers de Mal imbus en accès gratuit n’entraînait pas une

diminution des recettes provenant de la vente des anciens numéros et la perte

58

Society Notices

Malimbus 29

d’adhérents. Cela était discuté au cours d’une séance ultérieure avec le Webmestre et

il fut décidé de ne rien changer pour l’instant à la politique actuelle, mais de promou-

voir l’adhésion à la Société de façon plus évidente sur le site et par d’autres moyens.

Impression de planches en couleur. Le sentiment fut général que les planches en

couleur dans le numéro de Malimbus 28(2) furent un succès et que l’impression en

couleur méritait d’être contmuée à la condition que les photographies en couleur

soient une contribution utile à l’article.

Cotisation des membres. G.J. Morel fît remarquer le prix faible de la cotisation,

considérant en particulier les améliorations de la qualité du journal ces dernières

F

années. La cotisation reste inchangée depuis plus de 15 ans. Etant donné que les recettes

sont encore à l’heure actuelle à peu près en équilibre avec les dépenses et que les

dépenses annuelles de l’impression en couleur ne sont pas encore bien cliiffrées, il fut

décidé d’attendre un an ou plus pour voir quel impact l’inclusion des photograpliies

en couleur aura sur les comptes avant de songer à une augmentation des cotisations.

Bourses de recherches. Il fut convenu qu’un meilleur suivi des bourses était

nécessaire pour s’assurer que les bénéficiaires envoient bien un compte rendu de leurs

travaux. Celui-ci devrait comporter un rapport financier.

Conclusion de la réunion.

Il fut convenu d’envoyer un rapport et un questionnaire pour le remplacement des

membres démissiomiaires du Conseil à tous les Membres du Conseil après la réunion

afin de finaliser la sélection des nouveaux membres du Conseil et de tirer au clair les

autres points en suspens.

Le Conseil de S.O.O.A.

The new W.A.O.S. President, Dr Jean-Marc Thiollay

Now just retired, Jean-Marc Thiollay has worked all his professional life as a

researcher, and then a research director, of the French National Centre of Scientific

Research (CNRS), at tlie University of Paris, first in the Ecole Normale Supérieure,

then in the Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle. After graduating from university,

and many raptor studies in France and Europe, he spent six years in West Africa,

1967-73, study mg tlie ecology of tlie avian community of a forest- savanna contact

zone in Ivory Coast and the seasonal migrations of African raptors within West Africa

(the topic of his Ph.D.). Tliereafter, between visits to monitor the long-term dynamics

of tlie bird population of tlie main study site in Ivory Coast, he worked in many

tropical countries (especially Gabon, Uganda, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Mexico and

Colombia) witli a special emphasis on French Guiana. His main interests were

tropical raptors, and more generally rainforest bird ecology and conservation, the

2007

Informations de la Société

59

influences of habitat degradation, fragmentation, hunting and protected areas. During

recent years, he has also repeated some of his former extensive raptor counts

throughout West Africa to document the decline of some species (mainly eagles and

vultures) over the last 30 years. Since 1962, he has published almost 200 papers in

books or scientific journals. He has always been deeply involved in bird and nature

conservation organizations both in France and internationally, and a regular attendant

of ornithological and conservation congresses and meetings. As a result, he is a board

member of several regional, national and international scientific or conservation

bodies, but still manages to do much field ornithology at home (in eastern France) and

during frequent travels with his wife Françoise to extend one of the highest life lists

of the birds of the world.

Le nouveau Président de la S.O.O.A., Dr Jean-Marc Thiollay

Aujourd’hui à la retraite, Jean-Marc Thiollay a consacré sa vie professionnelle à la

recherche, d’abord comme chercheur puis directeur de recherche au Centre National

de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) à FUniversité de Paris (Ecole Normale

Supérieure puis Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle). Après ses études

universitaires en France et en Europe, il a passé six ans en Afrique de TOuest de 1967

à 1973, pour approfondir le fonctionnement d’un peuplement d’oiseaux dans une zone

de contact savane-forêt en Côte d’ivoire, et les migrations saisonnières des rapaces

africains en Afrique de l’Ouest (objet d’une thèse de doctorat). Puis, en dehors de

quelques séjours pour suivre la dynamique à long terme du peuplement du site

d’étude de Côte d’ivoire, il a travaillé dans de nombreux pays tropicaux, notamment

Gabon, Ouganda, Inde, Indonésie, Vietnam, Mexique, Colombie, etc, et

particulièrement en Guyane Française. Ses centres d’intérêt ont surtout été les rapaces

tropicaux et plus généralement l’écologie et la conservation des oiseaux de forêts

denses, l’influence de leur dégradation et de leur fragmentation, de la chasse et des

zones protégées. Dans les années récentes, il a aussi refait nombre de ses

recensements anciens de rapaces en Afrique de l’Ouest afin de chiffrer 30 ans plus

tard le déclin de certaines espèces (surtout aigles et vautours). De 1962 à 2007, il a

publié près de 200 articles dans de nombreux livres scientifiques d’ornithologie et

d’écologie. Il a en outre toujours été très impliqué dans les organismes de protection

des oiseaux et de la nature aux niveaux français et international et participe

régulièrement à de nombreux congrès ou réunions dans ces domaines. Il est membre

administrateur de nombreuses sociétés françaises et internationales et poursuit

néanmoins activement l’ornithologie de terrain autour de chez lui (en Champagne) et

au cours de fréquents voyages, avec sa femme Françoise, pour compléter l’une des

plus importantes “life list” des oiseaux du Monde.

60

Society Notices

Malimbus 29

West African Ornithological Society

Société d’Ornithologie de l’Ouest Africain

Provisional* Revenue Account for the year ended 31 December 2006

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2006

Assets

*A waiting Euro bank statement.

R.E. Sharland, Treasurer

Instructions to Authors

Malimbus publishes research papers, reviews and news about West African ornithology.

Papers and Short Notes must be original contributions; material published elsewhere, in

whole or in part, will not normally be accepted. Short Notes are articles not exceeding 1500

words (including references) or three printed pages in length. Wherever possible, manuscripts

should first have been critically scrutinised by at least one other ornithologist or biologist before

submission. Manuscripts will be sent for critical review to at least one relevant authority.

Items for News & Letters should not exceed 1000 words.

Contributions are accepted in English or French; editorial assistance will be made available

to authors whose first language is not one of these. Submission by email (attached file) is

preferred. For submissions on paper, two copies are required, typed on one side of the paper, with

double spacing and wide margins. Consult the editor for further details, e.g. acceptable software.

All Papers (but not Short Notes) should include a Summary, not exceeding 5% of the

paper’s length. The Summary should include brief reference to major findings of the paper and

not simply review what was done. Summaries will be published in both English and French and

will be translated as appropriate by the Editorial Board.

Format of tabular material, numbers, metric units, references, etc. should match recent

issues. Note particularly: dates are written 2 Feb 1990 but months standing alone may be written

in full; times of day are written 6h45, 17h32 and coordinates in the form 7°46'N, 16°4'E (no

leading zeros); numbers up to ten are written in full, except when followed by abbreviated units

{e.g. 6 m), numbers from 1 1 upwards are written in figures except at the beginning of a sentence.

All references mentioned in the article, and only such, must be listed in the bibliography.

Avifauna! articles must contain a map or gazetteer, including all localities mentioned. They

should include brief notes on climate, topography, vegetation, and conditions or unusual events

prior to or during the study {e.g. late rains etc.). Species lists should include only significant

information; full lists are justified only for areas previously unstudied or unvisited for many

years. Otherwise, include only species for which the study provides new information on range,

period of residence, breeding etc. For each species, indicate range extensions, an assessment of

abundance {Malimbus 17: 36) and dated breeding records; indicate migratory status and period

of residence only as shown by the study. Where appropriate, set data in context by brief

comparison with an authoritative regional checklist. Lengthy species lists may be in tabular form

{e.g. Malimbus 25: 4-30, 24: 15-22, 23: 1-22, 1: 22-28, or 1: 49-54) or in the textual format of

recent issues. Taxonomic sequence and scientific names (and preferably also vernacular

names) should follow Borrow & Demey (2004, Field Guide to the Birds of Western Africa,

Christopher Helm, London), or Dowsett & Forbes-Watson (1993, Checklist of Birds of the

Afrotropical and Malagasy Regions, Tauraco Press, Liège) or The Birds of Africa (Brown et al.

1982, Urban et al. 1986, 1997, Fry et al. 1988, Keith et al 1992, Fry & Keith 2000, 2004,

Academie Press, London), unless reasons for departure from these authorities are stated. A more

complete guide for authors of avifaunal papers, including the preferred abundance scale,

appeared in Malimbus 17: 35-39; a copy may be obtained from the Editor, who will be happy to

advise on the presentation of specific studies.

Figures should be prepared as for final reproduction, allowing for 20-50% reduction. When

designing Figures, pay attention to Malimbus page-shape. Figures prepared in or scanned into an

appropriate graphics package and saved at high resolution are preferred. They should be supplied

as graphics files, and not pasted into a text file. Low-resolution files and poor-quality printouts

will not be accepted. Authors are encouraged to submit photographs that illustrate salient points

of their articles. Photographs should be high-contrast (for publication in monochrome) and high

resolution (at least 600 dpi). They should be supplied in graphics file format {e.g. jpg or tif) and

not pasted into a Word file. Consult the Editor for further advice.

A pdf file of Papers and Short Notes, and one copy of the issue in which they appear, will be

sent to single or senior authors, gratis.

MALIMBUS 29(1) March 2007

Contents — Table des Matières

Dialects in the song of the Splendid Sunbird Cmnyris coccinigastra

at the University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana, February-April 2004.

L. Grimes 1-15

Avifauna of Omo Forest Reserve, SW Nigeria.

A.A. Green, P. Hall & A.P. Leventis 16-30

Nouvelles données sur la reproduction et l’hivernage des

Flamants roses Phoenicopterus roseus en Mauritanie

et confirmation d’échanges avec les colonies méditerranéennes.

Y. Diawara, A. Arnaud, A. Araujo & A. Béchet 31-41

Short Notes — Notes Courtes

New bird records for Benin.

V. Salewski & J. Korb 42-45

Bird diversity in Nyassang Forest Park, The Gambia {Malimbus

28: 134-142): corrections and further information.

S. Ballantyne 45-46

Brazza’s Martin Phedina brazzae in the Lesio-Louna Reserve,

Congo Republic.

T. King 46^9

News & Letters — Nouvelles & Lettres 50-52

Reviews — Revues 53-54

Society Notices — Informations de la Société 55-60

SMtTHSONIAN INSTtTUTlON LIBRARIES

3 9088 01325 3109

ÛL

SâlMAUMBUS

VOLUME 29 Number Z September 2007

ISSN 0331-3689

Journal ot West African Ornithology

Revue d*Omitholo|^e de l’Ouest Africain

published by:

publiée par:

West African Ornithological Society

Société d’Ornithologie de l’Ouest Africain

'*^0 -■

West African Ornithological Society

Société d’Ornithologie de l’Ouest Africain

Conseil:

Président: Dr Jean-Marc Thiollay

Vice-Président: Dr Roger Wilkinson

Président d’honneur: Dr G J. Morel

Membre du Conseil: Nils Robin

Trésorier et chargé des abonnements

Rédacteur en Chef: Dr Alan Tye

Secrétaire du Conseil: Dr Joost Brouwer

Secrétaire adjoint: Dr Hazell S.S. Thompson

Webmestre: P.W. Peter Browne

: Robert E. Sharland

Comité de Rédaction: P.W. P. Browne, Prof. R. A, Cheke, R. Demey, Dr O. Girard,

Dr P. Giraudoux, Dr L.G. Grimes, Dr L.D.C. Fishpool, Dr P.J. Jones, Dr G. J. Morel,

Dr W.D. Newmark, Dr J.-M. Thiollay, Dr H. S.S. Thompson, Dr R. Wilkinson

Distribution de Malimbusi G.D. Field

Site web: <http://malimbus.free.fr/>

La correspondance doit être adressée comme suit:

— au Rédacteur en Chef (Dr A, Tye, SPREP, P.O. Box 240, Apia, Samoa;

<alantye@gmail.com>) pour les articles à soumettre à Malimbus,

— au Trésorier (1 Fisher’s Heron, East Mills, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 2JR,

U. K.) pour les abonnements, les questions financières et les numéros anciens;

— au Secrétaire du Conseil (Wildekamp 32, 6721 JD Bennekom, The Netherlands;

<brouwereac@wanadoo.nl>) pour les demandes des Bourses de Recherches;

— au Secrétaire adjoint (BirdLife International, ICIPE Campus, Kasarani Road, P.O.

Box 3502-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; <hazell,thompson@birdlife.or.ke>) pour la

présence aux réunions ou des suggestions pour celles-ci.

— au Webmestre <pbrowne@cyberus.ca> pour les questions du site web.

— au Président (2 rue Rivière, F- 10220 Rouilly Sacey, France; <jm.thiollay@wanadoo.fr>)

pour les questions d’intérêt général.

La Société tire son origine de la '‘Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society”, fondée en 1964.

Son but est de promouvoir l’ornithologie ouest-africaine, principalement au moyen de

sa revue Malimbus (anciennement Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists' Society).

Les demandes d’adhésion sont les bienvenues. Les cotisations annuelles sont de £15

(€22) pour les Membres Ordinaires et de £30 (€45) pour les Sociétés (les cotisations

peuvent être payées en £ sterling au Trésorier ou en Euro au Président). Les Membres

Ordinaires reçoivent Malimbus par courrier ordinaire et les Sociétés par courrier

aérien, gratuitement. Un supplément est exigé des Membres Ordinaires pour le

courrier aérien (demander au Trésorier le tarif).

Anciens Numéros: Les Volumes 11-14 (1975-78) du Bulletin of the Nigerian

Ornithologists' Society (du même format que Malimbus) sont disponibles à £2/€3.50

par numéro (£4/€7 par volume) ou £15/€25 l’ensemble. Les Volumes 1-9 de

Malimbus sont disponibles à £3/€5 par numéro (£6/€10 par volume) et les Vols 10-

29, à £5/€8.50 par numéro (£10/€17 par volume). Une série complète de Malimbus

(du Volume 1 jusqu’au plus récent) peut être acquise avec un rabais de 20% sur le

prix total. Frais de port et emballage sont gratuits. Veuillez joindre le paiement à votre

commande et l’adresser au Trésorier.

Bourses de Recherches de la S.O.O.A.: Les conditions à remplir pour les

candidatures se trouvent dans Malimbus 25: 72-75 et sur le site web, ou peuvent être

obtenues auprès du Secrétaire du Conseil (adresse ci-dessus).

2007

61

The avifauna of the proposed Kyabobo National Park

in eastern Ghana

by Françoise Dowsett-Lemaire & Robert J. Dowsett

Le Pouget, 30440 Sumène, France. <dowsett@aoLpl!fÈ^^^^”^^^^^M/\/

NOV 1 9 200?

Received 28 June 2006; revised 14 May 20(^.

Summary

'J

The proposed Kyabobo National Park (218 km ) in E Ghana is hnmediately

adjacent to the larger Fazao-Malfakassa NP in Togo. It is set in a range of

steep hills in the forest-savaima transition zone, and forest (mainly semi-

evergreen) is currently expanding over savanna. Uie first ornithological

survey of the area, based on two visits, in the rains (10 Jul to 2 Aug 2004) and

the late dry season (18-23 Feb 2005), identified 235 bird species. There is a

large forest component with a rather impoverished savanna element. The most

important biome is Guineo-Congolian, with at least 65 bird species. Practic-

ally all observations of forest birds represent extensions of known range, to

the north. The Barred Owlet Glaucidium capense (discovered in Ghana in

2004) is widespread at forest edges. Baumann’s Bulbul Phyllastrephus

baumanni is common in rank understorey of forest clearings (its natural

habitat) and secondary growth in farmbush, even where invaded by the exotic

shrub Chromolaena odorata. Observations of Lagden’s Bush Shrike

Malaconotus lagdeni in the forested hills in the south of Kyabobo are the first

in Ghana since the 19th century type collection. The Long-billed Pipit Anthiis

similis was found breeding on the thinly vegetated ridge of one of the peaks.

Résumé

L’avifaune du futur Parc National de Kyabobo dans l’est du Ghana. Le

futur Parc National de Kyabobo (218 km^), dans Test du Ghana, fait bloc

avec le PN de Fazao-Malfakassa au Togo voisin. Il englobe une chaîne de

hautes collines escarpées et se situe dans la zone de transition forêt/savane. La

forêt (de type semi-sempervirent) est actuellement en expansion sur la savane.

Les premières enquêtes ornithologiques, menées en saison des pluies (10

juillet au 2 août 2004) et en fin de saison sèche (18-23 février 2005) ont

permis d’identifier 235 espèces, avec une composante forestière beaucoup

plus importante que l’élément savanicole. Le biome guinéo-congolais

comprend au moins 65 espèces. Presque toutes les observations d’espèces

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F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett

Malimbus 29

forestières représentent des extensions de Faire connue de distribution vers le

nord. La Chevêchette du Cap Glaucidînm capense (découverte au Ghana en

2004) est répandue sur les lisières forestières. Le Bulbul de Baumann

Phyllastrephus baumanni est commun dans son milieu naturel (végétation

dense et basse des clairières forestières) mais aussi dans les friches post-

culturales, même celles envahies par le buisson rudéralisé Chromolaena

odorata. Les observations du Gladiateur de Lagden Malaconotus lagdeni

dans les forêts du sud de Kyabobo sont les premières au Ghana depuis la

récolte du type au 19ème siècle. Nous avons trouvé le Pipit à long hQcAnthns

similis nichant sur la crête rase d’im des soimnets de Kyabobo.

Introduction

Tlie proposed Kyabobo National Park (218 km^) in E Ghana is adjacent to the larger

Fazao-Malfakassa National Park in Togo. It is bordered to tlie east by the Koue river,

which flows northwards, following the international boundary. The park was named

after Moimt Kyabobo (also spelt Djebobo), which at 887 m is the second tallest hill in

Ghana, but this peak as well as the surroundings of Shiare are now excluded from the

proposed park, whose boundaries were redrawn in 2004 (Fig. 1). A small amount of

fanning has taken place in the reserve, most farmers coming from Shiare where the

mgged topography makes cultivation difficult.

Tire park is situated in the northern sector of the forest-savanna transition zone. A

few km north of Koue the landscape changes dramatically into dry savanna

woodland, whereas to the south (as around Shiare) the hills appear more extensively

forested. Tlie topography is extremely broken, with a succession of steep hills

tliroughout, several just exceeding 800 m. Apart from a few ridge tops which may be

almost bare of trees, the park is generally densely wooded or forested. Woodland and

dry forest (mainly semi-evergreen) intermingle extensively. A striking feature of the

area is the current rapid expansion of forest over woodland, presumably the result of

increasing rainfall.

The avifaima of the proposed park had never been studied. Moyer (1996)

mentions a few species he encountered in an area of forested lulls just to the south

(2.5-4 km south of Shiare), in Oct 1994. We carried out two surveys in the park

totalling 4 weeks: in the middle of the rains (10 Jul to 2 Aug 2004, henceforth termed

the “July” study), and in the late dry season (18-23 Feb 2005). In July, our time was

spent mainly m the lower Laboum basin in the south, and m the Koue-Nazeni area in

the north, with a few days aroimd Breast Mountain in the southwest. Our February

visit was centred in the upper Laboum basin, rendered more accessible in dry

weather, including one day’s climb to one of the highest peaks (“South Repeater”:

Fig. 1). One day (and night) was also spent in riverine forest at Pawa camp, an

exceptionally luxuriant strip of forest benefiting from much shade provided by the

2007

Birds of Kyabobo NP

63

surrounding hills. July-August were extremely wet, with heavy showers on most

days; our February visit coincided with the first (early) storms of tlie year, but

showers do not normally become regular before about April (P. Hartley pers. comm.).

Figure 1. Map of Kyabobo NP showing main localities and all camp sites

(crosses); of the latter, 1 = Laboum main camp (outpost), 2 = Laboum forest

camp, 3 ” upper Laboum valley.

64

F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ, Dowsett

Malimbus 29

A limited amount of mist-netting was carried out in July: two days in forest on the

Laboum stream, and a few hours in farmbush to catch Baumann’s Bulbul

Phyllastrephus baiimanni. Nomenclature follows Dowsett & Forbes- Watson (1993)

except for African Green Pigeon Tver on calvns (Urban et al. 1986) and Spermes tes in

place of Lonchnra (Payne & Sorenson 2003). The suffixes of some species names

have changed following David & Gosselin (2002a, b).

Habitats

Arbonnier (2000) and Hawthorne (1990) were used for plant identification. Five

habitat types (following White 1983) can be recognized in Kyabobo, from the least to

the most forested:

Wooded Grassland (tree cover 10-40%) occurs on some of the ridge tops, with

tliin, gravely soil or scattered rocks. Syzygium guineense is very common on top of

“South Repeater”, as is the small Protea madiensis.

Woodland (tree cover > 40%) in the sections visited is most extensive near Koue

and Nazeni, with limited areas in the Laboum basin. Daniellia oliveri is usually the

tallest tree (20-25 m), and other characteristic tree species include Cross opteryx

febrifnga, Ciissonia arborea, Detarium microcarpum, Hannoa imdulata, Isoberlinia

doka, Khax’a Senegal ensis, Lonchocarpns sericens, Lophira lanceolata, Nauclea

latifolia, Parinari curateUifolia, Parkia biglobosa, Piliostigma thonningii, Prosopis

africana, Pseiidocedrela kotschyi, Terminalia laxiflora, Uapaca togoensis, Vitellaria

paradoxa, Vitex doniana. Some figs occur locally (Ficus ingens, F. platyphylla, F.

sur). Tlie herbaceous layer is mostly grasses; in some areas (disturbed by agriculture

and fires) the exotic slirub Chromolaena odorata may be present.

Transition Woodland has a mixture of woodland and forest elements: the open

canopy is dominated by woodland species (with a few forest trees) but the under-

storey is invaded by evergreen vines, as well as Chromolaena 2-3 m tall. Transition

woodland is very extensive on the slopes of large hills, above the level of forest.

Forest trees include Anthocleista djalonensis, Bridelia scleroneura, Cola gigantea, C.

millenii, Milicia excelsa, Spondias mombin. On the slopes of Breast Mountain, some

woodland species (e.g. Baobab Adansonia digitata and smaller trees of Hymenocardia

acida) are being smothered by vines and forest trees growing over and around them.

Dry Anogeissus forest is the most characteristic forest type in the region of Koue,

occupying valley flats on water-logged soil. Anogeissus leiocarpus is deciduous for

only a few weeks and forms a closed canopy at a height of 30 m or so. There are

numerous herbaceous vines. A few other tree species occur, among them (along

streams) Cola gigantea, Ceiba pentandra, Erythrophleum suaveolens. Ficus ingens,

Khaya grandifoliola, K. senegalensis.

Semi-evergreen Rain Forest (= dry semi-deciduous ram forest of Hall & Swaine

1976) is extensive in the valleys and lower hill slopes of the south. The canopy

2007

Birds of Kyabobo NP

65

reaches 25-=40 m. The boundary between Transition Woodland and this forest type is

not always clear-cut. Forest clearings are almost invariably invaded by the exotic

Chromolaena, apparently largely the result of fires (Chromoiaena growing faster than

natural vegetation). Widespread tree species include: AfzeUa africana, Albtia

adianîhifoîia, Canarium schweinfurthii, Ceiba pentandra, CleistophoUs patens, Cola

gigantea, C. mtilenii, Cordia miUenii, Detarium senegalense, Diaiium guineeme,

Diospyros mespiliformis, Elaeis guineemis, Ficus mucuso, F. poUta, F. sur, F.

vogeiii, HUdegardia barteri, Homalium letestui, Malacantha ainifoUa, Maranthes

kerstingii, Pachysîeîa brevipes, Parkia fiUcoidea (reaching 40 m), Pentadesma

butyracea, Piptadeniastrum africanum, Pycnanthus angolensis, Ricinodendron

heudelotii, Sorindeia zenkeri, Spondias mombin, StercuUa tragacantha, Symphonia

giobulifera. Large woody lianes are present (e.g. Entada, Strychnos, Tetracera sp.)

and reach the canopy. Important permanent streams such as the Laboum and the

stream at Pawa camp are lined by denser forest, with Antiaris toxic aria, Ceiba, Cola

gigantea, Elaeis, Eriocoelum kerstingii, Erythrophleum suaveolem, Lecaniodiscus

cupanioides, Myrianthm arboreus, Napoieonaea vogeiii, Pandanus sp., Pentadesma

butyracea, stilt-rooted Uapaca togoensis, etc.

Only a small percentage of the reserve is cultivated, on flat terrain (valley

bottoms, tops of low plateaux). Secondary growth (farmbush) follows cultivation

(maize or cassava), the first stage being herbaceous growth 2-3 m tall, with some

shrubs; Elaeis palms are usually left in fields. The invasive Chromoiaena is dominant

in this landscape. Secondary thickets are another stage of forest regeneration. The

exotic bamboo Bambusa vulgaris occurs locally in clumps on the lower Laboum; teak

Tectona grandis, anotlier exotic, regenerates spontaneously in farmbush near Koue

(its flowers are highly attractive to sunbirds).

The largest stream, or river, the Koue in the east, was a torrent of brown water in

My; it was not revisited in February.

The avifauna

In all, 235 species were recorded, all but three by ourselves, as detailed below. Our

My visit produced 182 species, and the shorter February visit 171, 50 being

additions. Many of the additions were Palaearctic or intra-African migrants; others

were forest birds that had been overlooked previously, some (in the Laboum area

visited at both seasons) apparently silent at the peak of the rains, while others were

found only in the luxuriant riparian forest at Pawa camp during our second survey.

Biomes are indicated where relevant: GC = Guineo-Congolian element (following

Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2001); SUD = Sudanian element (belonging to the

Sudanian region of White 1983, synonymous with the “Sudan-Guinea” savanna

biome of Fishpool & Evans 2001). The status of migrants is given immediately after

the species name: AM = intra-African migrant; PM = Palaearctic migrant.

66

F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett

Malimbus 29

Ardeidae

Tigriornis leucolopha White-crested Tiger Héron (GC). One seen in forest by the

Laboum stream, 27 Jul.

Butorides striata Green-backed Heron. Present on the Koue river, Jul.

Scopidae

Scopus umbretta Hamerkop. One or two by the Koue river, Jul.

Accipitridae

Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard. PM. Singles, 20 and 23 Feb.

Necrosyrtes monachus Hooded Vulture. Mainly commensal, outside the park. One

pair hunting from Odome to Breast Mountain, Jul.

Circaetus cinereus Brown Snake Eagle. One over Laboum basin, Jul, Feb.

Dryotriorchis spectabilis Congo Serpent Eagle (GC). One calling in upper Laboum

forest, 20 Feb; seen in same area 22 Feb.

Polyboroides typus Gymnogene. One in upper Laboum basin and another displaying

over forest near Pawa, Feb.

Accipiter melanoleuciis Black Goshawk. One flying into Laboum forest, Jul.

A, erythropus Red-thighed Sparrowhawk (GC). A species mainly of forest edges, with

a few observed near Koue (canopy of Anogeissits) and Laboum area, Jul, Feb,

including one catcliing and eating a Charades butterfly.

A. tachiro African Goshawk. Singles recorded in forest at all sites; display song heard

tliroughout in Jul, also Feb.

Kaupifalco monogrammicus Lizard Buzzard. Throughout the park, in farmbush and

savanna. Strongly territorial. Jul, Feb.

Buteo auguralis Red-necked Buzzard. Not seen Jul, but fairly conspicuous (and

calling) in Feb in the hills around Laboum and Pawa camps.

Hieraaetus ayresii Ayres’s Hawk Eagle. One over Breast Mountain, Jul.

Spizaetiis africanus Cassin’s Hawk Eagle (GC). Forest species more widespread than

last, Jul, Feb: singles or pairs seen near Nazeni camp, Laboum and Breast Mountain,

including display song.

Polemaetus beUicosus Martial Eagle. One over hills east of Nazeni camp, 24 Jul.

Falconidae

Falco biarmicus Larmer Falcon. One over hill near Pawa camp, 23 Feb.

Phasianidae

Francoliniis bicalcaratus Double-spurred Francolin. Common in savanna grassland,

Jul, Feb.

F. ahantensis Ahanta Francolin (GC). Very common in transition woodland, forest

and farmbush, Jul, Feb.

PtiJopachiis petrosus Stone Partridge. Very common throughout savanna and forest,

in pairs or small groups, Jul, Feb.

Numididae

Gutter a pucker ani Crested Guineafowl. Heard in two places, Jul: near Koue river and

one group roosting one night near our Laboum forest camp.

2007

Birds of Kyabobo NP

67

Numida meleagris Helmeted Guineafowl. Uncommon: heard once near Laboum camp

(in savanna) and five seen in woodland near Nazeni camp, Jul.

RallMae

Himantornis haematopm Nkulengu Rail (GC). Tape-recorded at night in riparian

forest at Pawa camp, Jun 2005 (S. Bearder in Utt., with tape provided).

Sarothrura puichra White-spotted Flufftail (GC). In tall rani grass, Chromoiaena and

forest near streams: Laboum, Breast Mountain and Pawa camp, M, Feb.

Heliornithidae

Podica senegalensis African Fiiifoot. Heard once on the Laboum stream, M, and

reported by some scouts on the Koue. Also seen on the stream at Pawa camp, Feb.

Columbidae

Columba deiegorguei Bronze-naped Pigeon. One heard in forest near our Laboum

forest camp, M; evidently more vocal in Feb, with several singing in Laboum forests

and one seen.

Streptopeiia vinacea Vinaceous Dove. AM. Almost absent in Jul: one immature in

savanna at Laboum camp, 12 Jul, but several singing in that area in Feb. Thus mainly

a local dry-season breeding visitor.

S, semitorquata Red-eyed Dove. Very common throughout savanna, farmbush with

large trees and open forest, Jul, Feb.

Turtur afer Blue-spotted Wood Dove. Common throu^out savanna, open forest and

secondary thickets, Jul, Feb.

T. tympanistria Tambourine Dove. Common in semi-evergreen rain forest (Laboum

to Pawa). Apparently singing less in Feb than Jul.

T. brehmeri Blue-headed Wood Dove (GC). Rare: two singles flushed from

understorey in semi-evergreen forest at Breast Mountain, 12 Jul.

Treron calvus African Green Pigeon. Common throughout. Pairs and small groups

feeding on fruit of Ficus spp., Bridelia scleroneura, Maniikara multinervis, Vitex

doniana, Jul, Feb.

Musophagidae

Tauraco persa Guinea Turaco (GC). Very common throughout in forest and

woodland, feeding on a variety of fruit (as for Treron), Jul, Feb.

Musophaga violacea Violet Turaco (SUD). Small numbers in open situations

(farmbush, riparian forest), throughout, Jul.

Corythaeola cristata Great Blue Turaco. Several scouts know this distinctive, noisy

bird from wetter forest near Kilmga and Shiare, and assured us that, at times,

wanderers visit the forests in the Laboum basin.

Crinifer piscator Western Grey Plantain-eater. A few in savanna and farmbush near

Koue; a wanderer near Laboum camp, 15-16 Jul.

Cuculidae

Clamator levailianîii Striped Cuckoo. AM. One calling briefly on ridge near Soutli

Repeater, 21 Feb. Normally parasitizes Turdoides babblers (absent from Kyabobo),

and its status at Kyabobo is unclear.

68

F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett

Malimbus 29

P achy coccyx audeberti Thick-billed Cuckoo. One singing in farmbush near Koue

river, 18 Jul. Its loud whistled song was imitated frequently by Turdus pelios in the

Laboum area. Much more conspicuous in Feb, with three different individuals located

in the Laboum area, calling persistently.

CmcuIus solitarius Red-chested Cuckoo. AM. Very few in the north, near Koue river

and Nazeni camp, in forest, singing little (few robins to parasitize and breeding

probably over), Jul. None heard in five days in Feb, but one seen near Laboum

outpost, 18 Feb.

C. clamosus Black Cuckoo. AM. Several rather noisy birds near Laboum outpost 10-

17 Jul (in open forest and transition woodland), silent by late Jul; one calling briefly

near Nazeni camp, 23 Jul. One calling (Laboum), 18 Feb. Reported in the Shiare area,

Oct (Moyer 1996).

C. giilaris African Grey Cuckoo. AM. One seen in woodland near Koue, 20 Jul. One

seen and heard in woodland near Laboum outpost, 19 Feb.

Chn’sococcyx ciipreus Emerald Cuckoo. AM. One singing in forest in the upper

Laboum valley, 28 Jul. Apparently absent from the same area in Feb (none in three

days).

C. kJaas Klaas’s Cuckoo. Widespread in woodland, transition woodland and semi-

evergreen forest on hills, Jul, Feb.

C. caprins Didric Cuckoo. AM. Nest parasite of weavers, only just in the park near

Koue (in fannbush), Jul.

Centhmochares aereiis Green Coucal. Widespread in small thickets throughout

(transition woodland, Anogeissiis forest, farmbush, hill forest), Jul, Feb.

Centropiis leiicogaster Black-throated Coucal (GC). Heard once in open forest near

Laboum forest camp, Jul. Noisier in Feb, when heard in several places in the Laboum

area, also in riparian forest at Pawa camp.

C. monachus Blue-headed Coucal. Several pairs seen in rank growth in farmbush and

forest edges in the Laboum valley and one seen near Koue river, Jul, Feb.

C. senegalensis Senegal Coucal. The main coucal species in woodland and farmbush,

especially in the north (Koue, Nazeni, near Pawa), but also near Laboum camp and

top of Breast Mountain, Jul, Feb.

Tytonidae

Tyto alba Bam Owl. Heard at Labomn, Koue and Nazeni camps, Jul.

Strigidae

Otns senegalensis African Scops Owl. Calling througliout (Jul, Feb), in woodland,

transition woodland and open semi-evergreen forest.

Bubo africaniis Spotted Eagle Owl. Heard and seen in savanna throughout, Jul, Feb.

B. poensis Fraser’s Eagle Owl. Pair duetting with usual guttural trills (“roulades”) in

riparian forest at Pawa camp, 22 Feb, and higli whistle heard several times at the same

spot, probably given by immature (cf. Dowsett-Lemaire 2006).

Glancidium capense Barred Owlet. Several heard from transition woodland and forest

edges in the Laboum and Nazeni regions, Jul, as well as on the edge of riparian forest

2007

Birds of Kyabobo NP

69

at Pawa, Feb. In Jul, sometimes called only a little in the early morning. Songs consist

of series of 6“8 slightly purred notes and also the longer series of rolled notes (cf.

race etchecopari recorded in Ivory Coast by Chappuis 2000; sonogram in Dowsett &

Dowsett-Lemaire 1993).

Strix woodfordii Wood Owl. Throughout, heard at all camp sites (transition woodland

and forest), Jul, Feb.

Caprimulgidae

Caprimuigus pectoralis {nigriscapularis) Fiery-necked Nightjar. Heard from Laboum

camp and bottom of Breast Mountain (transition woodland, farmbush, forest

clearings), also near Nazeni camp, Jul. Sang on clear nights, at first mainly in the

early morning, but vocal activity clearly increasing during Jul. Tape-recorded (at

Breast Mountain). More vocal in Feb, when several heard in the Laboum area and

around Pawa camp.

C. tristigma Freckled Rock Nightjar. At least one singing on pebbly hill above Pawa

camp, 22 Feb. Likely present in any ridge-top woodland with rocks.

C. climacurus Long-tailed Nightjar. AM? Seen and heard in savanna near Laboum

camp in Feb (none there Jul), and one seen and heard in small abandoned field at

Pawa camp, 22 Feb.

Apodidae

Cypsiurus parvus Palm Swift. Occasional bird seen, Jul.

Apus melba Alpine Swift. PM. Large numbers (> 100) calling over the upper Laboum

valley and ridges, 21-22 Feb, sometimes mixed with the next species. Hundreds over

a hill above Pawa camp, 23 Feb.

A. aequatorialis Mottled Swift. AM. Several dozens seen at close range and calling

withyf. melba over the Laboum valley, 21-22 Feb.

A. apus European Swift. PM. Several groups associated with swallows in the upper

Laboum area, 20-22 Feb.

A. affinis Little Swift. Group over Breast Mountain, 31 Jul (breeds in some villages

under eaves and on bridges).

Trogonidae

Apaloderma narina Narina’s Trogon. Two located by song in the Laboum forest, Jul.

Alcedinidae

Ceyx pictus Pygmy Kingfisher. AM in part. A few in woodland, farmbush with

scattered trees, Jul, Feb.

Halcyon leucocephala Chestnut-bellied Kingfisher. AM. Very common and noisy in

Feb (absent Jul) in open woodland or farmbush, especially conspicuous on ridge tops.

H. malimbica Blue-breasted Kingfisher. Widespread and common in all forest types

(although less common in Anogeissus) and transition woodland, Jul, Feb.

H. chelicuti Striped Kingfisher. Widespread m woodland, Jul, Feb.

Meropidae

Merops pusillus Little Bee-eater. One in farmbush and a group of three in woodland

in the south, did not stay, Jul.

70

F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett

Malimbus 29

M hirundineiis Swallow-tailed Bee-eater. AM. A pair in woodland near Laboum

camp, 19 Feb.

M aJbicoUis White-throated Bee-eater. AM. A group of migrants flying north on 13

Jul is very late for this Sahel-breeding bird. Probably not uncommon in winter:

groups feeding in farmbush on upper Laboum, 21-22 Feb.

M apiaster European Bee-eater. PM. A group near Pawa 23 Feb, probably wintering

in the area (as this is a little early for the start of northward passage).

Coradidae

Coracias cyanogaster Blue-bellied Roller (SUD). Pairs or family units (of four) in

several open areas of woodland, often on tlie edge of fields, Jul, Feb.

Eurystomiis glauciirus Broad-billed Roller. AM in part. Near the Laboum stream in

farmbush, calling very little in Jul but more conspicuous and noisy in Feb (several

pairs from Laboum camp to Soutli Repeater) when often associating with next species.

E. gularis Blue-throated Roller (GC). Blue tliroat of an adult very well seen when

feeding a fledgling in forest above our Laboum forest camp, 25-29 Jul. The young

bird had a pale blue, rather mottled belly, and was calling almost constantly (a

distinctive high piping note). Much more conspicuous in Feb, when adults frequently

gave the typical screams (forest and fannbush in upper Laboum, Pawa camp).

Phoeniculidae

Phoeniciilus piirpureiis Red-billed Wood Hoopoe. Uncommon, with a group of five

encoimtered in woodland near the Laboum stream, 13 Jul.

P. aterrimus Black Wood Hoopoe. Widespread in woodland, transition woodland,

and Anogeissns forest (canopy), Jul, Feb.

Upupidae

Upupa epops Hoopoe. AM. Reported in the dry season of 2004 (one in woodland near

Laboum camp: P. Hartley, pers. comm.) but must be rare.

Bucerotidae

Tropicramis albocristatus White-crested Hombill (GC). One accompanying a group

of Mona Monkeys Cercopitheciis mona in closed forest near the Laboum waterfalls,

28 Jul.

Tockus fasciatiis Pied Hombill (GC). Very common in all vegetation types, Jul, Feb.

T. nasiitiis African Grey Hombill. AM. Very common in Feb, in any woodland;

absent Jul-Aug.

Bycanistes fistidator Wliite-tailed Hombill (GC). Locally common in Koue area, Jul,

with local movements, as much commoner in the Laboum area in Feb than Jul.

Lybiidae

Pogoniiihis scolopaceus Speckled Tiokerbird (GC). Fairly common in the south,

especially the Laboum basin (forest and farmbush), more local on Breast Mountain;

wanders short distances away from forest to take figs in woodland, Jul, Feb.

P. chrysoconns Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird. The commonest tinkerbird in woodland in

the north (Nazeni-Koue), but outnumbered by P. bilineatiis in the south. Also in dry

Anogeissus forest, Jul, Feb.

2007

Birds of Kyabobo NP

71

P. bilineaîiis Golden-rumped Tinkerbird. Common in all vegetation types in the

south, including woodland, Jul, Feb. More local m the north, in riparian forest.

Trichoiaema hirsuta Hairy-breasted Barbet (GC). Encountered in secondary forest on

the upper Laboum, as well as in riparian forest at Pawa camp, Jul, Feb.

Lybius vieil loti Vieillot’ s Barbet. Common in woodland, north and south, occasional

in farmbush, Jul, Feb.

L bidentatus Double-toothed Barbet. One pah in farmbush/woodland near Koue,

feeding on fruit of Cussonia and Vitex, 19-20 Jul.

L. dubius Bearded Barbet (SUD). One pah in farmbush near the Koue river, on the

park’s northern boundary, 21 Jul, very close to L. bidentatus.

Trachyphonus purpuratus Yellow-billed Barbet (GC). One responded to tape in

secondary forest in the upper Labomn valley, 28 Jul. Calling spontaneously in the

same area in Feb.

Indicatoridae

Indicator maculatus Spotted Honeyguide (GC). One in song in secondary forest in the

upper Laboum valley, 20-21 Feb.

I. indicator Greater Honeyguide. One seen in canopy of Anogeissus forest in the

north, Jul.

/. minor Lesser Honeyguide. Several song posts in forest, Laboum to Pawa, Jul, Feb.

L exilis Western Least Honeyguide. One flycatching in a large tree in riparian forest

on the Laboum, 1 1 Jul.

I. wiUcocksi Willcocks’s Honeyguide (GC). Two exploring bark together in farmbush

on the edge of forest near Breast Mountain, 31 Jul. Lack of moustachial stripe noted.

One on the edge of riparian forest on the upper Laboum, 22 Feb.

Picidae

Campethera punctuligera Fine-spotted Woodpecker. Rare: one seen in a mixed

woodpecker party in transition woodland near Nazeni camp, Jul.

C. cailliautii Little Spotted Woodpecker. Seen once in Jul in a mixed woodpecker

party in transition woodland near Nazeni camp. Responded to tape of both C. cailliautii

and Golden-backed Woodpecker C. maculosa. Called repeatedly in tree-top (series of

“whee” calls, similar in both species). Tail colour, the main difference in male

plumage, was not well seen, but assumed to be this species (reported in the Shiare

area by Moyer 1996) rather than C. maculosa, which occurs further west in Ghana

(Short in Fry et al. 1988). Also heard on the upper Laboum (forest edge), 22 Feb.

C nivosa Buff-spotted Woodpecker (GC). Located in riparian forest at Pawa camp, Feb.

Dendropicos gabonensis Gabon Woodpecker (GC). A pair in forest and farmbush in

the upper Laboum valley, seen and heard, Jul, Feb.

D. fuscescens Cardinal Woodpecker. Widespread in farmbush (with tliickets), in

riparian forest and at edges of woodland, Jul, Feb.

Thripias pyrrhogaster Fire-bellied Woodpecker (GC). Locally common in the

Laboum forest, based on the early morning drumming on dead trees: four territories

within a few hundred ni in forest and adjacent farmbush. Drumming heard Jul, Feb.

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Mesopicos goertae Grey Woodpecker. Seen once in a mixed woodpecker party in

transition woodland near Nazeni camp, Jul.

Picoides obsoletus Brown-backed Woodpecker. Seen twice in the Laboum area, in

thin riparian forest and woodland near camp, Jul.

Hirundinidae

Psalidoprocne obscura Fanti Saw- wing. AM? Several in clearings along the Laboum

and Koue rivers in Jul. More numerous locally in Feb: up to 25 birds (Laboum); > 20

birds flying north, 21 Feb. Also reported in the Shiare area, Oct (Moyer 1996).

Hirundo abyssinica Lesser Striped Swallow. Groups up to 20 on several occasions,

Jul. Seen once in Feb (Laboum).

H. preiissi Preuss’s Cliff Swallow. AM. A few well seen, with migratory Delichon

urbicum, on the upper Labomn, 22 Feb.

H. rustica European Swallow. PM. Some flying north, 21-22 Feb.

H. hicida Red-chested Swallow. AM? A few visiting farmbush over the Laboum

stream on occasion, Jul; flocks of 10 or more flying south over lulls, apparently on

migration, 22 Jul, 1 Aug.

Delichon iirbiciim House Martin. PM. Common on passage, 20-22 Feb.

Motacillidae

Anthus similis Long-billed Pipit. One pair observed on top of the hill near South

Repeater, in short open woodland, 21 Feb. One bird was singing a song typical of the

species elsewhere in Africa (two different notes repeated with a short interval “plui,

tchlup, plui, tchlup...”) and the other was nest-building. There are several other hills

with pebbly, short woodland in Kyabobo.

A. trivialis Tree Pipit. PM. Common migrant in woodland in the dry season, with

several in the Laboum valley and on ridge top, 19-22 Feb.

Campephagidae

Campephaga phoenicea Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike. AM. Two males chasing

each other in farmbush near Koue, 20 Jul.

Coracina pectoralis Wliite-breasted Cuckoo-shrike. Few in tall woodland in the

north, Jul.

Pycnonotidae

Andropadns virens Little Greenbul. Widespread, in dense forest understorey,

fannbush (including Chromolaena) and forest edges, low down, except when feeding

on canopy fruit, Jul, Feb.

A. gracilis Little Grey Greenbul (GC). Fairly common in the south, in mid-stratum

(usually) of forest, including secondary formations, Jul, Feb.

A. curvirostris Cameroon Sombre Greenbul (GC). Forest understorey (Laboum, Pawa),

also in thick growth in farmbush, Jul, Feb. Song, heard in several places, a slow series

of three modulated whistles; one bird came to tape playback of a similar motif recorded

in Cameroon (nominate race) by Chappuis (2000). Uie race at Kyabobo is not known;

the nominate is said to have been collected at several places in Togo (Cheke & Walsh

1996), while leoninus is reported from forest to the west of the Volta (Lowe 1937).

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Birds of Kyabobo NP

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À. gracilirostris Slender-billed Greenbul. A common canopy species of all forest

formations (including Anogeissus) and even woodland, wandering there frequently in

search of fruit, Jul, Feb.

A. latirostris Yellow- whiskered Greenbul. Very common understorey species of all

forest types (including Anogeissus), throughout, Jul, Feb.

Baeopogon indicator Honeyguide Greenbul (GC). Widespread (usually in the canopy)

in all forest types and even transition woodland, Jui, Feb. Often sang in mid- afternoon

and other times when other species were quiet. Seen eating fruit of Antiaris, Feb.

Chlorocichla simplex Simple Greenbul (GC). Locally in secondary thickets in

farmbush between the Koue river and Koue (several in song in Jul), and in

Chromolaena on edge of riparian forest near Pawa camp, Feb.

Thescelocichla leucopleura Swamp Pahn Bulbul (GC). A noisy pair discovered in

riparian forest at Pawa camp, 22-23 Feb. At its northern limit of distribution.

Pyrrhurm scandens Leaflove (GC). Common in canopy of all forest types (including Ano-

geissus) and in transition woodland, Jul, Feb. Often one of the first species to sing at dawn.

Phyllastrephus baumanni Baumann’s Greenbul (GC). Thanks to a tape of its song made

available by R. Demey (obtained in Ivory Coast), this species was located in many

places in Jul, usually in dense herbaceous cover close to the ground, in forest clearings

and transition woodland but also in farmbush (particularly old cassava fields invaded

by tall grass and Chromolaena odor at a), and even a field of 2-m tall maize on the

edge of the Koue river in the north. Occasionally perched in a shrub or small tree

when alarmed, but fed close to the ground, hopping from stem to stem. In transition

woodland or forest clearings usually found with Ptilopachus petrosus, Tchagra australis,

Cisticola lateralis, Camaroptera brachyura and Andropadus virens. Near streams it

also associated with Sarothrura pulchra, Sylvietta virens, Hylia prasina, Melocichla

mentalis and Cisticola erythrops. In dry farmbush usual associates were P. petrosus,

C. lateralis, C. brachyura and A. virens. The male of a pair was netted and ringed in

farmbush on the Laboum stream and retrapped in another net the same afternoon: a

territory of several hectares. Not very vocal in Jul, but more so in Feb after the first

storms: the song motifs consist usually of 3-4 notes, at the rate of c. 2 notes per s,

either of the Pycnonotus type (“tchic, tchup”) or rolled (“prrrur”): thus “tchic-tchup-

prrur-prrui...”; these and variations were given for spells of a few minutes, with short

intervals; tape-recorded. Most singing took place at dawn, and occasionally during

the day, especially when feeding in a bird party. Alarm call a prolonged churr. Tlie

ringed bird was even singing in the net the second time it got caught.

P. icterinus Icterme Greenbul (GC). One bird in a small party in forest with

Tropicranus albocristatus and Cercopithecus mona, 28 Jul. Not relocated in Feb,

when the forest looked less suitable (very dry and some trees were leafless), despite

the fact we spent more time in the forested Laboum basin.

P. albigularis White-throated Greenbul (GC). Overlooked in Jul, but quite noisy in

Feb when fairly common in the dense understorey of secondary forest in the upper

Laboum valley, and in riparian forest at Pawa camp.

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Bleda canicapillus Grey-headed Bristlebill (GC). Thinly distributed in farmbush and

riparian forest (Laboum, Pawa), Jul, Feb; one seen roosting in a clump of exotic

Bambusa vulgaris (Laboum).

Criniger cahirus Red-tailed Greenbul (GC). Widespread in forest (Laboum and

Pawa), including secondary formations, Jul, Feb.

Pycnonotiis barbatus Common Bulbul. Widespread and common in all habitat types,

except shaded imderstorey of closed-canopy forest, Jul, Feb.

Nicator chloris Western Nicator (GC). Common in all forest types (including

Anogeissiis) and transition woodland with thickets and vine tangles, Jul, Feb. Usually

at mid-levels.

Turdidae

Stizorhina fraseri (Jinschi) Rufous Ant Tlinish (GC). Very local in forest (Laboum,

Pawa), Jul, Feb; singing in Feb.

Turdus pelios West African Thrush. Common and widespread, all habitats except

closed forest, Jul, Feb.

Alethe diademata Fire-crested Alethe (GC). Overlooked in Jul. Several singing or

calling in forest along the upper Laboum stream, Feb.

Stiphrornis erythrothorax Forest Robin (GC). Several holding territory in

Marantaceae imderstorey along the Laboum in forest, Jul. Surprisingly they sang like

Forest Scrub Robin Erythropygia leucosticta and reacted only to tapes of that bird,

not to the shorter motif of their own species recorded in Ivory Coast (Chappuis 2000).

Two were netted, using the tape of E. leucosticta as a lure. Tliey appeared absent

from tills spot, which was too dry, in Feb, but were calling in more sheltered forest

next to the upper Laboum stream, and one was singing in riparian forest at Pawa

camp. The possible conflision between this robin and E. leucosticta was encountered

elsewhere in south-west Ghana, especially in Kakum, where tape playback of

Erythropygia song provoked Stiphrornis to react strongly. In Equatorial Guinea,

Stiphrornis sings like the Zambian dialect of Bocage’ s Robin Sheppardia bocagei

(Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 1999). Further east, the yellow-bellied race

xanthogaster produces a semi- continuous light, hurried song very similar to that of

Wliite-bellied Robin Cossyphicula roberti (Dowsett-Lemaire 1990), and reacts

strongly to tapes of the latter. Wliy Stiphrornis shows such wide vocal variation,

including almost perfect imitations of or vocal convergence with other robins of

different genera, remains mysterious.

Luscinia megarhynchos Nightingale. PM. Some calling and singing in thick

Chromolaena near the Laboum stream, 18-22 Feb.

Cossypha cyanocampter Blue-shouldered Robin (GC). One calling and singing in

sheltered riparian forest at Pawa camp on 22 Feb.

C niveicapilla Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat. AM in part. In Jul, restricted to

secondary thickets in farmbush near the Koue river (some with Teak Tectona grandis)

with Chlorocichla simplex and Laniarius aethiopiciis. In Feb appeared more

widespread, with some also in the Laboum basin (riparian forest, Chromolaena on

2007

Birds of Kyabobo NP

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slopes) and in riparian forest at Pawa camp. The population is probably augmented in

the dry season by migrants from the northern savannas.

Cercomela familiaris Familiar Chat. Normally confined to rocky woodland but seen

twice in fields in Jul (one very close to a rocky hill). In Feb one pair in burnt

woodland on ridge top.

Sylviidae

Melocichia ment alls African Moustached Warbler. Common in tall grass, farmbush or

edge of woodland, especially near streams (e.g. Laboum), Jul, Feb. In the dry season

tends to restrict itself to unbumt patches.

Hippo! ais poiygiotta Melodious Warbler. PM. Common wintering species in

farmbush and woodland in Feb, with much singing activity.

Eremomela pusilla Green-backed Eremomela (SUD). Widespread in small numbers

in woodland, locally also in transition woodland (Breast Mountain), Jul, Feb.

Sylvietta virens Green Crombec (GC). Locally common in moist secondary growth

(including farmbush) near streams, understorey of transition woodland and open semi-

evergreen forest, even small valley-bottom thickets in forest, Jul, Feb.

S. brachyura Northern Crombec. Jul, Feb; a pair in farmbush between Nazeni camp

and Koue; in woodland near Pawa camp.

Macrosphenus concolor Grey Longbill (GC). Only in sheltered riparian forest at

Pawa camp, one singing, 23 Feb.

Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler. PM. Common in woodland, farmbush and

secondary forest, with several in song, Feb.

P. coUybita Common Chiffchaff. PM. More local than last: some in woodland near

Laboum camp, 18 Feb.

Hyliota Jlavigaster Yellow-bellied Hyliota. Fairly conspicuous m woodland and open

riparian forest in the Labomn and Nazeni areas, Jul.

Hylia prasina Green Hylia (GC). In thick understorey of riparian forest, thickets in

farmbush (especially near the Laboum stream), forest clearings on slopes; more local

near Koue (Nazeni stream, thickets) and Pawa, Jul, Feb.

Sylvia borin Garden Warbler. PM. Several singing in fannbush and at forest edges,

Feb.

Cisticolidae

Cisticola brachyptems Short-winged Cisticola. Regularly encountered in short, open

woodland, especially where grass cover is not (or little) invaded by Chromolaena,

Jul, Feb.

C. aberram Rock-loving Cisticola. Several in rocky grassland with few trees on the

ridge of a hill near Koue, Jul.

C. lateralis Whistling Cisticola. The most numerous and widespread cisticola, in

woodland, transition woodland, farmbush and clearings in forest. Sings high in trees

but feeds much in grass (in the rains) and Chromolaena, Jul, Feb.

C. erythrops Red-faced Cisticola. In tall grass {e.g. Pennisetum) near streams

(Laboum and Koue), also in grass mixed with Chromolaena, Jul, Feb.

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F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett

Malimbus 29

C. cantans Singing Cisticola. More local than C. lateralis^ in grass and shrubs in

woodland, edge of farmbush, Jul, Feb.

Prinia subflava Tawny-flanked Prinia. Very common in grass/shrubs in woodland

and transition woodland, small thickets in farmbush, Jul, Feb.

Heliolais erythropterns Red-winged Warbler. Several pairs in tall grass in open

woodland, edge of transition woodland (in the foothills) and farmbush, Jul, Feb.

Apalis sharpii Sharpe’s Apalis (GC). In rain forest near the Laboum waterfalls and

along the upper Laboum, even in degraded riparian forest next to farms there. In

canopy and mid-stratum. Also in riparian forest at Pawa camp. Vocal in Jul and Feb.

Camaroptera brachyura Bleating Bush Warbler. Very common m rank growth and

thickets, imderstorey of Anogeissus forest. Well adapted to Chromolaena in

woodland, farmbush and open forest, Jul, Feb.

C. superciliaris Yellow-browed Camaroptera (GC). Missed in Jul; in Feb at least two

singing in secondary forest on the upper Laboum, as well as in riparian forest at Pawa

camp.

C. chloronota Olive-Green Camaroptera (GC), Not singing or reacting to tape in Jul

and would have been overlooked but for one netted in Marantaceae cover at our

Laboum forest camp. In Feb was singing in secondary forest on the upper Laboum as

well as in riparian forest at Pawa camp.

Hypergerns atriceps Oriole- Warbler (SUD). Heard in only two places in thin riparian

forest on the Laboum, 11-13 Jul.

Muscicapidae

Bradornis pallidiis Pallid Flycatcher. A few records in open, short woodland, and

farmbush with large trees, Jul, Feb.

Fraseria ocreata Forest Flycatcher (GC). One pair on the edge of riparian forest at

Pawa camp, 22 Feb.

F. drier ascens White-browed Forest Flycatcher (GC). One pair (no brood patch)

netted in deep shade next to the stream at our Laboum forest camp, 27 Jul. Unusual

habitat (normally in seasonally flooded or swamp forest), thus possibly post-breeding

wanderers.

Ficedida hypoJeiwa Pied Flycatcher. PM. Common in any woodland and farmbush, Feb.

Musdcapa striata Spotted Flycatcher. PM. A few in woodland near ridge tops, on

20-21 Feb. These birds were almost unstreaked on the underparts {balearical) and

had a rather dark bill. However, calls and behaviour typical of this species, ruling out

Gambaga Flycatcher M gambagae.

M. caeridescens Ashy Flycatcher. Scattered records of pairs on edge of riparian

forest, woodland with fannbush, Jul.

Myiopariis phimbens Lead-coloured Flycatcher. Uie most common flycatcher, in wood-

land, transition woodland, edge of riparian forest, and farmbush with trees, Jul, Feb.

Platysteiridae

Megabyas Jlammidatus Slirike-Flycatcher (GC). Normally local and rare, but rather

conspicuous in Kyabobo, in canopy of large and medium-sized trees in forest

2007

Birds of Kyabobo NP

77

(Laboum to Pawa) and rich transition woodland (Breast Mountain), Jul, Feb. In pairs

or small family units of four birds.

Batis senegalemis Senegal Batis. Widespread in woodland in small numbers; also in

farmbush with scattered trees, Jul, Feb.

Dyaphorophyia blissetti Red-cheeked Wattle-eye (GC). Several pairs in thickets in

secondary forest on the edge of farmbush in the upper Labomn valley. Very vocal Jul

and Feb, feeding low in dense bush. Also in riparian forest at Pawa camp.

D. castanea Chestnut Wattle-eye (GC). Completely silent in Jul, with one pair seen in

forest understorey (Laboum). A few calling in Feb (Laboum and Pawa).

Monarchidae

Terpsiphone viridis African Paradise Flycatcher. Fairly common in all habitat types

(woodland, thickets, farmbush and forest), Jul, Feb.

Timaliidae

Illadopsis fulvescens Brown Illadopsis (GC). Common in Laboum forest (understorey

tangles), dense secondary forest and forest regrowth a few metres high, and riparian

forest at Pawa camp, Jul, Feb.

/. puveli Puvel’s Illadopsis (GC). Similarly widespread (Laboum to Pawa), but

somewhat more frequent near streams, in forest and tall secondary growth. Singing

Jul and Feb.

Phyllanthus atripennis Capuchin Babbler (GC). Missed in Jul, but two or three noisy

groups found in Feb in dense understorey of secondary and riparian forest on the

upper Laboum, and in riparian forest at Pawa camp.

Paridae

Parus îeucomelas (guineensis) White-winged Black Tit. A few pairs in woodland, Jul.

Certhiidae

Salpornis spilonotus Spotted Creeper. Seen twice in woodland (Laboum and Nazeni), Jul.

Nectariniidae

Anthreptes fraseri Fraser’s Sunbird (GC). A pair in a mixed party in forest on the

upper Laboum, 28 Jul. Not found in Feb, perhaps a rains visitor.

A. longuemarei Violet-backed Sunbird. A pair in woodland near Koue, Jul.

A, rectirostris Yellow-chinned Sunbird (GC). One male seen well in tall riparian

forest on the Laboum, 11 Jul.

A. collaris Collared Sunbird. Common in all forest types, transition woodland and

farmbush, feeding at all levels, Jul, Feb.

Nectarinia seimundi Little Green Sunbird (GC). Laboum forest: three in a party, and a

family with fledgling, Jul.

N. olivacea Olive Sunbird. Common in all forest types (including locally

in transition woodland, Jul, Feb. Some defending patches of Symphonia flowers.

N. vertical is Green-headed Sunbird. A few in riparian forest and mango trees on the

Koue river. Also in riparian forest at Pawa camp, Jul, Feb.

N. senegalensis Scarlet-chested Sunbird. One in non-breeding dress, in woodland near

Laboum outpost, 12 Jul.

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F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett

Malimbus 29

N. adelberti Buff-throated Sunbird (GC), Locally common in farmbush with big trees,

and secondary forest. Defending patches of Symphonia and mistletoe flowers, Jul, and

often on flowers of Parkia fiUcoidea, Feb.

N. veniista Yellow-bellied Sunbird. Two in farmbush near Nazeni camp, 23 Jul (one

coming into breeding dress). More widespread in Feb, often feeding on flowers of

Parkia fHicoidea.

N. chloropygia Olive-bellied Sunbird. A few in farmbush and secondary growth in

the south, Jul.

N. cuprea Coppery Sunbird. Fairly common in woodland in the north, also in

farmbush (feeding on Teak flowers). Fewer in tlie south (woodland), Jul, Feb.

N. coccinigastra Splendid Sunbird (SUD). The most common sunbird, in woodland,

farmbush, transition woodland and open stands of forest, Jul, Feb. Defended patches

of mistletoes.

A. superba Superb Sunbird (GC). Three sightings, edge of riparian forest/farmbush

(Laboum), Jul, Feb.

Zosteropidae

Zoster ops senegalensis Yellow White-eye. Uncommon in the south (woodland,

farmbush), more conmion in the north, mcXxxdmgAnogeissiis forest, Jul, Feb.

Oriolidae

Oriolus auratus African Golden Oriole. Widespread in canopy of woodland,

transition woodland, riparian and open semi-evergreen forest, as well as Anogeissiis

forest, Jul, Feb.

O. nigripennis Black-winged Oriole (GC). Widespread in forest canopy (Laboum,

Pawa), singing far more in Feb than Jul.

Malaconotidae

Nilaiis afer Bmbru. Occasional in woodland, Jul.

Dryoscopiis gambensis Northern Puffback. Common in woodland, transition

woodland, farmbush with trees or thicket clumps, Jul, Feb.

Tchagra miniitiis Marsh Tchagra. Local in tall rank grass with shrubs, in farmbush

near the Laboum and Nazeni streams, Jul.

T. australis Brown-headed Tchagra. Widespread in dense grass and Chromolaena,

and in slirubs of forest clearings and transition woodland, more local in similar habitat

in farmbush, Jul, Feb.

T. senegalus Black-crowned Tchagra. Very common in woodland, also in farmbush,

Jul, Feb.

Laniarius aethiopicus Tropical Boubou. Several pairs in secondary thickets in

farmbush between Koue and the river; also once near the Laboum stream, Jul.

Malaconotus multicolor Many-coloured Bush Shrike. One heard in a forest gully

beyond South Repeater, 19 Feb (with M lagdeni).

M. lagdeni Lagden’s Bush Shrike. One heard and seen in forest on the Laboum stream,

19 and 22 Feb; another heard in an inaccessible forest gully beyond South Repeater,

19 Feb. Our attention was drawn by the song, a series of 4-5 identical soft whistles at

2007

Birds of Kyabobo NP

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the rate of 1 per s. Each whistle was slightly rising in pitch. Ivory Coast and Rwanda

populations (all in Chappuis 2000) produce a somewhat different dialect. Whistling

the local dialect stimulated much searching behaviour and some aggressive dry

rattles, while the bird stopped singing each time for 10-15 minutes, 19 and 22 Feb.

Playback of the Ivory Coast tape, particularly the series of monotonous whistles, also

produced a dry rattle, despite the differences in motif. The bird was silent there in Jul.

M blanchoti Grey-headed Bush Sliiike. Few in canopy of woodland (Nazeni, Pawa)

and m thin riparian forest on the Laboum, Jul, Feb.

Prionopidae

Prionops plumatus White Helmet Shrike. Particularly common in the canopy of

Anogeissus forest m the north, Jul. Local in woodland, famibush and semi-evergreen

forest (near Breast Mountain); groups often of 8-12.

P. caniceps N. Red-billed Helmet Shrike (GC). One seen in a mixed party in semi-

evergreen forest above the Labomn waterfalls, 15 Jul. Not relocated m Feb.

Dicruridae

Dicrurus iudwigii Square-tailed Drongo. Several in forest in the upper Laboum basin.

More vocal in Feb than Jul.

D. adsimilis Fork-tailed Drongo. Widespread in small numbers in woodland,

transition woodland, Anogeissus forest (canopy) and fannbush with some tall trees,

Jul, Feb.

Corvidae

Corvus albus Pied Crow. Once visited our camp at Laboum, Jul.

Sturnidae

Lamprotornis chJoropterus Lesser Blue-eared Starling. AM. Several in woodland in

the Laboum area, Feb. Singing and alann-calling.

L. spîendidus Splendid Starling. AM. Quite common and noisy in forest and farmbush

in the Laboum basin, also at Pawa camp, Feb. Absent Jul.

Cinnyricinclus leucogaster Violet-backed Starling. AM. A few in farmbush between

Koue and the river, all independent immatures and females, 20-2 1 Jul.

Passeridae

Petronia dentata Bush Petronia (SUD). AM. Common in woodland in Feb {e.g.

Laboum, Pawa), absent Jul.

Ploceidae

Ploceus nigricoUis Black-necked Weaver. A few pairs in secondary thickets and

riparian vegetation on the Koue river, Jul.

P. cucullatus Village Weaver. Small numbers in farmbush near the Koue river, Jul.

P. nigerrimus Vieillot’ s Black Weaver (GC). Small numbers in farmbush in the upper

Laboum valley, Feb, and near the Koue river, Jul, with some nests in Pennisetum.

P. superciliosus Compact Weaver. Two groups, of three and five birds, in tall grass

and Chromolaena in farmbush south of Laboum camp and near Odome, Jul.

Malimbus nitens Blue-billed Malimbe (GC). Conspicuous in mixed bird parties in

thick riparian growth/secondary forest on the upper Laboum stream, Jul, Feb.

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F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett

Malimbus 29

Anaplectes rubriceps Red-headed Weaver. Several (including immatures) in canopy

of Anogeissiis forest in tlie north, accompanying Prionops plumatus and Dicrurm

adsimilis, Jul.

Quelea erythrops Red-headed Quelea. AM? Flocks in woodland near Pawa camp, 22 Feb.

Euplectes macroura Yellow-mantled Whydah. Males holding territories of extensive

grassland in woodland clearings in two places in the north (on the park’s boundary),

Jul.

Estrildidae

Nigrita canicapilhis Grey-crowned Negrofinch. Common in farmbush, thickets,

secondary forest, riparian and semi- evergreen forest, at all levels and throughout, Jul,

Feb.

N. luteifrons Pale-fronted Negrofinch (GC). One or two in farmbush on the upper

Laboum, as well as on the edge of riparian forest at Pawa camp, 20-23 Feb, in

association with N. canicapilhis. Located by characteristic contact calls, of four

descending whistles “fue-fee-fee-fee”; this call, more simple than the song, appears

not to have been tape-recorded even though it is the most frequent vocalization (pers.

obs. in Congo and elsewhere).

N. bicolor Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch (GC). One in riparian forest at Pawa camp,

22 Feb.

N. fusconotiis Wliite-breasted Negrofinch (GC). Two in a mixed party in forest

canopy (Laboum), 1 5 Jul.

Pytilia hypogrammica Yellow- winged Pytilia (SUD). A male in Marantaceae

understorey of riparian forest on the upper Laboum, 19 Feb.

Spermophaga haematina Western Bluebill (GC). Occasional pair in rank growth in

farmbush and riparian forest on the Laboum stream, Jul, Feb.

Lagonosticta riifopicta Bar-breasted Firefinch (SUD, when split from Brown

Firefinch L. nitidula). Several pairs in secondary thickets and farmbush near the Koue

river and Laboum stream, Jul, Feb.

L rara Black-bellied Firefinch (SUD). Several pairs in rank growth (farmbush, edge

of riparian vegetation), Koue to Laboum, Jul, Feb.

L. nibricata Blue-billed Firefinch. Isolated pahs in Jul (woodland, farmbush), with

local concentrations of several dozens in rank grass (partly burnt) on the Laboum

stream in Feb.

Estrilda melpoda Orange-cheeked Waxbill. A few small groups in tall grass and rank

growth in woodland and farmbush, road edges, Jul, Feb.

Spermestes ciicullata Bronze Mannikin. Widespread in small numbers in grass in

open woodland and farmbush, Jul, Feb.

S. bicolor Black-and-Wliite Mannikin. Widespread in small numbers in grass m open

woodland and farmbush, Jul, Feb.

Viduidae

Vidua macroura Pin-tailed Widow. Some in breeding dress, holding territory in

woodland clearings and farmbush on the park’s northern boundary, Jul.

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Birds of Kyabobo NP

81

F. togoensis Togo Paradise Widow (SUD). One male in breeding dress and two

females nearby, in transition woodland near Laboum camp, 18 Feb. This is very late

for a bird that breeds mainly at the end of tlie rains. Parasitizes Pytiiia hypogrammica

(Payne in Fry & Keith 2004).

Fringillidae

Serinus mozambicus Yellow-fronted Canary. Three observations of a pair in

woodland, Jul, Feb.

Emberizidae

Emberiza cabanisi Cabanis’ s Bunting. One singing in ridge-top woodland near South

Repeater, 22 Feb.

Breeding records and calling seasonality

Back-dating to egg-laying, where possible, suggests a concentration of breeding

activity in the late dry season and early rains.

Eurystomus gularis. Fledgling fed by adults 25-29 Jul (= laying c. Apr-May).

Tockus fasciatus. Some family groups, with noisy juvenile (seemed recently

independent), Jul.

Anthns similis. One nest-building, mate singing nearby, 21 Feb.

Turdus pelios. Adult carrying food, 19 Jul.

Syivietta virens. Pair feeding two fledglings, 14 Jul (= laying May-Jun).

Hyliota flavigaster. Pair with full-grown dependent fledgling, 14 Jul; another with

almost independent fledgling, 23 Jul (= laying May).

Cisticola brachypterus. Full-grown juvenile with adult, 14 Jul (= laying probably May).

Cisticola lateralis. Full-grown juvenile with adult, 19 Jul (= laying probably May).

Heliolais erythropterus. Nest-building, 24 Jul.

Myioparus plumbeus. Male singing and carrying food to nest (in a Vitellaria), 12 Jul

(= laying Jun).

Batis senegalensis. Two females begging from male {i.e. incubatmg), 12 Jul, 1 Aug

(= laying late Jun to Jul).

Anthreptes coUaris. Several females feeding fledglings, Jul (= laying May to early

Jun). Four adults netted Jul were in fresh plumage, one just finishing moult.

Nectarinia seimundi. One feeding fledgling, 28 Jul (= laying Jun).

Nectarinia oUvacea. Fledgling begging but nearly independent, 20 Jul; another

fledgling fed, 25 Jul (= laying May and Jun). Seven netted adults were in fresh

plumage.

Nectarinia coccinigastra. Female feeding nestlings (nest on a hanging branch of

Daniellia oliveri), 20 Jul (= laying Jun or early Jul).

Tchagra minutus. Female carrying food, 14 Jul (= laying June).

Ploceus nigricoUis. Juvenile begging from female, 18 Jul (= laying May); male nest-

building same day.

Many resident species were calling at both seasons, but many called more in Feb

than Jul. Forest species that appeared to be silent in Jul include Phyllastrephus

82

F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett

Malimbus 29

albigiilaris, Stizorhina fraseri, Aïethe diademata, Camaroptera supercil iaris, C.

chloronota, Dyaphorophyia castanea, Phyllanthiis atripennis, Malaconotus lagdeni.

Others were not entirely silent in Jul, but much more vocal in Feb: Cohimba

delegorguei, Pachycoccyx audeberti, Centropus leucogaster, Eurystomiis gularis,

Oriohis nigripennis, Dicnirus hidwigii. On the other hand, Apaloderma narina was

heard only in Jul, as also Chrysococcyx ciipreus, tlie latter being probably a rains

visitor this far north in Ghana.

Discussion

Biome-restricted species

Tlie Sudanian biome is represented by only 1 1 species. Tlie transitional nature of the

area is well illustrated by the occurrence of both the northern (Sudanian) Lybiiis

dubiiis and the southern L. bidentatus (a species of forest edges) (Fig. 2).

Figure 2. Records of Bearded Barbet Lybius dubius (circles) and Double-toothed

Barbet L. bidentatus (squares) in Ghana: both occur at Kyabobo.

2007

Birds of Kyabobo NP

83

By far the most important biome is Guineo-Congolian, with at least 65 species.

Following Fishpool & Evans (2001), another four would be included: Columba

iriditorques split from C. delegorguei, nominate Bubo poensis separated from the

Tanzanian taxon vosseleri, Caprimulgus (pectoralis) nigriscapularis and

Psalidoprocne obscura. The last two should, however, be best considered as linking

elements between the Guineo-Congolian and Sudanian regions, as they are widely

distributed in savaona regions as well. Five GC species are Upper Guinea endemics or

near-endemics (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2001): Francolinus ahantensis, Thripias

pyrrhogaster, Phyliastrephus baumanni, Bleda canicapillus, Apalis sharpii. Althougli

most GC forest species are found in the predominant semi-evergreen rain forest,

several occur in drier forest types (including Anogeissus forest), transition woodland

and farmbush, and some frugivores {e.g. Tauraco persa, Tockus fasciatus, Pogoniulus

scoiopaceus) readily visit fig trees in woodland.

Biogeographical importance of Kyabobo

As the area was virtually unexplored, all observations of forest birds (including all

GC species) represent extensions of known range in Ghana. The more striking

examples of northern extensions for forest species concern Dryotriorchis spectabilis,

Accipiter erythropus, Sptaetus africanus, Turtur brehmeri. Bubo poensis,

Eurystomus gularis. Indicator maculates, I. willcocksi, Campethera nivosa,

Dendropicos gabonensis, Thripias pyrrhogaster, most of the forest bulbuls {e.g. all

three Phyliastrephus), various Turdidae {e.g. Alethe diademata) and Sylviidae {e.g.

Apalis sharpii, Macrosphenus concolor), Fraseria (both species), Megabyas,

Dyaphorophyia, spp., Phyllanthus atripennis, Illadopsis spp., various sunbirds, both

Malaconotus (see below), and all four Nigrita spp. Only a few of these forest birds

were known from the poorly prospected adjacent Fazao-Malfakassa NP in Togo

(Cheke & Walsh 1996), e.g. Sptaetus africanus. Indicator maculatus and

Thescelocichla leucopleura (the only forest bulbul mentioned for Fazao by Cheke &

Walsh 1996).

In the case of Glaucidium capense, new to Ghana, the nearest record hitherto of

this bird was from Lamto (6°13'N, 5°2'W) in Ivory Coast (Collar & Stuart 1985),

some 700 km to the west. But in ftirther surveys throughout Ghana m 2005 we found

it in another six localities, from Bui NP to WH Falls and Shai Hills, including Kogyae

Reserve where it was tape-recorded. Some of the birds (initially silent) were provoked

into song by play-back. This owl is characteristic of the forest-savaima transition

zone, occurring in Daniellia transition woodland and at forest edges. Other forest

species whose ranges are extended include Fraseria cinerascens, known previously

no nearer than Akropong in Akwapim (Grimes 1987, 250 km to the south-west), and

also found by us in Kogyae on the Afram river (7°10'N, 1°7'W) in Jan 2005.

Illadopsis puveli was confused by Grimes (1987) with the much rarer I. rufescens: a

tape-recording of “/. rufescens"' from coastal thickets was re-identified as I. puveli

(Chappuis 1975, pers. obs.), and other records are similarly in error. /. puveli is in fact

84

F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett

Malimbus 29

the most widespread illadopsis in Ghana, from coastal thickets north to Kyabobo and

Bui NP (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2005). Even for savanna or forest-edge species

like the nightjar Caprimulgus {pectoralis) nigriscapularis the range extension is

considerable, as it was known only from Cape Coast (Grimes 1987, A. Riley

unpubL), 370 km to the southwest, but we have recently found it in another nine

localities. In the case of Ploceus superciliosus the previous nearest record seems to be

from the Keta Plains {c. 6°15'N, 0°45'E) (Grimes 1987). The Thick-billed Cuckoo

Pachycoccyx audeherti (rarely reported in Upper Guinea) was previously known from

just three places in the Volta region (Grimes 1987), but as well as at Kyabobo, we

foimd it also at many other localities in Ghana in 2004-5 (Dowsett-Lemaire &

Dowsett 2005) and it is especially frequent in the forest-savanna transition zone.

Our observations of Malaconotus lagdeni are the first in Ghana since the type

specimen was collected in “Ashanti”, supposed to be in forest near Kumasi where G.

Lagden was operating in the 1880s (Hall et al 1966). This bird is extremely rare or

localized in W Africa: in recent years it has been discovered at a few forest localities

in Liberia (Gatter 1997), Sierra Leone (Allport et al 1989, pers. obs.) and Ivory Coast

(Thiollay 1985). It is also known from a small isolated population in the Albertine

Rift of E Democratic Republic of Congo (Congo-Kinshasa: Chapin 1954) and

Rwanda (Dowsett-Lemaire 1990). From Togo there is an undocumented sight record

from the “Pagala-Ghana” road near the Ghana border at 8°1LN (cited by Cheke &

Walsh 1996 but disregarded by Borrow & Demey 2001, 2004), just opposite Nkwanta

and very close to the Kyabobo forests. No doubt this and our own observations refer

to the same population on the Togo Plateau.

Tire GC forest species and some other forest birds found in Kyabobo can go no

further north in E Ghana, as the landscape changes dramatically into dry savanna

within a few km of the park’s northern boundary. Even in the south of the reserve, m

the relatively wet Laboum basin, several forest birds appeared to be at their range

limits: in particular Phyllastrephus icterinus and Prionops caniceps, observed as

single (silent) members of mixed bird parties in Jul, and not relocated in Feb, when

the forest was very dry and several tree species temporarily leafless. These and a few

other birds may be local wanderers from denser, wetter forest to the south, as in the

Shiare or Kilinga region. The hills to the south of the park are more densely forested

than within it. From forest a few km south of Shiare, Moyer (1996) reported three

species as yet unknown in Kyabobo: Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx olivinus.

Rufous-sided Broadbill Smithornis riifolateraUs and Black-and- White Flycatcher Bias

musicus; he also recorded Red-collared Whydah Euplectes ardens, a species of tall

rank grass that seems likely to occur somewhere in Kyabobo. A few more forest

species have been found in the poorly-explored Fazao-Malfakassa NP in adjacent

Togo (Cheke & Walsh 1996), noteworthy being the rare Black-and-White Casqued

Hombill Bycanistes subcylindriciis and Yellow-casqued Hombill Cerato^mna elata

(the former was omitted from the biome table in the Koue valley Important Bird Area

account: Cheke 2001), and White-tailed Ant Thrush Neocossyphiis poensis (seen near

2007

Birds of Kyabobo NP

85

the Koue liver). The Forest Francolin Francolinus iathami has been reported (H.

Lege in Cheke & Walsh 1996), but how it was identified is not stated. It is still

unreported from anywhere in E Ghana. Another three species mentioned by Cheke &

Walsh (1996) for Fazao come from an unpublished report (“Minster Agriculture

Limited 1984”) and ought to be queried: one (Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher

Trochocercus nitens) does not even appear in the report’s list, while the main author

of the report (J.M. Lock in litt.) considers another two (Sooty Boubou Laniarius

leucorhynchns, Dusky Blue Flycatcher Muscicapa comitata, which have never been

reported from E Ghana or elsewhere in Togo) very doubtful.

Of the non-forest species, of special interest is Anthus similis, of which a pair was

found nesting in short, open pebbly woodland at an altitude of >800 m. There are

very few records of this bird in Ghana, where it is confined to the highlands in the

Amedzofe area north to 7°49'N on the Togo border (Taylor & Macdonald 1989,

Cheke & Walsh 1996). Kyabobo represents a small extension to the north; no

specimens of this population exist, and the birds appear to be paler than the race

bannermani known from other highland areas in W Africa (Guinea highlands to the

west, Jos Plateau and Cameroon highlands to the east).

Red-listed species

Malaconoîus iagdeni is Near- Threatened (BirdLife International 2004).

Phyllasîrephus baumanni may soon come out of the Data Deficient category, as it

seems locally common and adaptable; in addition to natural forest clearings, it seems

at home in secondary rank growth, even where seriously invaded by the exotic

Chromolaena odorata. Prior to 2004, its known localities in Ghana were Cape Coast

(5°7'N, 1°15'W) and Ejura (7°23'N, 1°15'W), and the Shiare area (Moyer 1996,

Fishpool 2000). We found it in secondary growth in Chromolaena farmbush south of

Atewa Range (c. 6°14'N, 0°34'W), in forest clearings with Chromolaena in Bia

National Park (6°36'N, 3°3'W), and in thick Chromolaena at forest edges in the south

of Digya NP (7°8'N, 0°28'W). Thus it is likely to be more widespread in Ghana and

W Africa than hitherto supposed (Fishpool 2000). Tigriornis leucolopha (Data

Deficient) is probably under-recorded and is now known from as many as 11

localities in Ghana (pers. obs.).

Kyabobo as an Important Bird Area

From the significant number of GC species, the presence of several rare species like

Malaconotus Iagdeni and its unique position in the forest-savanna transition zone, the

proposed Kyabobo NP deserves to be an Important Bird Area. It is part of an area of

E Ghana where the forest is expanding over woodland, as in S Gabon and central

Congo, where enclosed savamias are similarly receding (de Foresta 1990, Schwartz et

al. 1990, Dowsett-Lemaire 1996, White 2001). With time, more forest species could

expand into Kyabobo. Forest spread is of concern for the management of large

grazing mammals, and the park’s advisers have pointed out tliat late fires may be

86

F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett

Malimbus 29

necessary to limit it (P. Hartley pers. comm.). Farmers in Kyabobo have deforested

part of the Laboum basin, but their impact in the core of the park seems very low. The

relocation of the small farming communities was completed in 2006, and the

infrastructure for the park is also in place (L. Kanton in lift. 2007).

Acknowledgments

We thank the Executive Director of the Wildlife Division, Forestry Commission (Y.

Ofori-Frimpong) and the Regional Director of lUCN (I. Thiaw) for inviting us to

undertake this survey. Wildlife Division staff at Accra (especially Mike Adu-Nsiah

and Kodjo Menka) and tlie Park Manager and colleagues at Kyabobo are thanked for

much logistical support. The lUCNAVDSP Team Leader in Ghana, Peter Howard,

was an enthusiastic supervisor, and his colleague in Kyabobo (Peter Hartley)

provided much practical help. Luri Kanton, the present manager of Kyabobo, has

infonned us of the latest developments, R.A. Cheke, J.M. Lock and F, Walsh kindly

clarified some records from Fazao in Togo. We thank R.A. Cheke and L.L. Grimes

for constructive conmients.

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Cheke, R.A. & Walsh, J.F. (1996) The Birds of Togo. Check-list 14, British

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Dowsett-Lemaire, F. (1990) Eco-ethology, distribution and status of Nyungwe

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Dowsett-Lemaire, F. (2006). Ecology, voice and territorial competition of two

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Gatter, W. (1997) Birds of Liberia. Pica Press, Sussex.

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Taylor, I.R. & MacDonald, M.A. (1979) A population of Anthus similis on the

Togo range in eastern Ghana. Bidl. Brit. Orn. Club 99: 29-30.

Thiollay, J.-M. (1985) The birds of Ivory Coast: status and distribution. Malimbus

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Academic Press, London.

White, F. (1983) The Vegetation of Africa. UNESCO, Paris.

White, L.J.T. (2001) Forest-savanna dynamics and the origins of “Marantaceae

Forest” in the Lopé Reserve, Gabon. Pp. 165-182 in Weber, W., White, L.J.T.,

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Conservation. An interdisciplinary perspective. Yale University Press, New Haven.

2007

89

The birds of a montane forest mosaic in Big Babanki area,

Bamenda Highlands, Cameroon

by Qndfej Sedlacek*, Jin Reif*, David Hofak\ Jan Riegert^, Michal Pesata'' & Petr Klvana'^

‘Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague,

Vinicna 7, CZ-128 44 Praha, Czech Republic.

<zbrd@email.cz>, <horakd@centrum.cz>, <jirireif@yahoo.com>

^Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of South Bohemia,

Branisovska 31, CZ-370 05 Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic. <honza@riegert.cz>

^Department of Ecology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia,

Branisovska 31, CZ-370 05 Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic. <indianl@centrum.cz>

'‘Bird Ringing Centre of the National Museum in Prague, Homomecholupska 34,

102 00 Praha 10 -= Hostivaf, Czech Republic. <p.klvana@centrum.cz>

Received 17 October 2006; revised 16 May 2007.

Summary

We surveyed a non-protected montane forest mosaic in Bamenda Highlands,

Cameroon, in the periods 11 Nov to 17 Dec 2003 and 22 Nov to 7 Dec 2005.

We summarise infomiation on abundance, habitat use, vocalisation and

breeding activity of 109 bird species. Despite considerable forest

fragmentation, species confined to montane forest constituted a substantial

part of the bird community, including 12 species endemic to the Cameroon

Mountains. However, we did not record several forest specialists such as Bar-

tailed Trogon Apaloderma vittatum and Cameroon Olive Greenbul

Phyllasîrephus poensis, which are reported as relatively common in the large

forest block of Mt Oku, and which appear to be sensitive to forest

fragmentation. On the other hand, we recorded Great Blue Turaco

Corythaeola cristaîa, which has been considered extinct on Mt Oku due to

forest clearing. We recorded one Red Bfite Milvus milvus, which is the

southernmost observation of this Palaearctic migrant iu Africa and the first for

Cameroon. In the beghining of the dry season, the vast majority of recorded

bird species sang and we confirmed breeding of many passerines.

Résumé

Les oiseaux d’une forêt de montagne en mosaïque dans la région du Big

Babanki, Monts Bamenda, Cameroun. Nous avons étudié une forêt de

montagne en mosaïque non protégée dans les Monts Bamenda.au Cameroun,

90

O. Sedlacek et al

Malimbus 29

pour les périodes des 11 nov au 17 déc 2003 et 22 nov au 7 déc 2005. Nous

résumons les données sur la densité, l’utilisation de l’habitat, les vocalisations

et l’activité reproductrice de 109 espèces d’oiseaux. Malgré une fragmentation

considérable de la forêt, les espèces liées à la forêt de montagne formaient une

part importante de la communauté avienne, y compris 12 espèces endémiques

aux monts camerounais. Cependant, nous n’avons pu observer plusieurs

spécialistes de la forêt tels que le Trogon à queue barrée Apaloderma vittatum

et le Bulbul olivâtre Phyllastrephiis poemis, qui sont considérés comme assez

commims dans le grand bloc forestier du Mt Oku, et qui semblent sensibles à

la fragmentation de la forêt. En revanche, nous avons observé le Touraco

géant Corythaeola cristata, considéré comme éteint sur le Mt Oku à cause de

la déforestation. Nous avons observé im Milan royal Milviis miïviis,

l’observation la plus méridionale de ce migrateur paléarctique en Afrique et la

première pour le Cameroim. Au début de la saison sèche, l’immense majorité

des espèces observées chantait et nous avons pu confinner la reproduction de

beaucoup de passereaux.

Introduction

West African forests are considered to be among the most important hotspots of

global biodiversity and endemism (Orme et al. 2005). Most of tliem are lowland. The

Cameroon Mountains fonn the only range in W Africa of sufficient hight and extent

for the development of a specific afromontane community (Tye 1986). Owing to their

climatic stability and long-tenn isolation, the Cameroon Mountains host many unique

life forms (Fjeldsa & Lovett 1997). The area contains 28 restricted-range bird species

making it the tliird richest endemic bird area in mainland Africa (Stattersfield et al.

1998). During the Quaternary, montane forests expanded to lower altitudes during

glacials and retreated back to smaller fragments at higher altitudes during periods of

climatic optima (Elenga et al. 2000). Recently, montane forests are confined to

altitudes above 1600 m a.s.l (Thomas 1986).

Besides Mt Cameroon and Mt Kupe, the Bamenda Higlilands are the most diverse

and miportant area in the region (Graliam et al. 2005). Unfortunately, intensive

logging has reduced formerly continuous forests to isolated fragments during recent

decades (ICBP 1992). Remaining montane forest patches are mostly confined to steep

slopes of valleys. The largest one is found on the slopes of Mt Oku and covers about

9000 ha (the Kilum-Ijim forest, Forboseh & Maisels 2000). This forest remnant

maintains the largest populations of montane endemic species within the area

(Fishpool & Evans 2001) and attracts therefore considerable attention of

ornithologists and conservationists (Stuart 1986, Fotso 1996, 2001, Dowsett-Lemaire

& Dowsett 1998, Thomas et al. 2000, McKay & Coulthard 2000, Forboseh et al.

2003, Reif et al. 2006, 2007). However, small patches of montane forests are still

2007

Birds of Big Babanki

91

scattered throughout the cultivated landscape of the Bamenda Highlands. Our survey

was carried out in a non-protected montane forest mosaic southwest of Mt. Oku. The

aim of this article is to summarise information on abundance, habitat use,

vocalisations and breeding activity of birds recorded in the area.

Study Area and Methods

The study was performed in the area named My Ogade near the villages of Big

Babanki and Kedjom-Keku, Bamenda Highlands, North-West Province, Cameroon

(6°5'26''N, 10° 18 '9 "E; 2200 m a.s.L). The area is a part of the Mt Oku massif and is

21 km northeast of Bamenda, 27 km southwest of Mt Oku and 5 km west of Mbi

crater (Fig. 1). It covers c. 1 km and comprises a mosaic of montane grasslands,

pastures, fields, montane forest and forested corridors along streams. The montane

forest was represented by two medium- sized patches {c. 20 ha together) and several

small fragments (0.1-1 ha). In this area, there is a single wet season from March/April

to mid-November (Tye 1986), with annual rainfall on Mt Oku c. 2100 mm (Tye 1992).

Nigeria

above 1200 m

Oku

*Mt. Kupe

Mt. Camerobn

Cameroon

Lake Oku Oku

# #

,:''Big Babanki

STUDY AREA

^Mbi Crater

• towns

— roads

Bambui sabga

t,

50 km

Figure 1. Location of the study area in the Cameroon Mountains.

92

O. Sedlâcek et al.

Malimbus 29

Observations were made at the beginning of dry season, in the periods 1 1 Nov to

17 Dec 2003 and 22 Nov to 7 Dec 2005. We camped within the study area and

observed birds continuously from dawn to dusk each day. Calls were also recorded

after dusk. Relative abundance, habitat use, voice activity and breeding activity of all

bird species were recorded.

We use the abundance categories of Stuart & Jensen (1986): + = species observed

occasionally within the study area (less than one bird recorded per observer per day);

1 = one bird or a pair recorded per observer per day; 2 = 3-6 birds recorded per observer

per day; 3 = 7-15 birds recorded per observer per day; 4 = >15 birds recorded per

observer per day; 5 = so abundant that it can be seen or heard constantly. We ascribe

habitat use to ten categories: 1 = patches of primary montane forest dominated mainly

by Shefflera abysinica, S. manii, Bersama abyssinica, Syzygium staudtii, Carapa

grandifJora and Ixom foliosa; 2 = disturbed patches of montane forest (e.g. burned),

forest clearings and edges, secondary forest; 3 = slirubby corridors along streams,

galleiy forest connecting patches of montane forest; 4 = scrubland {Hypericum

lanceolatum and Lasiosiphon glaucum dominate) witliout tall trees; 5 = mainly Pteridium

aqidlinium fern with solitary slmibs; 6 = intensively grazed pastures dominated by

Sporoboliis africaniis and Pennisetum cladestinum with sparse shrubs and ferns; 7 =

lightly grazed pastures, tall grasslands dominated by Hyparrhenia sp.; 8 = rocky

grasslands; 9 = rocks, rocky slopes; 10 = birds only passing through the study area.

We recognized tliree categories of voice activity: 0 = no vocalisations; 1 = calls only;

2 = singing males or territorial calls. We recognized four categories of probability of

breeding: 0 = no breeding activity (did not hold a territory and did not sing); 1 =

possible breeding (a pair repeatedly observed at a site, duet calls or singing male

recorded); 2 = probable breeding (alarm calls in the vicinity of a nest, a pair building a

nest etc.)\ 3 = confinned breeding (a nest with eggs or nestlings found). Status is

indicated as: R = resident; E = Cameroon Mountains endemic; M = Palaearctic migrant.

We follow the taxonomic sequence and scientific names of Borrow & Demey (2001).

Results

We recorded 109 species in the study area, including montane forest species,

Cameroon Mountains endemics, birds of savanna woodlands and Palaearctic migrants

(Table 1).

Discussion

Despite considerable reduction of montane forest in the study area, forest species

constituted a substantial part of the bird community. However, we did not record the

forest specialists Bar-tailed Trogon Apaloderma vittatum and Cameroon Olive

2007

Birds of Big Babanki

93

Table 1. Residence status (RS), abundance (A), habitats (H), vocal activity (V)

and breeding activity (B) of birds in the study area. Species not listed by Fotso

(2001) are indicated by an asterisk. See Methods for key.

94

O. Sedlâcek et ai.

Malimbus 29

2007

Birds of Big BabanM

95

96

O. Sedlâcek et al

Malimbus 29

Greenbul Phyllastrepus poemis, which were reported by Fotso (2001) as common in

the large forest block of Mt Oku. Other forest species, e.g. Green Longtail, were much

less abundant than in Kilum-Ijim forest on Mt Oku (Forboseh et al. 2003). We

suppose that these species could be more sensitive to forest area reduction and that

small fragments of disturbed forest are not able to maintain viable populations of them

(see Newsome 1986, Newmark 1991). Green-breasted Bush-Shrike Malaconotiis

gladiator^ which has been reported by Stuart & Jensen (1986) from Mt Oku, was not

recently recorded by Fotso (2001) and we did not record it either. Thus, it seems to

have disappeared from this part of the Bamenda Highlands.

2007

Birds of Big Babanki

97

On the other hand, we recorded Great Blue Turaco, which was reported by Fotso (2001)

as extinct in the area due to forest clearing. During both our stays, groups of 2-10 indivi-

duals were seen and heard each morning and evening, moving between forest patches.

This species is relatively common in the area, at least in the beginning of dry season.

We recorded (OS and DH) one specimen of Red Kite gliding over the area on 12

Nov 2003 at c. 100 m above the ground. We observed it from below under very good

conditions for c. 3 min. and recorded characters typical for this species: proportionally

longer wings and tail, more contrasting coloration and more deeply forked tail than

Black Kite, which is common in the area. We are also famiUar with both kite species

from central Europe, so we consider the conftision very unlikely. This is the

southernmost observation of this species in Africa, the first for Cameroon and the

sixth for the whole of sub-Saharan Africa (see Borrow & Demey 2001). Some

individuals may thus rarely overwinter in tropical W Africa.

In the beginning of dry season, most bird species sang and we confirmed breeding

of many passerines. In general, our observations confirm the results of Fotso (1996),

who concluded that most of the species which nest during the dry season are

insectivorous, while the omnivores and frugivores {Le. turacos, pigeons, mousebirds,

greenbuls, thrushes) breed during tlie early wet season. However, we confirmed an

earher start of the breeding season for some bird species as compared to tire findings

of Fotso (1996), Le. Scaly Francolin, Wliite-bellied Crested Flycatcher, African Hill

Babbler, Bannerman's Weaver and Oriole Finch. On the other hand, we are convinced

that Cameroon Sunbird did not breed during our study periods, confimiing the

findings of Fotso (1996) who reported breeding of this sunbird only in April and June,

Le. during the rainy season. We recorded several juveniles of Cameroon Sunbird

during November, which suggests that the breeding season of this species ends at the

end of tlie wet season, i.e. during October.

We assembled quite a few breeding records of endemic and montane species in

small forest patches (Wliite-bellied Crested Flycatcher, African Hill Babbler, Black-

collared Apalis, African Dusky Flycatcher) and shrubs or isolated trees outside the

forest (Bannerman’s Weaver, Oriole Finch, Yellow-breasted Boubou, Thick-billed

Seedeater and Northern Double-collared Sunbird). However, many tropical species

are long-lived and thus can survive for a relatively long time in small forest patches

without sufficient reproductive success to ensure population maintenance, or they may

immigrate from larger patches (Brooks et al. 1999, Marsden 2006). Typically,

insectivore diversity and abundance decrease significantly following disturbance

(Waltert et al. 2005, Grey et al. 2006) and forest specialists suffer from an increased

proportion of forest edge in a fragmented landscape (Dale et al. 1999). However, we

suggest that although the remaining small forest fragments and shrubby corridors

along the streams possibly do not pennit forest interior species to maintain viable

populations in our study area, they still could be important for their role in promoting

movement between larger patches. Tliey may also act as breeding habitat for montane

species less sensitive to forest area reduction.

98

O. Sedlâcek et al

Malimbus 29

The study area suffers from grazing and extensive wood cutting and farming. But

the most damaging human activity is the setting of bush fires during the dry season.

Burning not only prevents the slow process of forest regeneration, but kills the trees

and changes the vegetation structure and microclimatic conditions at forest edges,

wliich dry up and become more sensitive to fires during the next dry season. Not only

the montane biota but also thousands of people, who are dependent on water from the

mountains, are negatively affected by continuing rapid desiccation of the environment

through deforestation.

Acknowledgments

We tliank Stëpân Janecek, Zaboj Hrazsky, Vaclav Gvozdik, Dasa Bystficka, Michael

Bartos and Jakub Brom who helped us in the field. We are grateful to the Cameroon

Biodiversity Conservation Society and the Bamenda Higlilands and Kilum-Ijim Forest

Projects, especially to Dr. Michael Boboh Vabi, for enabling us to perform the research

in the Bamenda Higlilands. The study was performed with the kind permission of

Ndawara-Belo ranch. We thank the entire Kedjom-Keku community, particularly the

Fon of Big Babanki and Ernest Vunan and Devine Chikelem from the SATEC NGO,

for their kind reception. We also thank Ron Demey and an anonymous referee for

providing useful criticisms of the manuscript. The research is supported by Grant Agency

of the Czech Republic (206/03/H034) and Ministry of Education (0021620828,

6007665801, LC 06073). Our study of birds in Bamenda Highlands is funded by the

Grant Agency of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IAA60 14 10709, KJB601 1 10703).

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London.

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bird extinction in tropical forest fragments. Conserv. Biol 13: 1140-1150.

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story bird community in a logged forest in Uganda. Conserv. Biol. 14: 265-276.

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Fishpool, L.D.C. & Evans M.L (2001) Important Bird Areas in Africa and

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Fjeldsâ, J. & Lovett, J.C. (1997) Geographical patterns of old and young species in

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Fotso, R.C. (2001) A contribution to the ornithology of Mount Oku forest,

CdmQtoon. Mai imbus 23: 1-12.

Graham, C.H., Smith, T.B. & Languy, M. (2005) Current and historical factors

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Gray, M.A., Baldauf, S., Mayhew PJ. & Hell, J.K. (2006) The response of avian

feeding guilds to tropical forest disturbance. Conserv. Biol. 21: 133-141.

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species richness are not congruent witli endemism or threat. Nature 436: 1016-1019.

Reif, j., Horàk, D., Sedlàcek, O., Riegert, J., Pesata, M., Hrazsky, Z., Janecek,

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Reif, J., Sedlàcek, O,, Horàk, D., Riegert, J., Pesata, M., Hràzskÿ, Z., Janecek,

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Stattersfield, AJ., Crosby, M.J., Long, A. & Wege, D.C. (1998) Endemic Bird

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Stuart, S.N. (ed.) Conservation of Cameroon Montane Forests. International

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2007

101

Bird population densities along two precipitation gradients

in Senegal and Niger

by Bo Svenning Petersen, Kim Diget Cliristensen & Flemming Pagli Jensen

Orbicon, Ringstedvej 20, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark <bo@orbicon,dk>

Received 12 October 2006; revised 8 March 2007

Summary

Wet season densities of terrestrial birds were estimated along two 300-350

km long N-S precipitation gradients using distance sampling methods. Tire

habitat was farmland that graded into grassland or thombush savanna towards

the north. Species richness was generally liigher in Senegal than in Niger,

probably due to a higher density of trees. Estimated mean densities (all

species combined) varied between 475 and 862 birds per km . Tlie most

numerous species were Sudan Golden Sparrow Passer luteus in the northern

parts of both areas. Village Weaver Ploceiis cucullatus m S and central

Senegal, and Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus in S Niger.

Densities of most species varied in response to precipitation differences, with

very few species being evenly distributed along the gradients. In Niger, post-

breeding northward displacements of large, grasshopper-eating species

(Abdim’s Stork Ciconia abdimii, Cattle Egret Biibidcus ibis and Yellow-

billed Kite Milvus migrans parasiticus) were detected. Some previously

under-recorded lark species were found in good numbers in Niger, where

Kordofan Lark Mirafra cordofanica and Dunn’s Lark Eremalauda dimni

locally occurred at up to 6 and 7.9 birds per 10 ha, respectively. In Senegal,

the higliest densities of Savile’s Bustard Eiipodotis savilei (up to ten calling

males per km^) were found south of 14°N. Large vultures, including Lappet-

faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus and Wliite-headed Vulture Trigonoceps

•y

occipitalis, were recorded at mean densities of 0.51-0.58 per km in W

Senegal but were not found in the study area in Niger.

Résumé

Densités de population d’oiseaux sur deux gradients de précipitations au

Sénégal et au Niger. Les densités d’oiseaux terrestres en saison des pluies ont

été estimées sur deux gradients N-S de précipitations de 300-350 km de long

à l’aide de méthodes d’échantillonnage à distance. L’habitat consistait en terre

agricole qui passait en savane herbacée ou épineuse en allant vers le nord. La

102

B. S. Petersen et al.

Malimbus 29

richesse spécifique était généralement plus grande au Sénégal qu’au Niger,

probablement due à une plus grande densité d’arbres. Les densités moyennes

estimées (toutes espèces confondues) variaient de 475 à 862 oiseaux au km^.

L’espèce la plus abondante était le Moineau doré Passer luteus au nord de ces

deux zones, le Tisserin gendarme Place us cucullatiis au sud et au centre du

Sénégal et le Moineau gris Passer griseiis au sud Niger. La densité de la

plupart des espèces variait selon les différences de précipitations tandis que

quelques rares espèces étaient également distribuées le long de ces gradients.

Au Niger, des mouvements vers le nord après la reproduction d’espèces

acridopliages (Cigogne d’Abdim Ciconia abdimii. Héron garde-boeuf

Biibulcus ibis et Milan noir Milvus migram parasitas) ont été notés.

Quelques espèces d’alouettes, jusqu’à présent sous-estimées, ont été trouvées

en nombre appréciable au Niger, où l’Alouette du Kordofan Mirafra

cordofanica et l’Alouette de Dunn Eremalauda dimni se rencontraient locale-

ment et respectivement à raison de 6 et 7,9 oiseaux pour 10 ha. Au Sénégal,

les plus fortes densités d’ Outarde houpette Eupodotis savilei (jusqu’à 10

mâles appelant au km ) ont été trouvées au sud du 14°N. Les grands vautours,

y compris le Vautour oricou Torgos tracheliotus et le Vautour à tête blanche

Trigonoceps occipitalis, ont été notés à la densité de 0,51-0,58 au km^ dans

l’Ouest du Sénégal mais n’ont pas été trouvés dans la zone d’étude au Niger.

Introduction

hi 2003 and 2004, wet season counts of terrestrial birds were carried out in W Senegal

and S-central Niger. Tlie work was part of the Préliss project {Projet Régional de

Lutte Intégrée contre les Sauteriaux au Sahel), and the aim was to provide

hifonnation on population densities of grasshopper-eating birds along two

precipitation gradients, each of them 300-350 km long and stretching from the

northern part of the Sudan zone mto the Saliel. Althougli the project focused on birds

preymg on grasshoppers, all species were recorded.

Tlie avifauna of Senegal is fairly well described (Morel & Morel 1990, Sauvage

& Rodwell 1998), and bird population densities have been the subject of several

studies in the northernmost parts of the countiy. Monthly counts of resident and

migratory birds were carried out at Keur Mor Ibra, SE of Richard Toll, in 1960-2

(Morel 1968) and at Fété Olé 60 km further east in 1969-82 (Morel & Morel 1980

and mipubl.). Close to tlie fomier area, Keith & Mullié (1990) performed weekly bird

counts m Jul-Oct 1989 as part of a study of impacts of chemical locust and

grasshopper control. Densities of Palaearctic migrants have been recorded in the Ferlo

Avifaunal Reserves (Omis Consult 1997) and have also been the subject of a study in

SW Mauritania (Browne 1982).

2007

Bird densities along precipitation gradients

103

In Niger, little ornithological work has apparently been done outside the SW

comer of the country and, to a lesser extent, the Air Mountains. The late P. Souvairan

performed transect counts year-round in Makalondi district in 1991-3, but the results

were never published (J. Brouwer in !itt., P. Giraudoux in lift.). According to the

available information (Giraudoux et al. 1988, Holyoak & Seddon 1991a,b, Sauvage

1993, Debout et ai. 2000, J. Brouwer in ïitt.) large parts of our study areas had not

been visited by ornithologists since the 1930s, at least not during the rainy season.

Densities of Palaearctic passerines have been studied in the Saliel zone of N Nigeria

{e.g. Jones et ai. 1996), but data on bird densities and distribution during tlie rainy

season do not seem to exist from this part of W Africa.

TTie present paper presents an overview of the bird census results. No

comprehensive analysis of bird population densities in relation to land use, vegetation

structure or previous findings is attempted. However, all census sites were

georeferenced, and the full data set is freely available for further scientific analysis

(see Methods).

Although our focus was on densities of common birds, five species new to Niger

were recorded during the project (Christensen et ai. 2005, 2006). Also, a number of

range extensions and species recorded only a few times in Niger were found. Some of

these findings are briefly described. We also include our records and density estimates

of vultures and eagles, because dramatic population declines of these species have

recently been reported from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger (Rondeau & Tliiollay

2004, Thiollay 2006).

Methods

Census areas

Fig. 1 shows the location of the sites where censuses were perfomied. Tlie sites were

spaced along two precipitation gradients, ranging from 800 to 300 mm per year in

Senegal and from 600 to 200-250 mm in Niger. In Senegal, the natural vegetation

along most of this gradient is Sudanian wooded savanna and grasslands that pass into

Sahelian grassland and thombush savanna towards the north. In Niger, Sudanian open

woodlands are only found south of the 500 mm isohyet, whereas the major part of the

gradient lies within the Sahelian zone. Along both gradients tlie vegetation is heavily

modified by human cultivation. The census areas generally consisted of familand, or

mixed grassland and farmland, with scattered villages. The dominant crop is millet

(Mger) or millet and groundnuts (Senegal). In the south, small patches of woodland

remain, particularly in Senegal, while pastoral grasslands become progressively more

frequent towards the north, especially in Niger. A major difference between the two

countries is the generally much higher density of trees at the Senegal sites, even

within the Sahelian zone, although extensive logging has also occurred here.

104

B. S. Petersen et al.

Maliinbus 29

Senegal

300 mm

/ /

i- ' !

i '

Richard Toll ^ x

I

16“ N St. Louis*''

400 mm

500 mm

N

/

/Louga ★ ®

% i

600 mm

15“ N /

♦ Thies ^ ^

I ^

* Dakar *Diourbel

\ ^ %

^ ^ ® % 700 mm

C \ , I _^Kaolack

14“ N

/V

irv

N

800 mm

f lOOd mnfv':': 900 mm ^

Niger

Aderbissinat

15“ N

N__

14“ N

13“ N

m ^ Tanout

#

»

Zinder

■\...

V

fSS

i

^ Magaria

700 mm

JIPO mm

400 mm

500 mm

/

“600 mm

Figure 1. Map of the census areas in Senegal and Niger. Dots show where

censuses were performed. Isohyets and the regions used in the data analysis are

indicated (N north, C = central, S = south).

For estimation of mean bird densities, each precipitation gradient was divided into

tliree regions with approximately the same number of censuses (except Senegal S) and

the boimdaries between regions more or less corresponding to visible changes in land

cover/use (cf. above). Tire Senegal C and Niger S regions were roughly comparable as

were Senegal N and Niger C. Tire Senegal S region, with many large trees, did not

compare witli anytliing found along the Niger gradient. Likewise, an area

correspondmg to the dry, open Niger N did not occur along the Senegal gradient.

Bird counts

Bird comits were perfomied m 2003 and 2004, between 7 June and 20 September,

correspondmg to the period of mam rainfall. In Senegal, 133 transects were carried

out between 30 Jul and 20 Aug 2003, and 143 between 14 Jul and 4 Aug 2004 (total

276). hi Niger, there were 80 transects during the period 11-21 Jul 2003, 49 during

14-20 Sep 2003, 128 during 7-24 Jun 2004 and 74 during 29 Aug to 8 Sep 2004

(total 331). Each day, two observers perfonned censuses independently of each other

at different sites. All coimts started iimnediately after sunrise and lasted for 4 h.

2007

Bird densities along precipitation gradients

105

except when curtailed because of rain or, in a few cases, excessive lieat. Tlie censuses

were carried out as line transects, and each morning count session consisted of four

line transects of 50 min. duration. End points (start and stop) of all transects were

recorded using GPS. The intended walking speed was 1.2 kmii“\ and the average

transect length was 1058 m. After fmisiiing each transect, tlie observer walked briskly

along for 8-10 minutes to make successive transects independent of each other.

The starting point for the first transect each morning was randomly selected (as

number of km to be driven) along a road traversing tlie region to be censiised. If tliis point

happened to be inside a town or village, the starting point was displaced to c. 500 m

after the town/village. In order to avoid looking against the sim, the direction of walking

as a rale was due west. If this line was blocked by wetlands, villages etc. the observer

displaced the line as appropriate to avoid the obstacle, while still recording the birds.

All birds seen or heard perched or on the ground at either side of the line were

recorded and assigned to one of seven distance bands (0-25 m, 25-50 m, 50-75 m,

75-100 m, 100-200 m, 200-300 m, 300-400 m). Birds seen or heard more tlian 400

m off the line were not recorded, as were birds only seen flying, with the exception of

birds in song-flight that were assigned to the distance band where they were first

discovered. Only birds that could be identified to species were noted. Unidentified

sounds were described, assigned to a distance band and later identified to species (if

possible) using Chappuis (2000).

These counts were supplemented with snapshot counts of flying raptors (Bibby et

ah 2000). Snapshot counts were performed at the beginning and in the middle of each

transect, and each lasted 1 min.. During the snapshots flying raptors were recorded

400 m to each side and 500 m ahead of the observer so that the two snapshot counts

together covered approximately the same area as the line-transect counts.

In addition to the censuses performed along tlie two gradients (Fig. 1), a number

of counts (24 and 30 line transects, respectively) were carried out in Niger in the areas

of Tahoua (14°55^N, 5°15'E) and Diffa (13°20^N, 12°35'E) in 2003. Because these

counts were performed by the same observers, using the same methods and in a

similar landscape as the main counts, they were included in the estimation of species-

specific detection probabilities (see below).

Eight different observers took part in the censuses. All of them had previous

experience with systematic bird census work and a good knowledge of African birds.

To standardize the methodology, harmonize estimation of distances etc., two

observers worked together on the first one or two days of each counting period.

Data analysis

Based on the field counts, density estimates were calculated for each bird species. For

each of the 37 most abundant species (all species with > 200 records or > 400

recorded individuals), absolute densities were estimated with Distance 4.1 software

(Thomas et a!. 2003) fitting a species-specific detection function model to the

distribution of records across distance bands. The probability of detection was

106

B. S. Petersen et al.

Malimbus 29

assumed not to differ significantly between regions, so for each species a common

detection function was fitted to data from all regions, including the counts from the

Talioua and Diffa areas. Choice of model was perfomied following the

recoimnendations of Buckland et ai. (1993) and was mainly based upon a low value

of Akaike’s Infomiation Criterion and a good visual fit to the distribution of records,

hi most species a hazard-rate model fitted the data well, but in a few species a half-

nomial model or a unifomi model with cosine series expansion provided a better fit.

Tire computed Effective Strip Width (ESW, the distance where the number of birds

overlooked mside the strip equals the number recorded outside the strip) varied

between 35 m (Ploceus luteolus: see Appendix for English names not mentioned in

the text) and 400 m {Eupodotis savilei advertisement call) for these 37 species.

For the less numerous species, detection function models were not fitted in

Distance and field coimt data were converted to absolute densities using an estimated

ESW. For each of these 195 species, the choice of ESW was based upon similarity to

one or more of tlie 37 abimdant species witli respect to tlie distribution of records across

distance bands or, m species with few records, similarity m visibility and/or vocal

behaviour. Tlie estimated ESWs varied between 25 in (species with almost all records

mside the imiennost band, e.g. Quail-plover Ortyxelos meiffrenii, Pearl-spotted Owlet

Glaucidium perlatum, silent warblers, Petronia dentata) and 300 in (species with

ahiiost equal distribution of records across distance bands, e.g. large raptors).

Densities of flying raptors at each Ime transect were calculated by dividing the

total number of each species seen on the two snapshot counts by the area covered by

these counts (2 x 0.4 km ). Raptor density data from Ime transect counts and snapshot

counts were combmed by usmg, for each Ime transect, tlie maximum of the two

density estimates (m most cases tlie estimate from the Ime transect count).

Dependmg on the species, the number of birds recorded may represent the number

of territories or advertismg males {e.g. Eupodotis savilei, singing warblers) or the

number of mdividuals present {e.g. Bubulcus ibis, Lamprotornis starlings) or may fall

somewhere m between these two extremes. Given tlie uncertainties involved, we did

not attempt to adjust for these differences.

Taxonomy and nomenclature follow Borrow & Deiiiey (2001).

Data availability

A sunmiarized version of the original data set has been placed on the W.A.O.S. web

site at http://nialinibus.free.fr/suppindex.htm. Tliis data set gives tlie coordinates of all

607 transects and tlie number of individuals of each bird species recorded on each, plus

the computed or estimated ESWs for all 232 species. More detailed data or density

estmiates are available for fiirtlier scientific analysis upon request to tlie autliors.

Sources of bias

Tlie study was designed with the purpose of estiniatmg average densities of common

birds durmg tlie rainy season m representative areas of faniiland and grassland in W

2007

Bird densities along precipitation gradients

107

Senegal and S-central Niger. For obvious reasons villages and towns were avoided by

the observers as were areas more than 5 km from easily drivable roads. Tliis led to an

under-representation of species associated with human settlements {e.g. Common

Bulbul Pycnonotm barbatus) or with veiy remote areas {e.g. bustards Otididae).

Apart from these constraints, the random selection of starting points and fixed

direction of walking probably ensured representative sampling of the different

habitats and their associated avifauna.

One of the main assumptions of distance sampling is that all individuals witliin

the innnermost band are recorded. Violation of tliis assumption leads to an

underestimation of density. Tliis may occur if birds flee from the observer before

detection or if birds are overlooked or cannot be identified. Evasive movements may,

if frequent, be detected by inspection of tlie distribution of records across distance

bands (Buckland et ai. 1993). Only one of the 37 species analysed in Distance

(Eupodotis savilei) showed clear signs of evasive movements, wliicli in tliis case was

handled by merging all records in the four innermost bands (0-100 m).

The probability of overlooking a bird depends, apart from its size and coloration,

on its behaviour, which varies during the breeding cycle. Tlius, densities of skulking

and nocturnal species and of some dry season breeders not showing advertising

behaviour during the census period were probably underestimated. During the counts

the observer must proceed as steadily as possible, deviations from the line must be

kept to a minimum, and it is generally not allowed to approach a bird for

identification. Even if all observers were fairly skilled, the latter constraint ahnost

certainly caused an under-recording of species such as Yellow-bellied Eremomela

Eremomeia icier opygiai is and Northern Crombec Sylvietta brachyiira (which have

very similar songs), some weavers etc. Because birds not identified to species were

not recorded, total densities are surely underestimated.

Along some parts of the transects, especially in the southern parts of the census

areas, the observer’s view was restricted by woody vegetation or by liigli-grown millet

plants. This certainly violated the assumption of equal probability of detection across

sites, but data from such areas were too sparse to allow separate modelling of the

detection functions. As a consequence, densities in Niger S and (especially) Senegal S

are probably underestimated.

Bias in distance estimation may also affect the estimation of densities, but control

measuring of distances estimated by the observers revealed no obvious biases. If

anything, distances were probably overestimated, leading to an underestimation of

densities.

Overestimation of densities may result if individual birds are recorded more than

once. This is the main reason for proceeding steadily along the line, keeping track of

individuals of common species and not diverting too much effort into species

identification. All observers had a thorough imderstanding of the rationale of the

method and previous experience with systematic counts of tewestrial birds, so it is

believed that bias due to double counting was negligible.

108

B. S. Petersen et aï.

Malimbus 29

Results

Tlie total number of species and the mean densities (birds per kni^) in each of the six

regions are shown m Table 1. A total of 232 species was recorded on the transects, but

many of tliem too mfrequently to allow a reasonable estmiation of densities. The App-

endix gives densities of all species with more than ten records that fulfil one of the

following criteria: (1) mean density > 1 per km in either Senegal or Niger; (2) density

> 2 per km in at least one of the six regions. To give an mipression of the variation,

local densities of two species with different distribution patterns are shown in Fig. 2.

Table 1. Summary data on the line transects carried out in each country and region.

A comparison of counts performed early and late m the rainy season in Niger

revealed significant differences in densities of species such as Bubulcus ibis and

Milvus migrans parasiticus (Table 2). Tlie latter species occurred in fairly high

niunbers north of Zmder (14°-14°25'N) in July and further north (around 14°55'N) in

September. Also Ciconia abdimii occurred m liigli densities in the northern part of the

Niger study area m September but not in Jun-Jul. On 19 Sep 2003, the following

mean densities were recorded along four 1 km transects a few km south of Tanout:

Ciconia abdimii 384, Bubulcus ibis 164 and Milvus m. parasiticus 94 per km . Grass-

'y

hopper densities along tliese transects were liigli (average 7 per m ) but not exceptional.

Table 2. Estimated mean densities (no./km^) of Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis and

Y ellow-billed Kite Milvus ntigrans parasiticus in the Niger study areas Jun-Sep.

hi addition to the common lark species, some rare or unconmion larks were

recorded on the transects. In some areas, one or more of these species were even

2007

Bird densities along precipitation gradients

109

Tockus erythmrhyrichus

300 mm

■-RIcharcl Tqllr

' «

16® N Loois^^'

(

/louga

{

400 mm

500 mm

600 mm

15“ N ..

y

^”#Da1car

* Thies

îisurbei

m %

700 mm

, É Kaoiack

ir n

li J

800 mm

Spiloptila damans /

16“ N StLouisÿ

,/ r ’) -,

i 900

300 mm

Rfehprd Toll ü

' «

400 mm

500 mm

/Louga

f

600 mm

15® N

'•^Dakgr

* Thies

>Di0urbol

14® N

700 mm

Kaoiack

*

K/'V-' ? 800 mm

|) ..J

T. erythrorhynchus

Aderbissinat

Density

(No./km")

150

• 15

15“ N

Tanout

14® N

^ Zinder

é

300 mm

400 mm

500 mm

H...

13® H

|Magaria

700 mm

'600 mm

S. damans

Aderbisslnat

15® N

Density

(No./km*)

50

* 25

« 5

Tanouî

Zinder

300 mm

400 mm

500 mm

^^,.-...1.

10Ptf'iTO#yi 900 rrtttr"

13® N

\

ÎWagaria

/'

""600 mm

700 mm

Figure 2. Estimated densities of Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus and

Cricket Warbler Spiloptila damans along the precipitation gradients in Senegal

and Niger. Dot area indicates estimated density (the key does not show all

possible dot sizes). Each dot represents one morning count (mean of four 1-km

transects). Apparent gaps in distribution may reflect lack of censuses, cf. Fig. 1.

110

B. s. Petersen et al.

Malimbus 29

sufficiently frequent to allow a tentative estimation of densities. Because good views

are generally needed for identification, most of these lark species have narrow ESWs

(30-65 m), sometimes resultmg m fairly liigli density figures if expressed per km^, as

generally used hi tliis paper. Tliis may be misleading if a species is only locally

common, so the densities below are reported as number per 10 ha (wliich also keeps

tlie density figures well below the actual number of mdividuals recorded).

Mirafra cordofanica Kordofan Lark (58 records). Niger: coimnon between Zinder

and Tanout (13°58'-14°47'N), 16-19 Jul 2003, with mean density 1.1 per 10 ha and

maximum density 6 per 10 ha; not seen further north; less common 16-20 Sep 2003 in

tlie same area (mean 0.2, max. 2.2 per 10 ha); also recorded NE of Talioua (15°5'N,

5°37'E) 25 Jul 2003 (0-4 per 10 ha); much rarer in 2004, single birds recorded 12 and

13 Jim in the same belt between Zinder and Tanout as m 2003. Senegal: no records in

2003; one record of a single bird NE of Louga (15°41'N, 16°7'W) 30 Jul 2004.

M riifocinnamomea Flappet Lark (79 records). Only recorded in Senegal between

14°N and the Gambian border. Mean densities m tins area 0.4 per 10 ha (30 Jul to 2

Aug 2003) and 0.6 per 10 ha (14-18 Jul 2004), max. densities 2.3 and 3.4 per 10 ha hi

2003 and 2004, respectively.

M nifa Rusty Bush-lark. Tliree records from Niger, north and east of Zinder, in

2004: one (14°6'N, 9°24'E) 11 Jun; one (14°19'N, 8°48'E) 12 Jun; four (13°4rN,

9°34'E) 19 Jun.

Pinarocorys ery thropygia Rufous-rumped Lark. Tliree records from Niger in 2003:

one S of Tanout (14°47’N 8°50’E) 20 Sep; two smgle individuals near Diffa

(13°18'N, 12°33'E) 23 Sep.

Ammoma/tes deserti Desert Lark (9 records, 16 mdividuals). Only recorded in

Niger. Southeiiniiost record 33 km S of Tanout (14°4rN, 8°46'E), density 0.4 per 10

ha, 18 Sep 2003. More numerous, albeit patchy, only 35-40 km further north; mean

density 6 per 10 ha, 25 km WNW of Tanout, 8 Sep 2004.

Erenialauda ditnni Dunn’s Lark (41 records, 66 mdividuals). Only recorded in

Niger. Frequent along the road between Zmder and Aderbissinat from 14°7'N

northwards, mean densities: 0.17 per 10 ha, 17-21 Jul 2003; 0.9 per 10 ha, 11-24 Jun

2004; 0.4 per 10 ha, 3-8 Sep 2004. Maximum densities were found in the

northenmiost part of tliis area: 7.9 and 6.6 per 10 ha at 15°27'N, 8°4'E, 16 and 24 Jun

2004, respectively. Also recorded NE of Talioua: two at 15°17'N, 5°56'E, 23 Jul

2003; one at 15°4'N, 5°36'E, 25 Jul 2003; four SW of Diffa (13°17'N, 12°3rE), 23

Sep 2003.

All four species of large vulture breedmg m W Africa were recorded in Senegal

between 14°14' and 15°5EN, but none was seen on Senegal S or any transect in

Niger. Estimated densities (no./kni^) are: African White-backed Vulture Gyps

africamis Senegal C 0.27, Senegal N 0.09; RüppeTs Griffon G. rueppeUii Senegal C

0.24, Senegal N 0.37; Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tmcheliotus Senegal N 0.12,

foimd only m a narrow belt around Louga (15°30'-15°42'N). Wliite-headed Vulture

Trigonoceps occipitalis was recorded just once, 10 km NNW of Diourbel (10 Aug

2007

Bird densities along precipitation gradients

111

2003). Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus was recorded in mean densities of 0,15

per km in Senegal and 0.04 per km in Niger, but due to its association with towns

and villages these mean densities almost certainly underestimate the true density,

Eg5rptian Vulture Neophron percnopteriis was seen once, in Niger, 35 km S of

Tanout, 13 Juri 2004.

Three species of savanna or woodland eagles were recorded in Senegal Tawny

Eagle AquHa rapax was seen twice, 25 km SSE of Kaolack and 30 km E of Richard

Toll, respectively. A single African Hawk Eagle Hieraaetiis spilogaster was seen 10

km ENE of Louga (15®40'N, 16°10'W, the first record in this atlas square), 30 Jul

2004, and a Martial Eagle Polemaetus beUicosiis was seen 30 km SSE of Louga, 20

Aug 2003. None of these species was found in the Niger census areas, where tlie only

eagle recorded was a Wahlberg's Eagle Aquila waMbergi half-way between Magaria

and Zinder (13 Jun 2003).

Discussion

Species richness was generally liigher in Senegal than in Niger, probably due to the

higher structural diversity of the vegetation. The low number of transects in Senegal S

(about half the number conducted elsewhere, cf. Table 1) probably explains the

comparatively few species recorded in that region, which otherwise would be

expected to hold the highest number of species. Given that densities in the soutliem

regions are almost certainly underestimated (cf. Sources of bias, above), total

densities were fairly constant across regions if the flocks and colonies of Passer luteus

are excluded.

The gradient of decreasing precipitation from soiitli to north is the major factor

affecting the distribution of species in this part of Africa, Table 3 shows our

interpretation of the distribution of 67 species along tliis gradient during the rainy

season, based upon the density estimates given in the Appendix. Tlie following

example illustrates how species were placed along the gradient: Streptopelia vinacea

occurred at its highest densities in Senegal C and Niger S and was therefore placed in

the Senegal C-Niger S group, whereas S. senegaiemis was most nmnerous in Senegal

N and Niger S and was therefore placed in an intermediate position between Senegal

C-Mger S and Senegal N-Niger C. Only ten of the species included in the Appendix

could not reasonably be placed along this gradient. Some of these were mainly

associated with locally occurring habitats {e.g. Bubulcus ibis, Pioceus

meîanocephdus) and very few species, if any, were almost equally distributed across

the area.

Tlie north-south distribution patterns revealed here are generally well known, and

only a few findings deserve fiirther discussion. Eupodotis savilei was only recorded in

Senegal, where it occurred all along the precipitation gradient. We found it to be

clearly more numerous in the Siidanian zone than in the Saliel, readiing its liigliest

112

B. S. Petersen et al.

Malimbus 29

Table 3. Location of the highest densities of 67 species in Jun-Sep along the N-S

gradient. Data from Senegal and Niger have been combined. The precipitation

ranges are rough indications of the annual rainfall in each region. Each species

was placed in one of the seven groups according to the region(s) where it was

most numerous (see text); three of the groups take up intermediate positions

between the regions/precipitation ranges defined. See Appendix for English names.

Niger N

<300 mm Eremalaiida dimni, Oenanthe (bottae) heuglini, Turdoides fulviis

Intermediate Burhinus capensis, Cursorius temminckii, Pterocles exustus,

Streptopelia roseogrisea, Urocolius macrounis, Merops albicoUis,

Upupa epops, Galerida cristata, Eremopterix leiicotis, E. nigriceps,

Cercotrichas podobe, Amadina fasciata

Senegal N/ Vanellus tectiis, Oena capensis, Mirafra cantillans, M. cordofanica,

Niger C Cercotrichas galactotes, Cisticola aridiiliis, Spiloptila damans,

300-500 mm Lanins meridional is, L. senator, Lamprotornis pulcher. Passer

hiteiis, Qiielea qiielea

Intermediate Streptopelia senegalensis. Halcyon cheliciiti, Biibalornis albirostris,

Sporopipes frontalis. Place us velatus, Lonchura cant ans

Senegal C/ Streptopelia vinacea, Psittacula krameri. Halcyon senegalensis, Coracios

Niger S abyssiniens, Phoeniculus piirpureus, Tockus erythrorlynchus, Lybius vielloti,

500-750 mm Chalcomitra senegalensis, Cinnyris pulchellus Ptilostomus afer,

Lamprotornis chalybaeus. Passer gris eus, Ploceus luteolus,

Uraeginthus bengalus, Serinus leiicopygius

Intermediate Eupodotis savilei, Tiirtur abyssiniens, Streptopelia decipiens,

Centropus senegalensis, Merops pusillus, Tockus nasutus, Cisticola

juncidis, Prinia subjlava, Camaroptera brachyura, Tchagra senegala,

Lamprotornis caudatus, Petronia dentata, Ploceus cucullatus,

Euplectes franciscanus, Lagonosticta senegala

Senegal S Francolinus bicalcaratiis, Mirafra nifocinnamomea, Laniarius barbarus,

>750 mm Lamprotornis chloropterus

densities (up to ten calling males per km ) between the Gambian border and 14°N.

Tlie species was classified as restricted to the Saliel biome by Fishpool & Evans

(2001), and Sauvage & Rodwell (1998) described it as frequent between 14° and

16°N, but apparently not further south. It may recently have expanded southwards,

and good numbers could possibly also occur south of the Gambian border where it

was first discovered in 1994 (Borrow 1997, Payne et al. 1997). The other Sahelian

biome-restricted species (sensu Fishpool & Evans) all occurred most frequently in the

northern part of the study areas.

Tlie liigli densities of Bubulcus ibis, Ciconia abdimii and Milvus m. parasiticus

recorded m September in Niger N, comcidmg with the virtual disappearance of these

2007

Bird densities along precipitation gradients

113

species from the southern parts of the study area, indicate tliat significant nortliward

movements occur towards the end of the breeding season. These post-breeding

movements are most probably an adaptation to utilization of tlie seasonal abundance

of grasshoppers, especially Oedaleus senegaJensis, in the northern grasslands.

In addition to the north-south differences, several differences between Senegal

and Niger are apparent (cf. Appendix). Many of these are related to the liigher density

of trees found in Senegal, even in the drier parts of the country. Common arboreal

species such as Urocolius macrourus. Halcyon senegalensis, H. chelicuti, Coracias

abyssiniens, Tockus erythrorhynchns, Lybius vieilloti, Lamprotornis starlings (except

L, pnlcher). Bubal omis albirostris and Ploceus weavers (except P. Iiiteolus) all

occurred in higher numbers in Senegal than in Niger. On the other hand, many species

associated with open, dry country, with or without scattered bushes, were more

frequent in Niger than in areas receiving a similar amount of rainfall in Senegal {e.g.

Oena capensis, Eremopterix leucotis, E. nigriceps, Cercotrichas galactotes, Cisticola

aridulus, Spiloptila damans, Lanins meridionalis and Sporopipes frontalis). A few

exceptions from this general trend are mentioned in the following.

Despite their arboreal habits, all simbird species were more numerous in Niger

than in Senegal. This was the case even in Chalcomitra senegalensis, which was

recorded at a mean density of 6.4 per km between the Nigerian border and Zinder,

and Copper Sunbird Cinnyris ciipreiis, of which we had tliree records (north to

13°22’N). There have been less than ten previous records of Chalcomitra

senegalensis in Niger, and our records of Cinnyris cupreus are the first ones outside

“W” National Park (Giraudaux et al. 1988, J. Brouwer in litt.). All four simbird

species recorded are rains migrants at tire northern limit of their range, so their

occurrence varies from year to year and from place to place, dependmg on the

northward extension of the rains and on local differences in rainfall.

Among the dry country species, the tliree common waders Biirhinus capensis,

Cursorius temminckii and Vanellus tectus were more frequent in Senegal than in

Niger. A possible reason for tliis could be the higlier incidence of bush fires in

Senegal, creating suitable habitat. Also Mirafra cantillans occurred m liigher densities

in northern Senegal than in most similar areas in Niger. However, mean densities of

'y

40 per km , comparable to those in Senegal N, were recorded at the additional counts

in the Tahoua area in Niger. Generally, the regional mean densities shown in the

Appendix may conceal large local variations (cf Fig. 2), especially in colonial species

and species whose optimum habitat is patcliily distributed. For instance, whereas tlie

mean density of M cantillans in Senegal N was 44 per km^, maximum densities

regularly recorded along 1-km transects were as high as 200-250 per km . Tlie latter

figure compares well with the 22-37 singing males per 10 ha foimd by Mullié &

Keith (1991).

Our records of Mirafra cordofanica and M. rufa from Niger are the first records

since 1931 (Giraudoux et al. 1988, J. Brouwer in litt.). At least in some years, M.

cordofanica seems to be fairly common in a belt between Zinder and Tanout, but the

114

B. S. Petersen et al.

Malimbus 29

paucity of records in 2004 may indicate a rather erratic occurrence. Eremalauda dunni

(less than ten previous records from Niger) proved surprisingly common too, mainly

north of the M. cordofanica belt. Also Ammomanes deserti was found in fairly high

densities south of the area where it had previously been recorded {i.e. north of

15°18'N, cf Giraudoux et al. 1988). The novelty of these findings from Niger may

simply reflect that very little ornithological work has been done during the rainy

season in the areas hi question, but the records may also represent southward range

extensions (cf. the recent discovery of Golden Niglitjar Caprimulgus eximins in

Cameroon (Smclair et al. 2003)). In Senegal, our record of M cordofanica seems to

be the first south of 16°N (Morel & Morel 1990, Sauvage & Rodwell 1998). M

nifocinnamomea proved unexpectedly coimnon in Senegal S, but all our records

(except one west of 16°W) fall withhi the known range of the species.

No large vultures and eagles were recorded on the transects in Niger. In Senegal,

large vultures were absent from the southern and nortliemmost parts of our study area

but were elsewhere found in fair numbers. Gyps rueppellii and G. africaniis were

most frequent, but also Torgos tracheliotus was regularly seen on the transects and a

few large eagles were recorded as well. Accordmg to W. Mullié {in litt.), flocks of

100 vultures, or rarely up to 600, are regularly seen on carcasses along the main road

between Tliies and Louga (with typically 40-50% G. rueppellii., 35-45% G.

africaniis, 10-15% Necrosyrtes monachus and 0-5% T. tracheliotus) whereas vultures

are now very rare m the northennnost part of Senegal and also in Mauritania.

W African raptor populations have pluimneted during recent decades. In Mali,

Burkma Faso and Niger, numbers of large vultures and eagles outside protected areas

have been reduced by 98% and 86-93%, respectively, since 1969-73 (Thiollay 2006).

Our lack of records from Niger fits well mto tliis picture. By contrast, fair numbers of

large raptors still seem to survive m Senegal, at least in the W part of the country.

Raptor populations have undoubtedly also declmed here, and poisoning is known to

occur (W. Mullié in litt.), but, for unknown reasons, the decline has apparently been

less dramatic than in countries further east.

Acknowledgments

Tlie staff of Centre Régional AGRHYMET, Niamey, especially Zakaria Ouambama,

and the staff of the Direction de la Protection des Végétaux, Dakar, especially

Mbargou Lô and Abdoulaye Niassy, provided hivaluable assistance m relation to our

field work. All of them are cordially tlianked. We also thank Morten M. Hansen, Erik

M. Jacobsen, Jom L. Larsen, Marcel C. Raliner and Anders P. Tottrup, who

perfonned the censuses together with tlie authors, and Steffen U. Madsen, who

prepared Figs. 1 and 2. Joost Brouwer, Wim C. Mullié and Ulf Ottosson kindly

conmiented on a previous draft of the manuscript, and the comments of the referees,

P. Giraudoux and Peter Jones, further unproved tlie paper. Tlie Préliss project was

2007

Bird densities along precipitation gradients

115

funded by DANIDA, Danish Ministry of Forei^ Affairs, who also kindly consented

to making the data freely available to the scientific community.

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Anthus cinnamomeus. Buff-bellied Warbler Phyllolais pulchella and Isabelline

Shrike XawiMS' isabeUinus. Bull Afr. Bird Club 12: 162-164.

Debout, G., Meister, P. & Ventelon, M, (2000) Notes complémentaires sur

Tavifaune du Niger. Malimbus 22: 87-88.

Fishpool, L.D.C. & Evans, M.L (eds.) (2001) Important Bird Areas in Africa and

Associated Islands: priority sites for conservation. Pisces Publications, Newbury.

Giraudoux, P., Degauquier, R., Jones, P.I, Weigel, J. & Isenmann, P. (1988)

Avifaime du Niger: état des connaissances en 1986. Malimbus 10: 1-140.

Holyoak, D.T. & Seddon, M.B. (1991a) Notes sur la répartition des oiseaux du

Niger (1ère partie). Alauda 59: 55-57.

Holyoak, D.T. & Seddon, M.B. (1991b) Notes sur la répartition des oiseaux du

Niger (2ème partie). Alauda 59: 1 16-120.

Jones, P., Vickery, J,, Holt, S. & Cresswell, W. (1996) A preliminary assessment

of some factors influencing the density and distribution of palearctic passerine

migrants wintering in the Sahel zone of West Africa. Bird Study 43: 73-84.

Keith, J.O. & Mullié, W.C. (1990) Birds. Pp. 235-270 in Everts, IW. (ed.)

Environmental Effects of Chemical Locust and Grasshopper Control. A Pilot

Study. FAO, Rome.

116

B, S. Petersen et al.

Malimbus 29

Morel, G. (1968) Contribution à la synécologie des oiseaux du Sahel sénégalais.

Mém. ORSTOM 29, O.R.S.T.O.M., Paris.

Morel, G. J. & Morel, M.-Y. (1980) Structure of an arid tropical bird community.

Proc. 4 Pan-Afr. Orn. Congr. 125-133.

Morel, G. J. & Morel, M.-Y. (1990) Les Oiseaux de Sénégambie: notices et cartes

de distribution. ORSTOM, Paris.

Mulleé, W.C. & Keith, J. O. (1991) Notes on the breedmg biology, food and weight

of the Singmg Bush-Lark Mirafra javanica m northern Senegal. Mai imbus 13:

24-39.

Ornis Consult (1997) Management Plan for Integrated Management of Biodiversity

in Ferlo, Senegal. Annex 2: The avifauna of Ferlo, northern Senegal. Unpubl. rep.

to DANIDA, Copenliagen.

Payne, R.B., Payne, L.L. & Barlow, C.R. (1997) Observation of Savile’s Bustard

Eupodotis savilei m The Gambia. Malimbus 19: 97-99.

Rondeau, G. & Thiollay, J.M. (2004) West African Vulture Declhie. Vulture News

51: 13-33.

Sauvage, A. (1993) Notes complémentaires sur Tavifaiuie du Niger. Malimbus 14:

44-47.

Sauvage, A. & Rodwell, S.P. (1998) Notable observations of birds in Senegal

(excluding Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj), 1984-1994. Malimbus 20: 75-122.

Sinclair, I, Cassidy, R., Cope, A., van Aswegen, H., Leslie, R. & Rose, B. (2003)

Tire first Golden Niglitjar Caprimulgus eximius m Cameroon. Bull. Afr. Bird Club

10: 124-125.

Thiollay, J.-M. (2006) Tlie declme of raptors m West Africa: long-tenn assessment

and tlie role of protected areas. Ibis 148: 240-254.

Thomas, L., Laake, J.L., Strindberg, S., Marques, F.F.C., Bishop, J., Buckland,

S.T., Borchers, D.L., Anderson, D.R., Burnham, K.P., Hedley, S.L. &

Pollard, J.H. (2003) Distance 4.1. Release 2, Research Unit for Wildlife

Population Assessment, University of St. Andrews, UK.

Appendix.

Densities (no./km^) of the 77 species fulfilling the abundance criteria for inclusion (see text). Estimated mean densities are

given for Senegal and Niger as well as for each of the six regions.

2007

Bird densities along precipitation gradients

117

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118

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Maliinbus 29

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Bird densities along precipitation gradients

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Malimbus 29

Short Notes — Notes Courtes

European Griffon Vulture Gyps fiilviis at Yankari National Park, Nigeria

lu Mardi 2005, we made a four-day visit to the Yankari National Park, in Bauchi

State, E Nigeria. Tlie Park comprises a large area of mainly dry Guinea savamia, with

patches of riparian forest along watercourses. Tlie visitor centre at Wikki Hot Springs

is on a ridge, from winch there is an excellent view overlooking the savanna forest

that borders parts of tlie river. From c. lOhOO to 14h00, on 6-9 Mar we watched

soaring raptors from the bar veranda. Tlie list of soarmg birds that we observed from

this site mcluded Abdim’s stork Ciconia abdimii, Black stork C. nigra. Palm-nut

Vulture Gypohierax angolensis. River Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer, African Harrier-

Hawk Polyboroides typiis. Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus. Yellow-billed Kite Milviis

(migrans) parasitas. Brown Snake-Eagle Circaetus cinerens. Short-toed Snake-Eagle

C. gallicus, Grashopper Buzzard Butastiir rujipennis, Lizard Buzzard Kaitpifalco

monogrammicus. Dark Chantmg Goshawk Melierox metabates, Gabar Goshawk

Micronisiis gabar, Sliikra Accipiter badins, Walilberg's Eagle Aquila wahlbergi,

African Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetiis spilogaster. Martial Eagle Polemaetiis beliicosus,

Lanner Falco biarmicus, and Fox Kestrel F. alopex.

On each day, just before noon, a few vultures took off from their roosts in the

forest, into tlie fomihig theniials. We observed five species: Hooded Vulture

Necrosyrtes monachus, Wliite-backed Vulture Gyps africamis (most conmion of the

vultures, with up to 15 birds), European Griffon Vulture G. fulvus. White-headed

Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis, and Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotns.

Tlie observations of European Griffon appear to be the first from tliis area (Brown

et al. 1982, Hoyo et al 1994, Borrow & Deiiiey 2004). They were seen on all four

days with up to tliree birds observed simultaneously. Two of them were in their third

or older pliuiiage, wliile one witli markedly darker underwing coverts probably was in

its second plumage (Forsman 1999). Tliey were easily told apart from the similar

Riippell’s Griffon Vulture Gyps rueppellii by their larger size and different wing-

shape (based on experience of both species elsewhere), as well as the contrast

between sandy brown coverts (not as dark brown as m G. rueppellii) and dark

reniiges. Furthemiore, the wliitish area on tlie median underwing coverts was

diagnostic on the two older birds, wliich excludes Riippell’s Griffon.

Tlie observations of European Griffon Vultures this far southeast in W Africa

represent a large extension of the presumed winter range of this species. It remains to

be established whether our observations represent vagrants, or if tlie species is regular

m the region.

Tliis is contribution no. 28 from the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research histitute.

2007

Notes Courtes

123

References

Borrow, N. & Demey, R. (2004) Birds of Western Africa. Cliristopher Helm,

London.

Brown, L.H., Urban, E.K. & Newman, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa, vol. 1.

Academie Press, London.

Forsman, D. (1999) The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East. T. & A.D. Poyser,

London.

Hoyo, J. DEL, Elliot, A. & Sargatal, J. eds. (1994) Handbook of the Birds of the

World, vol. 2. Lynx, Barcelona.

Received 13 January 2007

1 11

Roine Strandberg , Ulf Ottosson , Jonas Waldenstrom & Olof Hellgren

^Department of Animal Ecology, Lund University, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden.

<Roine.Strandberg@zooekol.lu.se>

^A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute,

P.O. Box 13404, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Bird observations in Mali

During a visit to Mali in 2006, we spent 30 Nov to 7 Dec in the Niger delta, and

visited the rice fields at Mono 9-14 Dec. We made, according to Fry et al. (1988),

Urban et al. (1997) and Borrow & Demey (2004), observations tliat may provide

range extensions for some bird species. Furthennore, we found higli numbers of one

European winter visitor and one intra- African migrant nortli of Mono.

Chelictinia riocourii Swallow-tailed Kite. During the visit to Mono, we found a

Swallow-tailed Kite roost in a small group of eucalyptus trees close to the town at

14°16'N, 6°0'W. During the morning of 11 Dec we counted 3690 kites flying off

from the roost at 7h45-9h30. Wlien we left the site there were still about 150 perched

in the trees. During mornings when we arrived earlier, more than 500 birds left the

roost before 7h30. We estimate that the roost comprised up to 4500 Swallow-tailed

Kites. Approximately one third of the kites started the mornings by gathering in

nearby acacia trees to the north of the roost in open fields. Here they preened and

perched in the sun until about 9h00. The roost at Mono is probably the largest in Mali

and was already encountered in Jan 2006, when 2480 bird were counted (J.J. Guitard

& P.A. Reynaud, pers. comm..). Tlie Swallow-tailed Kite has declined in parts of W

Africa as a result of locust control during the 1980s (Ferguson-Lees & Clu-istie 2001),

and the roost at Mono is certainly important during the non-breeding period. Local

citizens told us that the birds are seen in the area in big numbers annually, from Oct

until spring (during which month the kites leave the area was not clear).

124

Short Notes

Malimbus 29

Asio capensis Marsh Owl. In the area known as Office de Niger at Mono we visited

the rice fields nortli of the town. Two pairs of Marsh Owls were seen at 14°3rN,

5°56'W dining the evenhigs 11-12 Dec. One pair was displaying over a grassy area

close to rice fields, while the other was seen huntmg over cultivated fields close to a

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosiis roost includmg 63 birds. These observations extend

the known range c. 80 km westward from the Niger delta (Borrow & Demey 2004).

Streptopelia turtur Turtle Dove. In the same area where the Marsh Owls were

observed, a large mflux of Turtle Doves occurred m the evening, witli c. 8000 birds

flew south to roost, probably in a tree plantation at 14°3rN, 5°57'W.

Prinia fluviatilis River Prinia. hi the central parts of the Niger delta between

15°13'N, 4°19'W and 14°55'N, 4°20'W, we noted 12 singing River Prinias along the

riverbanks, 4-5 Dec. We had seen the species at Djoudj, Senegal, the previous month.

We had good views of tliree of the birds m tlie Niger delta and they had considerable

paler plumage than Tawny-flanked Prmias P. subflava seen during this trip and

previously. Tire song was “smootlier” tlian Tawny-flanked Prinia and matched

perfectly sound recordmgs of tlie River Prinia (Chappuis 2000). Tlie River Prinia has

never been reported from the delta before (Borrow & Demey 2004), having most

probably been overlooked.

Acrocephalus rufescens Greater Swamp Warbler. Close to Mono, at 14°16'N,

6°00'W m liigli broad-leaved grass resemblmg a Phragmites sp., we saw one Greater

Swamp Warbler and heard one smgmg, close to the Swallow-tailed Kite roost, 12

Dec. Accordmg to Borrow & Demey (2004) tliere are only doubtful records from

Mali. We heard the song well for at least 2 mhi. m the morning and close by we

observed a rather dark brown, long-billed, heavy Acrocephalus with a long rounded

tail and all-dark legs, a promment supercilium and a grey wash on the underparts,

diagnostic of tliis species. Tlie area north of Mono is probably very good for the

species and a quite recent colonization could have occurred in association with

mcreased areas of abandoned rice cultivations.

Phylloscopus ibericus Iberian Chiffchaff. hi a flooded area south of Lac Débo,

Niger delta, at 15°16'N, 4°10'W, with plenty of bushes standing in water, we

observed tliree Iberian Cliiffchaffs and heard at least two more calling, 2-3 Dec.

Song, calls and yellowish undertail-coverts all matched this species. We saw none

matchmg Coimiion Cliiffchaffs P. coUybita during our visit. The Iberian Cliiffchaff

has not been reported previously from the northern part of the Niger delta, but is only

recently accepted as a full species (Sangster et al. 2002), wliich miglit explain why it

has been overlooked.

Tlianks to Olivier Girard for valuable and constmctive comments on the manuscript.

References

Borrow, N. & Demey, R. (2004) Birds of Western Africa. Christopher Heim,

London.

2007

Notes Courtes

125

Brown, L.H., Urban, E.K. & Newman, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa, vol. 1.

Academie Press, London.

Chappuis, C. (2000) Oiseaux d’Afrique. 15 CDs. Société d’Études Omitliologiques de

France, Paris.

Ferguson-Lees, J. & Christie, D.A. (2001) Raptors of the World. Cliristoplier Helm,

London.

Sangster, g., Knox, A.G., Helbig, A.J. & Parkin, D.T. (2002) Taxonomie

recommendations for European birds. Ibis 144: 153-159.

Urban, E.K., Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. (1997) The Birds of Africa, vol. 5. Academic

Press, London.

Received 15 February 2007

Revised 20 April 2007

Roine Strandberg* & Patrik Olofsson^

’Department of Animal Ecology, Limd University, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden.

<roine. strandberg@zooekol. lu. se>

^Furubodavagen 73, SE-29692 Yngsjo, Sweden.

No confirmed record of Black-backed Cisticola Cisticola exintiiis from Benin

During a visit to the Pendjari National Park, Benin, small cisticolas with heavily

streaked black heads and backs contrasting strongly with the briglit orange-rufous

necks and rumps were observed (Salewski & Korb 2007). Tliese birds were identified

in the field, with the aid of Borrow & Demey (2004), as being Black-backed

Cisticolas Cisticola eximius. Tliree species of cisticola were mistnetted at the site or in

its vicinity. Besides Croaking Cisticola C natalensis and Short-winged Cisticola C.

brachyptera, a small cisticola was captured c. 200 m from the location where the

presumed Black-backed Cisticolas were seen. A photograph of tliis bird was

published as Fig. 1 in Salewski & Korb (2007) to prove the first record of Black-

backed Cisticola in Benin. On later consideration I concluded, however, that the bird

on the photograph was Zitting Cisticola C jimcidis. Unlike Black-backed Cisticola

the bird on the photograph is not very rufous, but rather brownish on the back and

head (Borrow & Demey 2001). It also has a faint blackish subterminal band on the

brownish tail (Borrow & Demey 2004). The latter character was more obvious on

another photograph of the same bird where the tail was visible from below. As the

bird figured in Salewski & Korb (2007) is definitely not Black-backed Cisticola the

occurrence of this species in Benin is not yet confinned and must be deleted from the

country’s list. However, with respect to the above-mentioned observation of birds

tentatively identified in the field as Black-backed Cisticola, a more thorougli

investigation may reveal the occurrence of this species in the Park.

126

Short Notes

Malimbus 29

I stress that the mclusion of Fig. 1 m Salewski & Korb (2007) is entirely due to my

own inattention and not caused by errors of Judith Korb, my co-author.

References

Borrow, N. & Demey, R. (2004) Birds of Western Africa. Cliristopher Helm,

London.

Salewski, V. & Korb, J. (2007) New bird records for Renin. Malimbiis 29: 42^5.

Urban, E.K., Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. (1997) The Birds of Africa, vol. 5. Academic

Press, London.

Received 1 August 2007

Revised 18 September 2007

Volker Salewski

Piinz-Rupprecht-Str. 34, 93053 Regensburg, Gennany. <salewski.volker@web.de>

Grey-necked Picathartes Picathartes oreas use man-made structures to breed

Tlie Gey-necked Picathartes Picathartes oreas is well known for its specific nesting

requirement: a tall, sliglitly overhangmg rock face, which does not allow rain to fall

into the nest (Tliompson & Fotso 1995). For example, all nests recorded on Mt

Cameroon were on overhangmg rock faces (Tye 1987). Nests are constructed either

on an isolated rock usually not far from a forest stream, or inside a cave. In addition

the rock face has to be higli enougli to allow the birds to construct the nest at least 2 m

from the groimd (Fry et ai. 2000). Tire only published exceptions are a nest found on

the trunk of a tree m Cameroon (Waltert & Mülilenberg 2000) and one in a hollow,

cave-like log (Fry et al. 2000).

Here we describe two P. oreas nest sites mider concrete bridges in Lopé National

Park, Gabon. Tire bridges at both sites provide exactly what is required by this species

for nestmg: smooth vertical walls and tlie miderside of tlie bridge provide an excellent

false cave or rock face.

Both sites were found by accident. Site 1 m 2002 by T. Ukizintambara, who

informed PC m 2003, and Site 2 (year unknown) by G. Mabeka, who told FM in

2002. Tire nest at Site 1 (Fig. 1) was c. 75 cm long and 30 cm wide; that at Site 2 (Fig.

2) was shorter (about 40 cm long) and more typical of the species (about as long as it

is wide: the exterior is usually 40 cm long and 29 wide (Ash 1991). Exact

measurements were not taken as botli nests were liigli up on tlie faces of tlie bridges

(see hand and head for scale m Figs 1 and 2). The road over the first bridge is a main

road used by trucks and other vehicles; tlie second road is almost never used: perhaps

once every year. Tlie vibrations caused by traffic over the first bridge may explain the

long, very robust construction of tlie associated nest. Botli bridges are over running

2007

Notes Courtes

127

water in veiy narrow gallery forests in savannas in the northern sector of the Lopé NP.

For the first site, access to the nest is easy from both sides, whereas for the second,

access from the upstream side is blocked by vegetation.

We do not know how successful these sites are in comparison to nests at natural

rock face sites, but they have been used for several years. It is possible that P. areas

regularly makes nests under such constructions, but that no-one has tliought to look.

This is good news for the species, as it means that their nesting opportunities are

broader tlian previously supposed.

Fig 1. Site 1. Fig 2. Site 2.

Thanks to the Conseil National des Parcs Nationaux and the Ministère des Eaux et

Forêts, Gabon. We are grateful to Guy Mabeka of Malouma village and Tliarcisse

Ukizintambara for passing on tliis information to us.

References

Ash, J. s. (1991) The Grey-necked Picathartes Picathartes areas and Ibadan Malmibe

MaJimbus ibadanensîs. Bird Canserv. Internat. 1: 93-106.

128

Short Notes

Malimbus 29

Fry, C.H., Keith, S. & Urban, E.K., ed. (2000) The Birds of Africa, vol. 4.

Academie Press. London.

Thompson, H.S. & Fotso, R. (1995) Rockfowl: the genus Picaîhartes. Bull Afr. Bird

Chib 2: 25-28.

Tye, h. (1987) Breedmg biology of Picathartes areas. Gerfaut 11: 313-32.

Waltert, M. & Mühlenberg, M. (2000) A nest of Grey-necked Picatliartes

Picathartes oreas constructed on a tree. Bull. Afr. Bird Club 7: 132.

Received 13 April 2007

Revised 3 1 July 2007 Patrice Cliristy* & Fiona Maisels^

‘bp 2240, Libreville, Gabon

^Wildlife Conservation Society, BP 7847, Libreville, Gabon

Seabird counts at N’Gor, Senegal, in November 2006

Durmg a visit to Senegal in 2006 we spent seven days (10-14 and 25-26 Nov) at

N’Gor on the north end of the Cap Vert penmsula to watch the migration of seabirds.

We mostly observed from north of Dakar airport, close to N’Gor island, with a view

to the north which gave reasonably good views of the WSW-migrating seabirds, even

when the wmds were moderate. Durmg 10 Nov we counted Cory’s Shearwaters

Calonetris diomedea passing per mhiute m different periods; on the other days we

counted all passmg birds. Tlie momhigs were mostly clear and good numbers of

seabirds passed witlim 1000 m, witli the first two hours the best of the day. As the day

proceeded, the visibility and greater distance to the birds made it less profitable to

watch. Tire evenings were also good, especially on 25 Nov when the wind was more

from tlie north tlian northeast and with wind speed exceeding 10 ms“‘. Observations

are suimnarized m Table 1.

Many Cory’s Shearwaters passed southwest during days with northeast winds,

with means of 50 per mm. m the morning and 10-15 in the afternoon. On several

occasions we had >100 per mm. in the morning and some flocks of several hundreds

passmg. A low estmiate of tlie nimiber of Cory’s Shearwater passing N’Gor during 10

Nov is at least 15000 birds. We did not observe any Cape Verde Shearwaters C.

{diomedea) edwardsii, despite close attention. Tlie prevailing northeast winds might

have prevented them from reacliing the coast during the period, or they might not

occur regularly at this season. Tlie number of migrating Cory’s Shearwater peaks at

the Cap Vert peninsula m Nov, with tlie largest number reported being 3146 in 1 h, in

Nov 1991 (Sauvage & Rodwell 1998). Our 4500 birds in Ih 20 min. on 10 Nov

therefore a new higliest coimt.

Tlie observations of Great Shearwater Puffmus gravis, a rarely observed passage

migrant (Brown et al. 1982, Sauvage & Rodwell 1998, Borrow & Demey 2004),

Table 1. Numbers of passing seabirds at N’Gor, Senegal 10-14 and 25-26 Nov 2006. * = juvenile birds.

Date 10 10 11 12 13 13 14 25 25 26 26

Time 8li30- 13h30- 71i05- 6h55- 71i30- 16h20- 71i05- 7h05- 17h00- 7h00- 8hl5-

9h50 19h30 9h05 19h00 8hl5 18h30 12h00 10h05 181i50 7h40 9M0 Totals

2007

Notes Courtes

129

«0

o

(N <N

m *

00

<N

o^

OO ON

m

rn

•T)

IT) OO

ON <N

ON

«O

(N

SO

On

NO

SO

s©

fM

ON

SO

NO

o

o n-

m

ON

^ »0 fM

NO

c«

C3

CNI

*

NO

*

o

*

fN

X *

O

0 o

_§ o

1 t/l

JS 3

« •§

o 5

'«'j ^

130

Short Notes

Malimbus 29

during the evening of 25 Nov and momhig 26 of Nov, were made during north winds

of 10-12 ms“*. Tlie passage off W Europe is mahily Aug-Oct (Harrison 1983) but the

majority of observations in Senegal are made in Nov (e.g. Sauvage & Rodwell 1998).

Several observations were made of larger skuas Catharacta sp., possibly

South Polar Skuas C. maccormicki. They were all dark with no rufous coloration

showing in the plumage (as often showed by juvenile Great Skuas C. skua) even

in very good light.

All Sabme’s Gulls Larus sabini that passed durmg our visit were juveniles, which

may be explained by the late date.

Tlianks to P.W.P. Browne for valuable and constructive coimnents on tlie manuscript.

References

Borrow, N. & Demey, R. (2004) Birds of Western Africa. Cliristopher Hehn, London.

Brown, L.H., Urban, E.K. & Newman, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa, vol. 1.

Academic Press, London.

Harrison, P. (1983) Seabirds: an Identification Guide. Cluistopher Helm, London.

Sauvage, A. & Rodwell, S.P. 1998. Notable observations of birds in Senegal (ex-

cludmg Parc National des Oiseaux de Djoudj), 1984-1994. Malimbus 20: 75-122.

Received 13 January 2007

Revised 13 April 2007

Rome Strandberg* & Patrik Olofsson^

'Department of Animal Ecology, Limd University, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden.

<rome.strandberg@zooekol.lu.se>

^Fumbodavagen 73, SE-29692 Yngsjo, Sweden.

Baumann’s Greenbul Phyllastrephiis baumannf new to Cameroon

Wliile studymg understorey birds m primary forest, secondary forest, cocoa, coffee

and amiual crops m the area of Abat-Mgbegati-Basu (5°2r-5°25'N, 9°9'-9°13'E),

near Korup National Park in SW Cameroon, at c. 250 m altitude, from 16 January to 7

March 2006, we mist-netted four greenbuls, witlihi small (c. 100 m in diameter)

amiual crop faiins left fallow for at least two years. Tliese still held cassava plants but

were overgrown by Chromolaena odorata of c. 2.5 m heiglit. The birds

(photographed) were sliglitly bigger than Little Greenbul Andropadus virens, dark

olive-brown above but with the tail more rufous-brown, liglit brown-grey below but

with a paler tliroat. Tliey had brown-orange eyes, grey-brown sides of the head with

liglit streaks and supercilium, olive-brown eye-stripes, black whiskers and dark grey

feet. Tlie lower mandible was paler than the upper mandible, which was dark grey.

2007

Notes Courtes

131

The first bird caught (23 Feb at 15h30), an adult female (cloaca and brood patch)

measured: wing 80 mm (moulting); tail 77; tarsus 23; bill length to feathering 15 nun,

depth 5.5, width 6.5; total length 18.5 cm; weight 31 g).

The birds were eventually identified as Baumann’s Greenbuls Phyllastrephus

baumanni. Pale Olive Greenbul P. fulviventris and Cameroon Olive Greenbul P.

poemis are similar, but differ by having, for P. fulviventris, a creamy-white tliroat,

pale tawny-yellow underparts with pale olive-brown breast and flanks, and a broken

white eye-ring, and for P. poensis, a relatively longer tail, pale dirty olive-grey

underparts with whitish throat (Borrow & Demey 2001). Brown Illadopsis lUadopsis

fuJvescens, of which we caught five individuals m secondary forest plots, is more

compact, lacks whiskers, has a shorter tail and is dark fulvous-brown above, wholly

ftilvous-brown below (/. f ihoensis).

The first individual caught (at 5°22'10''N, 9°12'50"E) called in the hand, and

others in the nearby farms responded and approached. In the field, we used the call

description in Borrow & Demey (2001) to confirm Baumann’s Greenbul, which was

calling “shrr week wik”. We later discarded P. fulviventris and P. poensis from their

calls on Chappuis (2000). On 24 Feb in tlie same plot, the same female was cauglit

again. On 25 Feb, late in the afternoon, in another farm plot c. 300 m south of the first

one, a male was caught, with primary feathers starting to moult. On 7 Mar about noon

an adult female was caught in a plot c. 200 m west of the first plot, with primary

moult completed and with a fresh egg still in the abdomen but visible from the

completed brood patch. In the afternoon of the same day, an adult male was also

caught in this plot.

According to Fishpool (1999, 2000), the species does not occur in true lowland

rainforest, but in severely degraded forest with a low canopy and in gallery forest and

thickets fringing the forest zone. Baumann’s Greenbul is Data Deficient (BirdLife

International 2004). In our study area, it appeared to be frequent in suitable habitat,

where 3-4 pairs per ha could be found. March seems to be the begimiing of its

breeding season. These first siglitings of Baumann’s Greenbul in SW Cameroon

represent an eastward range extension, the nearest known locality being in E Nigeria,

c. 100 km from our study area (Borrow & Demey 2001, BirdLife International 2004).

This increases the number of species known for Cameroon (cf Languy et ah 2005).

Our sincere thanks to Dr. Volker Dinse, Sven Baumon and Kirsten Heyer from the

“Reit” ringing station in Hamburg and to Dr. Ulrich Quemer from tlie Radolfzell ringing

station, in Germany for providing the nets. We also tliank tlie German Society for

Tropical Ornithology (GTO) for financial support. Our sincere gratitude to Ron Demey

for his corrections and comments.

References

BirdLife International (2004) Threatened Birds of the World 2004. BirdLife

International, Cambridge.

132

Short Notes

Malimbus 29

Borrow, N. & Demey, R. (2001) Birds of Western Africa. Cliristopher Hehn, London.

Chappuis, C. (2000) Oiseaux d’Afrique. 15 CDs. Société d’Etudes Ornithologiques de

France, Paris.

Fishpool, L.D.C. (1999) Little-known African bird: Baumann’s Greenbul

PhyUastrephus baumanni. Bull. Afr. Bird Club 6: 137.

Fishpool, L.D.C. (2000) A review of the status, distribution and habitat of Baumann’s

GïQQdbvX PhyUastrephus baumanni. Bull. Br. Orn. Club 120: 213-229.

Languy, M., Bobo, K.S., Njie, M.F., Njabo, K. Y., Lapios, J.M. & Demey, R. (2005)

New bird records from Cameroon. Malimbus 27: 1-12,

Received 26 April 2006; revised 28 May 2007.

K.S. Bobo' ^ F.M. Njie^ S.E. Mbeng^ M. Mühlenberg'' & M. Waltert^

'Mhiistry of Enviromiient and Forestry, Department of Wildlife and Protected Areas.

Yaoimde, Cameroon; <bobokadiri@yalioo.fr>

c/o Limbe Botanical Garden, Cameroon; <njiefrank@yalioo.com>

"“Abat, Korup National Park, P.O. Box 36, Mundemba, Soutliwest Cameroon

■^Department of Conservation Biology, Centre for Nature Conservation,

Georg-August University, Von-Siebold-Strasse 2, 37075 Gottingen, Germany

2007

133

Society Notices — Informations de la Société

Increase in W.A.O.S. subscription rate

The W.A.O.S. membership subscription was last increased more tlian 15 years ago, in

1991. Since then, we have produced Mai imbus each year and disbursed almost £4000 in

research grants to ornithologists working in W Africa, mostly students of W African origin.

We have also established a Society web site, put most issues of Malimbus onto it, and

are currently adding to it all issues of tlie Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithological Society.

Increasing costs have at last led to Council having decided that the subscription

must increase, and the following new rates will apply for 2008: Ordmary Members

£15 or €22; Corporate and Supporting Members £30 or €44.

For members paying by Standing Order, a notice to your bank is enclosed with

this issue. Please complete tliis and hand it to your bank.

W.A.O.S. Council

Augmentation de la cotisation à la S.O.O.A.

La dernière augmentation du montant de la cotisation de membre de la S.O.O.A.

remonte à plus de 15 ans (1991). Depuis lors, nous avons publié Malimbus chaque

année et versé environ £4000 en bourses de recherche à des ornithologues travaillant

en Afrique de l’Ouest, la plupart à des étudiants des pays en question. Nous avons

aussi créé un site Internet pour la Société, sur lequel nous avons mis la plupart des

numéros de Malimbus, et nous sommes en train d’y ajouter tous les numéros du

Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithological Society.

L’augmentation des firais a finalement conduit le Conseil à décider d’une augmentation

nécessaire du montant de la cotisation, dont le nouveau tarif suivant sera appliqué à partir

de 2008: Membres Ordinaires £15 ou €22; Sociétés et cotisations de soutien £30 ou €44.

Pour les membres payant par ordre de virement permanent, un ordre de virement

est joint à ce numéro. Merci de le compléter et de l’adresser à votre banque.

Le Conseil de la S.O.O.A.

Electronic communication

The Society may on occasion wish to communicate with its members by e-mail. All

members are therefore requested to send their current e-mail address to the Secretary,

134

Society Notices

Malimbus 29

Joost Brouwer <brouwereac@waiiadoo.nl>, and notify liim in future of any changes.

Tlie addresses will be for Council use only.

W.A.O.S. Council

Communication électronique

La Société peut à l’occasion avoir à conmiuniquer avec ses membres par mêle. Il est

donc demandé à tous les abomiés d’envoyer leur adresse électronique actuelle au

Secrétaire, Joost Brouwer <brouwereac@ wanadoo. nl>, et de l’informer de tout

changement éventuel. Ces adresses seront à l’usage exclusif du Conseil.

Le Conseil de la S.O.O.A.

New Treasurer and Membership Secretary sought for W.A.O.S.

Because of the imminent retirement of Bob Sharland, the Society is lookmg for a new

Treasurer and Membership Secretary. Tlie work mvolved is straiglitforward: answer

queries about membersliip, keep the membersliip list up to date, send reminders for

overdue subscriptions, and keep the accoimts. Tlie W.A.O.S. accounts are also quite

simple: income comprises subscriptions and bank mterest, while the main

expenditures are Malimbus production costs and occasional research grants. Sterling

subscriptions are paid mto the W.A.O.S. mam bank account m the U.K., while Euro

subscribers pay via Marie-Yvomie Morel’s accoimt m France. Marie-Yvonne records

these subscriptions and every so often makes a transfer to the sterling account.

Because the majority of transactions take place on the sterling account we are ideally

looking for someone based m the U.K. to take over this position. Please inform the

Secretary, Joost Brouwer (addresses mside front cover), of suitable candidates.

W.A.O.S. Council

Un nouveau Trésorier et Secrétaire des Adhésions, recherché pour la S.O.O.A.

En raison du départ iimnhient de Bob Sharland, la Société recherche un nouveau

Trésorier et Secrétaire des Adliésions. Le travail demandé est simple: répondre aux

demandes d’adliésion, tenir à jour la liste des adliérents, envoyer les rappels de

cotisations en retard et tenir la comptabilité. Les comptes de la S.O.O.A. sont aussi

très simples: les rentrées consistent en cotisations et mtérêts bancaires tandis que les

prmcipales dépenses sont les frais d’édition de Malimbus et occasioimellement les

bourses de recherche. Les cotisations en £ Sterlmg sont payées sur le compte bancaire

2007

Informations de la Société

135

de la S.O.O.A. en Grande-Bretagne tandis que les adliérents en zone euro la paient sur

le compte bancaire de Marie-Yvonne Morel en France. Marie-Yvonne emegistre ces

cotisations et de temps à autre fait im virement sur le compte en livres sterling.

Comme la majorité des transactions ont lieu dans la zone sterling, la personne idéale

que nous recherchons pour ce poste devrait résider en Grande-Bretagne. Veuillez

faire connaître au Secrétaire, Joost Brouwer (adresse sur la page intérieure de la

couverture) les candidats.

Le Conseil de la S.O.O.A.

Appreciation of the contributions of Gérard J. Morel and C. Hilary Fry

to the West African Ornithological Society

Retiring W.A.O.S. President Gérard Morel has served 28 years on tlie Council of the

West African Ornithological Society, nine years as Vice-President and 19 as President.

This is the whole life of W.A.O.S. and he was present at its birth. Prior to that, the

only group of ornithologists in W Africa was the anglophone Nigerian Ornithologists’

Society, who realized that true coverage of the region would involve becoming a

bilingual group. Gérard was one of tlie principal francophone omitliologists who helped

bring this about. The Society’s journal, Malimhus, is a measure of the success of this

effort. It has published, from the beginning, a mixture of English and French language

pieces and all notices from the Society are in both languages. Tlie same policy has

been used on the Society’s website. Not only has Géraid encouraged a bilingual Society

in principle, but he has also contributed to that end on a day-to-day basis by trans-

lating into French much material for Malimbiis that was initially composed in English.

Gérard realized that the success of the Society depends in large measure on the

publication in Malimbiis of important articles on W African omitliology. Wliile working

at the ORSTOM Ornithological Station at Richard-Toll, Senegal, he made liis personal

contribution to this with many papers, some jointly with his wife Dr. Marie- Yvonne

Morel. He has also encouraged, tlirough his wide personal contacts, otlier omitliologists

to publish in the pages of Malimbiis and has exhorted liis French-speaking colleagues

to publish in French. He has also contributed numerous book reviews to the journal.

After his retirement in 1992, he and Marie- Yvonne took up residence in Nomiandy,

France. They were then better able to assist in the organisation of biannual Society

meetings and meetings of Council. They also continued a task they had begun in

Senegal, to collect subscriptions to the Society paid in French francs and later in

Euros, to alleviate the problems some members had in paying in pounds sterling.

They played an important role in the conception of a website for the Society. In

2002, Council realized that a website could contribute significantly to success of tlie

Society and the Morels were able to obtain the seiwices of their grandson, Julien

136

Society Notices

Malimbus 29

Guyonet, to launch this endeavour in 2003. He was responsible for the striking

grapliics that adorn the mam pages of the website, and he also set up tlie website on

the server that is still used, costing tlie Society nothing.

Council has decided to nominate Gérard Honorary President, We are deliglited that he

will continue to participate in Council and give us tlie benefit of his advice and assistance.

Retiring W.A.O.S. Vice-President Hilary Fry was, with Bob Sharland and John

Elgood, a founder of the Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society (N.O.S.), first established

m 1964. Hilary took on editorship of the Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists'

Society wliile teaching at Almiadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria and ably held this

position wliilst encouragmg otliers to join and contribute to tlie Society and its Bulletin.

On his leavmg Nigeria m 1967 to take up appointment at the University of Aberdeen,

Hilary resigned the editorship of the Bulletin, only to take it on again in 1974.

Havmg encouraged and solicited articles for Bull N.O.S. from ornithologists in

countries all over W Africa, it was a logical progression when in 1978 Hilary initiated

a nieetmg of N.O.S. members and other W African ornithologists in Liverpool. This

resulted in the West African Ornithological Society and its bilingual journal

Malimbiis. Hilary saw the society and journal tlirougli this important transformation

and contmued to edit Malimbiis until 1985 when he moved to take on a new Chair at

the Sultan Qaboos University, Oman.

Hilary is now best known for his manmioth work as editor and major contributor

to the excellent multivolmne standard work The Birds of Africa. This was an immense

task ably accomplished and benefits all mterested in African birds. He is the world

authority on bee-eaters and, as well as the classic monograph The Bee-eaters

(Poyser), wrote together with liis wife Cathy the acclaimed Kingfishers, Bee-eaters

and Rollers (Clnistopher Helm).

Hilary’s return to W.A.O.S. as Vice-President in 1997 was greatly welcomed and he

held tliat position under Gérard Morel’s presidency until botli recently retired in these

capacities. As a Council member Hilary has always been constructive and sometimes

challenging m liis views and tlie Society has evolved and greatly benefited from his

contributions. Coimcil will be very different witliout him and we hope that in a less

official capacity our Society may continue to benefit from liis experience and foresight.

W.A.O.S. Council

Remerciements à Gérard J. Morel et à C. Hilary Fry pour ses rôles dans

la Société d’Ornithologie de l’Ouest Africain

Le Président sortant de la S.O.O.A., Gérard Morel, a servi 28 ans au sein du

Conseil de la Société Ornithologique de l’Ouest Africain, dont neuf ans coimne Vice-

Président et 19 ans connue Président. Soit depuis la création de la S.O.O.A.

Auparavant, le seul groupe d’ornithologues en Afrique de l’Ouest était la Société des

Ornithologues du Nigeria, anglophone, jusqu’à ce que l’on se rende compte qu’une

2007

Informations de la Société

137

bonne couverture de la région impliquerait la constitution d’un organisme bilingue.

Gérard fut l’un des ornithologues francophones qui aidèrent le plus à cette

transformation. Le journal de la Société, Malimbus, pemiet de prendre la mesure de la

réussite de cet effort. Il a publié, dès l’origine, des travaux dans les deax langues,

anglaise et française, et toutes les annonces de la Société sont dans les deux langues.

La même politique a été suivie pour le site Internet de la Société. Non seulement Gérard

a soutenu le principe du bilinguisme de la Société, mais il a aussi participé à sa mise

en œuvre quotidiennement en traduisant en français une bomie partie du contenu de

Malimbus initialement rédigée en anglais.

Gérard a compris que la réussite de la Société dépendait dans ime large mesure de

la publication dans Malimbus d’articles importants sur l’ornithologie en Afrique de

l’Ouest. Tout en travaillant à la Station Ornithologique de l’ORSTOM à Richard-Toll,

au Sénégal, il a apporté sa propre contribution à cet objectif avec de nombreux

articles, dont certains rédigés conjointement avec sa femme, Dr Marie- Yvonne Morel.

Il a aussi encouragé, à l’occasion de ses nombreux contacts personnels, d’autres

ornithologues à publier dans Malimbus et il a exhorté ses collègues francophones à le

faire en français. Il a rédigé de nombreuses critiques de livres pour la revue.

Après son départ en retraite en 1992, lui et Marie-Yvonne s’établirent en

Normandie, en France. Il leur fut ainsi plus facile d’aider à l’organisation d’assemblées

bieimales de la Société et de réunions du Conseil. Ils continuèrent aussi d’assumer

une tâche qu’ils avaient initiée au Sénégal, la collecte de cotisations payées en Francs

français et plus tard en Euros, pour alléger les frais de transfert en Livres sterling.

Gérard and Marie-Yvonne Morel on the Normandy coast. Gérard et Marie-

Yvonne Morel sur la côte Normande. Photo : P.W.P. Browne.

138

Society Notices

Malimbus 29

Ils ont joué un rôle important dans la conception du site Internet de la Société.

En 2002, le Conseil a pris conscience de ce qu’un site Eitemet pourrait contribuer

signifîcativement à la réussite de la Société et les Morel ont pu bénéficier des

services de leur petit-fils, Julien Guyonet, pour démarrer ce projet en 2003. Il est

l’auteur des remarquables illustrations qui agrémentent les pages principales du

site Eitemet et a aussi créé le site Eitemet sur le serveur, encore utilisé, qui ne

coûte rien à la Société.

Par décision du Conseil, Gérard a été noimné Président d’Honneur. Nous sommes

très heureux qu’il continue ainsi à participer au Conseil de la Société et à le faire

bénéficier de ses avis et de sa collaboration.

Le Vice-Président sortant de la S.O.O.A., Hilary Fry, a été, avec Bob Sharland et

Jolm Elgood, co-fondateur de la Société d’ Ornithologie du Nigeria (N.O.S.), créée en

1964. Hilary prit en charge la rédaction du Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists’

Society alors qu’il enseignait à l’Université Almiadu Bello, Zaria, Nigeria et il assuma

cette responsabilité avec compétence tout en encourageant d’autres personnes à

rejomdre la Société et à alimenter son Bulletin, Lors de son départ du Nigeria, en

1967, pour prendre un poste à l’Université d’Aberdeen, Hilary démissioima de la

rédaction du Bulletin, mais ce fut pour la reprendre en 1974.

Après avoir stimulé les ornithologues de toute l’Afrique de l’Ouest et leur avoir

demandé des articles pour le Bull. N.O.S., ce fut pour Hilary mie suite logique de

convoquer la première réunion des membres de la N.O.S. et d’autres ornithologues

d’Afrique de l’Ouest à Liverpool. La Société d’Omithologie de l’Ouest Africain en

résulta, amsi que sa revue bilmgue Malimbus. Hilary accompagna, pendant cette

miportante transfonnation, la Société et sa revue Mal imbus, dont il continua d’être le

Rédacteur en chef jusqu’en 1985, aimée où il partit occuper une nouvelle chaire à

l’Université Sultan Qabous, à Oman.

Hilary est maintenant mieux comiu pour son œuvre monmnentale en tant que

rédacteur et collaborateur majem à l’excellent ouvrage de référence en plusieurs

volumes The Birds of Africa. Ce fut mie tâche iimnense accomplie avec compétence

et dont profitent tous ceux qui s’intéressent aux oiseaux d’Afrique. Il est l’autorité

mondiale pour les guêpiers et, de même que la monographie classique The Bee-eaters

(Poyser), écrivit conjomtement avec sa feimne Catliy l’ouvrage très applaudi

Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers (Cliristopher Hehii).

Le retour d’Hilary à la S.O.O.A. conmie Vice-Président en 1997 fut chaleureuse-

ment accueilli et il occupa ce poste sous la présidence de Gérard Morel jusqu’à la

récente démission de ces deux derniers. En tant que membre du Conseil de la

S.O.O.A., Hilary a toujours été constructif, parfois provocant, et la Société a

largement bénéficié de ses apports au cours de son évolution. Le Conseil sera très

différent sans lui et nous espérons que de manière moins officielle notre Société

pourra continuer à bénéficier de son expérience et de sa perspicacité.

Le Conseil de la S.O.O.A.

2007

Informations de la Société

139

New Secretary to W.A.O.S. Council

As announced in the last Malimhits (29: 55-58), the search has continued for a new

Secretary to replace Roger Wilkinson, who was elected Vice-President early in 2007.

Council is pleased to announce that Dr Joost Brouwer has accepted tlie position and

has already begun to take part in Council affairs and decisions. Dr Brouwer has been

a member of W.A.O.S. for many years, and a frequent contributor and referee of

papers published in Malimhiis. We look forward to his broader involvement in tlie

management of the Society. •

Bom in Indonesia, the son of Dutch biology and geography teachers, Joost grew

up birdwatching in various countries but opted for a research career in agricultural

science. During a five-year stint in Australia he was chairperson of the Conservation

Committee of the R.A.O.U. (now Birds Australia), and initiated and edited the first

edition of Threatened Birds of Australia (Brouwer & Garnett, eds, 1990, R.A.O.U.,

Moonee Ponds). The next five years he spent in agricultural research in Niger, in his

free time helping Wim Mullié set up the annual Waterbird Census in Niger. Since

leaving Niger in 1994 Joost has coordinated the IB A chapter on Niger in Important

Bird Areas in Africa and Associated Islands (Fishpool & Evans, eds, 2001, BirdLife

International, Cambridge), started the Niger Bird Database (20,000 records), and

written the chapter on natural history in the recent Bradt Travel Guide to Niger. He

has been a member of W.A.O.S. since 1990 and contributed a number of papers on

the birds of Niger. He presently runs his own consultancy on enviromnental and

agricultural matters in developing countries.

W.A.O.S. Council

Nouveau Secrétaire au Conseil de la S.O.O.A.

Comme il était annoncé dans le dernier Malimbus (29: 55-56), la recherche d’un

nouveau Secrétaire s’est poursuivie pour remplacer Roger Wilkinson, élu Vice-

Président début 2007. Le Conseil est heureux d’annoncer que le Dr Joost Brouwer a

accepté le poste et a déjà commencé à participer aux affaires et aux décisions du

conseil. Le Dr Brouwer est membre de S.O.O.A. depuis de nombreuses années et a

fourni ou revu souvent des articles publiés dans Mal imbus. C’est avec sympatliie que

nous attendons son plus ample engagement dans la gestion de la Société.

Né en Indonésie et fils de professeurs néerlandais de biologie et de géograpliie,

Joost grandit en observant les oiseaux dans différents pays mais opta pour une

carrière de recherche agronomique. Durant un séjour de cinq ans en Australie il

présida le Comité de Conservation de R.A.O.U. (à présent Birds Australia), et fut

l’instigateur et l’éditeur de la première édition de Threatened Birds of Australia (Les

Oiseaux menacés d’Australie: Brouwer & Gamett, eds, 1990, R.A.O.U., Moonee

Ponds). C’est au Niger qu’il passa les cinq années suivantes dans la recherche

140

Society Notices

Maliiiibus 29

agronomique, aidant au cours de ses temps libres Wim Mullié à faire les recensements

annuels de sauvagine (Waterbird Census). Après son départ du Niger en 1994 Joost

coordomia le chapitre EBA sur le Niger de Important Bird Areas in Africa and

Associated Islands (Fishpool & Evans, eds, 2001, BirdLife International, Cambridge),

lança la base de domiées des oiseaux du Niger (Niger Bird Database, 20 000

données) et écrivit le chapitre sur l’histoire naturelle dans le récent guide de voyage

au Niger de Bradt. Il est membre de S.O.O.A. depuis 1990 et écrivit bon nombre

d’articles sur les oiseaux du Niger. Actuellement, il a son propre cabinet d’expert-

conseil en enviroimement et en agronomie dans les pays en voie de développement.

Le Conseil de la S.O.O.A ;

Dr Joost Brouwer, new W.A.O.S. Secretary — nouveau Secrétaire de la S.O.O.A.

Instructions aux Auteurs

Malimbus publie des Articles, des Notes Courtes, des Revues de Publications et des Nouvelles

& Lettres traitant de l’ornithologie ouest-africaine.

Les Articles et les Notes Courtes doivent être des apports originaux; ceux déjà publiés

ailleurs, en partie ou en totalité, seront normalement refusés. Les Notes Courtes sont des articles

de moins de 1 500 mots (références comprises) ou de trois pages imprimées. Autant que possible,

les manuscrits auront été au préalable soumis à au moins un ornithologue ou biologiste pour un

examen minutieux. Les manuscrits seront envoyés pour critique à au moins un lecteur compétent.

Les textes des Nouvelles & Lettres ne devraient pas dépasser 1000 mots.

Les textes sont acceptés en anglais et en français; la Rédaction pourra aider les auteurs dont

la langue maternelle n’est pas l’une de celles-ci. Nous préférons les envois de manuscrits par

email (en pièce jointe). Consultez le Rédacteur pour plus de détails, par ex. les logiciels

compatibles. Pour les envois sur papier, les textes seront tapés en deux exemplaires, d’un seul

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Tous les Articles (mais non les Notes Courtes) comporteront un Résumé, n’excédant pas

5% de la longueur totale. Le Résumé mentionnera brièvement les principaux résultats et

conclusions de l’Article et ne sera pas un simple compte rendu de ce qui a été fait. Les résumés

seront publiés à la fois en anglais et en français et seront traduits au mieux par la Rédaction.

La présentation des tableaux, chiffres, unités métriques, références, etc. doit correspondre à

celles des numéros récents. A notez, en particulier: les dates seront écrites “2 fév 1990” mais les

mois seuls pourront être écrits en entier; les heures seront écrites “6h45”, “17h00”; les

coordonnées “7°46'N, 16°4'W” (pas de zéros en tête); les nombres jusqu’à dix seront écrits en

toutes lettres, excepté devant une unité de mesure (ex. 6 m); les nombres à partir de 1 1 seront

écrits en chiffres sauf au début d’une phrase. Toutes les références citées dans l’article, et aucune

autre, doivent figurer dans la bibliographie.

Les articles sur l’avifaune doivent comprendre une carte ou un index géographique, incluant tous

les endroits cités. Ils doivent comporter quelques brèves indications sur le climat, la topographie, la

végétation et les circonstances ou événements inhabituels avant ou pendant l’étude (ex. pluies tardives,

etc.). Les listes d’espèces ne doivent contenir que des données importantes: les listes complètes ne sont

justifiées que pour les régions encore non étudiées ou délaissées pendant long-temps. Autrement, ne

citer que les espèces sur lesquelles l’étude fournit une information nouvelle sur la répartition, la période

de séjour, la reproduction, etc. Pour chaque espèce, indiquer l’extension de faire de répartition, une

estimation d’abondance {Malimbus 17: 38) et les données datées sur la reproduction; indiquer le statut

migratoire et la période de séjour seulement telles qu’elles ressortent de l’étude. Eventuellement,

replacer les données dans le contexte en les comparant brièvement avec une liste régionale de

référence. Les longues listes d’espèces peuvent être présentées sous la forme de tableaux (ex. Malimbus

25: 4-30, 24: 15-22, 23: 1-22, 1: 22-28, or 1: 49-54) ou sous la forme rédigée des numéros récents.

La séquence taxonomique et les noms scientifiques (et de préférence aussi les noms vernaculaires)

doivent suivre Borrow & Demey (2004, Field Guide to the Birds of Western Africa, Christopher Helm,

London), ou Dowsett & Forbes-Watson (1993, Checklist of Birds of the Afrotropical and Malagasy

Regions, Tauraco Press, Liège) ou The Birds of Africa (Brown et al. 1982, Urban et al. 1986, 1997,

Fry et al. 1988, Keith et al. 1992, Fry & Keith 2000, 2004, Academie Press, London), à moins de

donner les raisons de s’écarter de ces auteurs. Un guide plus complet à l’intention aux auteurs

d’articles sur l’avifaune, comprenant l’échelle d’abondance des espèces conseillée, a été publié dans

Malimbus 17: 35-39 et une version augmentée et actualisée de celle-ci mise sur le site Internet

(http://malimbus.free.fr/instmale.htm). On peut en obtenir une copie de la Rédaction, qui se fera un

plaisir de donner des conseils pour les études spécifiques.

Pour le dessin des Figures, et en particulier la taille des caractères, tenir compte des dimensions de

la page de Malimbus. On préfère les figures préparées sur logiciel graphique approprié et sauvegardées

en haute définition. Elles doivent être envoyées comme fichiers de logiciel graphique, et ne pas être

incluses dans un fichier de Word. Les fichiers de basse résolution et les impressions de mauvaise

qualité seront refusés. Les auteurs sont encouragés à soumettre des photographies qui illustrent des

points importants de leurs articles. Les photogr^hies doivent être bien contrastées et de haute définition

(au moins 600 dpi). Elles doivent être envoyées comme fichier de logiciel graphique (par ex. jpg ou tif)

et non pas être incluses dans un fichier de Word. Consulter le Rédacteur pour tout renseignement.

Un fichier pdf des Articles et des Notes Courtes, et une copie du numéro de publication

seront envoyés gratis à l’auteur ou à l’auteur principal.

MALIMBUS 29(2) September 2007

Contents — Table des Matières

The avifauna of the proposed Kyabobo National Park in eastern Ghana.

F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett 61--88

The birds of a montane forest mosaic in Big Babanki area,

Bamenda Highlands, Cameroon.

O. Sedlacek, J. Reif, D. Hofak, J. Riegert, M. Pesata & P. Klvana 89-100

Bird population densities along two precipitation gradients in

Senegal and Niger.

B.S. Petersen, K.D. Christensen & F.P. Jensen 101-121

Short Notes — Notes Courtes

European Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus at Yankari National Park,

Nigeria.

R. Strandberg, U. Ottosson, J. Waldenstrom & O. Flellgren

Bird observations in Mali.

R. Strandberg & P. Olofsson

No confirmed record of Black-backed Cisticola

Cisticola eximius from Benin.

V. Salewski

Grey-necked Picathartes Picatharies areas use

man-made structures to breed.

P. Christy & F. Maisels

Seabird counts at N’Gor, Senegal, in November 2006.

R. Strandberg & P. Olofsson

Baumann^s Greenbul Phyllastrephus baumanni^

new to Cameroon.

K.S. Bobo, F.M. Njie, S.E. Mbeng, M. Mühlenberg & M. Waltert

122- 123

123- 125

125- 126

126- 128

128-130

130-132

Society Notices — Informations de la Société

133-140

(J'^l

mfl

2) ( rJs

VIAUMIVUS

Journal oS West African Ornithology

Revue d’Omithologie de l’Ouest Atiicsûn

VOLUME 30 Number 1 March 2008

ISSN 0331-3689

published by:

publiée par:

West African Ornithological Society

Société d’Omithologie de l’Ouest Africain

West African Ornithological Society

Société d’Omithologie de l’Ouest Africain

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2008

1

The birds of the Soyo area, northwest Angola

by W.R.J. Dean' & D.C. Le Maitre^

'DST/NRF Centre of Excellence at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African

Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701 South Africa

^Natural Resources and Environment, CSIR, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch, 7599 South

Africa

Received 4 December 2006; revised 14 Octobe

Summary

At Soyo (6°8'S, 12°22'E), Zaïre Province, Angola, during 1

17-24 Oct 2006, 114 bird species were recorded. The area is a mosaic of

woodlands, sub-littoral savanna and wetlands, and remnant forest patches.

The coastal fringe, where most observations were made, is littoral steppe,

thicket and savanna including palm savanna, on sands. Bird species richness

and abundance were low, possibly due to post-breeding dispersal and the

general dryness of the area. There was little bird breeding activity, and few

plants flowering and fruiting. New records extend known ranges south from

Cabinda or fill the gap between Bengo Province and Cabinda, for Red-backed

Mousebird Colius castanotus. Broad-billed Roller Eiirystomiis glaucunis.

Crowned Hombill Tockus alboterminatus. Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides

jardineii and Brown Sunbird Anthreptes gabonicus.

Résumé

Les oiseaux de la région de Soyo, au Nord-Ouest de l’Angola. Il a été recensé

1 14 espèces d’oiseaux à Soyo (6°8'S, 12°22'E), province du Zaïre, Angola, au

cours des périodes du 16-25 mai et du 17-24 oct 2006. La région est une

mosaïque de marécages et de savane sub-littorales, de bois, ainsi que de zones

forestières relictuelles. La frange côtière, où la plupart des observations ont été

faites, est constituée de steppe littorale, de fourrés et de savane, y compris de

savane à palmiers, sur des sols sableux. La richesse spécifique et l’abondance des

oiseaux étaient faibles, peut-être en raison de la dispersion après la reproduction

et de la sécheresse dans la région. Il y avait peu de reproduction d’oiseaux, et peu

de plantes en fleurs ou portant des fruits. Les observations nouvelles étendent les

aires de répartition connues au sud de Cabinda ou comblent le vide entre la

province de Bengo et Cabinda pour le Coliou à dos roux Colius castanotus, le

Rolle violet Eurystomus glaucurus, le Calao couronné Tockus alboterminatus, le

Cratérope fléché Turdoides jardineii et le Souimanga brun Anthreptes gabonicus.

2

W.R.J. Dean & D.C. Le Maitre

Malimbus 30

Introduction

The avifauna of Soyo, Zaïre Province, NW Angola (6°8'S, 12°22'E), is poorly known

(Dean 2000). Only 25 species have been collected in the area, some during the late

1800s (probably by A. Lucan and L. Petit: Sharpe & Bouvier 1876, 1877, 1878) but

mostly by Rudyerd Boulton between 7 and 9 August 1957, who collected 19 species

labelled “San Antonio” (= Soyo), presumably from around the town and surrounding

palm savanna, mangroves, woodland and the forest remnants.

From 16 to 24 May and 17 to 23 Oct 2006, WRJD surveyed birds in different

habitats around Soyo, including Rwanda Base, situated on the south bank of the

Congo Riyer on the western edge of the town. We present a list of birds seen and

include a few records of birds recorded by DCLM in January 2005 during a survey of

the vegetation. Not all the places visited in May were visited in October, when some

new areas were explored, including the edges of some forest patches east and

southeast of Soyo. For various reasons, mainly security and the suspected presence of

unexploded devices, the interior of remnant forest patches was not sampled. The

terrestrial habitats seemed poor in soil nutrients and plant species, with most dry

habitats being of rather low-growing rank vegetation, with few patches of trees. The

sandy soils appear to be well drained and probably lose nutrients quickly through

cultivation and fire. The grass layer has a high percentage cover of unpalatable

sedges. The seemingly low nutrient status of the soils is supported by the condition of

crops; most cassava, bean and sesame plants seen in cultivated patches were variable

in size across and along rows, generally stunted and showed signs of nutrient stress.

Species richness and abundance of birds in May seemed generally low, but this

could have been due to post-breeding dispersal and the general dryness of the area.

Furthermore, by May, intra- African breeding migrants would have departed for their

non-breeding areas, and Palaearctic migrants would have passed through the area at

least a month prior to the survey. Even in October the area was very dry and there was

very little bird breeding activity, and few plants flowering and fruiting, which would

affect the movements of locally nomadic bird species dependent on these resources.

Palaearctic migrants were scarce at this time.

Bird species collected at Banàna (6°0'S, 12°16'E), about 18 km northwest of

Soyo across the Congo River, and at Muanda (5°56'S, 12°2rE), 8 km northwest of

Banana, both in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and that could potentially occur

at Soyo are listed in Appendix 1. Species eollected and recorded at N’Zeto (7°14'S,

12°52'E) and Ambriz (7°50'S, 13°6'E), south of Soyo in Zaïre Province, Angola, and

which have similar habitat to Soyo are listed in Appendix 2. It is evident that for some

species the lower Congo River forms an effective barrier. We have noted whether

species have been collected on both sides. What is uncertain, however, is whether

species that were recorded at Soyo but not at Banana, Muanda or elsewhere in W

Neder-Congo (Schouteden 1948-58) do not occur there or whether their absence from

lists is simply due to poor coverage by collectors. We suspect the latter.

2008

Birds of Soyo

3

Museum collections from which we have drawn data are: Field Museum of

Natural History, Chicago (FMNH), Forschungsinstitut und Museum Alexander

Koenig, Bonn (ZFMK), Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris (MNHN),

Peabody Museum of Natural History, New Haven, the Royal Museum for Central

Africa, Tervuren (RMCA), and The Natural History Museum, Tring (BMNH).

Bird habitats

The vegetation of the area was surveyed by DCLM in 2005. The area falls into the

Guineo-Congolian/Zambezian transition zone (White 1983), and is a mosaic of moist

forest, sub-littoral savanna and wetlands. Plants of this zone include Baobab

Adansonia digitata. Monkey Apple Strychnos henningsii. Acacia spp. and

Hyparrhenia and Setaria grasses. The coastal fringing vegetation is littoral steppe,

thicket and savanna, including palm savanna, on quaternary marine sand deposits

(Grandvaux Barbosa 1970). Descriptions of the similar communities north of the

Congo River are given by Duvigneaud (1949) and Lebrun (1954).

The palm savanna is dominated by Lala fan palms Hyphaene guineensis with

patches of poorly drained swamp grasses, thickets and tall shrubs and rank tall grasses

on drier patches between clumps of palms. There are scattered Baobabs and other

trees, including figs Ficus spp., Albizia gummifera and occasional Kapok Ceiba

pentandra and Cashew Anacardium occidentale trees. Adjacent to mangrove creeks

there are also Coconut Cocos nucifera and Wild Date palms Phoenix reclinata.

Hibiscus tiliaceus, Dalbergia ecastaphyllum and Drepanocarpus lunatus.

Thickets form extensive or small, scattered patches of 2-5 m tall shrubs and trees

with woody scrambling species and climbers, surrounded by grasslands. The tall

grassland bears the scars of intensive agricultural use and frequent fires, and is a

mosaic of current and abandoned cultivated and burned patches of various ages and

stages.

Mangroves are abundant, as almost continuous belts along the edges of the Congo

River and the creeks reaching into the palm savanna. The main species are

Rhizophora racemosa and R. harrisonii, with Avicenna germinans in smaller creeks.

Other species present on the landward edge of the mangrove patches include

Laguncularia racemosa. Conocarpus erectus and Hibiscus tiliaceus. Much of the

mangrove community is not much more than about 5 m tall, but in sections of the

creeks with freshly deposited sediments, mangroves reach 20 m or more, and provide

nest sites for Palm-nut Vultures Gypohierax angolensis and possibly Woolly-necked

Storks Ciconia episcopus.

Systematic list

Order and nomenclature follows The Birds of Africa (1982-2004), with a few

scientific names corrected for gender or spelling. We have included, in square

4

W.R.J. Dean & D.C. Le Maitre

Malimbus 30

brackets, species not seen during the survey but reliably reported by persons at

Kwanda Base, or collected at Soyo in about 1876 (specimens in the Museum National

d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, precise dates and collectors not clear: Sharpe & Bouvier

1876, 1877, 1878), and during 7-9 Aug 1957 (specimens in FMNH collected by

Rudyerd Boulton, labelled San Antonio, the former name of the town).

Phalacrocoracidae

Phalacrocorax africanus Reed Cormorant. Singles seen flying along the Congo River

in the early part of every day, and perched on trees and mangrove roots. Very young

juveniles suggested a breeding colony in the area. Collected at Banana (Schouteden

1948).

Anhinga melanogaster Darter. Singles seen in backwaters of the Congo River, Oct.

Collected at Banana (Schouteden 1948).

Ardeidae

Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret. Seen foraging on short grass patches and flying to roost in

the evenings near the town. May and Oct. Present in low numbers in Jan 2005

(DCLM).

Butorides striata Green-backed Heron. Three records of single birds in swamps with

dense grass cover and in mangroves along the edge of the Congo River, May.

Collected at Banana and Muanda (Schouteden 1948).

Egretta garzetta Little Egret. One record in May, a single bird foraging with Sacred

Ibises in a shallow swamp near Soyo. Seen every day in Oct, single birds foraging at a

number of ponds adjacent to the river. Collected at Banana (Schouteden 1948).

E. alba Great Egret. Seen every day foraging at grassy swamps at several localities,

May and Oct.

Ardea purpurea Purple Heron. Single birds seen flying towards the main stream of the

Congo River pre-dawn every day in May and Oct. Collected at Banana (Schouteden 1948).

A. cinerea Grey Heron. Two records: one foraging with Great Egrets in a grassy

swamp adjacent to Kwanda Base in May; a single bird at a pond on Kwanda Base in

Oct. Collected at Banana (Schouteden 1948).

A. melanocephala Black-headed Heron. Two records: an adult and a juvenile perched

in trees on the edge of the Congo River near Figo in May; a single bird foraging in

short grassland in Oct.

A. goliath Goliath Heron. One on the edge of the Congo River at Kwanda Base in Jan

2005 (DCLM) and one at the same place in Mar 2006 (Brian Cleator pers. comm.).

There are no recent records of the species north of the Cuanza River in Angola, and

only an old record for Cabinda (Dean 2000). These records thus fill a gap in the

distribution of the species.

Scopidae

Scopus umbretta Hamerkop. Seen every day in May and Oct, usually flying over

Kwanda Base, but also foraging in swamp patches and shallow waters along the

Congo River. At least 16 present at a roost in swampy palm savanna in May. Several

2008

Birds of Soyo

5

nests in baobab trees southwest of Soyo, May and Oct. Collected at Banana

(Schouteden 1948) and Muanda (RMCA).

Ciconiidae

Mycteria ibis Yellow-billed Stork. A group of five adults and two juveniles at a pond

adjacent to the river, 18 Oct; thereafter pairs and groups of up to eight seen every day,

either at ponds adjacent to the Congo River or flying along the river. Collected at

Banana (Schouteden 1948).

Ciconia episcopus Woolly-necked Stork . Seen every day in May, but not recorded at

all in Oct. Frequently seen flying to roost in tall mangroves and seen roosting on

palms, and commonly foraging at short-grass swampy and muddy patches. Groups of

up to six often seen, frequently associating in similar numbers with Great Egrets and

African Sacred Ibises in foraging flocks. Collected at Banana (RMCA).

Threskiornithidae

Bostrychia hagedash Hadeda. Not heard or seen in May, but heard and seen every day

in Oct, flying along the edge of mangrove forests and over open woodland southwest

of Soyo. Collected at Banana (RMCA).

Threskiornis aethiopicus Sacred Ibis. Seen every day in May and Oct, foraging at

shallow swamps, on garbage heaps and flying to roosts in the evenings.

Platalea alba African Spoonbill. One record in May, a group of nine flying to a roost; seen

daily in Oct, foraging at shallow waters or flying to roosts. Collected at Banana (RMCA).

Anatidae

Dendrocygna viduata White-faced Whistling-Duck. Seen every day in May, all

sightings associated with the Congo River: groups of up to six at shallow swampy

patches on the edge of the river; groups of up to eight flying along the river; smaller

groups foraging on the sandy shore. Not seen or heard in Oct.

Accipitridae

Pandion haliaetus Osprey. One perched on top of a tall riverside mangrove, 20 May;

a single flying along the Congo River, 20 May; one at Sereia beach, 23 Oct.

Macheiramphus alcinus Bat Hawk. One hunting over woodland on the east end of

Rwanda Base at dusk, 17 Oct. Recorded at Borna (5°5rS, 13°3'E) (Chapin 1932) and

near Matadi (7°46'S, 13°4'E) in the DRC (Chapin 1932, Schouteden 1948).

Elanus caeruleus Black-shouldered Kite. Two individuals at different cultivated

patches southwest of Soyo, 18 May. Not seen in Oct.

Milvus migrans parasitas Yellow-billed Kite. One flying along the river, 20 May; one

hunting over mangroves and palm savanna, 24 May. In Oct, seen every day over

Rwanda Base, and over Soyo and surrounding villages. Collected at Banana

(Schouteden 1948).

Haliaeetus vocifer African Fish-Eagle. Pairs and singles seen high in the air and heard

calling throughout the area, including over open woodland, every day in May. Less

often seen in Oct, with only scattered records of birds perched along the Congo River.

Gypohierax angolensis Palm-nut Vulture. Seen over palm savanna and patches of baobab

woodland, and particularly along the edges of the Congo River, frequently dropping to

6

W.R.J. Dean & D.C. Le Maitre

Malimbus 30

inspect objects on the water surface, or scavenging dead fish from the water and shore.

More visible in May than Oct, foraging along the Congo River, with similar proportions

of adults and subadults but fewer juveniles in Oct. Counts in May (see Dean 2006 for

methods) showed 55% adults, 28% subadults and 17% first- or second-year birds (n =

132) (Dean 2006). Counts in Oct, using the same methods, showed 63% adults, 36%

subadults and 8% juveniles (n = 63). The sampling method (counting birds flying down-

stream only) does not allow the difference to be tested statistically, since birds in certain

age groups may have circled back unseen resulting in repeat counts of the same individual.

Breeding records include: two birds building a nest in a tall mangrove southwest of

Soyo, one bird sitting as though incubating and the other bringing nest material, 19

May 2006; single birds carrying nest material in palm savanna west of Soyo, 20 and 21

May; two nests with adults in attendance in tall mangroves near Rwanda Base, 21 Oct

2006; nests with adults in attendance high in baobab trees southwest of Soyo, 21 Oct.

Polyboroides typiis African Harrier-Hawk. A single adult, probably the same

individual, at Rwanda Base 16 and 19 May. Several records of single birds circling

over Soyo and dry woodland southwest of Soyo in Oct.

Accipiter minuUus Little Sparrowhawk. A single bird in mangroves, 2 1 Oct.

A. melanoleucus Black Sparrowhawk. One, an adult, probably female by size, perched

high and prominently on a tall mangrove west of Soyo, 19 May.

Biiteo auguralis Red-necked Buzzard. A pair and two single birds circling over

woodland south of Soyo, 23 Oct. Collected at Banana (RMCA).

Lophaetiis occipitalis Long-crested Eagle. One seen flying across open swamp grass

in palm savanna, 19 May; a single bird circling over forest south of Soyo; 23 Oct.

Schouteden (1948) has no records closer to Soyo than Borna, DRC.

Falconidae

Falco ardosiaceus Grey Restrel. One perched on a tree in open, recently burnt

grassland southwest of Soyo, 18 May; one perched above a disused Hamerkop nest in

a baobab, 23 May. Seen more often in Oct, with single birds perched in dry woodland

southwest of Soyo, 20 Oct. Seen every day on Rwanda Base, where a pair was nesting

in a Lala palm Hyphaene guineensis. An adult carrying lizard prey to feed an

incubating female or chicks, 21 and 22 Oct.

Turnicidae

Turnix sylvaticus Rurrichane Buttonquail. Two individuals flushed at separate

localities in tall grass in open woodland, 18 May. Collected at Muanda (RMCA).

Jacanidae

[Actophilornis africanus African Jacana. One on a patch of emergent aquatic

vegetation on the edge of the Congo River near Rwanda Base in March (Paul Buys

pers. comm.). Not previously recorded from Zaïre Province (Dean 2000) but collected

at Banana (Schouteden 1949).]

Recurvirostridae

Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt. A flock of 16 flying over the E end of

Rwanda Base, 22 Oct.

2008

Birds of Soyo

7

Burhinidae

Burhinus vermiculatus Water Thick-knee. Six sightings in May, foraging on open

spaces around houses at Kwanda Base and along the sandy shores of the river near

Soyo. Two records of 3^ birds roosting during the day at a muddy patch on the edge

of the river. Collected at Banana and Muanda (RMCA).

B. capensis Spotted Thick-knee. A pair in dry grassland southwest of Soyo, 20 Oct.

Collected at Banana (RMCA).

Glareolidae

Cursorius temminckii Temminck’s Courser. A pair on a burnt patch in grassland

southwest of Soyo, 18 May. Not seen in Oct. Collected at Banana (RMCA) and

Muanda (Schouteden 1949).

Charadriidae

Charadrius tricoUaris Three-banded Plover. At least five on the muddy margins of a

pond in the E end of Kwanda Base, 18 Oct.

C. marginatus White-fronted Plover. Together with Three-banded Plovers at a pond

on Kwanda Base, 18 Oct; single birds foraging along the sandy shore of the Congo

River, 19-23 Oct. Collected at Banana (RMCA) and Muanda (Schouteden 1949).

[Vanellus lugubris Lesser Black-winged Lapwing. Collected at Soyo (Sharpe &

Bouvier 1878).]

Scolopacidae

Numenius phaeopus Common Whimbrel. Two flying along the Congo River, 22 May.

Scattered small groups and one larger group of 30 seen on the edge of the Congo

River, 20-23 Oct. Collected at Banana (Schouteden 1949).

Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper. One at a pond on the E end of Kwanda Base, 1 8 Oct.

T. giareoia Wood Sandpiper. Up to three at ponds on the E end of Kwanda Base, 18-21

Oct. Collected at Banana and Muanda (RMCA).

Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper. Single birds in mangroves along the Congo

River, 22 Oct, and at ponds on the E end of Kwanda Base, 23 Oct. Collected at

Banana (RMCA).

Laridae

Sterna maxima Royal Tem. Singles and pairs flying up and down the Congo River on

most days in Jan 2005 and Oct 2006. Collected at Banana (Schouteden 1949).

Sterna balaenarum Damara Tem. One flying along the Congo River, 21 Oct.

Columbidae

Treron calva African Green-Pigeon. Flocks of five and eight seen in dry woodland

southwest of Soyo, 19 Oct. Collected at Banana (RMCA).

Turtur chaicospilos Emerald-spotted Wood Dove. Heard at all woodland and palm

savanna sites, seen foraging on roads through mixed baobab and palm patches and

cultivation, every day in May and Oct. At least ten flushed from burning thickets

southwest of Soyo, 23 May. New distribution record, not previously known from

Zaïre Province (Dean 2000) but the dry open habitat at Soyo is suitable for it, and it

has been recorded at Borna and Matadi, DRC, east of Soyo (Schouteden 1950).

8

W.R.J. Dean & D.C. Le Maitre

Malimbus 30

Streptopelia semitorquata Red-eyed Dove. Scattered records of single birds flying

over Rwanda Base, and calling in palm savanna, May and Oct, but not seen every

day. Collected at Banana and Muanda (Schouteden 1950).

S. capicola Cape Turtle-Dove. Seen daily throughout the area, in all types of

woodland. Collected at Banana (Schouteden 1950).

Cuculidae

[Oxylophus jacobinus Jacobin Cuckoo. Collected at Soyo (Sharpe & Bouvier 1878).]

Chrysococcyx caprins Diderik Cuckoo. One perched on a fallen tree on the east end of

Rwanda Base, 18 Oct; heard calling every day in Oct. Collected at Muanda

(Schouteden 1950).

Centropus superciliosus White-browed Coucal. Single birds seen and heard in rank

swamp grasses daily in May and Oct. Collected at Muanda (RMCA).

C. senegalensis Senegal Coucal. One seen in a swampy patch southwest of Soyo, 19

Oct. May have been heard on other occasions, but call similar to previous species.

Collected at Banana and Muanda (Schouteden 1950).

Tytonidae

Tyto alba Barn Owl. One flushed from a roost site in a Lala palm, 1 7 Oct.

Caprimulgidae

Caprimulgus fossil Square-tailed Nightjar. One hawking flying insects at lights on Rwanda

Base 23 May. Collected at Soyo (FMNH), Banana and Muanda (Schouteden 1951).

Apodidae

Cypsiiiriis parvus African Palm-Swift. Seen every day wherever there were palms

throughout the Soyo area. Nests seen on dead Lala palm fronds at a number of places.

Birds incubating and feeding chicks at one small colony, 24 May. Much more nesting

activity evident in Oct, with birds incubating or feeding young at all sites where there

were Lala palms. Collected at Banana (Schouteden 1951).

Apiis affinis Little Swift. Seen every day, often in mixed flocks with Palm Swifts, and

common at all sites in May and Oct. Collected at Banana (Schouteden 1951).

Coliidae

Colins castanotus Red-backed Mousebird. Two groups, five foraging and six sunning

in tall shrubs, 22 May; one or two birds in Lala palms, 23 and 24 May. Seen daily in

palm savanna, with clear views of the rufous rump, in Oct. New distribution records,

as formerly known to occur north only to about the Bengo river in northern Angola.

However, both Traylor (1963) and Dean (2000) overlooked a record of a single bird

collected at Banana, date and collector not given (Schouteden 1952).

C. striatns Speckled Mousebird. A group of four (of C. striatns nigricollis) sunbathing

in a tree near the pump station on the road to Vunda, 1 8 May; several groups foraging

and sunning in tall shrubs in palm savanna near Soyo, 22-24 May. Collected at

Banana and Muanda (Schouteden 1952).

Alcedinidae

Halcyon albiventris Brown-hooded Ringfisher. One heard calling in a woodland patch

south of Soyo, 23 Oct.

2008

Birds of Soyo

9

H. senegalensis Woodland Kingfisher. Seen and heard every day throughout the area

in May and Oct, in mangrove edges, palm savanna and mixed woodlands. Collected at

Banana (Schouteden 1951) and Muanda (RMCA).

H. chelicuti Striped Kingfisher. One calling at Kwanda Base, 17 May. Not seen or

heard in Oct. Collected at Soyo (FMNH).

Ispidina picta African Pygmy Kingfisher. A pair on the edge of palm savanna, 21 Oct.

Collected at Soyo (FMNH).

Megaceryle maximus African Giant Kingfisher. One calling in woodland on the edge of

the Congo River, 23 Oct. Collected at Banana (RMCA) and Muanda (Schouteden 1951).

Ceryle rudis Pied Kingfisher. Common in Jan 2005 (DCLM). Only one record in

May, but seen every day in Oct, with several birds regularly seen foraging on the

Congo River, and a family of two adults and a juvenile on the edge of the river on 21

Oct. Collected at Banana and Muanda (RMCA).

Meropidae

Merops pusillus Little Bee-eater. A pair perched on a shrub on the river edge, 19 May;

a group of seven going to roost in tall shrubs, 22 May; a pair perched on a dead shrub

on the edge of a thicket, 23 May. At least seven nest burrows in sandbanks along roads

southwest of Soyo, 21 Oct. Collected at Banana (Schouteden 1951) and Muanda (RMCA).

M. variegatus Blue-breasted Bee-eater. One perched in the open on the edge of rank

growth southwest of Soyo near the forest patch, 1 8 May. Several in this general area

in Oct. Collected at Banana (Schouteden 1951).

M bullockoides White-fronted Bee-eater. Present at breeding colonies in sandpits on

the edge of Soyo, and at sandpits south of Soyo, 20 and 23 Oct. At least five pairs

feeding young at the Soyo colony, 20 Oct. Not recorded away from the nest sites.

Coraciidae

Eurystomus glaucurus Broad-billed Roller. Seen flying over Kwanda Base, and in

palm savanna and open baobab woodland southwest of Soyo on four occasions in

May. Much more prominent in Oct, particularly on the E end of Kwanda Base, and

seen and heard every day. Nests in holes in Lala palms, 20 and 22 Oct. New

distribution records: not previously known from Zaïre Province (Dean 2000) but

collected at Banana and Muanda (Schouteden 1951).

Bucerotidae

Tockus fasciatus African Pied Hombill. A group of three, 19 May, and probably the

same group flying over palm savanna west of Soyo, 21 May. Not seen in Oct.

Collected at Banana (Schouteden 1951) and Muanda (RMCA).

T. alboterminatus Crowned Hombill. Two in a tall mangrove at 6°16.42'S, 12°31.802'E,

23 May. Not seen in Oct. Traylor (1963) and Dean (2000) overlooked a specimen

from Soyo, listed in Schouteden (1951) without details. The closest other records to

Soyo are from Vista (5°52'S, 12°17'E) and Matadi in the DRC (Schouteden 1951).

Capitoeidae

Pogoniulus bilineatus Yellow-mmped Tinkerbird. One calling from a forest patch

southwest of Soyo, 20 Oct.

10

W.RJ. Dean & D.C. Le Maître

Malimbus 30

Indicatoridae

Indicator indicator Greater Honeyguide. One calling from mangroves on the edge of

the Congo River, 2 1 Oct.

Alaudidae

Mirafra sabota Sabota Lark. One in grassland southwest of Soyo, 23 May.

Hirundinidae

Hinmdo seminifa Red-breasted Swallow. Pairs seen at Rwanda Base every day in

Oct. Not recorded in May. Collected at Banana (Sharpe & Bouvier 1877).

H. senegalensis Mosque Swallow. One hawking insects over short, mowed grass on

Rwanda Base, 20 May. Collected at Banana (Schouteden 1955) and Muanda (RMCA).

H. abyssinica Lesser Striped Swallow. Seen every day in May and Oct at all localities

in the Soyo area. Several nests seen on houses at Rwanda Base in May and Oct.

Collected at Banana (Schouteden 1955).

H. riifigiila Red-throated Cliff Swallow. Two at a pond on Rwanda Base, 17 May;

two in a mixed flock of Lesser Striped Swallows west of Soyo, 21 May. At least six

foraging in the smoke from a grass fire southwest of Soyo, 23 May. Collected at

Banana (Schouteden 1955).

H. rustica Bam Swallow. Three flying across Rwanda Base, 23 Oct. Collected at

Banana and Muanda (Schouteden 1955).

Motacillidae

Anthiis pallidiventris Long-legged Pipit. Seen every day in May and Oct, on mowed or

short or recently burnt grass throughout. Collected at Banana and Muanda (RMCA).

Pycnonotidae

Chlorocichla falkensteini Yellow-necked Greenbul. Two seen in small forest patch

near Soyo, 22 Oct. Collected at Soyo (FMNH) and Muanda (Schouteden 1954).

Pycnonotus barbatiis Common Bulbul. Seen every day in May and Oct throughout the

area, in rank growth, palm savanna, thickets and edges of mangroves. Seen eating

Wild Date palm fruits Phoenix reclinata and fruits of Ranoti Grass Flagellaria

guineensis. Collected at Banana and Muanda (Schouteden 1954).

[Nicator vireo Yellow-throated Nicator. Collected at Soyo (FMNH).]

Turdidae

Cichladusa nificaiida Rufous-tailed Palm-Thrush. Seen every day in palm savanna

and around the houses, buildings and open steel-framed sheds on Rwanda Base.

Adults carrying food to nests in the warehouses on Rwanda Base, 17 May. Two nests

with young, in Lala palms on the E edge of Rwanda Base, 23 Oct. Collected at

Banana (Schouteden 1954).

Sylviidae

Cisticola buUiens Bubbling Cisticola. Seen every day, in rank growth on mangrove

edges and in tall grasses and edges of thickets in palm savanna throughout the area in

May and Oct. Almost certainly breeding in Oct, with calling, displaying males and

many interactions between males noted. Collected at Soyo (FMNH), Banana and

Muanda (Schouteden 1955).

2008

Birds of Soyo

11

C. aridulus Desert Cisticola. Heard calling over grassland west and southwest of Soyo

every day in May and Oct. Collected at Soyo (FMNH).

Camaroptera brachyura Bleating Warbler. Heard calling from dense woodland on the

W edge of Kwanda Base, 23 Oct. Collected at Soyo (FMNH).

[Sylvietta virens Green Crombec. Collected at Soyo (FMNH) and Muanda (RMCA).]

Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler. One in a cassava patch southwest of Soyo, 18 Oct.

Sylvia borin Garden Warbler. One foraging in dry palm leaves and shrubs in palm

savanna, 23 Oct.

Muscicapidae

Platysteira cyanea Brown-throated Wattle-eye. A pair seen in mangroves near

Kwanda Base, 20 May. Collected at Soyo (FMNH) and Muanda (Schouteden 1955).

[Platysteira albifrons White-fronted Wattle-eye. Collected at Soyo (FMNH).]

Timaliidae

Turdoides jardineii Arrow-marked Babbler. Two in rank shrubs west of Soyo, 22 May.

Not previously known from Zaïre Province (Dean 2000). Distribution (of T. j. hypostictus)

includes Cabinda and Cuanza Norte (Traylor 1963), but closest specimen records are

Borna, DRC (Schouteden 1954) and Calanda, Angola (7°18'S, 15°3'E) (Dean 2000).

Paridae

[Parus leucomelas White-winged Black Tit. Collected at Soyo (Sharpe & Bouvier 1877).]

Nectariniidae

Anthreptes gabonicus Brown Sunbird. A pair in mangroves on the S edge of Kwanda

Base, 19 May; frequent in mangroves westward along the river, 20 May. Not

previously known south of Cabinda (Traylor 1963, Dean 2000), but one specimen

collected at Banana (Btittikofer 1888) so not unexpected at Soyo.

Cyanomitra verticalis Green-headed Sunbird. An adult female foraging in the top of a Lala

palm at Kwanda Base, 17 Oct. Collected Soyo (FMNH) and Banana (Schouteden 1956).

[Chalcomitra fuliginosa Carmelite Sunbird. Collected at Soyo (FMNH), Banana and

Muanda (Schouteden 1956).]

Cinnyris bifasciatus Purple-banded Sunbird. A pair in tall shrubs west of Soyo, 19

May; a pair feeding at shrub flowers at Vunda; a pair feeding at a flowering shrub in a

cassava patch, 18 May; at least six foraging at and defending flowering creepers

southwest of Soyo, 23 May. Seen daily, mostly in pairs, at all sites in Oct. Two

recently used nests, another being built and a nest with two eggs found on the edge of

Kwanda Base and southwest of Soyo, 19 Oct. A female gathering spider web and

building a nest in a small tree on the edge of the old golf course at Kwanda Base, 21

Oct. Collected at Soyo (FMNH), Banana and Muanda (Schouteden 1956).

C. cupreus Copper Sunbird. A female foraging at a flowering Lantana camara shrub

west of Soyo, 18 May. Collected at Banana (RMCA) and Muanda (Schouteden 1956).

Laniidae

Lanius collaris Fiscal Shrike. A pair near tennis courts on Kwanda Base, 20 and 22

May; one in open grassland southwest of Soyo, 23 May. Heard in palm savanna west

of Soyo on four occasions in May and Oct. Collected at Muanda (Schouteden 1956).

12

W.R.J. Dean & D.C. Le Maître

Malimbus 30

Malaconotidae

[Malaconotus sulfureopectus Orange-breasted Bush-Shrike. Collected at Soyo (FMNH).]

Laniarius bicolor Swamp Boubou. Seen every day in rank, swampy patches

throughout the area in May and Oct. Collected at Banana (Schouteden 1956).

Corvidae

Corvus albus Pied Crow. Seen every day, associated with settlements and

disturbances. Roosts of 16 and 30 birds in trees at the E end of Rwanda Base, 21 May.

A bird incubating on a nest in a tall Lala palm at the E end of Rwanda Base, 1 8 Oct;

another incubating on a nest in a similar site adjacent to the Base, 23 Oct.

Sturnidae

Lamprotornis nitens Cape Glossy Starling. Seen on four of eight days in mixed

woodland, edges of thickets and cultivated lands southwest of Soyo in May. Seen

daily in Oct, with pairs flying over Rwanda Base and perched on baobab trees in and

around Soyo. Collected at Soyo (Sharpe & Bouvier 1878).

Passeridae

Passer griseus Northern Grey-headed Sparrow. Seen daily around houses and

buildings in the town of Soyo and at Rwanda Base, and on the edges of palm savanna

on several occasions in May and Oct. Collected at Soyo (FMNH), Banana and

Muanda (Schouteden 1958).

P. domesticus House Sparrow. Seen daily, only at buildings in the more industrial

parts of Rwanda Base.

Ploceidae

Ploceus pelzelni Slender-billed Weaver. Two records of birds in tangled reed beds and

swamp grasses west and southwest of Soyo in May. Not recorded in Oct.

P. subpersonatiis Loango Weaver. A male with partial blackish hood seen in reeds

south of Rwanda Base, 17 May. Not previously recorded south of the Congo River,

but not unexpected given that there is abundant reed habitat in the area. Schouteden

(1958), cites a specimen collected between Muanda and Vista, and a Chapin record at

Borna, DRC. Another specimen was collected east of Soyo at Matadi, DRC by the

Laenen expedition (study skin in ZFMR).

P. nigricollis Black-necked Weaver. Several foraging in tall grasses on the edge of the

Rwanda Base, 23 Oct. Collected at Muanda (Schouteden 1958).

P. ocularis Spectacled Weaver. Single birds foraging in rank growth on edges of palm

savanna west of Soyo, 2 1 and 24 May.

P. xanthops Holub’s Golden Weaver. Single birds and small groups foraging in rank

growth on the river, and large flocks going to roost in palm savanna west of Soyo on

several evenings in May. Nesting in reeds in swamp patches near Soyo, 22 Oct.

P. cucullatus Village Weaver. Flocks of P. cucullatiis collaris seen daily in

mangroves on the S edge of Rwanda Base; a very large flock in a cassava patch

southwest of Soyo, 1 8 May. Breeding at Rwanda Base in Oct, with several colonies of

> 70 pairs each in introduced palms and Eucalyptus trees. Collected at Soyo (FMNH)

and Muanda (Schouteden 1958).

2008

Birds of Soyo

13

Pachyphantes superciliosus Compact Weaver. A male in rank grass on the E end of

Rwanda Base, 22 May; a female and juvenile in the same area, 22 Oct. Compact

build, heavy bill, mask and greenish back on both sexes unmistakeable. Collected at

Matadi, DRC (Schouteden 1958).

Estrildidae

Estrilda perreini Grey Waxbill. A pair with a juvenile in tall grass on the edge of the

river west of Soyo, 2 1 May; a group of three foraging in tall grass in the same area, 22

Oct. Collected at Muanda (Schouteden 1958).

E. melpoda Orange-cheeked Waxbill. A pair in tall grass on the edge of palm savanna

west of Soyo, 19 May. Seen on three occasions in Oct, once a flock of ten with c. 20

Common Waxbills in tall grass on 22 Oct. Collected at Banana and Muanda (RMCA).

E. astrild Common Waxbill. Flocks in tall grass west of Soyo, 22 and 23 May. Seen

daily in that area in Oct, with flocks of up to 30 in tall seeding grasses. Collected at

Muanda (Schouteden 1958).

Uraeginthus angolensis Blue Waxbill. Seen every day in May and Oct, in settlements

and disturbed patches throughout. Less often in palm savanna and mixed woodlands.

A pair building a nest in wire screens on a warehouse on Rwanda Base, 23 May.

Foraging with Bronze Mannikins and Pin-tailed Whydahs on short grass patches

around houses at Rwanda Base. Collected at Muanda (Schouteden 1958).

Spermestes cuculiata Bronze Mannikin. Seen eveiy day around houses and on short grass

at Rwanda Base, and in tall grass in palm savanna, edges of thickets and cultivated patches.

Flocks up to c. 90, of which usually c. 50% juveniles, foraging on short grass and bare

patches in Rwanda Base in May. Far fewer juveniles present in Oct, indicating that

breeding peak was later. Collected at Soyo (FMNH), Banana, Muanda (Schouteden 1958).

Viduidae

Vidua macroura Pin-tailed Whydah. Seen every day in most habitats, usually foraging

with Bronze Mannikins on seeds of lawn grasses around houses at Rwanda Base.

Males in full and partial breeding plumage present in May and Oct. Collected at

Banana and Muanda (Schouteden 1958).

Fringillidae

Serinus capistratus Black-faced Canary. A pair in rather atypical habitat of tall shrubs

on the edge of palm savanna west of Soyo, 23 May. At least four pairs on the edge of

a small forest patch west of Soyo, 22 and 23 Oct. Interactions between males

suggested that the birds were breeding, but no nests were found.

[Emberiza tahapisi Cinnamon-breasted Bunting. Collected at Soyo (Sharpe &

Bouvier 1878), Banana (RMCA) and Muanda (Schouteden 1958).]

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the management and staff of the Angola LNG Project for the

opportunity to visit Soyo and Rwanda Base, and to the staff at Rwanda Base,

14

W.R.J. Dean & D.C. Le Maitre

Malimbus 30

particularly Paul Buys, Burt Triegaardt and Brian Cleator for logistics and for

organising field trips to key sites for verification of the vegetation map of the area.

WRJD thanks Warren Klein for his company on excursions, and Pat Morant and Mike

Burns at the CSIR, Stellenbosch, South Africa, for the suggestion to visit the area. We

gratefully acknowledge the help of Margaret Sandwith, who provided reference

material from the Niven Library at the FitzPatrick Institute. We thank John Bates and

Dave Willard at FMNH, who kindly provided details of the Boulton specimens, and

Kristof Zyskowski, Peabody Museum of Natural History, for details of specimens.

Michel Louette kindly provided a list of specimens in RMCA collected at Banana and

Muanda. Information on specimens in BMNH and ZFMK, was collected by WRJD

with funding from The Leverhulme Trust, London and the Global Biodiversity

Information Facility, Denmark, respectively. The help of Robert Prÿs-Jones and Mark

Adams for facilitating data collection at Tring, and Renate van den Elzen for

facilitating the visit to Bonn is gratefully acknowledged.

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Passeriformes (3). Ann. Koninkl. Mus. Belg. Congo. C Zoology (4)5: 1-236.

SCHOUTEDEN, H. (1958) De vogels van Belgisch Congo en van Ruanda-Urundi. IX.

Passeriformes (4). Ann. Koninkl. Mus. Belg. Congo. C Zoology (4)5: 237-504.

Sharpe, R.B. & Bouvier, A. (1876) Sur les collections recueilles dans la région du

Congo par MM. le Dr A. Lucan et L. Petit, depuis les mois de mai jusqu’en

septembre. Bull. Soc. Zool. Fr. 1: 300-314.

Sharpe, R.B. & Bouvier, A. (1877) Nouvelle liste d’oiseaux recueilles dans la région

du Congo par MM. le Dr A. Lucan et L. Petit, de Septembre 1876 à Septembre

1877. Bull. Soc. Zool. Fr. 2: 470^81.

Sharpe, R.B. & Bouvier, A. (1878) Nouvelle liste d’oiseaux recueilles dans la région

du Congo par MM. le Dr A. Lucan et L. Petit, de Septembre 1876 à Septembre

1877. Bull. Soc. Zool. Fr. 3: 73-80.

Sharpe, R.B. (1869) On the birds of Angola. Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 3)1 \ 563-571.

Traylor, M.A. (1963) Check-list of Angolan birds. Publ. Cult. Comp.. Diamantes

Angola 61: 1-250.

Urban, L.K., Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. (1986) The Birds of Africa, vol. 2. Academic

Press, London.

16

W.R.J. Dean & D.C. Le Maître

Malimbus 30

Urban, E.K., Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. (1997) The Birds of Africa, vol. 5. Academie

Press, London.

White, F. (1983) The Vegetation of Africa. UNESCO/ AFTFAT/UNSO, Paris.

Appendix 1

Additional species collected north of the Congo River at Banana (B) and Muanda

(M), which might be expected to occur in the Soyo area.

2008

Birds of Soyo

17

18

W.RJ. Dean & D.C. Le Maître

Malimbus 30

's = Schouteden; SB = Sharpe & Bouvier; C = Clark et al.

Appendix 2

Additional species recorded at N’Zeto and Ambriz, south of Soyo in Zaïre

Province, which might be expected to occur in the Soyo area.

2008

19

Nouvelles observations ornithologiques en Côte d’ivoire

par Olivier Lachenaud^ Henk-Jan Oosterhuis^, Bruno Boedts^ & John Gunningham"^

4 070 Avenue de Fès, 34080 Montpellier, France. <olivier.lachenaud@laposte.net>

^24 Kap, 1628 GG Hoom, Pays-Bas

Banque Africaine de Développement, Immeuble Fitaratra, 9e étage, Ankorondrano,

BP 1718, Analakely, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar

"^5802 Foxtail Court, Femdale, WA 98248, États-Unis

Reçu 15 avril 2005; revu 17 septembre 2007.

Résumé

Les observations ornithologiques réalisées par les auteurs en Côte d’ivoire

durant la période 1977-2002 sont ici présentées. Les plus remarquables sont la

découverte d’une colonie de hérons et cormorans, la deuxième mention ivoir-

ienne du Chevalier bargette Xenus cinereus et des extensions d’aire vers le sud

pour sept espèces. Beaucoup d’autres espèces rares ont également été observées.

Summary

Recent bird observations in Ivory Coast. Ornithological observations made

by the authors in Ivory Coast during the period 1977-2002 are here presented.

The most noteworthy are the discovery of a heron and cormorant breeding

colony, the second Ivorian record of Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus, and

southward range extensions for seven species. Many other rare species have

been recorded as well.

Introduction

Si la plupart des espèces composant l’avifaune ivoirienne sont à présent connues, la

répartition, le statut et l’abondance d’un grand nombre d’entre elles restent à préciser.

Nous avons tous résidé plusieurs années en Côte d’ivoire entre 1977 et 2002, et la

majorité de nos observations d’oiseaux proviennent des alentours de nos lieux de

résidence, Abidjan et Yamoussoukro. Cette dernière localité est mal connue des

ornithologues et nous y avons fait d’intéressantes découvertes. Nous avons également

pu visiter de nombreux autres sites dont certains sont brièvement présentés ci-dessous.

Les coordonnées de tous les sites mentionnés sont présentées dans le Tableau 1.

Réserve d’ Abokouamékro. Environ 50 km à l’est de Yamoussoukro. Savane sèche et

claire, avec de petits îlots forestiers. Au centre de la réserve se trouve un lac artificiel.

20

O. Lachenaud et al.

Malimbus 30

Tableau 1. Coordonnées géographiques des localités mentionnées

CAMP (Camp Alpin des Missions Protestantes). A peu près à mi-chemin entre

Man et Biankouma. Forêt très dégradée, avec quelques grands arbres çà et là,

notamment'^le long des rivières. Nombreuses plantations de café avec des arbres

moyens laissés comme ombrage. Avifaune forestière riche malgré le caractère très

dégradé du milieu.

Gouessesso. 10 km à l’ouest de Biankouma, à la limite forêt/savane; comme au

CAMP, la forêt y est très dégradée, avec de vieilles plantations de cacao sous

ombrage.

Mont Tonkoui. Au nord-ouest de Man, un des plus hauts sommets de la Côte

d’ivoire (1189 ou 1293 m d’altitude selon les cartes). Forêt encore bien conservée

notamment près du sommet, qui est occupé par une station de télévision.

Séfonekaha. Petit village situé à 20 km au sud-est de Ferkessédougou, en savane

subsoudanienne.

Station CNRA (Centre National de Recherche Agronomique) de Divo. Station de

recherche située à 20 km au sud-est de la ville de Divo, couvrant 3600 ha dont 2000-

2500 de forêt, le reste occupé par des plantations. Nous avons signalé précédemment

(Lachenaud 2004) la présence sur ce site de l’Echenilleur caronculé Lobotos lobatiis,

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Oiseaux en Côte d’ivoire

21

espèce Vulnérable (Stattersfield & Capper 2000). Le site, encore très peu prospecté

(trois courtes visites seulement), paraît donc intéressant.

La région de Man (CAMP, Gouessesso, Mont Tonkoui), qui reste assez peu

connue sur le plan ornithologique, s’est avérée particulièrement intéressante; plusieurs

espèces forestières rares {Ploceus preussi, Campephaga quiscalina, Hyliota violacea)

s’y sont avérées communes, même dans les plantations de café et de cacao sous

ombrage.

Les observations réalisées dans la région de Sassandra, ainsi que dans le PN du

Banco et la Forêt classée de l’Anguédédou, ont déjà fait l’objet de publications

séparées (Lachenaud 2006a, 2006b).

Les observations citées ici concernent des espèces rarement observées en Côte

d’ivoire, des extensions de répartition, de nouvelles données sur la nidification, ou

encore des additions à l’avifaune de sites protégés (PN de la Marahoué, Réserve de

Lamto). La nomenclature suit celle de Borrow & Demey (2001). Les abréviations CI,

PN et FC signifient respectivement Côte d’ivoire, Parc National et Forêt Classée.

Observations

Phalacrocoracidae

Phalacrocorax africanus Cormoran africain. Nicheur à Grand-Bassam (Tableau 2);

nids en mai, jeunes en juin 2002. Premier cas de nidification de l’espèce en CL

Ardeidae

Ixobrychus sturmii Blongios de Stürm. Deux oiseaux vus régulièrement dans un

marais à Abidjan (Riviera) de nov 1998 à avr 1999, abandonnèrent le site à la suite de

défrichements. Rare en CI (Thiollay 1985, Demey & Fishpool 1991).

Nycticorax nycticorax Bihoreau gris. Nicheur à Grand-Bassam (Tableau 2). L’espèce

étant encore abondante en mai-juin à Abidjan, la population nicheuse est certaine-

ment bien plus importante que ne le suggère Thiollay (1985). Dans l’intérieur, où

l’espèce est très locale (Thiollay 1985), observé à Bouaké (deux oiseaux, 4 oct 2000)

et aux lacs de Yamoussoukro (assez commun pendant la saison des pluies; un juvénile

le 9 fév 2002).

Bubulcus ibis Héron garde-boeufs. Nicheur abondant à Grand-Bassam (Tableau 2);

nids en mai, jeunes en juin 2002. Premier cas de nidification en CI (cf. Thiollay

1985).

Ardeola ralloides Crabier chevelu. Nicheur à Grand-Bassam (Tableau 2); nids en mai,

jeunes en juin 2002. Premier cas de nidification en CI (cf Thiollay 1985).

Egretta intermedia Aigrette intermédiaire. Nicheuse à Grand-Bassam (Tableau 2);

nids en mai, jeunes en juin 2002. Premier cas de nidification en CL Un oiseau sur le

Bandama à Lamto, 2 mai 2002; nouveau pour le site (cf Thiollay 1972).

Ardea melanocephala Héron mélanocéphale^ Un oiseau à Sassandra, au bord du

fleuve Sassandra, déc 1977. Nouveau pour la région (cf Lachenaud 2006a).

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O. Lachenaud et al

Malimbus 30

Phalacrocoracidae et Ardeidae

Une colonie (Tableau 2) était située au niveau du pont sur le fleuve Comoé, à la sortie

de Grand-Bassam en direction d’Assinie. La héronnière est présente à cet endroit

depuis 1998 au moins; le fait qu’elle n’ait pas été signalée par les nombreux

ornithologues ayant visité la région (notamment Thiollay 1985, Demey & Fishpool

1991) suggère cependant que son installation est récente. En 2000, elle occupait deux

îlots situés de part et d’autre du pont sur la Comoé. En 2002, seul l’îlot situé à gauche

du pont (en venant d’Abidjan) était occupé; l’îlot à droite, qui abritait le plus grand

nombre d’oiseaux (dont la totalité des Nycticorax) en 2000, est resté inoccupé, sans

doute à cause des perturbations humaines. Une diminution de l’effectif global par

rapport à 2000 était nettement visible. En 2002, les espèces indiquées construisaient

leurs nids en mai et élevaient des jeunes en juin, à l’exception du Nycticorax dont la

nidification semble plus tardive (nids observés en juillet 2000; en juin 2002, de

nombreux individus transportaient des branchages vers un autre site en bordure du

fleuve). Il est probable que d’autres colonies de hérons restent à découvrir dans la

région côtière, notamment dans le sud-ouest, qui reste mal connu des ornithologues.

Tableau 2. Effectifs estimés (nombre de couples) d’une colonie de hérons et

cormorans à Grand-Bassam (BB).

*Nombre possible: les nids n’étaient pas encore visibles au moment de l’observation.

Threskiornithidae

Plegadis falcinellus Ibis falcinelle. Deux oiseaux le 9 fév 2002 et trois le 10 fév dans

un dortoir de Bubiilciis ibis aux lacs de Yamoussoukro. Migrateur rare (Thiollay 1985,

Demey & Fishpool 1991); première observation dans le centre de la CL

Anatidae

Dendrocygna vidiiata Dendrocygne veuf Régulier aux lacs de Yamoussoukro, jan-

avr; une observation en août. Thiollay (1985) n’évoque pas sa présence dans le centre

de la CI.

Accipitridae

Accipiter badins Epervier shikra. Nid à Abidjan (Riviera), dans la fourche d’un Ficus

benjamina, mars 2000; nourrissage d’un immature sur le même site, juin 2000.

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Oiseaux en Côte d’ivoire

23

Second cas de nidification dans la région côtière. Thiollay (1985) ne signalait pas

l’espèce de la côte; aujourd’hui bien établie autour d’Abidjan (Rainey & Lachenaud

2002).

Accipiter ovampensis Épervier de l’Ovampo. Un oiseau vu à plusieurs reprises au

CAMP, août 1990. Nouveau site (cf. Thiollay 1985, Demey & Fishpool 1991).

Micronisiis gabar Autour gabar. Un oiseau dans le jardin d’un hôtel à Daloa, fév

1998; deux à Lamto, 7 fév 1999; un à Séfonékaha, 18 déc 2001. Une seule

observation antérieure au sud de Bouaké, à Lamto (Thiollay 1985).

Hieraaetus spilogaster Aigle fascié. Un oiseau, observé longuement et de près, en

savane de Lamto, 7 mai 2000. Distingué de TAigle d’Ayres H. ayresi par sa plus

grande taille, le dessous à stries nettement moins denses, l’absence de crête et surtout

la tache blanche au niveau des rémiges primaires, très visible en vol. Rare en CI,

n’avait pas été observé au sud de Katiola (Thiollay 1985). La région de Lamto étant

bien connue, cet oiseau était probablement un égaré.

Falconidae

Falco subbuteo Faucon hobereau. Un immature à Abidjan, 23 sep 2000. Migrateur

peu fréquent (Thiollay 1985, Demey & Fishpool 1991).

Phasianidae

Coturnix delegorguei Caille arlequine. Un mâle le 3 1 mar et un couple le 26 mai 2002

à Yamoussoukro, dans un terrain à herbes rases où la Caille bleue C. chinensis a

également été observée. Migratrice rare (Thiollay 1985, Demey & Fishpool 1991).

Ptilopachus petrosus Poule de roche. Une bande d’environ huit oiseaux sur un

affleurement latéritique à quelques km au nord de Séguéla, en 1978. Observation la

plus méridionale en CL

Glareolidae

C. temminckii Courvite de Temminck. Plusieurs à Yamoussoukro, 23 fév 2002.

Visiteur rare au sud de 8°N (Thiollay 1985).

Glareoîa pratincola Glaréole à collier. Colonie de c. 100 à Yamoussoukro, dans un

terrain à herbes rases, présents fév-oct au moins, mais absents du site en déc. Parades

et accouplement observés, 31 mar 2002; un juvénile, 28 juil 2002. Deuxième site de

nidification connu en CI (cf Demey & Fishpool 1991).

Haematopodidae

Haematopus ostralegiis Huîtrier pie. Un oiseau à Assinie en compagnie de Barges

rousses Limosa lapponica, 21 août 2001. Huitième observation en CI, la première en

été (Thiollay 1985, Demey & Fishpool 1991).

Charadriidae

Vanellus spinosus Vanneau à éperons. Un oiseau à Lamto, sur les rochers du fleuve

Bandama, 2 mai 2002. Nouvelle localité (cf Thiollay 1972).

Scolopacidae

Tringa stagnatilis Chevalier stagnatile. Un sur la lagune d’Abidjan, oct 2000, et un à

Grand-Bassam, 15 sep 2002, tous deux en compagnie d’autres limicoles. Thiollay

(1985) le signale de nov-mai seulement.

24

O. Lachenaud et al.

Malimbus 30

Xeniis cinereus Chevalier bargette. Un oiseau au bord de la lagune à Grand-Bassam, 5

oct 2001. Le bord postérieur blanc des ailes, l’absence de tache blanche au croupion,

la couleur gris clair du plumage et le bec jaune légèrement recourbé vers le haut ont

permis une identification aisée (BB). Seconde observation en CI, la précédente à

Abidjan, déc (Thiollay 1985).

Philomachiis pugnax Combattant varié. Un oiseau à Guessabo, sur le lac de Buyo, 28

avr 2001. Quatrième observation dans l’intérieur (Thiollay 1985, Walsh 1986).

Rhynchopidae

Rhynchops flavirostris Bec-en-ciseaux d’Afrique. Un oiseau à Assinie en oct et déc

2000, en compagnie de nombreuses sternes. Déjà observé à Assinie (Demey &

Fishpool 1991, N. Armandy corn, pers.); rare en CI (Thiollay 1985, Demey &

Fishpool 1991).

Columbidae

Columba guinea Pigeon roussard. Plusieurs observations en périphérie nord-est

d’Abidjan (quartier Riviera): groupes de 5-15, sep-oct 1999 et juin 2000; un oiseau,

mars 2002. Typique par sa grande taille et sa coloration: dessus châtain vif, tête et

dessous gris-bleu, croupion pâle, ailes tachetées de blanc, cou strié, caroncule rouge

autour de l’oeil. Ces observations, 600 km au sud de Faire connue (Thiollay 1985)

sont d’autant plus étonnantes que l’oiseau n’est pas habituellement détenu en

captivité; l’hypothèse d’échappés semble donc peu probable.

Streptopelia vinacea Tourterelle vineuse. Un oiseau à 2 km a l’ouest de Vavoua, août

1990. Deux en savane sèche dans la réserve d’Abokouamékro, 29 déc 2001.

Premières observations au sud de Bouaké (Thiollay 1985).

Psittacidae

Poicephalus gulielmi Pen'oquet à calotte rouge. Observé à Divo et sur la station

CNRA au sud-est de la ville où il est abondant. Nouveau site pour cette espèce

habituellement rare (Thiollay 1985, Holyoak & Seddon 1990, Demey & Fishpool

1 99 1 , Gartshore «/. 1995, Waltert er <3/. 1999).

Cuculidae

OxyJophus jacobinus Coucou jacobin. Un oiseau à Danané, 24 fév 2000. Cinq obser-

vations en CI dont quatre dans l’extrême nord (Thiollay 1985, Demey & Fishpool 1991).

Caprimulgidae

Caprimulgus tristigma Engoulevent pointillé. Un oiseau sur une colline rocheuse près

du CAMP, 3 juil 2002. Nouveau site (cf. Thiollay 1985, Rainey & Lachenaud 2002).

Apodidae

Telacanthiira melanopygia Martinet de Chapin. Un oiseau en vol au-dessus de la

station CNRA au sud-est de Divo, 31 oct 1999. Nouveau site.

Taehymarptis aequatorialis Martinet marbré. Un oiseau survolant un petit marécage

près de Férkéssédougou, août 1990. Rare en CI; nouvelle localité.

Lybiidae

Lybius bidentatus Barbican à bec denté. Un oiseau à Sassandra, déc 1977. Facilement

distingué de L. dubius (seule espèce ivoirienne susceptible de confusion) par la

2008

Oiseaux en Côte d'ivoire

25

poitrine entièrement rouge et le bec blanchâtre. Première observation sur la côte; non

signalé au sud de Lamto (Thiollay 1985).

L. dubius Barbican à poitrine rouge. Fréquent à Yamoussoukro, où L. bidentatiis est

également présent, mais plus rare. Deuxième localité au sud de Bouaké: connu plus au

sud à Toumodi (Thiollay 1985).

Pittidae

Pitta angolensis Brève d’Angola. Un oiseau capturé par un chasseur sur la station

CNRA de Divo, 16 jan 1988 (P. Lachenaud corn. pers.). Nouveau site (cf. Thiollay

1985, Demey & Fishpool 1991, Gartshore et al. 1995, Waltert et al. 1999).

Alaudidae

Eremopteryx leucotis Moinelette à oreillons blancs. Un mâle sur un bowal (plaine

latéritique à végétation rase) dans le nord du PN de la Comoé, à quelques kilomètres

au sud de Kafolo, 26 déc 2000. Rare en CI (Thiollay 1985, Walsh 1986, Demey &

Fishpool 1991); déjà observée dans le sud du parc (Salewski 1997).

Hirundinîdae

Riparia riparia Hirondelle de rivage. Une petite bande à Ouangolodougou, août 1982.

Observation la plus précoce pour ce migrateur paléarctique peu commun; signalé

précédemment oct-avr (Thiollay 1985, Demey & Fishpool 1991).

Hirundo aethiopica Hirondelle d’Ethiopie. Découverte dans le sud-est du pays par

Demey & Fishpool (1991), aujourd’hui abondante toute l’année à Abidjan. Egalement

commune, au moins localement, dans la moitié ouest du pays, où elle n’était pas

jusqu’à présent signalée; Sassandra (Lachenaud 2006a), Gagnoa (fév, mars, juil), Man

(nombreux oiseaux, avr-mai 2001). Son expansion vers l’ouest (Grimes 1987, Demey

& Fishpool 1991) semble donc se poursuivre; pas signalée au Libéria par Gatter (1997).

Delichon urbicum Hirondelle de fenêtre. Une au campement du PN de la Marahoué,

18 avr 2000 et une à Man, 1 mai 2001, en compagnie d’autres hirondelles. Migratrice

assez rare (Thiollay 1985, Demey & Fishpool 1991).

Campephagidae

Campephaga quiscalina Echenilleur pourpré. Un mâle en forêt très dégradée à

Gouessesso, 25 fév 2000; commun dans des plantations de café et de cacao sous

ombrage au CAMP entre Man et Biankouma, toujours observé en couples dans les

rondes d’insectivores. Nouvelles localités.

Pycnonotidae

Andropadus ansorgei Bulbul d’Ansorge. Deux oiseaux se nourrissant des fruits d’un

Musanga en compagnie d’un Bulbul à bec grêle A. gracilirostris, en FC de la Yaya au

nord d’Alépé, 27 jan 2002. Nouveau site; découvert récemment en CI (Demey &

Fishpool 1991) mais y semble largement répandu, du moins dans le sud (Gartshore et

al. 1995, Waltert et al. 1999, Rainey & Lachenaud 2002, Lachenaud 2006b).

Turdidae

Cossypha cyanocampter Cossyphe à ailes bleues. Un dans une plantation de café sous

forêt très dégradée au CAMP, 4 juil 2002. Nouvelle localité; rare en CI, peu

d’observations récentes (Thiollay 1985, Gartshore et al. 1995).

26

O. Lachenaud et al.

Malimbus 30

Sylviidae

[Acrocephahis rufescens Rousserolle des cannes. Des Acrocephalus de grande taille,

produisant un chant identique à celui de cette espèce sur les disques de Chappuis

(2000) ont été observés et entendus à plusieurs reprises aux lacs de Yamoussoukro

pendant toute l’année (y compris en juiLaoût). La Rousserolle turdoide A.

amndinaceus, seule espèce de taille comparable, a un chant nettement différent et

n’est présente en Afrique de l’Ouest que de sep à mai (Borrow & Demey 2001).

Néanmoins, l’obtentions d’enregistrements serait souhaitable pour confirmer la

présence de cette espèce en CL Thiollay (1985) signale une observation possible sans

indication de lieu; citée du Mont Nimba (Yaokokore-Beibro 1997) et de la FC de la

Bossématié (Yaokokore-Beibro & Ellenberg 2000) mais aucun détail ne vient appuyer

ces observations. Connue du Ghana (Grimes 1987).]

Hippolais pallida Hypolaïs pâle. Deux oiseaux le 25 nov 1999, deux le 14 janv 2000

et un en nov 2000, tous sur le même site à Abidjan (Riviera), exploraient le feuillage

de l’arbre introduit Tenninalia mantaly. Un à Vavoua, janv 1978. Ces observations

semblent confmner sa régularité en CI (Demey & Fishpool 1991).

Sylvia bohn Fauvette des jardins. Un oiseau dans un jardin à Sassandra, juil 1990.

Nouveau pour la région (cf Lachenaud 2006a).

Hyliota violacea Hyliote à dos violet. Commun au CAMP en forêt très dégradée, en couples

ou groupes de 2-3 couples, accompagnant les rondes d’insectivores. Nouvelle localité.

Muscicapidae

Myiopanis plumbeiis Gobemouche mésange. Un oiseau en forêt dégradée à Bécédi,

mai 1983. Rare dans le sud du pays (cf Thiollay 1985, Demey & Fishpool 1991).

Platysteiridae

Bias miisiciis Bias musicien. Répandu dans la zone forestière, observé à Gaoulou près

de Sassandra (Lachenaud 2006a), en FC de l’Anguédédou (Lachenaud 2006b), à

Abidjan, Bingerville, Dabou, Gagnoa, Divo (abondant sur la station CNRA, groupes

de 20-30), Vavoua, et au CAMP. Le faible nombre d’observations obtenues par

Demey & Fishpool (1991) par rapport à Thiollay (1985) ne semble donc pas refléter un

réel déclin de l’espèce, qui par ailleurs est nettement favorisée par les défrichements.

Timaliidae

Tiirdoides reinwardti Cratérope à tête noire. Observé à Séfonekaha, mars, déc.

Nouvelle localité; plus fréquent dans les savanes sud-guinéennes (Thiollay 1985) que

dans le nord (Demey & Fishpool 1991).

Phyllanthus atripennis Phyllanthe capucin. Un petit groupe à Sassandra, juil 1990.

Deuxième localité connue sur la côte (cf Thiollay 1985).

Nectariniidae

Anabathmis reichenbachii Soui-manga de Reichenbach. Régulier à Sassandra

(Lachenaud 2006a); un oiseau à San Pedro dans un jardin d’hôtel, attiré par les fleurs

d'Azadirachta indica, 3 juin 2001. Premières observations en CI à l’ouest d’Azagny

(Eccles 1985, Demey & Fishpool 1991); l’espèce existe, encore plus à l’ouest, sur la

côte libérienne (Gatter 1997).

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Oiseaux en Côte d’ivoire

27

Cyanomitra verticalis Soui-manga à tête verte. Un oiseau en savane boisée dans le PN

de la Marahoué, 30 mars 2002. Nouveau site (cf. Christy & Schulenberg 1999).

C cyanolaema Soui-manga à gorge bleue. Fréquent au CAMP, en forêt de bord de

rivière. Non signalé en CI au nord de Daloa (Thiollay 1985), bien qu’il soit répandu

au Libéria jusque dans l’extrême nord (Gatter 1997).

Sturnidae

Poeoptera lugubris Rufipenne à queue étroite. Un oiseau en FC de Mopri, 1 nov

1999; non mentionné de ce site par Gartshore et al. (1995).

Onychognathus fulgidus Rufipenne de forêt. Observé à Abidjan (trois en vol au-

dessus du golf, 13 mai 1998), N’Douci (un, 5 déc 1999) et au CAMP (c. 10, le 1 juil

2001). Nouvelles localités.

Lamprotornis splendidus Choucador splendide. Observé à Yamoussoukro (fréquent)

et dans le PN d’Abokouamékro (un en savane sèche, 29 déc 2001). Nouveaux sites

pour cette espèce surtout côtière; signalé précédemment dans l’intérieur (Thiollay

1972, Rainey & Lachenaud 2002).

L. caudatus Choucador à longue queue. Dans le PN de la Comoé: deux au confluent

Comoé-Kongo dans le sud du parc (8°48'N, 3°46'W), dans une plaine très ouverte avec

des buissons de Dichrostachys cinerea, 20 oct 1995 (V. Salewski corn, pers.); deux en

limite nord du parc à l’ouest de Kafolo, 26 déc 2000. Quatre au barrage de Sambakaha,

près de Séfonékaha, 19 déc 2001. Quatre observations précédentes en CI (Thiollay 1985).

Ploceidae

Ploceus preussi Tisserin de Preuss. Deux à Lieupleu (26 km au sud-ouest de Danané),

explorant les fougères épiphytes Platycerium à 20-25 m de haut dans les arbres

d’ombrage d’une plantation de cacao, 24 fév 2000. Fréquent au CAMP en forêt très

dégradée; souvent noté dans les rondes d’insectivores. Nouveaux sites (Thiollay 1985,

Demey & Fishpool 1991, Gartshore et al 1995, Waltert et al 1999).

Estrildidae

Nigrita fusconotus Nigrette à ventre blanc. Commun à Vavoua, 1977-9. Observé et

entendu à plusieurs reprises en forêt très dégradée au CAMP. Nouvelles localités.

Estrilda troglodytes Astrild cendré. Un à Abidjan (Riviera), en compagnie d’autres

estrildidés, 19 déc 1998. Première observation sur la côte depuis 1984 (Demey &

Fishpool 1991). Deux à Fakaha, au sud de Korhogo, 19 avr 1999; nouveau site.

Lagonosticta rubricata Amarante foncé. Régulier dans les champs et les broussailles

autour de Yamoussoukro, toute l’année mais plus fréquent en saison sèche. Seulement

au nord de 8°N d’après Thiollay (1985); récemment signalé plus au sud dans le PN de

la Marahoué (Rainey & Lachenaud 2002) et à Lamto (Salewski 1999).

Amandava subflava Bengali zébré. Un petit groupe au bord de la rivière

Férédougouba, près de la frontière avec la Guinée, août 1982. Troisième localité

connue en Côte d’ivoire, et la plus méridionale.

Lonchura fringilloides Capucin pie. Deux observations en limite sud du PN de la

Marahoué: un oiseau, 17 avr 2000; un petit groupe, 30 mar 2002. Nouveau site (cf

Christy & Schulenberg 1999)

28

O. Lachenaud et al.

Malimbus 30

Viduidae

Vidua chalybeata Combassou du Sénégal. Noté à Vavoua, août 1990. Un mâle vu

régulièrement à Yamoussoukro en compagnie de son espèce hôte, l’Amarante du Sénégal

Lagonosticta senegala. Observations les plus méridionales en CI (cf. Payne 1982).

Conclusion

Sept espèces ont été observées au sud de leur aire connue (voir Salewski et al. 2001):

Hieraaetus spilogaster, Ptilopachiis petrosus, Columba guinea, Streptopelia vinacea,

Lybiiis bidentatus, Amandava siibflava et Vidua chalybeata. Dans le cas de Columba

guinea, il s’agit vraisemblablement d’une extension récente: l’espèce est trop

remarquable pour avoir pu échapper aux nombreux ornithologues ayant visité la

région d’Abidjan. A l’exception à' Hieraaetus spilogaster qui pourrait être un visiteur

accidentel, les autres espèces ont été découvertes dans des localités mal prospectées, il

n’est donc pas possible de déterminer si leur présence y est récente.

La nidification de quatre espèces, Phalacrocorax africanus, Ardeola ralloides,

Bubulcus ibis et Egretta intermedia, est signalée pour la première fois dans le pays.

Remerciements

Nous remercions Nathalie Armandy, Philippe Lachenaud et Volker Salewski pour

nous avoir confié certaines de leurs observations, Ron Demey et Lincoln Fishpool qui

ont relu l’article, ainsi que Nik Borrow, Robert Dowsett et Françoise Dowsett-

Lemaire pour leurs commentaires éclairés.

Bibliographie

Borrow, N. & Demey, R. (2001). Birds of Western Africa. Christopher Helm, London.

Chappuis, C. (2000) African Bird Sounds, vol. 2. National Sound Archive, London.

Christy, P. & Schulenberg, T.S. (1999) The avifauna of the Parc National de la

Marahoué, Côte d’ivoire. Pp. 60-65 in Schulenberq T.S., Short, C.A. & Stephenson,

P. J. (éds) A Biological Assessment of the Parc National de la Marahoué, Côte

d’ivoire. RAP working papers 13, Conservation International, Washington.

Demey, R. & Fishpool, L.D.C. (1991) Additions and annotations to the avifauna of

Côte d’Ivoire. Malimbus 12: 61-86.

Demey, R. & Fishpool, L.D.C. (1994) The birds of Yapo Forest, Ivory Coast.

Malimbus 16: 100-122.

Eccles, S. D. (1985) Reichenbach’s Sunbird Nectarinia reichenbachii new to Ivory

Coast. Malimbus 7: 140.

2008

Oiseaux en Côte d’ivoire

29

Gartshore, M.E., Taylor, P.D. & Francis, LS. (1995) Forest Birds in Côte

d’Ivoire. Study Rep. 58, BirdLife International, Cambridge.

Gatter, W. (1993) The status of the Black Swift Apus barbatus in western West

Africa. Malimbus 15: 90-91.

Gatter, W. (1997) Birds of Liberia. Pica Press, Mountfield.

Grimes, L. G. (1987) The Birds of Ghana. British Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Holyoak, D.T. & Seddon, M.B. (1990) Notes on some birds of the Ivory Coast.

Malimbus 11: 146-148.

Lachenaud, O. (2004) Notes sur I’Echenilleur caronculé Lobotos lobatus. Malimbus

26: 19-23.

Lachenaud, O. (2006a). Les oiseaux de la région de Sassandra, Côte d’ivoire.

Malimbus!^: 18-34.

Lachenaud, O. (2006b) Les oiseaux du Parc National du Banco et de la Forêt

Classée de l’Anguédédou, Côte d’ivoire. Malimbus 28: 107-133.

Payne, R.B. (1982) Species limits in the indigobirds (Ploceidae, Vidua) of West

Africa: mouth mimicry, song mimicry, and a description of new species. Mise.

Publ Mus. Zool, Univ. Michigan 162: 1-96.

Rainey, H.J. & Lachenaud, O. (2002) Recent birds observations from Côte d’Ivoire.

Malimbus 24: 23-37

Salewski, V. (1997) Notes on some bird species from Comoé National Park, Ivory

Coast. Malimbus 19: 61-67.

Salewski, V. (1999) Bird Research in Lamto between September 1998 and April

1999 with Special Consideration of Palaearctic Passerine Migrants. Institute for

Avian Research "Vogelwarte Helgoland", Wilhelmshaven, non publié.

Salewski, V., Rainey, H., & Bairlein, F., (2001) Have birds shifted their range limits

southwards in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa?. Bull. Afr. Bird Club 8: 1 17-120.

Stattersfield, A.J. & Capper, D.R. (éds) (2000) Threatened Birds of the World.

Lynx, Barcelona.

Thiollay, J.”M. (1972) L’avifaune de la région de Lamto (moyenne Côte d’Ivoire).

Ann. Univ. Abidjan E (4, 1): 5-132.

Thiollay, J.-M. (1985) The birds of Ivory Coast: status and distribution. Malimbus 7: 1-59.

Walsh, J. F. (1986) Notes on the birds of Ivory Coast. Malimbus 8: 89-93.

Waltert, M., Yaokokore-Beibro, K.H., Mühlenberg, M. & Waitkuwait, W.E.

(1999) Preliminary check-list of the birds of the Bossematié area, Ivory Coast.

Malimbus 21: 93-109.

Yaokokore-Beibro, K.H. (1997) Inventaire Préliminaire de I’Avifaune des Parcs

Nationaux des Iles Ehotilé et du Mont Péko, et de la Réserve du Mont Nimba,

Côte d’ivoire. WWF, Abidjan.

Yaokokore-Beibro, K.H. & Ellenberg, H. (2000) A contribution to the study of

the avifauna of the Bossematie Forest (Abengourou/Côte d’Ivoire). The future of

Bossematie Forest: current status. Ostrich 71: 292-294.

30

Malimbus 30

The avifauna of southeast Niger

by Flemming Pagh Jensen, Kim Diget Christensen & Bo Svenning Petersen

Orbicon, Ringstedvej 20, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark. <fpj@orbicon.dk>

Reeeived 27 February 2007; revised 17 Deeember 2007.

Summary

A field survey of birds associated with the open habitats of Sahelian SE Niger

was carried out in the rainy seasons of 2002, 2003 and 2005, using line

transect counts in grassland and farmland plus observations in other habitats,

in particular wetlands. In total 250 species are now known from the area. A

high density of grasshoppers at the end of the rains is an annual phenomenon

in SE Niger. We argue that the large numbers of Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis,

Abdim’s Storks Ciconia abdimii. Grasshopper Buzzards Biitastur nifipennis,

Abyssinian Rollers Coracias abyssiniens and African Grey Hombills Tockiis

nasiitiis, observed at the end of the rains, had migrated northwards after

breeding to feed on them. Compared to the 1970s, vultures. Bateleur

Terathopius ecaudatus and Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus appear to

have declined dramatically and the Secretaiy Bird Sagittarius serpentarius

has disappeared. A new International Bird Area (IBA) is proposed, the “Diffa-

Kinzindi grassland and wetlands”. Within it have been recorded six species of

global conservation concern (RiippelFs Griffon Vulture Gyps rueppeUii,

Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle Circaetus beaudouini, Pallid Harrier Circus

macrouriis. Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, Nubian Bustard Neotis nuba and

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa), 11 out of 16 Sahel biome species, and

regularly more than 20,000 waterbirds (Cattle Egrets and Abdim’s Storks).

Résumé

L’avifaune du Sud-Ouest du Niger. Une étude de ten'ain sur les oiseaux

associés aux habitats ouverts dans le SE sahélien du Niger a été réalisée pendant

les saisons des pluies 2002, 2003 et 2005. L’étude a comporté des comptages

d’oiseaux sur des transects dans des zones herbeuses et cultivées mais des

observations dans d’autres habitats ont aussi été faites, en particulier dans les

zones humides. Au total, 250 espèces ont maintenant été identifiées dans la

région. Une densité élevée de sauterelles en fin de saison des pluies est un

phénomène annuel au SE du Niger. Nous expliquons que le grand nombre des

Hérons garde-boeufs Bubulcus ibis, des Cigognes d’Abdim Ciconia abdimii,

des Buses des sauterelles Butastur rufipennis, des Rolliers d’Abyssinie Coracias

2008

F. P. Jensen et al.

31

abyssinicus et des Petits Calaos à bec noir Tockus nasutus observés à la fin

des pluies migrent ensuite vers le nord après la reproduction afin de s’en

nourrir. En comparaison avec les années 1970, les vautours, les Bateleurs

Terathopius ecaudatus et les Marabouts Leptoptilos crumeniferus apparaissent

en dramatique déclin et le Messager serpentaire Sagittarius serpentarius a

disparu. Une nouvelle zone importante pour la conservation des oiseaux

(International Bird Area IBA) au SE du Niger est proposée, les “zones

herbeuses et humides de Diffa-Kinzindi”. A l’intérieur de cette zone on a

observé six espèces dont l’état de conservation est préoccupant au plan global

(Vautour de Rüppell Gyps rueppellii. Circaète de Beaudouin Circaetus

beaiidouini. Busard pâle Circus macrouriis. Faucon crécerellette Falco

naumanni, Outarde de Nubie Neotis nuba et Barge à queue noire Limosa

limosa), 11 sur 16 espèces du biome Sahel et la présence régulière de plus de

20 000 oiseaux aquatiques (Hérons garde-boeufs et Cigognes d’Abdim).

Introduction

Very little has been published on the birds of southeast Niger. The observations

summarized by Giraudoux et <2/. (1988) were mainly from the 1970s, with a few from

the 1920s by Buchanan (Hartert 1921, Bates 1933) and from the 1940s by Rousselot

(1947). We have not been able to trace any subsequent published records from this

part of Niger. In January 1994 and 1995 W. Mullié visited SE Niger in connection

with the Africa Waterbird Census. His unpublished records are stored in the Niger

Bird Database (NiBDaB), and are also included in this account on the SE Niger birds.

During the rainy seasons of 2002, 2003 and 2005 we studied the birds in SE Niger,

with the aims of assessing the extent to which birds control grasshopper populations

and how human grasshopper control may affect birds. From our base in Diffa we

mainly focused on birds associated with grassland and farmland but, on an ad hoc

basis, we also recorded birds associated with other habitats, in particular wetlands.

Study area

Our study area (Fig. 1) lies within the Sahel zone and corresponds to “Zone écologique

4” of Giraudoux et al. (1988). This part of Niger has a single rainy season from late May

to early October with an average annual precipitation of c. 340 mm. The natural vege-

tation is mostly grassland with scattered trees, in particular Acacia spp. and Balanites

aegyptiaca. During the rainy season, many isolated wetlands form across the grassland,

some of which hold water for a few months after the end of the rainy season. To the

north and west, the grassland is bordered by huge tracts of sand dunes, including the

Désert du Tal, with no or only a thin cover of desert grass and shrub-land. The eastern

32

Birds of SE Niger

Malimbus 30

border follows the former shore of the now dry northern basin of Lake Chad, where

the vegetation is at present mainly Mesquite Prosopis juliflora, an introduced American

tree (Mullié et al. 1995). The Komadougou Yobé river forms the southern boundary of

our study area, and is the border with Nigeria. The vegetation is denser along the river

and is often flooded during the height of the rainy season. Small-scale rice cultivation

and irrigated fields with vegetables (especially sweet pepper) are found close to the

river, in particular near Diffa. In a belt extending c.5 km away from the river the grass-

land has been cultivated in many places to grow millet and sorghum. Maïné-Soroa,

Diffa and Nguigmi are the only towns and most villages are found along the river and

the former shore of L. Chad. Fulani pastoralists with herds of cattle and goats utilise

most of the grassland during the rainy season and some months after. During the dry

season most herders move their livestock to areas close to the river or into Nigeria.

N

14°N

Cheri

Désert du Tal

NIGER Sayam^

Kaadjia

X. *

Nguigmi \

I

%

1

Lake Chad

Kinzindi

\

• Bosso ,

Ngulaoua ^badam

* .' • Malamfatori

,.L j

Ngol Kolo \

\

Agaram /'

Diffa L* X'

HO

\Tam Boudum V

NIGERIA

50 km

13°E

Figure 1. SE Niger with localities mentioned in the text. The dark shaded area

shows the main feeding area of Abdim’s Storks in Aug-Oct and corresponds to a

proposed IBA.

While thick layers of wind-deposited sand cover most of the Sahel, the grassland

in SE Niger is mainly on a clayey plain, with extensive layers of sand only to the

north and west. This provides particularly favourable breeding habitat for

2008

F. P. Jensen et al

33

grasshoppers, most notably the Senegalese Grasshopper Oedaleus senegalensis. In

July to early August this species reaches very high numbers in SE Niger. In August-

September, Senegalese Grasshoppers that have hatched further north in Niger move

south as the vegetation dries out, and reach SE Niger in huge numbers in late

September and October, bringing the density of grasshoppers up to 10-30 per m , and

locally even higher (Z. Ouambama pers. comm.). Unlike locusts, Senegal

Grasshoppers have been recorded in high densities in the grassland of SE Niger every

year since the mid-1990s when grasshopper studies were initiated there (Z.

Ouambama pers. comm.).

Methods

Observations were made near Diffa, along the Komadougou Yobé and at various

temporary wetlands across the grassland area from 30 Jul to 2 Aug and 23-27 Sep

2002, 19-23 Aug and 23 Sep to 1 Oct 2003, and 22 Sep to 7 Oct 2005. In 2003 we

also made excursions through the grassland to Ngol Kolo and Nguigmi. In 2005 we

visited Ngol Kolo, Sayam, Kinzindi, Nguigmi and the Désert du Tal as well as Bosso

on the former shore of L. Chad.

Bird counts were carried out on line transects in the grassland and farmland

mosaic in the last part of the rainy season, 22-26 Sep 2003 and 23-27 Sep 2005. The

starting point for the counts was the road connecting Maïné-Soroa, Diffa and

Nguigmi. The counts were carried out with two observers, each counting four line-

transect sections of 50 min., corresponding to c. 1000 m. Based on these observations,

density (number per km ) was estimated for each bird species. For a more

comprehensive account of the method and data analyses, see Petersen et al (2007).

For the species recorded in 2002-5 the following abundance assessment is used

(from Morel & Tye 1995): VA = Very abundant >100 may be seen or heard in

suitable habitat per day; A = Abundant (11-100 may be seen or heard in suitable

habitat per day; C = Common (1-10 may be seen or heard in suitable habitat per day),

F = Frequent (often seen or heard but not every day); U = Uncommon (few records

only); for rarer species we give details of all records. An abundance assessment

assigned to the period “Aug-Oct 2002-5” means throughout the period we worked in

the area. Sahel biome species (as defined in Fishpool & Evans 2001) observed in

2002-5 are marked “SB”. Sequence and nomenclature follow Borrow & Demey (2001).

Results

We list the 250 bird species for which we have been able to trace records from SE

Niger. In addition to our own observations this includes the observations from Zone 4

in Giraudoux et al. (1988) plus additional records provided by P.J. Jones and

34

Birds of SE Niger

Malimbus 30

unpublished observations (NiBDaB) by W. Mullié. For each species the source of

information is listed and, for the species recorded during our survey, an abundance

assessment is given. Density estimates are presented for the species recorded during

the transects counts in 2003 and 2005.

Podicipedidae

Podiceps nigricollis Black-necked Grebe. Six at Diffa, 23 Jan 1995 (NiBDaB).

Phalacrocoracidae

Phalacrocorax africanus Long-tailed Cormorant. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Several at

Diffa, Tam and Agaram; Jan 1994 and 1995 (NiBDaB). Recorded in the 1970s

(Giraudoux c? t//. 1988).

Pelecanidae

Pelecanus onocrotalus Great White Pelican. Three over Désert du Tal, 27 Dec 1977

(Giraudoux et a/. 1988).

Ardeidae

Ixobrychus miniitiis Little Bittern. C, along Komadougou Yobé, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

Ardeola ml hides Squacco Heron. C, along the Komadougou Yobé, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

Transect density (in adjacent grassland): 0.4 per km in Sep 2005 (zero in 2003). Also

recorded at a temporary pond at Nguigmi, 22 Aug 2003. Several at Tam and Bagara,

Jan 1994, and Diffa, Tam and Agaram, Jan 1995 (NiBDaB).

Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret. VA, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density (in adjacent

grassland): 62 per km^ in Sep 2003, 48 per km^ in Sep 2005. Many at Diffa, Tam and

Agaram, Jan 1994 and 1995 (NiBDaB). Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al.

1988), Large numbers (probably over 25,000) were observed in Aug-Oct 2002, 2003

and 2005 within c. 25 km of the Komadougou Yobé from west of Boudum to Bosso.

They were primarily associated with the cultivated area and adjacent grassland where

they were observed feeding intensively on grasshoppers. They typically spent the

middle of the day and the night at the river, moving to and from the feeding areas in

large flocks during the day. No breeding colonies were observed in the area.

Butorides striatiis Green-backed Heron. C, at the Komadougou Yobé, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

Egretta ardesiaca Black Heron. C, along the Komadougou Yobé, Aug-Oct 2005, but

none seen 2002 and 2003.

E. garzetta Little Egret. C, along the Komadougou Yobé, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Several at

Diffa, Tam and Agaram, Jan 1994 and 1995 (NiBDaB).

E. intermedia Intermediate Egret. F, along the Komadougou Yobé, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

Also at temporary pond at Nguigmi, 22 Aug 2003. Recorded at Diffa, Tam and

Agaram, Jan 1995 (NiBDaB).

E. alba Great Egret. F, along the Komadougou Yobé, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Recorded at

Diffa, Tam and Agaram, Jan 1994 and Diffa and Agaram, Jan 1995 (NiBDaB).

Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Ardea purpurea Purple Heron. F, along the Komadougou Yobé, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

Also at Tam, Jan 1994, and Diffa, Tam and Agaram, Jan 1995 (NiBDaB).

2008

F. P. Jensen et al

35

A. cinerea Grey Heron. C, along the Komadougou Yobé, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Several at

Tam, Diffa and Agaram, Jan 1994, and Diffa, Jan 1995 (NiBDaB). Recorded in the

1970s (Giraudoux e/ a/. 1988).

A. meianocephaia Black-headed Heron. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Several at Agaram, Jan

1994, and Diffa and Agaram, Jan 1995 (NiBDaB). Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux

et al. 1988).

Scopidae

Scopus umbretta Hamerkop. One at a temporary pond near Say am, 1 Oct 2005.

Ciconiidae

Anastomus lamelligerus African Openbill Stork. Flock of c. 30 at Komadougou Yobé,

Aug 2002. Small flocks at Komadougou- Yobé, 29 Dec 1977 (Giraudoux et a/. 1988)

Ciconia nigra Black Stork. A single bird circling over the grassland c. 10 km north of

Diffa, 4 Oct 2005, appears to be the only record from the region (including NE

Nigeria).

C. abdimii Abdim’s Stork. VA, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 7.4 per km in

Sep 2003; 22 per km in Sep 2005. Large flocks were observed foraging in the

grassland north of the Komadougou Yobé and in an area north of Kinzindi (Fig. 1).

They were there from early Aug to late Sep or Oct and included a large proportion of

juveniles. In 2003 their total number was estimated at c. 17,000, with numbers

probably similar in 2002 and 2005 (Petersen et al. in press). Also common in Aug

1975 (Giraudoux et «/. 1988). While in SE Niger the storks appeared to feed almost

exclusively on medium size grasshoppers (Petersen et al in press). In the morning and

late afternoon they were typically spread out in the grassland in flocks of 30-200.

When feeding, they often formed a “front of birds” and collectively walked or ran

forward through the grass. This forced the grasshoppers to take off and the storks then

tried to grab them in the air. This behaviour often attracted other bird species, in

particular Black Kites and falcons (especially Banners: see below), which swooped

low over the storks to catch the low-flying grasshoppers in the air. By mid-day the

storks typically congregated in flocks of up to several thousands and started to circle

high over the grassland before flying to the Komadougou Yobé where they spent the

middle of the day resting in the shallow water or in trees. Common in flocks near

Cheri, 12 Aug 1975 (P.J. Jones in litt.) and Aug 1978 (Giraudoux et ai. 1988).

C. episcopus Woolly-necked Stork. One resting at a temporary pond near Sayam, 1

Oct 2005.

C. ciconia White Stork. A flock of 1000 at a temporary pond 50 km southwest of

Nguigmi, 21 Aug 2003; four at the same place, 3 Oct 2005; c.lOO 30 km northeast of

Diffa, 27 Sep 2005. The birds observed in August are unlikely to be migrants from

Eurasia as those that follow the eastern flyway are known first to appear in S Sudan

and Chad in mid-September (van den Bossche 2002). The same timing probably

applies- to the storks that take the western route over Gibraltar. It seems likely,

therefore, that they were from the N African breeding population. Ringed White

Storks breeding in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia have been recovered from N Nigeria

36

Birds of SE Niger

Malimbus 30

(Elgood et al. 1994) and storks breeding in Algeria are known to leave the breeding

area in mid-July and August to move south across the Sahara (Isenmann & Moali

2000). Flocks of 3, 25 and 100 were observed in the same area in Aug 1975

(Giraudoux et al 1988).

Leptoptilos crumeniferus Marabou Stork. One in grassland near Diffa, 26 Sep 2003.

Many seen between Maïné-Soroa and Nguigmi, Aug 1975, and small flocks at

Komadougou Yobé, Dec 1977 (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Phoenicopteridae

Platalea leucorodia Lesser Flamingo. Observed in late Feb and Oct 1970 at a small

temporary lake among dunes north of L. Chad (Vieillard 1972).

Threskiornithidae

Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Recorded in the 1970s

(Giraudoux et al. 1988) and at Tam, Jan 1995 (NiBDaB).

Threskiornis aethiopicus Sacred Ibis. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Recorded in the 1970s

(Giraudoux et al. 1988) and at Agaram, Jan 1994 (NiBDaB).

Anatidae

Dendrocygna bicolor Fulvous Whistling Duck. Six at Agaram, 22 Jan 1994

(NiBDaB).

D. viduata White-faced Whistling Duck. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. 32 at Diffa and 618 at

Tam, Jan 1994; 30 at Agaram and 532 at Diffa, Jan 1995 (NiBDaB). Recorded in the

1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Alopochen aegyptiaciis Egyptian Goose. Two at Tam, 22 Jan 1994; two at Diffa, 23

Jan 1995; one at Tam, 24 Jan 1995 (NiBDaB). One observation at Ngalaoua, 29 Dec

1 977 (Giraudoux et al. 1 988).

Plectropterus gambensis Spur-winged Goose. C, Aug-Oct 2002 and 2003; none in

2005. 26 at Agaram, 22 Jan 1994 (NiBDaB). In 1995, 23 were observed at Diffa, 23

Jan, and 6 at Agaram, 24 Jan (NiBDaB). Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et

«/.1988).

Sarkidiornis melanotos Knob-billed Goose. F, Aug-Sep 2003; none in 2002 or 2005.

In 1994, 45 observed at Diffa, 20 Jan 1994, and one at Tam, 22 Jan 1994 (NiBDaB).

In 1995, 263 at Diffa, 23 Jan, and 60 at Tam, 24 Jan (NiBDaB). Recorded in the

1970s (Giraudoux et ût/. 1988).

Nettapus auritus African Pygmy Goose. U, small numbers at Komadougou Yobé,

Sep-Oct 2005. None observed in 2002 or 2003.

Anas capensis Cape Teal. A pair at Cheri, 24 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et <2/. 1988).

A. acuta Northern Pintail. 100 at Agaram, 22 Jan 1994 (NiBDaB). Several thousand

on the Komadougou Yobé, with a particularly large concentration at Abadam, Dec

1977 (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

A. hottentota Hottentot Teal. Flock of 25 at a temporary pond near Nguigmi, 22 Aug

2003.

A. querquedula Garganey. C. 350 at a temporary pond 30 km north of Diffa, 30 Sep

2005. In 1994, 415 at Tam, 20 Jan, 85 at Diffa, 22 Jan, and 2500 at Agaram, 22 Jan

2008

F. P. Jensen et al

37

(NiBDaB). In 1975, 500 at Diffa, 26 Feb and 30 at Chéri, 24 Aug (Giraudoux et

«71988).

A. clypeata Northern Shoveler. C. 35 at a temporary pond 30 km north of Diffa, 30

Sep 2005.

Pandionidae

Pandion haliaetus Osprey. One at Komadougou Yobé near Diffa, 7 Oct 2005.

Accîpitridae

Pernis apivorus European Honey Buzzard.. Three passing over Diffa, 29 Sep 2005.

Elanus caeruleus Black-shouldered Kite. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Density in grassland

0.1 per km in Sep 2003; 0.1 per km in Sep 2005. Observed at Tam and Agaram, Jan

1995 (NiBDaB). Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Cheiictinia riocourü African Swallow-tailed Kite. Five in grassland northwest of

Diffa, 26 Sep 2002.

Milvus migrans Black Kite. VA, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 6.3 per km in

Sep 2003, 2.8 per km in Sep 2005. All individuals identified to subspecies were M

m. parasitus. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture. At Kaadjia, 13 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et

«71988).

Necrosyrtes monachus Hooded Vulture. Six at Tam, 24 Jan 1995 (NiBDaB). In the

1970s “common all year” (Giraudoux et «71988).

Gyps africanus African White-backed Vulture. Observed near Cheri, 12 Aug 1975

(P.J. Jones in Utt.), between Diffa and Nguigmi, 22 Aug 1975, and between Cheri and

Maïné-Soroa, 24 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et al 1988).

G. rueppellii RüppelFs Griffon Vulture. Three between Diffa and Nguigmi, 22 Aug

2003. Observed at Maïné-Soroa, 24 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Torgos tracheliotus Lappet-faced Vulture. At Maïné-Soroa, 24 Aug 1975, and at

Abadam, 28 Dec 1977 (Giraudoux et «71988).

Trigonoceps occipitalis White-headed Vulture. At Abadam, 28 Dec 1977, and at

Gueskérou, 29 Dec 1977 (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

C. beaudouini Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle. U, rainy season 2003 and 2005. Transect

density: 0.3 per km^ in 2003 (zero in 2005).

C. cinereus Brown Snake Eagle. U, Aug-Sep 2003; none in 2002 and 2005.

Terathopius ecaudatus Bateleur. Three between Maïné-Soroa and Diffa, 25 Feb 1975;

several between Cheri and Maïné-Soroa and between Maïné-Soroa and Nguigmi, 24

Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et «71988).

Poiyboroides typus African Harrier Hawk. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

Circus macrourus Pallid Harrier. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Observed at Agaram and Tam,

Jan 1995 (NiBDaB).

C. pygargus Montagu's Harrier. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

C. aeruginosus Eurasian Marsh Harrier. F Aug-Oct 2002-5. Observed at Diffa and

Tam, Jan 1995 (NiBDaB).

38

Birds of SE Niger

Malimbus 30

Micronisus gabar Gabar Goshawk. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Observed at Diffa, Jan 1995

(NiBDaB).

Melierax metabates Dark Chanting Goshawk. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density:

0.7 per km^ in Sep 2003 (zero in 2005). Also recorded Jan 1995 (NiBDaB) and in the

1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Accipiter badius Shikra. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 0.8 per km^ in Sep

2003, 0.8 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Butastur rufïpennis Grasshopper Buzzard. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 19

per km^ in Sep 2003, 1 1 per km^ in Sep 2005. Abundant in the grasslands in the S and

E of the study area from the beginning of Aug to mid- or late Oct. Most were

juveniles. The buzzards fed almost exclusively on grasshoppers on the ground by

either swooping down from trees to grab them on the ground or by walking and

catching the grasshoppers with their feet. Also recorded in Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et

a/. 1988, P.J. Jones in litt.).

Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard. One at Diffa, 23 Jan 1995 (NiBDaB).

B. auguralis Red-necked Buzzard. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 1.8 per km^

in Sep 2003, 2.1 per km^ in Sep 2005. Also recorded Jan 1995 (NiBDaB) and Aug

1975 (Giraudoux et t//. 1988, P.J. Jones in litt.).

Aqiiila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle. R; one between Maïné-Soroa and Diffa, 7 Oct 2005.

A. rapax Tawny Eagle. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density 0.1 per km^ in Sep 2005

(zero in 2003). Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et r//. 1988).

A. wahlbergi Wahlberg's Eagle. One at Komadougu-Yobé west of Diffa, 30 Jul 2002.

Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle. C, Sep-Oct 2005, U in Aug-Sep 2002-3.

Sagittariidae

Sagittarius serpentariiis Secretary Bird. “Frequently observed near Nguigmi”

(Rousselot 1947). Observed between Cheri and Maïné-Soroa, 12 Aug 1975, and south

of Maïné-Soroa, 25 Dec 1977 (Giraudoux et <7/. 1988).

Falconidae

Falco naiimanni Lesser Kestrel. A flock of 35 feeding on grasshoppers flushed by

foraging Abdim’s Storks c. 10 km east of Maïné-Soroa, 26 Sep 2005.

F. tinnunculus Common Kestrel. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 0.4 per km in

Sep 2005 (zero in 2003). Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et a/. 1988).

F. alopex Fox Kestrel. SGB. C, Aug-Sep 2002; F, Sep-Oct 2003 and 2005. Transect

density: 0.2 per km^ in Sep 2005 (zero in 2003).

F. ardosiaceus Grey Kestrel. One at Diffa, 20 Aug 2003; one near Sayam, 1 Oct

2005. One, 1 10 km south of Nguigmi, 23 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

2

F. chicquera Red-necked Falcon. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 0.2 per km

in Sep 2005 (zero in 2003).

F. vespertinus Red-footed Falcon.. One near Maïné-Soroa, 25 Sep 2005.

F. subbuteo Eurasian Hobby. U, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

F. cuvierii African Hobby. One chasing grasshoppers flushed by foraging Abdim’s

Storks near Maïné-Soroa, 24 Sep 2005.

2008

F. P. Jensen et al

39

F. biarmicus Lanner Falcon. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 1.7 per km in

Sep 2003, 1.4 per km^ in Sep 2005. Fanners were very numerous in SE Niger in Aug-

Oct 2002, 2003 and 2005, in particular in areas with feeding flocks of Abdim’s

Storks. As soon as storks started to feed on grasshoppers, Fanners arrived and started

flying low over them to grab flushed grasshoppers in mid-air. Fl^p to four Fanners

were observed feeding together over a flock of storks. It seems likely that several

hundred Fanners were congregated in SE Niger during these periods.

Phasianidae

Coturnix cotiirnix Common Quail. C, Sep-Oct 2005; none in 2002 and 2003. Transect

density 0.6 per km in Sep 2005.

Francolinus clappertoni Clapperton's Francolin. F, Sep 2003; none in 2002 or 2005.

Transect density 0.3 per km^ in Sep 2003. Observed at Kaadjia, 26 Feb 1975

(Giraudoux et n/. 1988).

Turnicidae

Ortyxelos meiffrenii Quail-plover. F, Sep 2003; two, 27 Sep 2005; none in 2002.

Transect density: 1.3 per km in Sep 2003 (zero in 2005). Observed at Cheri, 24 Aug

1975 (Giraudoux et n/. 1988).

Tiirnix sylvatica Fittle Buttonquail. A single observation, Sep 2003; none in 2002 and

2005. Transect density: 0.7 per km^ in Sep 2003 (zero in 2005).

Rallidae

Amaurornis flavirostris Black Crake. Observed at Bosso, 28 Dec 1977 (Giraudoux et

n/.1988).

Gallinula chloropus Common Moorhen. C, along Komadougou Yobé, Aug-Oct

2002-5. At Diffa and Tam, Jan 1995 (NiBDaB).

Gruidae

Balearica pavonina Black Crowned Crane. Between Cheri and Maïné-Soroa, 24 Aug

1975; at Kaadjia. 13 Aug 1975; at Ngalaoua, 29 Dec 1977 (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Otididae

Neotis denhami Denham’s Bustard. A single bird and a pair observed in grassland c.

20 km north of Diffa, 25 Sep 2003. Two between Nguigmi and Maïné-Soroa, 23 Aug

1975 (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

N. niiba Nubian Bustard. SB. Observed twice: a pair in a mosaic of grassland and

millet fields near Diffa, 24 Sep 2002; another pair in similar habitat near Diffa, 26 Sep

2003. In Aug 1975 several were observed and three nests found in the Dillia de

Fagana valley between 130 and 167 km northwest of Nguigmi just north of Zone 4

(Giraudoux et al. 1988). The pairs near Diffa during the rains in 2002 and 2003

suggest that the grasslands west of F. Chad may still hold a breeding population of

this rare bustard.

Ardeotis arabs Arabian Bustard. SB. One in grassland northwest of Diffa, 24 Sep 2002.

Eupodotis senegalensis White-bellied Bustard. One near Diffa, 23 Sep 2003.

E. melanogaster Black-bellied Bustard. F, Sep 2002; U, Sep 2003; none in 2005.

Transect density: 0.3 per km^ in Sep 2003.

40

Birds of SE Niger

Malimbus 30

Jacanidae

Actophilornis africana African Jacana. C, at Komadougou Yobé, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

At Diffa, Tam and Agaram, Jan 1994 and 1995 (NiBDaB).

Microparra capensis Lesser Jacana. One at Tam, 22 Jan 1994 (NiBDaB).

Recurvirostridae

Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. At Diffa, Tam and

Agaram, Jan 1994; at Diffa, Tam and Agaram, Jan 1995 (NiBDaB). Common at

Cheri, 24 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et <3/. 1988).

Reciirvirostra avosetta Pied Avocet. At Cheri, 24 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Burhinidae

Burhinus senegalensis Senegal Thick-knee. Ten between Cheri and Maïné-Soroa , 24

Aug 1975 (Giraudoux <3/. 1988).

B. capensis Spotted Thick-knee. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 1.7 per km in

Sep 2003 (zero in 2005). Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Glareolidae

Pluvianus aegy^ptius Egyptian Plover. Flock of eight at Komadougou Yobé near Diffa,

23 Aug 2003.

Rhinoptilus chalcopterus Bronze-winged Courser. Two in farmland near Diffa, 24

Sep 2005.

Glareola cinerea Grey Pratincole. Observed at Kaadjia, 13 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et

al.\9U).

Charadriidae

Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover. Small numbers at Diffa and Tam, Jan 1994

and 1995 (NiBDaB). Observed at Kaadjia, 13 Aug 1975, and at Abadam, 28 Dec

1977 (Giraudoux et «/. 1988).

C. pecuariiis Kittlitz’s Plover. Five at Diffa, 20 Jan 1995, and two, 23 Jan 1995

(NiBDaB). Observed at Kaadjia, 13 Aug 1975, and at Diffa, 25 Dec 1977 (Giraudoux

et (3/. 1988).

C. marginatus White-fronted Plover. One at Diffa, 20 Jan 1994 (NiBDaB). Observed

at Kaadjia, 24 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Vanellus tectus Black-headed Lapwing. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 34 per

km^ in Sep 2003, 25 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in Jan 1994 and 1995 (NiBDaB)

and in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

V. spinosiis Spur-winged Lapwing. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 0.7 per km

in Sep 2003 (zero in 2005). Recorded in Jan 1994 and 1995 (NiBDaB) and in the

1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Scolopacidae

Calidris minuta Little Stint. At Diffa, 351 on 22 Jan 1994 and two, 23 Jan 1995 (NiBDaB).

Observed at Cheri, 24 Aug 1975, and Bosso, 28 Dec 1977 (Giraudoux et <3/. 1988).

C. temminckii Temminck’s Stint. U, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

Philomachus pugnax Ruff. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. At Diffa, 398 on 20 Jan 1994 and

five, 23 Jan 1995 (NiBDaB). Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

2008

F. P. Jensen et al.

41

Gallinago gallinago Common Snipe. Fifteen at Diffa, 20 Jan 1994; one at Tam, 22 Jan

1994; one at Tam, 24 Jan 1995 (NiBDaB). At Cheri, 24 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Limosa limosa Blackmailed Godwit. 32 at Diffa, 20 Jan 1994 (NiBDaB).

Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank Four at a temporary pond near Say am, 1 Oct 2005.

710 at Diffa, 20 Jan 1994 (NiBDaB). One at Cheri, 24 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

T. totanus Common Redshank. U, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

T. stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper. Two at a temporary pond near Sayam, 1 Oct 2005.

One at Tam, 22 Jan 1994 (NiBDaB).

T. nebularia Common Greenshank. At Diffa, 25 on 20 Jan 1994 and one, 23 Jan 1995

(NiBDaB).

T. ochropus Green Sandpiper. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 0.1 per km^ in

Sep 2003, 0.1 per km^ in Sep 2005. Five at Diffa, 23 Jan 1995 (NiBDaB).

T. glareola Wood Sandpiper. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 0.8 per km in

Sep 2005 (zero in 2003). Recorded Jan 1994 and 1995 (NiBDaB) and in the 1970s

(Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper, F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Four at Diffa, 23 Jan

1995 (NiBDaB). Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Sternidae

Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern. C, along the Komadougou Yobé near Diffa,

Aug-Oct 2002-2005. Three at Diffa, 20 Jan 1994 (NiBDaB).

C. leucopterus White-winged Tern. Observed at Kaadjia, 13 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et

a/. 1988).

Pteroclidae

Pterocles exustus Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density:

1.7 per km^ in Sep 2003 (zero in 2005). Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

P. quadricinctus Four-banded Sandgrouse. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 2.5

per km^ in Sep 2003, 1.1 per km^ in Sep 2005. Between Cheri and Maïné-Soroa, 24

Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Columbidae

Treron waalia Bruce’s Green Pigeon. Three in Diffa, 20 Aug 2003.

'y

Oena capensis Namaqua Dove. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 18 per km in

Sep 2003, 10 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Columba guinea Speckled Pigeon. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 0.3 per km

in Sep 2003, 0.2 per km^ in Sep 2005. Observed at Cheri and Kaadjia, 12-13 Aug

1975 (Giraudoux ct n/. 1988).

Streptopelia decipiens African Mourning Dove. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect

density. 0.6 per km^ in Sep 2005 (zero in 2003).

'y

S. vinacea Vinaceous Dove. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 6.2 per km in

Sep 2003, 7.8 per km^ in Sep 2005.

S. roseogrisea African Collared Dove. SB. VA, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density:

42 per km^ in Sep 2003, 19 per km^ in Sep 2005. Very common at Kaadjia, 25 Feb

1975 and common between Cheri and Nguigmi, 12 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

42

Birds of SE Niger

Malimbus 30

S. tiirtur European Turtle Dove. C, Sep 2003; none in 2002 and 2005. Transect

density: 10 per km^ in Sep 2003.

S. senegalensis Laughing Dove. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 10 per km^ in

Sep 2003, 2.5 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Psittacidae

Psittacula krameri Rose-ringed Parakeet. U, Aug-Oct 2005. Recorded in the 1970s

(Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Musophagidae

Crinifer piscator Western Grey Plantain-eater. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

Cuculidae

Oxylophus jacobinus Jacobin Cuckoo. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 0.3 per

km^ in Sep 2003, 0.8 per km^ in Sep 2005.

Clamator glandarius Great Spotted Cuckoo. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density:

1.0 per km^ in Sep 2003, 0.5 per km^ in Sep 2005.

Cuciilus solitarius Red-chested Cuckoo. A single observation near Diffa, 25 Sep

2003, the first record for Niger (Christensen et al. 2005).

C. canorus Common Cuckoo. Observed 113 km south of Nguigmi on the way to

Maïné-Soroa, 24 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et n/. 1988).

Chrysococcyx klaas Klaas’s Cuckoo.. One near Diffa, 1 Aug 2003.

C. caprins Didric Cuckoo. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

Centropiis senegalensis Senegal Coucal. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

Strigidae

Ptilopsis leucotis White-faced Owl. One at Sayam, 1 Oct 2005.

Bubo africanus Spotted Eagle Owl. One, west of Diffa, 31 Jul 2002.

B. lacteiis Verreaux’s Eagle Owl. One, northeast of Diffa, 23 Sep 2005.

Apodidae

Cypsiiirus parvus African Palm Swift. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

Apus pallidus Pallid Swift. One over Diffa, 6 Oct 2005.

A. apus Common Swift. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

A. caffer White-mmped Swift. One foraging over a pond north of Diffa, 27 Sep 2005;

one with Little Swifts in Diffa, 6 Oct 2005.

A. affinis Little Swift. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

Coliidae

Urocolius macrourus Blue-naped Mousebird. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density:

0.9 per km^ in Sep 2003, 1.4 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux

et al. 1988).

Alcedinidae

Halcyon leucocephala Grey-headed Kingfisher. F, Sep 2003 and Sep-Oct 2005.

H. senegalensis Woodland Kingfisher. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 0.3 per

km^ in Sep 2003 (zero in 2005).

H. chelicuti Striped Kingfisher. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 0.4 per km m

Sep 2003 (zero in 2005). Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

F. P. Jensen et al

Alcedo cristata Malachite Kingfisher. C, along Komadougou Yobé, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

Observed at Diffa, Jan 1995 (NiBDaB).

Ceryie rudis Pied Kingfisher. C, along Komadougou Yobé, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

Recorded in Jan 1994 and 1995 (NiBDaB) and in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Meropidae

Merops pusillus Little Beefeater. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Recorded in the 1970s

(Giraudoux et al 1988).

M aibicollis White-throated Bee-eater. A-VA, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 18

per km in Sep 2003, 34 per km in Sep 2005. In addition to the birds on stopover that

were recorded on the transects, very large numbers were observed on southward

migration in Sep-Oct 2003 and 2005. Throughout SE Niger flocks of 10-50 were

observed resting in trees and bushes. About half of them were juveniles. They mainly

took grasshoppers, either in the air or on the ground, mostly without landing.

Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

M orientalis Little Green Bee-eater. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 1.6 per

km^ in Sep 2003 (zero in 2005). Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

M nubiens Northern Carmine Bee-eater. C, at Komadougou Yobé near Diffa, Aug

2002. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Coracîidae

Coracias naevia Rufous-crowned Roller. Near Diffa, 24 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et

al. 1988).

C. abyssinicus Abyssinian Roller. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 16 per km^

in Sep 2003, 24 per km^ in Sep 2005, Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Phoenkulidae

Phoeniculus purpureus Green Wood-hoopoe, C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density:

0.8 per km^ in Sep 2003, 0.8 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux

et al 1988).

Rhinopomastus aterrimus Black Wood-hoopoe. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect

density: 0.2 per km^ in Sep 2003, 0.1 per km^ in Sep 2005.

Upupidae

Upupa epops Hoopoe. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 2.9 per km in Sep

2003, 3.0 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Bucerotidae

Tockus erythrorhynchus Red-billed Hombill. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 2.5 per

km^ in Sep 2003, 5.8 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

T. nasutus African Grey Hombill. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 6.7 per km^

m Sep 2003, 37 per km in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Capitonidae

Lybius vieilloti Vieillof s Barbet. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 0.7 per km^

in Sep 2003, 0.6 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Trachyphonus margaritatus Yellow-breasted Barbet. Observed at Kaadjia, 26 Feb

1975 (Giraudoux et a/. 1988).

44

Birds of SE Niger

Malimbus 30

Picidae

Jynx torquilla Eurasian Wryneck. U, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 0.5 per km

in Sep 2003, 0.4 per km^ in Sep 2005.

Dendropico elachus Little Grey Woodpecker. SB. U, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect

density: 0.7 per km^ in Sep 2003 (zero in 2005).

D. goertae Grey Woodpecker. Observed at Kaadjia, 13 Aug 1975, and 110 km south

of Nguigmi, 23 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et n/. 1988).

Alaudidae

Mirafra cantillans Singing Bush Lark. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 25 per

km" in Sep 2003, 18 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al.

1988).

Pinarocorys erythropygia Rufous-rumped Lark. U, Sep 2003; not seen in 2002 and

2005. Transect density: 1.1 per km^ in Sep 2003.

Eremalauda diinni Dunn’s Lark. SB. F, Sep 2003; none in 2002 and 2005. Transect

density: 2.2 per km^ in Sep 2003.

Galerida cristata Crested Lark. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 2.1 per km^ in

Sep 2003, 0.7 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Eremopterix leucotis Chestnut-backed Span'ow Lark. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect

density: 32 per km^ in Sep 2003, 35 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s

(Giraudoux et al. 1988).

E. nigriceps Black-crowned SpaiTow Lark. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 20

9 9

per km in Sep 2003, 3.2 per km in Sep 2005. Also recorded in Mar and in large

numbers in Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et al. 1988, P. J. Jones in litt.).

Hirundinidae

Riparia paliidicola Plain Martin. F, Sep-Oct 2005.

R. riparia Common Sand Martin. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

Hirundo daurica Red-rumped Swallow. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

H. aethiopica Ethiopian Swallow. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

H. rustica Bam Swallow. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

Motacillidae

Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 2.2 per km^ in

Sep 2003, 3.6 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et n/. 1988).

Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit. Three in a tree in grassland near Diffa, 24 Sep 2002;

one near Say am, 1 Oct 2005.

A. trivialis Tree Pipit. C, Sep 2003; none in 2002 and 2005. Transect density: 3.9 per

km^ in Sep 2003.

Pycnonotidae

Pycnonotus barbatus Common Bulbul. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Recorded in the 1970s

(Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Turdidae

Cercotrichas galactotes Rufous Scrub Robin. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Recorded in the

1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

2008

F. P. Jensen et al

45

C. podobe Black Scrab Robin. SB. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 6.8 per km^

in Sep 2003, 10 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Saxicola rubetra Whinchat. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 1.2 per km in Sep

2003, 1.1 perkm^ in Sep 2005.

Oenanthe oenanthe Northern Wheatear. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 2,0

per km in Sep 2003, 5.6 per km in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et

al 1988).

O. hispanica Black-eared Wheatear. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 1.2 per

km^ in Sep 2003, 2.2 per km^ in Sep 2005.

O. heugiini Heuglin’s Wheatear. F, Sep 2002 and 2003; none in 2005. Transect

density: 0.4 per km^ in Sep 2003.

O. isabeilina Isabelline Wheatear. C, Sep 2002 and 2003; none in 2005. Transect

density: 2.0 per km^ in Sep 2003.

Myrmecocichla aethiops Northern Anteater Chat. U, Sep 2002 and Sep 2005 near

Diffa; none in 2003.

Sylviidae

9

Hippolais pallida Olivaceous Warbler. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 1.3 per km

in Sep 2003, 4.3 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Cisîicola ruficeps Red-pate Cisticola. F, Sep 2002 and 2003. Transect density: 0.5 per

km^ in Sep 2003.

C. juncidis Zitting Cisticola. C, Sep 2003; none in 2002 and 2005. Transect density:

1.6 per km^ in Sep 2003.

C. aridus Desert Cisticola. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 9.9 per km in Sep

2003, 8.6 per km^ in Sep 2005.

Prinia subflava Tawny-flanked Prinia. A pair near Maïné-Soroa, 30 Jul 2002.

P. fluvîatilis River Prinia. SB. A pair observed building nest in low vegetation flooded

by the Komadougou Yobé at Diffa, 23 Sep 2005. The nest was only a few m from the

road bridge over the river to Nigeria. The birds were still finishing the nest on 29 Sep.

Since it has been uncertain if the type locality of this species was in Mali or Niger

(Brouwer et al 2001), this appears to be the first definite record from Niger.

Spiloptila damans Cricket Warbler. SB. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 14

per km^ in Sep 2003, 21 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et

al 1988).

Phylloîais pulcheila Buff-bellied Warbler. A pair c. 40 km west of Diffa, 25 Sep

2005, the first record for Niger (Christensen et al. 2005).

Camaroptera brachyura Grey-backed Camaroptera. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5, in gardens

in Diffa. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Eremomela icteropygialis Yellow-bellied Eremomela. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect

density: 1.1 per km^ in Sep 2003, 1.5 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s

(Giraudoux et al 1988).

Syivietta brachyura Northern Crombec. Observed at Kaadija, 26 Feb 1975

(Giraudoux e/ a/. 1988).

46

Birds of SE Niger

Malimbus 30

Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchaff F, Sep 2002 and 2003; none in 2005. Transect

density: 0.7 per km^ in Sep 2003.

P. trochilus Willow Warbler. C, Sep 2003; none in 2002 and 2005. Transect density:

4.7 per km2 in Sep 2003.

P. sibilatrix Wood Warbler. A, Sep 2003; none in 2002 and 2005. Transect density:

O. 7 per km2 in Sep 2003.

P. bonelli Western Bonelli’s Warbler. One northeast of Diffa, 23 Sep 2002.

Sylvia hortensis Orphean Warbler. Observed in Kaadjia, 26 Feb 1975 (Giraudoux et

al.m^).

S. borin Garden Warbler. C, Sep 2003. Transect density: 1.3 per km2 in Sep 2003

(none in 2005).

S', communis Common Whitethroat. C, Sep 2003; F, Sep-Oct 2005; none in 2002.

9 9

Transect density: 1.3 per km in Sep 2003, 0.6 per km in Sep 2005. Recorded in the

1970s (Giraudoux e/ a/. 1988).

S. curruca Fesser Whitethroat. F, Sep 2003; none in 2002 and 2005. Transect density:

0.7 per km^ in Sep 2003. Common in Kaadjia, 26 Feb 1975 (Giraudoux et r//. 1988).

S. cantillans Subalpine Warbler. C, Sep 2002 and 2003; A, Sep-Oct 2005. Transect

density: 0.7 per km^ in Sep 2003, 21 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s

(Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Muscicapidae

Melaenornis paUidus Pale Flycatcher. One near Diffa, 24 Sep 2002.

Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 2.7 per

km^ in Sep 2003, 8.5 per km^ in Sep 2005.

Remizidae

Anthoscopus pimctifrons Sennar Penduline Tit. SB. A pair near Diffa, 24 Sep 2002.

Nectariniidae

Hedydipna platura Pygmy Sunbird. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 2.7 per

km^ in Sep 2003, 1.5 per km^ in Sep 2005.

Cinnyris pulchellus Beautiflil Sunbird. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 2.1 per km

in Sep 2003, 1.3 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Laniidae

Lanins meridionalis Southern Grey Shrike. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 8.5

per km" in Sep 2003, 6.3 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et

al 1988).

L. collurio Red-backed Shrike. F, Sep 2003; none in 2002 and 2005. Transect density:

1.0 per km^ in Sep 2003.

L. senator Woodchat Shrike. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 9.1 per km in

Sep 2003, 8.8 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Malaconotidae

Laniarius barbarus Yellow-crowned Gonolek. F, Sep 2002 near the Komadougou

Yobé; none in 2003 and 2005. Common along the river, Dec 1977 (Giraudoux et

£7/.1988).

2008

F. P. Jensen et al

47

Niiaus afer Brabra. F Sep 2003; none in 2002 and 2005. Transect density: 1.0 per km^

in Sep 2003.

Oriolidae

Oriolus oriolus Eurasian Golden Oriole. C, Sep 2003 and Sep-Oct 2005; none in

2002. Transect density: 2.5 per km^ in Sep 2003, 6.1 per km^ in Sep 2005.

Dicruridae

Dicrurus adsimilis Fork-tailed Drongo. Observed 130 km south of Nguigmi, 24 Aug

1975 (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Corvidae

Corvus ruficolUs Brown-necked Raven. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Recorded in the 1970s

(Giraudoux e/ «/. 1988).

C. albus Pied Crow. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5 (in towns). Recorded in the 1970s

(Giraudoux et al 1988).

Ptilostomus afer Piapiac. Observed in an oasis between Chéri and Maïné-Soroa, 24

Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Stiirnidae

Lamprotornis purpureus Purple Glossy Starling. U, Sep 2002.

L. chaiybaeus Greater Blue-eared Starling. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 11

per km^ in Sep 2003, 14 per km^ in Sep 2005.

L. caudatus Long-tailed Glossy Starling. U, Sep-Oct 2005; none in 2002 and 2003.

Transect density 0.1 per km in Sep 2005.

L. pulcher Chestnut-bellied Starling. SB. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 25 per

km^ in Sep 2003, 22 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Buphagidae

Buphagus africanus Yellow-billed Oxpecker. F, Sep 2002 and Sep-Oct 2005; none in

2003. Transect density: 0.3 per km^ in Sep 2005.

Passeridae

Passer domesticus House Sparrow. A male in Nguigmi, 21 Aug 2003. None recorded

in 2005 in spite of search.

P. griseus Northern Grey-headed Sparrow. VA, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density:

23 per km^ in Sep 2003, 53 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et

al 1988).

P. luteus Sudan Golden Sparrow. SB. VA, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 330 per km^

in Sep 2003, 1600 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Petronia pyrgita Yellow-spotted Petronia. One near the road between Diffa and

Maïné-Soroa, 26 Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

P. dentata Bush Petronia. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 0.7 per km in Sep

2003, 1.8 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al 1988).

Plocddae

Bubalornis albirostris White-billed Buffalo Weaver. A, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect

density: 16 per km^ in Sep 2003, 24 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s

(Giraudoux et al 1988).

48

Birds of SE Niger

Malimbus 30

Sporopipes frontalis Speckle-fronted Weaver. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density:

3.9 per km^ in Sep 2003, 8.2 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux

et al. 1988).

Ploceus luteolus Little Weaver. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 0.5 per km^ in

Sep 2003, 10 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

P. velatiis African Masked Weaver. C, Sep 2002 and 2003. Transect density: 5.8 per

km^ in Sep 2003. None in 2005.

P. cucullatus Village Weaver. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5.

P. melanocephalus Black-headed Weaver. F, Sep-Oct 2005 along Komadougou

Yobé; none in 2002 and 2003.

Qiielea qiielea Red-billed Quelea. A, Sep 2003; none in 2002 and 2005. Transect

density: 4.5 per km^ in Sep 2003. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Euplectes afer Yellow-crowned Bishop. F, Sep 2003 and Sep-Oct 2005. Transect

density: 0.7 per km^ in Sep 2003, 1.8 per km^ in Sep 2005.

E. franciscamis Northern Red Bishop. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 6.2 per

km^ in Sep 2003, 0.7 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded at Cheri, 12 Aug 1975 (P.J.

Jones in litt.).

Estrilididae

Pytilia melba Green-winged Pytilia. Observed in Kaadjia, 26 Feb and 13 Aug 1975,

and 1 10 km south of Nguigmi, 23 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et r//. 1988).

Lagonosticta senegala Red-billed Firefmch. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density:

1.9 per km^ in Sep 2003, 2.2 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux

et al. 1988).

Uraeginthus bengaliis Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect

density: 1.2 per km^ in Sep 2003, 4.4 per km“ in Sep 2005.

Lonchura cantans African Silverbill. F, Sep-Oct 2005; none in 2002 and 2003. Transect

density: 0.3 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Amadina fasciata Cut-throat. C, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 5.6 per km in

Sep 2003, 5.1 per km^ in Sep 2005.

Viduidae

Vidua chalybeata Village Indigobird. F, Sep 2003; none in 2002 and 2005. Transect density:

1.2 per km^ in Sep 2003. Recorded in Nguigmi, 23 Aug 1975 (Giraudoux et a/. 1988).

V. orientalis Sahel Paradise Whydah. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect density: 1.1 per

km^ in Sep 2003, 0.3 per km“ in Sep 2005. Recorded at Kaadjia, 13 Aug 1975

(Giraudoux et al. 1988), and at Cheri, 12 Aug 1975 (P.J. Jones in litt.).

Fringillidae

Serinus leucopygius White-rumped Seedeater. F, Sep-Oct 2005; none in 2002 and 2003.

Transect density: 1.0 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s (Giraudoux et al. 1988).

Emberizidae

Emberiza tahapisi Cinnamon-Breasted Rock Bunting. F, Aug-Oct 2002-5. Transect

density: 1.7 per km^ in Sep 2003, 0.8 per km^ in Sep 2005. Recorded in the 1970s

(Giraudoux et al. 1988).

2008

F. P. Jensen et al

49

E. flaviventris African Golden^-breasted Bunting. Observed at Kaadjia, 26 Feb 1975

(Giraudoux et al 1988).

Discussion

Limitations to the list of birds known from SE Niger

The number of bird species recorded in SE Niger will most likely increase when

more field studies are carried out. At Malamfatori in NE Nigeria, c. 10 km south of

Bosso, 311 bird species were encountered in 1997-2000, of which 105 were

Palaearctic migrants (Gustafsson et al 2003). The tree cover at Malamfatori may be

slightly denser than north of the border and the study in Nigeria included netting on

the old lake bottom (Ottosson et al 2002), a habitat that has so far not been studied

on the Niger side. There has been no netting in SE Niger and this may partly

explain the lower number of Palaearctic passerines recorded. Species recorded at

Malamfatori that are probably also present on the Niger side of the border include

the five species of nightjars (no nightjars have been recorded from SE Niger),

Black-billed Wood Dove Turtur abyssinicus, Black-headed Tchagra Tchagra

senegaia, Black-headed Gonolek Laniarius erythrogaster, Orange-cheeked Waxbill

Estrilda melpoda and Black-rumped Waxbill E. troglodytes, which are all common

just south of the border (Gustafsson et al 2003). Some major differences do seem

to exist, however, between the avifauna in SE Niger and neighbouring Nigeria. For

instance, the large flocks of Abdim's Storks and Cattle Egrets and the high density

of Grasshopper Buzzards in the southern part of SE Niger in Aug-Oct have not

been noted for NE Nigeria.

Post-breeding congregations

We noted that several bird species (particularly Cattle Egret, Abdim's Stork,

Grasshopper Buzzard, Red-necked Buzzard, Banner Falcon, White-throated Bee-

eater, Abyssinian Roller and African Grey Hombill) were present in very high

numbers compared to other parts of S Niger at the same time of year.

In Niger, Cattle Egrets usually breed in dense colonies in large trees in or just

outside villages (pers. obs.). We saw scattered colonies further west in the central-

southern part of Niger, but none in SE Niger. The many egrets associated with the

grasslands and cultivation close to the Komadougou Yobé had therefore possibly

arrived from breeding areas elsewhere, perhaps most likely from N Nigeria where

large colonies are known in the Hadejia Wetlands (Elgood et al 1994).

The breeding population of Abdim's Stork in SE Niger is relatively small,

probably c. 100 pairs (unpubl. data). The young fledge around mid-Sep, but data

(unpubl.) from satellite-tagged storks further west in Niger have shown that the young

and adults usually stay in the nesting area until early Oct or early Nov. This strongly

suggests that the large flocks of Abdim’s Storks with a high proportion of juveniles

50

Birds of SE Niger

Malimbus 30

that arrived in SE Niger in early Aug, must come from breeding areas south of Niger,

where the rainy season and consequently the nesting period start earlier (Petersen et

al. in press).

The breeding status of the Grasshopper Buzzard in Niger is uncertain. Breeding is

thought to take place during the rainy season (cf Brouwer et al. 2000). The main nesting

area is believed to be in the Sudan savanna further south (Thiollay 1978). The high

numbers of this species observed in SE Niger between early Aug and early Oct, in=

eluding many juveniles, point to an origin south of Niger where breeding starts earlier.

The Cattle Egrets, Abdim’s Storks and Grasshopper Buzzards we observed in SE

Niger during Aug-Oct all appeared to feed almost exclusively on grasshoppers. Their

occurrence in high numbers outside or at the limit of their breeding area suggests a

northwards post-breeding movement into SE Niger to utilise a superabundant food

source for a couple of months before moving south as the dry season develops. High

densities of Abdim’s Stork and Cattle Egret were also recorded further west in N-

central Niger in Sep but not in Jun-Jul (Petersen et al. in press). This suggests that

these species make widespread northern movements at the end of the rains as an

adaptation to the seasonal abundance of grasshoppers in the northern grassland. To

what extent the high densities of Banner Falcon in SE Niger during Aug-Nov reflect

northern movements are less clear. This species is widespread throughout Sahelian

Niger, and the high numbers observed may just be opportunistic congregation.

Abyssinian Roller and African Grey Hombill were also observed in unexpectedly

high densities, considering the relatively low number of potential nesting trees in SE

Niger. Flocks of African Grey Hombills were regularly observed flying in from the

south. This was also observed in other parts of S Niger during the rains (pers. obs.).

However, the densities of African Grey Hombill in Jul-Sep in south-central Niger

between Zinder and Tanout, with roughly the same precipitation and tree cover, only

reached 1.1 per km (Petersen et al. 2007), while the densities in SE Niger in

September 2003 and 2005 were 6.7 per km and 37 per km , respectively. Migration

of Abyssinian Rollers into SE Niger from the south was not observed, but most likely

2

took place unnoticed as this species was recorded in densities of only 3.6 per km

between Zinder and Tanout in Jul-Sep (Petersen et al. 2007) and 16 per km and 24

'y

per km in SE Niger in September 2003 and 2005, respectively. Many juveniles were

observed of both Abyssinian Rollers and Grey Hombills, suggesting that these species

made post-breeding movements with their young to SE Niger, to feed on the

abundance of grasshoppers.

The White-throated Bee-eater breeds in the northernmost sector of the Sahel

during the rains (Fry & Harwin 1988). Some of the birds observed in SE Niger may

therefore be local breeders, but the vast majority were undoubtedly on southward

migration with their young from breeding sites further north. The very high densities

'y

recorded in Sep 2003 and 2005 (18 and 34 per km , respectively), most likely

represent birds that briefly stopped during their southward migration to feed on

grasshoppers before continuing south. It is unknown if the bee-eaters migrate south on

F. P. Jensen et al

a broad front, or if the high densities in SE Niger are of birds from a large breeding

area that have moved specifically to this area.

Treed over the past 30 years for certain species

The limited fieldwork that has been carried out in SE Niger before 2002 makes it

difficult to assess trends, but there a number of exceptions. In the 1970s, six species of

vulture were recorded from SE Niger, of which five appeared to be relatively common

(Giraudoux et al 1988). During our fieldwork, we saw vultures only once: a small flock

of RiippelTs Griffon Gyps rueppellii between Kinzindi and Nguigmi on 22 Aug 2003.

At Malamfatori, two African White-backed Vultures Gyps africanus and one Rüppeis

Griffon were observed between 1997 and 2000 (Gustafsson et al 2003). This suggests a

large decline, in line with the findings of Thiollay (2006), who compared densities of

raptors across W Africa in 1969-1973 with 2003^ and found a 98% reduction in

numbers. Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus also seems to have declined greatly over the

last three decades: P.J. Jones observed several between Maïné-Soroa and Diffa on 25

Feb 1975, and west of Maïné-Soroa and between Maïné-Soroa and Nguigmi on 24 Aug

1975 (Giraudoux et al 1988, P.J. Jones pers. comm.). We never saw this species in SE

Niger but it was observed twice in 2000 in neighbouring NE Nigeria (Gustafsson et al

2003). The Secretary Bird Sagittarius serpentarius was “frequently observed near

Nguigmi” (Rousselot 1947) and observed west of Maïné-Soroa on 12 Aug 1975 and

south of Maïné-Soroa on 25 Dec 1977 (Giraudoux et a/. 1988). We never saw this

species in SE (or elsewhere in) Niger, and according to Thiollay (2006) it is probably

now extinct in W Africa. The Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus also appears to

have declined much over the last decades. In Aug 1975 P.J. Jones observed several

along the road between Maïné-Soroa and Nguigmi, and small flocks were present at

Komadougou Yobé River in Dec 1978 (Giraudoux et al 1988). The species was found

breeding 54 km northwest of Nguigmi on 22 Aug 1975 just outside Zone 4 (Giraudoux

et al 1988). In the 1990s flocks of 10-20 were still observed annually between Maïné-

Soroa and Diffa in Aug-Sep, feeding on grasshoppers with Abdim’s Storks (Z.

Ouambama pers. comm.). During our fieldwork we saw one only, on 26 Sep 2003. A

few were observed in NE Nigeria in 2000 just south of the border (Gustafsson et al

2003). This species is definitely much rarer now in SE Niger than just 10 years ago.

Proposal for new IBA

Brouwer et al (2001) identified 15 Important Bird Areas (IB As) for Niger. None

includes the grasslands and wetlands of SE Niger. Based on the new knowledge of the

avifauna, we propose that a new IBA be designated that encompasses the grassland

and wetlands where the major concentrations of Abdim’s Storks were located (Fig. 1).

We also found this part of SE Niger to be especially important to several species of

global cons ervation concern and for a number of species confined to the Sahel biome.

The proposed IBA, the “Diffa-Kinzindi Grassland and Wetlands” meets the following

criteria for qualification (as defined in Fishpool & Evans 2001):

52

Birds of SE Niger

Malimbus 30

Al. Six species of global conservation concern (http://www.iucnredlist.org/

accessed Dec 2007) have been recorded at the site within the last 30 years: Riippell’s

Griffon Vulture (Near-threatened), Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle (Vulnerable), Pallid

HaiTier (Near-threatened), Lesser Kestrel (Vulnerable), Nubian Bustard (Near-

threatened) and Black-tailed Godwit (Near-threatened). However, it is not known

whether they are ever present in significant numbers.

A3. The site is known to hold a significant component of the group of species

whose distribution is largely or wholly confined to the Sahel biome: 11 of the 16

species that occur in Niger have been recorded at the site. An additional species.

Golden Nightjar Caprimiilgiis eximius, most likely occurs too, as it is known from

Dilia de Lagané Just north of the Diffa-Kinzindi grassland and wetlands (Brouwer et

al. 2001) and has recently been recorded just across the border in NE Nigeria

(Gustafsson et al. 2003).

A4iii. The site is known or thought to hold, on a regular basis, at least 20,000

waterbirds. Biologists studying grasshoppers in SE Niger since the mid-1990s have

confinned that flocks of Abdim’s Storks of the same magnitude as in 2003 (where the

numbers were estimated at 17,000), have been present annually from August to

October for more than a decade. Also the very large numbers of Cattle Egrets observed

in 2002, 2003 and 2005 are believed to be present every year and the combined

number of Abdim’s Storks and Cattle Egrets by far exceeds the 20,000 threshold.

Acknowledgments

We thank the staff at Agrhymet Regional Centre in Niamey, Niger, in particular

Zakaria Ouambama, for important infonnation on the birds of SE Niger and great

company in the field. We also thank Knud Falk, Morten Moller Hansen, Marchel

Rahner, Jan Fischer Rasmussen, Henrik Skov and Anders Tottrup for help with the

fieldwork and Christian Hjort for information on results of the Lake Chad Bird

Migration Project at Malamfatori in NE Nigeria. Joost Brouwer is thanked for very

valuable comments on an earlier version of this paper and for access to the

information in the Niger Bird Database (NiBDaB). All data from the NiBDaB used in

this paper were collected by Wim Mullié and he is thanked for permission to use this

information. Peter Jones is thanked for helpful comments on the manuscript and for

unpublished data from 1975. The fieldwork for this study was carried out as part of

the Préliss project funded by DANIDA.

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2008

55

The lowland raptor community of the

Gamba Complex of Protected Areas, Gabon

by R. Buij

Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity Program,

National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institution,

1 100 Jefferson Drive SW #3123, Washington DC 20560-0705. U.S.A.

and

CML, University of Leiden, Institute of Environmental sciences,

POB 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.

Received 19 May 2007; revised 15 November 2007.

Summary

Surveys were conducted in all major lowland habitats of the Gamba Complex

of Protected Areas, Gabon, between June 2004 and January 2005, and in July

2006. Details of 23 raptor species are presented, including locally rare

Hieraaetus ayresii, Kaupifalco monogrammicus, Lophaetus occipitalis and

Falco biarmicus, information on the breeding cycle of several species, and

records of the infrequently recorded Palaearctic migrants Pernis apivorus,

Buteo buteo and Falco vespertinus.

Résumé

Les rapaces dans les zones de basse altitude du Complexe d’Aires

Protégées de Gamba, Gabon. Tous les habitats principaux de basse altitude

dans le Complexe d'Aires Protégées de Gamba, Gabon, ont été explorés entre

juin 2004 et janvier 2005, puis en juillet 2006. Une analyse est présentée de

23 espèces de rapaces, y compris les espèces localement rares de Hieraaetus

ayresii, Kaupifalco monogrammicus, Lophaetus occipitalis et Falco

biarmicus, ainsi que des informations sur le cycle de reproduction de plusieurs

espèces et des observations sur des migrateurs Paléarctiques peu connus dans

la région Pernis apivorus, Buteo buteo et Falco vespertinus.

Introduction

Information on raptor abundance and diversity in Central African forests is sparse.

The Gamba Complex of Protected Areas covers approximately 1 0,000 km on the SW

coast of Gabon and is one of seven Important Bird Areas in the country (Christy

56

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Malimbus 30

2001), although few publications are available on its avifauna (Sargeant 1993,

Schepers & Marteijn 1993, Christy 2001, Angehr et al. 2005). The Gamba Complex

comprises diverse habitats (Christy 2001), suitable for a variety of raptor species.

Angehr et al. (2006) noted 27 raptor species, based on surveys in 2001-3 and

observations by Sargeant (1993). I present further information on the raptor

community of the Complex, gathered during extensive surveys covering lagoons,

rivers, forests, and coastal and inland savannas between June 2004 and January 2005,

and in July 2006.

Study area and methods

A general description of the Gamba Complex (Fig. 1) was provided by Christy

(2001). In 2002, the Loango and Moukalaba-Doudou protected areas were made

National Parks. The Rabi-Ndogo Protected Area (RNPA) is a site of oil exploration

but functions as a wildlife comdor linking the two National Parks (Buij et al. 2007).

Large fluctuations in annual rainfall occur, from 1476 to 2861 mm between 1989 and

2004 (Shell-Gabon 2005). The 2004 data indicate a dry season from May to

September and a wet season from October through April.

Surveys covered all important habitats in the Gamba Complex apart from the

upland forest found in Moukalaba-Doudou NP, whose edges were surveyed by boat

on the Ndogo River. The lowland areas surveyed were: the surroundings of Gamba

town including the area between Gamba and Setté Cama (c. 300 km ); the RNPA

between the oilfields of Toucan in the north and Koumaga in the south and Ngové and

Ndogo Rivers on the W and E borders, respectively (c. 3500 km ); Loango NP (c.

1500 km ), both the south (Petit Loango) and the north (Iguela area) and river and

lagoon systems bordering the Park. Sites are described in more detail in Angehr et al.

(2005, 2006). Most time was spent in the RNPA, which was more widely and

intensively covered than by Angehr et al. (2005), who surveyed only the Rabi-Toucan

area in the north. The RNPA is characterised by upland forest on hilly terrain up to

150 m elevation, and seasonally inundated floodplain forest (De Bie & Geerling 1989,

Prins & Reitsma 1989). Much of the forest in RNPA is mature secondary forest (De

Bie & Geerling 1989), often with dense undergrowth. Oil and gas exploration and

production concessions have led to increased accessibility, forest clearance for road

and oil platfonn construction, and fragmentation of the habitat, although the human

impact on the landscape is generally considered small at present (Thibault & Blaney

2003).

Roads were driven most frequently in the Rabi Oil Field (total c. 350 km) and

between Rabi and Koumaga (total c. 2000 km), but also in other parts inside and just

outside the RNPA, in the Gamba to Setté Cama area, and the N section of Loango NP

between June 2004 and January 2005. Almost all roads in the RNPA were driven,

most of them on multiple occasions. Three surveys on foot were conducted in six sites

2008

Raptors of the Gamba Complex

57

widely spaced in the RNPA (Fig. 1) between June 2004 and Jan 2005, to cover a large

and representative section of the RNPA; an average of 73 km (25-115 km) was

walked through the forest per site over a period of 4-7 days. The distance covered on

roads in the RNPA was approximately twice the distance covered on foot. The

Loango NP was surveyed on foot, by car and by boat on six occasions (Iguela twice,

58

R. Buij

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Petit Loango four times). Surveys on foot were also conducted on trails bordering the

Echira and Ngové rivers at the edge of the Loango NP. In July 2006, observations

were made from roads in the Rabi area (c. 150 km) and the Gamba area. Survey time

at different locations is indicated in Table 1.

Table 1. Total time spent at survey localities between June 2004 and July 2006.

Walks through the forest sometimes followed elephant trails, rivers, or old

logging roads, and were mostly determined in advance to arrive at randomly

generated GPS locations in each survey locality (Fig. 1). While most surveys in the

forest were systematic and repeated, most surveys from roads and boats were

opportunistic or to reach the forest survey sites. Frequent counts were made from

vantage points outside the forest where possible. Roads were driven slowly (20^0

km/h), primarily in the morning. Observations from boats on the rivers, or by car or

on foot in open areas were made in the morning or late afternoon. The coastal

savannas were mostly surveyed on foot in the morning and late afternoon. Borrow &

Demey (2001), Kemp & Kemp (1998), Chappuis (2000) and Ferguson-Lees &

Christie (2001) were used for identification. All raptors observed are presented here.

Results

I recorded 23 raptor species in the Complex. Abundance is indicated as: common, 1-

1 0 seen or heard in suitable habitat each day; frequent, often seen but not every day;

uncommon, only a few records during the survey period, or restricted to only one or a

few sites in the study area; rare, one or two records during the survey period. Records

documented by photographs are indicated (p).

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Raptors of the Gamba Complex

59

Pandion haliaetus Osprey

Uncommon Palaearctic migrant along rivers, lagoons and the coast. Two above a

large lagoon near Gamba and two above the Ngové River, in Aug 2004, were

immatures probably spending the northern summer in the area. Between Sep 2004 and

Jan 2005, one along the Echira River, two above the Ngové River at the edge of

Loango NP, two at Petit Loango over the beach, two over the Ndogo River, three over

the beach at Loango NP. [Observed along the coast, in Loango NP, Moukalaba-

Doudou NP and Gamba (Schepers & Marteijn 1993, Angehr et al 2005).]

Aviceda cuculoides African Cuckoo Hawk

Uncommon resident in RNPA. A pair carrying branches to a nest 30 m up a tall tree in

Rabi, in a quarry area with grassy vegetation and surrounded by forest, 25-30 Oct 2004

(p). Nest building was most active in the early morning. In Nov, the pair was mating

and displaying near the nest tree, and catching large insects in it. A pair was seen over

a quarry in the north of Rabi, and one bird over the Ngové River. [Observed in Rabi-

Toucan and Moukalaba-Doudou NP (Angehr et al 2005), and Gamba (Sargeant 1993).]

Pernis apivorus European Honey Buzzard

Frequent Palaearctic migrant, Nov-Jan. One flying over the coastal savanna in

Loango NP, 15 Oct 2004. A total of 15, mostly juveniles, was seen throughout the

corridor, 1 2 of them in the Rabi area, sitting on an oil pipe on the side of a road or on

the road itself, or in the forest edge bordering a road or a river. [Gabon is part of the

most significant winter quarters for the species (Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001).

Angehr et al (2005) did not observe it in Rabi-Toucan in Feb-Mar 2002 but recorded

several along the coast in Oct-Nov.]

Macheiramphus alcinus Bat Hawk

Rare resident. One seen briefly flying low and fast over the forest canopy in the early

evening, in the Rabi Oil Field, Oct 2004. [Few records throughout the corridor

(Angehr et al 2005).]

Milvus migrans Black Kite

Rare Palaearctic or Afrotropical migrant. An adult over a small savanna area in dense

forest in the Rabi area, 30 Oct 2004, is the first for RNPA. It was not identified to

subspecies. More commonly seen along the coastline to the north. [Few records in the

Gamba area (Sargeant 1993) and Loango NP (Angehr et al 2005).]

Haliaeetus vocifer African Fish Eagle

Uncommon resident. Recorded many times on the Echira River (two adults) and in

Rabi (two adults, one juvenile). A total of 2-3 adult pairs on the Ngové and Ndogo

Rivers. Single individuals repeatedly seen on the Ndogo Lagoon, and in Loango NP in

a variety of habitats, including inland swamps, large rivers, and lagoons [Rare

throughout Gamba Complex; uncommon in Rabi-Toucan (Angehr et ai 2005).]

Gypohierax angolensis Palm-nut Vulture

Common resident on the Ndogo lagoon (often near raffia palms Raphia), along the

Loango NP coast and along large rivers; less frequent in closed forest inland. Roosts

in a Rabi swamp and near Koumaga had up to nine birds. Five nests observed, three

60

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of them occupied Jun-Sep 2004 (p). Adults preying on African River Martin

Pseudochelidon eurystomina and Rosy Bee-eater Merops malimbicus fledglings in

Loango NP, Oct 2004. Several scavenging small fish near a small receding pond close

to a Rabi well site, Jul 2006 (p). [Throughout Gamba Complex (Angehr et al. 2005).]

Dryotriorchis spectabilis Congo Serpent Eagle

Uncommon resident in RNPA. Seven individuals observed, all singly, and others

heard throughout the area, including at the edge of tall forest in the Rabi area (p), and

near the Ndogo River. One flying fast through a patch of degraded forest with low

secondary growth and human habitation, at the edge of primary forest just north of

Loango NP. Calls heard in Echira, Rabi, and west of the Ndogo River. [Throughout

the Complex but generally rare (Sargeant 1993, Angehr et al 2005).]

PolyboroMes typus African Harrier Hawk

Uncommon resident. Frequent in the Rabi area (p) during the entire period, often near

well sites, along roads and over quarries in the forest. Also three in Loango NP (two

near African River Martin colonies), several times on the Gamba golf course and in

the Gamba area. [Uncommon throughout (Angehr et al 2005).]

Accipiter tachiro African Goshawk

Subspecies toussenelii is an uncommon resident in RNPA. A juvenile hunting inside

the forest near a bird party consisting mainly of Fire-crested Alethes Alethe

diademata, in the central RNPA, Jul 2004. An adult flying over a forest road in

Koumaga, Sep. One individual in the forest calling loudly and another arriving with a

small green lizard in Rabi, Nov, suggests breeding. Display song was not heard. An

adult in the same area in Dec. A confiding juvenile was seen perched in the forest

edge along a busy road in Rabi (p), 6 m above the ground, Jul 2006. [Recorded in

Gamba, Moukalaba-Doudou NP and Loango NP (Angehr et al 2005).]

A. castanilius Chestnut-flanked Sparrowhawk

Uncommon resident in RNPA. Seen in the corridor area 15 times between Jun 2004

and Jan 2005, and twice in Jul 2006, mostly birds flying over roads, typically 1-3 m

above the ground (generally lower than A. tachiro), to land in dense forest cover at the

edge of the road. Also observed perched in the open near roads in the Rabi (p) and

central corridor areas, and hunting small birds near Echira, from cover near the forest

edge. These observations conform to previous studies suggesting it relies on still-hunting

and surprise flights from cover to catch birds (Brosset & Erard 1986). [Recorded in

Loango NP, Moukalaba-Doudou NP and Gamba (rare) (Angehr et al 2005).]

A. erythmpus Red-thighed Sparrowhawk

Rare resident. One flying over patch of grassy savanna surrounded by dense forest

near Koumaga was chased by two Rufous-chested Swallows Hirundo semirufa, Sep.

One hunting over the Gamba golf course, Jul 2006. [Rarely recorded in the Complex

(Angehr et al 2005).]

A, melanoleucus Black Sparrowhawk

Rare resident. An adult seen diving several times at a Hamerkop Scopus umbretta in

the Ngové River, near Akaka, Aug 2004. Another perched at the edge of the Gamba

2008

Raptors of the Gamba Complex

61

golf course and subsequently hunting birds over a small stream. [Rare in the area

(Sargeant 1993, Angehr et al. 2005).]

Urotriorchis macrourus Long-tailed Hawk

Uncommon resident, widespread in RNPA. Adults heard and seen in the Rabi area

eight times, Jul-Sep 2004 and Jul 2006. Most observed in the late afternoon when

calling from the forest canopy and flying between perches. One calling near the forest

edge in the Koumaga area, Sep 2004; a single bird near or on the road in the central

RNPA, Oct, Dec; one flying low over the road near Divangui, Oct; a pair calling in

tall primary forest west of Ndogo River, Aug; a juvenile calling in open riverine forest

near the Ndogo River, Aug. An adult display-calling and gliding with stiff wingbeats

in Echira, Dec, and begging juveniles Jul-Aug, suggest breeding during the second

half of the wet season. Frequently hunts from the forest understorey (1-5 m from the

ground) near roads. [Recorded in Gamba Sargeant (1993), and in Loango and

Moukalaba-Doudou NPs (Angehr et al. 2005).]

Kaupifalco monogrammicus Lizard Buzzard

Rare resident. An adult observed several times in a clump of small trees in a large

quaiTy with grassland and scrub in Rabi, Nov 2004 (p). One close to the same site, Jul

2006. [Sargeant (1993) did not record it. Listed for the Gamba Complex IB A prior to

2001 (P. Christy in litt. to R.J. Dowsett pers. comm.). Observed once in Loango NP

by Angehr et al. (2005).]

Buteo buteo Common Buzzard

Rare Palaearctic migrant. One circling above an African River Martin colony in the

Loango NP coastal savanna, 15 Oct 2004. [Previously recorded during the northern

winter in the Gamba area by Sargeant (1993) and Angehr et al. (2005).]

B, auguralis Red-necked Buzzard

Rare resident. An immature seen on several occasions in a forest clearance in Rabi, Jun-

Jul 2004 (p). A nest with a pair attending, in a large dead tree close to the forest edge

bordering a large open savanna in the Gamba area, Aug 2004. The pair was still present

in Jan 2005. [Rare throughout; previously unrecorded in RNPA (Angehr et al. 2005).]

Hieraaetus ayresii Ayres’s Hawk Eagle

Rare, presumed resident. Single birds observed on several occasions in the Rabi area,

Jun, Nov 2004, Jul 2006, gaining height above a flare, circling above the forest, or roost-

ing on a dead tree together with Palm-nut Vultures. [Gamba area only (Sargeant 1993).]

Lophaetus occipitalis Long-crested Eagle

Rare resident. One perched in a patch of extensive swampy savanna along the Ngové

River, Aug 2004; another flying over a road bordered by banana plantations in secondary

forest northeast of Rabi, Jan 2005. [Listed only for the Gamba area (Sargeant 1993).]

Spizaetus africanus Cassin’s Hawk Eagle

Rare resident. An adult perched 15 m up a large tree close to a heavily used road in

the north of Rabi, Jun 2004 (p). An adult in the same area, Oct 2004. Other adults

were seen perched near the Rabi-Divangui road, Oct, Jan, one being mobbed by two

Great Blue Turacos Corythaeola cristata. Two adults calling and displaying 100 m

62

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above the canopy in the central RNPA, 20 Oct. Display consisted of a series of deep

dives on closed wings interspersed with upward swoops on spread wings, accompanied

by loud “keeyep” calls, and circling with wings held in a deep V. An adult circling

above the riverine forest bordering the Ndogo River, Aug; one flying fast and low

over the canopy at the edge of an open savanna close to the Echira River, Oct.

Observations suggest at least 4-5 pairs in RNPA, but probably more given its incon-

spicuousness and the large areas of suitable habitat not investigated. [Recorded in the

Gamba area (Sargeant 1993); rare in the Moukalaba-Doudou area (Angehi* et al. 2005).]

Stephanoaetus coronatus Crowned Eagle

Frequent resident. Two pairs often heard and seen in and near Rabi. Display flights

were most common during the start of the rainy season (Oct-Dec), but birds were

heard throughout the survey period. Other pairs heard and observed in forest in the

central RNPA, near Echira River, at Lake Divangui and in Loango NP. One perched

near the forest edge was mobbed by Putty-nosed Monkeys Cercopithecus nictitans.

Another seen sitting on the Rabi-Kouniaga road. A juvenile was calling loudly for an

extended period from the forest edge in the central RNPA, Oct (p). [Rare outside

Rabi-Toucan (Angehr et al. 2005).]

Falco vespertimis Red-footed Falcon

Palaearctic vagrant. A second-year male perched in isolated trees and hovering over

the central savanna of Loango NP, 9 Oct 2004. Second record for coastal Gabon and

fourth in Gabon (Sargeant 1993, Christy 2001, Borrow & Demey 2001). [Previously

recorded by Sargeant (1993) in the Gamba area.]

F. biannicus Lanner Falcon

Rare resident. An adult and a juvenile together in trees and circling above the S

coastline of Loango NP (Petit Loango), 23 Dec 2004. A juvenile, possible the same

bird, was seen several km northwest of Setté Cama a few days later. [Absent from the

equatorial rainforest zone but found in open areas along Gabon’s coastline (Christy

2001). Recorded in the Gamba area (Sargeant 1993).]

Discussion

The timing and duration of visits, and the habitat covered, are important factors when

surveying raptors, and this is particularly true for rainforest habitats (Thiollay 1975).

Since these surveys were conducted in habitats with different visibility, it is difficult

to draw fimi conclusions on the relative abundance of species. Since most time was

spent in the forested RNPA, several open area species previously recorded by

Sargeant (1993) and Angehr et al. (2005) in the Gamba area were missed: Common

Kestrel Falco tinmmculus. Peregrine Falcon F. peregrinus. Black-shouldered Kite

Elamis caeruleus and Eurasian Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. Cassin’s Hawk

Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, African Goshawk, Chestnut-flanked Sparrowhawk, Red-

thighed Sparrowhawk, and perhaps Congo Serpent Eagle may be more common than

2008

Raptors of the Gamba Complex

63

observations suggest. Even in the Rabi area, which was most intensively surveyed,

these forest raptors were only recorded at intervals of several weeks or even months,

while they were probably present throughout the survey period.

All forest species were observed hunting, sitting near, or flying over forest roads,

some almost exclusively so {e.g. Chestnut-flanked Sparrowhawk, Long-tailed Hawk,

Cassin’s Hawk Eagle). Although raptors are more likely to be detected in open areas, the

great difference in observation frequency along roads and in forests might suggest that

forest edges function as important hunting grounds for some species. Several raptors

observed for the first time in the industrially exploited RNPA, such as Lizard Buzzard,

Red-necked Buzzard, Ayres’s Hawk Eagle, and Long-crested Eagle, may profit from

forest clearance. Other species often cited as forest dependant, notably Congo Serpent

Eagle, Cassin’s Hawk Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, and Crowned Eagle, were regularly

seen in mature secondary forest but not away from large forest blocks. Congo Serpent

Eagle and Cassin’s Hawk Eagle were, however, recorded in heavily degraded forest near

human habitation. Elsewhere in west-central Africa, Crowned Eagle and Cassin’s Hawk

Eagle appear to survive in open-canopy forest, while Congo Serpent Eagle and Long-

tailed Hawk can be found near forest edge and even in farm-bush (in Sierra Leone,

Ghana, Cameroon, Congo: F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett pers. comm.). Although

it is not known whether such birds represent stable populations or temporary immigrants

from forest areas, the frequency and spatial extent of these observations suggest that

limited human impact on the forest landscape, such as in the Gamba Complex, may not

necessarily affect the raptor community in a negative way and may benefit some species,

as has been observed elsewhere (Thiollay 2000), however, further large-scale loss of

forest cover in the RNPA is expected to threaten particularly its forest raptors.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Smithsonian Institution Monitoring and

Assessment of Biodiversity (SI-MAB) program, the Shell Foundation and Shell

Gabon. I thank F. Denelle and F. Bangole of Shell Gabon and their staff in Gamba

and Rabi for their generous assistance. F. Dallmeier, A. Alonso, P. Campbell, and T.

Pacheco of SI-MAB organized and administrated project activities. Special thanks to

Barbara Croes and Michelle Lee for all their help with field work, and Jean-Marc

Thiollay, Robert Dowsett and one anonymous referee for comments on the draft.

References

Angehr, G.R., Schmidt, B.K., Njie, F. & Gebhard, C. (2005) Significant records

and annotated site lists from bird surveys in the Gamba Complex, Gabon.

Malimbus 27: 53-76.

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Angehr, G.R., Schmidt, B. K., Njie, F., Christy, P. & Gebhard, C. (2006) Bird

surveys in the Gamba Complex, Gabon. Bull. Biol. Soc. Washington 12: 327-351.

Borrow, N. & Demey, R. (2001) A Guide to the Birds of Western Africa. Princeton

University Press, Princeton NJ.

Brosset, a. & Erard, C. (1986) Les Oiseaux des Régions Forestières du Nord-est

du Gabon. Vol.l: Ecologie et comportement des espèces. Société National pour la

Protection de la Nature, Paris.

Buij, R., McShea, W.J., Campbell, P., Lee, M.E., Dallmeier, F., Guimondou, S.,

Mackaga, L., Guiseougou, N., Mboumba, S., Hines, J.E., Nichols, J.D. &

Alonso, A. (2007) Patch-occupancy models indicate human activity as major

detenninants of forest elephant Loxodonta cyclotis seasonal distribution in an

industrial corridor in Gabon. Biol. Conserv. 135: 189-201.

Chappuis, C. (2000) Oiseaux d’Afrique, 2, West and Central Africa. (1 1 CDs).

Société d’Etudes Ornithologiques de France, Paris.

Christy, P. (2001) Gabon. Pp. 349-356 in Fishpool, L.D.C. & Evans, M.I. (eds).

Important Bird Areas in Africa and Its Associated Islands. Pisces, Newbury.

De Bie, S. & Geerling, C. (1989) Ecological Baseline Study for Oilfield

Development at Rabi, Gabon. Agricultural University, Wageningen.

Ferguson-Lees, J. & Christie, D.A. (2001) Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm:

London.

Kemp, A. & Kemp, M. (1998) Birds of Prey of Africa and Its Islands. New Holland,

London.

Prins, H.H.T. & Reitsma, J.M. (1989) Mammalian biomass in an African equatorial

rain forest. J. Anim. Ecol. 58: 851-861.

Sargeant, D.E. (1993) A Birder’s Guide to Gabon, West Africa. Privately published,

Holt.

SCHEPERS, F.J. & Marteijn, E.C.L. (eds) (1993). Coastal Waterbirds in Gabon:

Winter 1992. Rep. 41, Stichting WIWO, Zeist.

Thibault, M., & Blaney, S. (2003) The oil industry as an underlying factor in the

bushmeat crisis in Central Africa. Conserv. Biol. 17: 1807-1813.

Thiollay, J.-M. (1975) Les Rapaces des Parcs Nationaux de Cote d’ Ivoire. Analyse

du peuplement. Oiseau Rev. fr. Orn. 45: 241-257.

Thiollay, J.-M. (2000) Stability and long-term changes in a West African raptor

community. Pp. 15-25 in Chancellor, R. D. & Meyburg, B. -U. (eds) Raptors

at Risk. World Working Group on Birds of Prey and Owls, Berlin.

2008

65

Great Blue Turacos Corythaeola cristata

eatiug filamentous algae in Gabon

by Christelle Faure^, Fiona Maisels^ & Patrice Christy^

^4, rue Blaise Pascal, 31850 Montrabe, France. <f-cliris@hotmail.fr>

Wildlife Conservation Society, BP 7847, Libreville, Gabon. <fmaisels@wcs.org>

^BP 2240, Libreville, Gabon

Received 23 August 2007; revised 30 September 2007

Summary

In the past, feeding on filamentous algae by the Great Blue Turaco

Corythaeola cristata was thought to be relatively rare. At a swampy clearing

in Gabon, a group of Great Blue Turacos regularly consumed filamentous

algae for up to 1 h at a time, on over half of the 26 days that observers were

present at the clearing. This behaviour may supply important amounts of

protein and/or sodium to the birds' diet.

Résumé

Touracos géants Corythaeola cristata se nourrissant des algues

filamenteuses au Gabon, Auparavant, le fait pour le Touraco géant

Corythaeola cristata de consommer des algues filamenteuses était considéré

comme relativement rare. Dans une clairière marécageuse au Gabon, un

groupe de Touracos géants consommait régulièrement des algues

filamenteuses, la prise alimentaire durant jusqu'à une heure, et ceci pendant

plus de la moitié des jours de présence des observateurs. Ce comportement est

susceptible d'apporter des quantités importantes de protéines et/ou de sodium

dans la nourriture des oiseaux.

Introduction

Great Blue Turacos Corythaeola cristata have long been recognized as the most

folivorous of the turacos. Up to 25% of their diet was composed of leaves in the

Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda (Sun 1995, Sun & Moermond 1997), where they

were occasionally observed feeding on aquatic plants, including algae (Sun et al.

1997).

In Central Africa, swampy clearings dominated by sedges and grasses {bais) are

relatively widespread. Some of these clearings are also minerakrich, attracting large

66

C. Faure et al.

Malimbus 30

mammals and birds, which feed on both the soil and the nutritious vegetation (Klaus-

Hugi et al. 1998, Magliocca & Gautier-Hion 2002, May 2004, Ruggiero & Eves

1998). Filamentous green algae are common in the water of small ponds and streams

within these clearings (Ruggiero & Eves 1998), their growth probably encouraged by

the droppings and urine of the large mammals frequenting such sites.

Since the mid 1990s, a number of baïs have been studied in Central African

Republic, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon. The objective is usually

research and monitoring of the large mammals using these sites. Observations are

often carried out from a raised platform at the edge of the clearing, which provides the

opportunity for recording behaviour otherwise rarely seen {e.g. Maisels 2003). Great

Blue Turacos were seen feeding on the ground in marshy areas of similar clearings in

the Republic of Congo (in Odzala NP, at the clearing known as “Moba” in September

1996) and in the Central African Republic (in Mongambé clearing in the Dzanga NP,

in January 2000). On the first occasion they were clearly feeding on aquatic algae, and

were probably doing so on the second. Here we present evidence that algae-feeding

can be an important daily activity and, by implication, provide an important dietaiy

component.

Methods

A small forest clearing “Djidji Baï”, in central Gabon (0°10.618'S, 12°21.983'E) was

monitored for wildlife visits between May and July 2007. The clearing is c. 150 m

across, dominated by sedges and grasses, and has a small, dear-water stream running

along one side. A wooden platform, built at the edge of the clearing and immediately

over the stream, affords excellent views.

Data were collected over a period of 26 days. Observations were made between c.

5h50 when it became light enough to see, until nightfall (between 18h30 and 19h00,

depending on cloud cover). Total observation time was 133.5 h, (mean 5.1 h per day),

of which c. 7 1 h were in the mornings and 63 h in the afternoons.

Results

A group of up to five Great Blue Turacos was regularly seen at the clearing, feeding

on the filamentous green algae growing in the stream below the platform. The birds

were only c. 15 m from the observers and could be clearly seen (Fig. 1). Fallen dead

branches offered perching posts immediately above the water. They fed while

standing in the running water, occasionally jumping onto dead branches to perch. We

assume the turacos were the same individuals each time, as they are known to live in

groups within a large home range (Sun & Moermond 1997), but of course without

individually ringing the birds we cannot be certain of this.

2008

Great Blue Turacos eating algae

67

The turaco group visited the baï on 15 of the 26 observation days and was

present for a mean of 36 min. per observation day or 1 1% (± 4%, 95% confidence

limits) of the daylight time that the clearing was under observation. They spent long

periods (range 3-60 min.; mean 20 min.) feeding on algae in the stream, comprising

78% of the total time that they were visible, and the rest of the time perched on

branches. Feeding on algae comprised an average of 9% of the time the clearing

was under observation per day. These are minimum figures, as they do not include

feeding (or other) activity carried out whilst out of sight of the viewing platform.

The birds were not seen to feed on anything else whilst in the clearing, but after

feeding on algae, they usually flew across the clearing and vanished in the forest

opposite the platform.

Fig. 1. Three Great Blue Turacos feeding on algae (dark patches in birds’

shadows) below the viewing platform, Djidji Bai, June 2007. Photo: Prosper

Motsaba. Colour photo may be seen at http://malimbus.free.fr/suppindex.htm.

Discussion

Brosset & Fry (1988) reported Great Blue Turacos feeding beside streams, apparently

based on Malbrant & Maclatchy (1949). Gabonese hunters had reported to Malbrant

68

C. Faure et al.

Malimbus 30

& Maclatchy (1949) that the species fed on green algae growing in pools of stagnant

water. Fifty years later Rwandan hunters also reported this behaviour in clear or slow-

flowing streams (Sun et al. 1997). Hunters in both countries said that they set traps

specifically to catch them at these sites. Sun and his colleagues only rarely recorded

this behaviour, because they were following focal birds to quantify their diet. Access

to the narrow forest streams in which the aquatic plant-eating occurred was difficult in

Rwanda, which the authors acknowledged caused a low estimate of the importance of

aquatic plants to the birds’ diet (<1%: Sun 1995). Our data show that this behaviour

may be much more important than previously realised. Like Sun, we used the time

allocated by birds to feeding on each food type as a proxy for intake, and we observed

feeding on algae for 9% of the daylight hours sampled. We do not know the

proportion of each day actually spent feeding and how much time is spent on other

activities, but the daily time allocation to feeding on all types of food by two other

species of turaco in Rwanda was only 8-15% (C. Sun unpubl. data, in Sun &

Moermond 1997). If Great Blue Turacos spend up to 20% of their day actually

feeding and if these were the same individuals each time, then clearly filamentous

algae are a very important part of the diet, probably throughout the species’ range.

The behaviour has now been recorded in Rwanda, Central African Republic, Republic

of Congo and Gabon.

Filamentous algae are known to be relatively rich in protein and minerals (Khan et

al. 1996, Nwadiaro et al. 1990). The aquatic plants consumed by Great Blue Turacos

(which included filamentous algae) analysed by Sun et al. (1997) were significantly

richer in sodium than their two most important terrestrial leaf diet items. The

ingestion of aquatic plants was hypothesised by the authors to be a way of detoxifying

the leaves that they also consume: a common strategy in mammals (Kreulen 1985,

Klaus-Hugi et al. 1998). This certainly seems to be the case for African Elephant

Loxodonta a,fricana (Houston et al. 2001), Black-and-white Colobus monkeys

Colobus guereza (Oates 1978), and even mice (Freeland et al. (1985). Other

detoxification methods used by birds were discussed by Diamond et al. (1999). In

general, aquatic plants are richer in sodium than terrestrial leaves, and sodium content

has been shown to be a significant parameter in choice of aquatic herbs by large

herbivorous mammals (Belovsky 1981, Oates 1978, Stark 1986, Tracy &

McNaughton 1995). However, filamentous algae are also usually richer in protein and

lower in lignin than terrestrial leaves, and this may be another reason why turacos fed

on algae. Sun et al. (1997) suggested otherwise, but this was partly because they

thought that algae comprised a small part of the diet, and also because there were no

great differences in either nitrogen or fibre content between the leaves eaten and those

not eaten by this species. Analysis of filamentous algae from a small lake in N Congo

(F. Maisels unpubl. data), showed that they contain c. 11% protein, with similar

sodium concentrations to those found by Sun et al. (1997). Thus the birds may indeed

be using the algae for protein as well as for sodium.

2008

Great Blue Turacos eating algae

69

Acknowledgments

Many thanks to the Conseil National des Parcs Nationaux and the Ministère des Eaux

et Forêts, both of the Government of Gabon, and to the Rougier Group. We are

grateM to Prosper Motsaba (WCS Gabon) for his great help at Djidji. Finally

enormous thanks to Nigel Orbell (WCS Gabon) without which the project would not

have taken place, and to the Faure family for their moral and financial support.

References

Belovsky, G.E. (1981) A possible population response of Moose to sodium

availability./. Mammal. 62: 631-633,

Brosset, a. & Fry, C.H. (1988) Order Musophagiformes. Pp. 26-57 in Keith, S.,

Fry, C.H. & Urban, E.K. (eds), The Birds of Africa, vol. 3. Academic Press, San

Diego.

Diamond, J., Bishop, K. & Gilardi, J. (1999) Geophagy in New Guinea birds. Ibis

141: 181-193.

Freeland, W.J., Calcott, P.H. & Anderson, L.R. (1985) Tannins and saponins:

interaction in herbivore diets. Biochem. Syst. Ecol 13; 189-193.

Khan, M.A.R., Begum, Z.N.T., Rahim, A. & Salamatullah, Q. (1996) A com-

parative study on proximate composition and minerals contents of three fresh

water green algae. Bangladesh J. Bot. 25: 189-96.

Klaus, G., Klaus-Hugi, C. & Schmid, B. (1998) Geophagy by large mammals at

natural licks in the rainforest of the Dzanga National Park, Central African

Republic./. Trop. Ecol.lA : 829-839.

Kreulen, F. 1985. Lick use by large herbivores: a review of benefits and banes of

soil consumption. Mamma/ Rev. 15: 107-123.

Magliocca, F, & Gautier-Hion, A. (2002) Mineral content as a basis for food

selection by western lowland gorillas in a forest clearing. Am. J. Primatol. 57: 67-77.

Maisels, F. (2003) Ectoparasite gleaning of sitatunga by Fire-crested Alethe Alethe

diademata and a bulbul. Malimbus 25: 107-1 11.

Malbrant, R. & Maclatchy, a. (1949) Faune de TEquateur Africain Français,

vol. 1: Oiseaux. Lechevalier, Paris.

May, D.L. (2004) The vocal repertoire of Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus) living in

the Congo Basin. Unpubl. Ph.D. thesis, Univ. of Arizona, Tucson.

Nwadiaro, C., & Idabor, P. (1990) Proximate composition and nutrient elements in

the unusual algal jellies of Lake Oguta in southern Nigeria. Internat. Rev.

Gesamt. Hydrobiol. 75: 413-420.

Oates, J.F, (1978) Water-plant and soil consumption by Guereza monkeys (Colobus

guereza): a relationship with minerals and toxins in the diet? Biotropica 10: 241-253.

70

C. Faure et al.

Malimbus 30

Ruggiero, R.G. & Eves, H.E. (1998) Bird-mammal associations in forest openings of

northern Congo (Brazzaville). Afr. J. Ecol. 36: 183-193.

Stark, M.A. (1986) Analysis of five natural soil licks, Benoue National Park,

Cameroon, West Africa. Afr. J. Ecol. 24: 181-187

Sun, C. (1995) Foraging Ecology of Three Sympatric Turacos (Musophagidae) and

Tree Phenology in an Afro-montane Forest. Unpubl. Ph.D. thesis, Univ. of

Wisconsin, Madison.

Sun, C. & Moermond, T.C. (1997) Foraging ecology of three sympatric turacos in a

montane forest in Rwanda. Auk 1 14: 396-404.

Sun, C., Moermond, T.C. & Givnish, T.J. (1997) Nutritional determinants of diet in

three turacos in a tropical montane forest. Auk 1 14: 200-21 1.

Tracy, B. & McNaughton, S.J. (1995) Elemental analysis of mineral lick soils from

the Serengeti National Park, the Konza Prairie and Yellowstone National Park.

Ecography 18: 91-94.

2008

71

Short Notes — Notes Courtes

Reichenbach’s Sunbird Anabathmis reichenbachii a new Benin record,

and other interesting coastal observations

The Republic of Benin has not been surveyed for avifauna as well as its neighbouring

countries. A total of 423 birds have been recorded from Benin (1 12,622 km ; Dowsett

1993) compared to 625 (Check & Walsh 1996) for Togo, its smaller neighbour

(56,785 km^) with almost identical habitat zones, in part because Benin lacked

resident ornithologists until the last 20 years.

I observed the following species during a U.S. military humanitarian mission to

Cotonou and Ouidah, Benin, 2-17 September 2006.

Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel. I observed one individual in flight just outside the

entrance to the Forest of Krath in the town of Ouidah, on the afternoon of 10 Sep, In

flight, it seemed the size of a large dove or pigeon, with the tapered wing of a falcon.

It had clean whitish wings with a little spotting and no barring, as viewed from below.

The body was contrastingly darker, and the tail was long and somewhat rounded. The

habitat was mostly open with large scattered tree clumps on the outskirts of

habitations and cultivated land. I also observed two more individuals, one male and

one of unidentified gender, perched in a stand of tall trees and in flight at the military

base at the international airport in Cotonou, 13 Sep. I first saw the male perched and

again noted the small size, reminiscent of American Kestrel F. sparverius, which is

much smaller than Common Kestrel F. tinnunculus. I watched it fly from the tree and

again noticed the falcon wing profile, underpart coloration, grey cap, rufous chest and

belly, and the grey, rounded tail with black horizontal band. The tips of the

underwings were black. I saw another bird perched or flying near this male several

times in the next hour, which was the same size, similar in colour, and seemed to

communicate with the male.

During the same period, I saw at least three Common Kestrels, which were

significantly larger and darker underneath, with barred or streaked wings and chest.

They also had distinctly square tails versus the more rounded Lesser Kestrel tail

All published records of Lesser Kestrels in Benin are from the north. They are not

uncommon in Park W from January to March (Koster & Grettenberger 1983). Green

& Sayer (1979) recorded them from December to April in the Pendjari and Arli

National Parks. Lesser Kestrels have not been recorded in Togo (Cheke & Walsh

1996), but are uncommon in N Nigeria according to Elgood et al (1994).

Columba guinea Speckled Pigeon. I observed one individual in Cotonou on a rooftop

adjacent to the Chant d’Oiseau convent on 6 Sep. From about 20 m, it was obvious

that the bird was a dove with unique reddish patterns. The large red circular patches

72

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were quite distinct through binoculars, the neck exhibited numerous vertical reddish

streaks, and the wings were also red with white spots. This species has been reported

extensively in the north (Green & Sayer 1979, Koster & Grettenberger 1983, Borrow

& Demey 2004), but only rarely in S Benin (Bouet 1914, Brunei 1958).

Anthreptes gabonicus Brown Sunbird. I observed half a dozen or more individuals,

usually solitary, on several occasions throughout the two-week period at La Casa del

Papa Hotel on the coast, 5 km west of the old slave port in Ouidah. I first viewed a

few individuals on independent occasions in coconut palms Cocos nucifera on the

hotel grounds adjacent to a large mangrove lagoon. The small brownish silhouette

resembled a warbler, with the white eye-ring boldly standing out against the drab

brown of the bird’s back. The black beak was thin, longer than a warbler beak and

slightly bent. I subsequently observed other individuals from a kayak in mangroves

along the shoreline, also in the Casa del Papa vicinity, and took several photographs.

Sinsin (1995) reported Brown Sunbirds in the Lama Forest in S Benin. They are

common on the coast of Nigeria in mangrove habitat (Elgood et al. 1994), but no

records exist for Togo (Cheke & Walsh 1996).

Anabathmis reichenbachii Reichenbach’s Sunbird, I observed one adult male in a

coconut palm at a beef and coconut farm on the outskirts of Ouidah, 1 1 Sep. It was a

large sunbird with a vivid iridescent blue head and a comparatively drab olive-green

back. The bill was black, thin and sickle-shaped. Reichenbach’s Sunbird has not been

previously recorded in Benin, although it is uncommon in neighbouring Nigeria

(Elgood et al. 1994) and was most likely observed by Millet-Horsin (1924) in coastal

Togo, near Anecho.

Ploceus aurantius Orange Weaver, I observed and photographed from a kayak a

small colony of both sexes in a patch of mangrove trees, late in the afternoon on 1 1

Sep. The colony was hidden in a large lagoon away from the shoreline c. 0.5 km from

La Casa del Papa Hotel. It contained half a dozen or more nests. The male had a

distinctly clean and rather bright orange head, with only a thin stripe of black running

from the beak to the eye. The body was a dull green with some yellow underneath. All

other male weavers in the area had far more black on their faces and body. The nest

had a short, tube-like opening which looked almost cut off at the top. The Orange

Weaver nest was the only choice on the weaver nest plate in Borrow & Demey (2004)

that matched. Millet-Horsin (1924) reported Orange Weavers as common in

mangrove habitat at Anecho in nearby Togo, but Benin records include spring

sightings only on the Ouémé River in the northwest (P.M. Claffey pers. comm.).

Brown Sunbirds and Orange Weavers have each been reported only once in Benin

(Sinsin 1995, P.M. Claffey pers. comm.). Reichenbach’s Sunbird is a new species for

the country. These three species may be more common than previously thought. Their

ranges extend along the coast of countries on either side (Borrow & Demey 2004) and

Benin contains appropriate mangrove or coastal scrub habitat along the same linear

belt. There are no published records of Lesser Kestrels in S Benin and Speckled

2008

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73

Pigeons have been recorded rarely in the south (Bouet 1914, Brunei 1958). These

observations confirm a need for further surveys in Benin, suggested by Holyoak &

Seddon (1989) and Dowsett (1993).

References

Borrow, N. & Demey, R. (2004) Birds of Western Africa. Christopher Helm,

London.

BoEfET, G. (1914) Liste des oiseaux recueillis ou observés au Dahomey de 1908 à

1911. Rev.fr. Orn. 3: 263-269, 304-308.

Brunel, J. (1958) Observations sur les oiseaux du Bas-Dahomey. Oiseau Rev. fr.

Orn. 28: 1-38.

Cheke, R. a. & Walsh, J.F. (1996) The Birds of Togo. Checklist 14, British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Dowsett, R.J. & Forbes-Watson, A.D. (1993) Checklist of Birds of the

Afrotropicaland Malagasy Regions, vol. 1. Tauraco Press, Liege.

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B., Moore, A.M., Nason, A.M., Sharland, R.E. &

Skinner, N.J. (1994) The Birds of Nigeria. Checklist 4, 2nd ed., British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Green, A. A. & Sayer, J.A. (1979) The Birds of the Pendjari and Arli National Parks.

Malimbus 1: 14-19.

Holyoak, D.T. & Seddon, M.B. (1989) Distributional Notes on the Birds of Benin.

Malimbus 11: 128-134.

Koster S.H. & Grettenberger, J.F. (1983) A preliminary survey of birds in Park

W, Niger. Malimbus 19: 62-72.

Millet-Horsin, H.. (1923) Contribution à l’étude de la Faune ornithologique du Bas-

Togo. Bull. Comité Etudes Hist. Sci. Afr. Occid. Fr. 1923: 1-27.

SiNSiN, B. (1995) La forêt classée de la Lama. Aperçu général d’un écosystème

naturel aménagé dans un environnement socio-économique. Notes Lab. Ecol.

Appl. FSA/UN, 3, Benin.

Received 2 March 2007; revised 27 August 2007.

Landon Jones

Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, 136-WID,

Provo, UT 84601, U.S.A. <lrj6@byu.net>

74

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Lipid metabolite levels among pre-migratory Palaearctic songbirds during

the wet-dry season transition

The significance of the rate of fat deposition prior to migration has long been

recognised, particularly in relation to songbirds preparing to cross the Sahara (Smith

1966, Fry et al. 1970). Based on trends in mean weight in pre-migratory populations, I

recently speculated that fat deposition proceeds more slowly in dry than in wet season

conditions, and that this in turn has a critical influence on the migration patterns of

many trans-Saharan migrants (Bell 2006, 2007). The main drawback of these studies

is that measures of mean weight in a population are subject to many sources of bias. A

more reliable source of evidence would be provided by comparisons based on

estimation of individual fattening rates, as indicated by the level of triglyceride in

blood plasma (Jenni-Eiermann & Jenni 1994). A small number of blood samples of

songbird migrants, taken during the dry-wet season transition period in central

Nigeria, provide an opportunity for a preliminary investigation along these lines.

Blood samples were taken from Palaearctic migrants mist-netted in the grounds of

the National Veterinary Research Institute on the Jos Plateau in central Nigeria

(9°43.7'N, 8°47.rE), between 25 Mar and 12 Apr 2007. Fat score was also recorded

using a standard eight point scale (Bairlein 1995) to assess how far fattening had

progressed in each bird. Nets were kept under constant surveillance and the interval

between a bird entering the net and the taking of a blood sample (bleed time)

recorded. Blood was obtained by brachial venipuncture, and the samples centrifuged

at 2000 g for 10 min. Plasma triglyceride was then assayed using an Ultrospec 4000

Spectrophotometer following a standard test procedure (Serum Triglyceride

Determination Kit: Sigma Product code TROlOO).

Twenty trans-Saharan migrants of six species were sampled during the period 1-5 h

after local sunrise, and estimates of plasma triglyceride concentration were obtained

from 14 birds of five species. The results show increases in both triglyceride levels

and fat score (Fig. 1, Table 1), with a possible accelerating rate of triglyceride level

after heavy rain on 3—4 Apr. Bleed time varied between nine and 35 minutes, and

triglyceride may have declined with increasing bleed time (Table 1), perhaps due to

capture stress or short-term fasting (Guglielmo et al. 2002). No significant effect of

species or time of day was detectable for either fat or triglyceride (Table 1).

The beginning of the rainy season on the Jos Plateau marks an abrupt transition

for resident birds, many of which begin to breed, and for Palaearctic migrants preparing

for the trans-Saharan leg of their northern migration. Very little rain falls between

October and March, generally broken in early April by heavy thunderstorms over a

few days (Smith 1966, Bell 2007). At Vom in 2007, a 10-minute shower on 3 Apr was

followed by periods of heavy rain lasting > 1 h on each of the following four days

(Fig. 1). Following the first of these heavy showers in the early afternoon of 4 Apr,

alate teiTnites emerged in large numbers and many species switched to flycatching,

even species ill-suited to this foraging mode, such as African Thrush Turdus pelios.

2008

Notes Courtes

75

jn 3 •

O

£

E

0)

;o

0)

ü

>v

27 Mar 31 Mar 04 Apr 08 Apr

Date

12 Apr

Figure 1. Plasma triglyceride concentrations and fat scores among Palaearctic

songbird migrants at Vom, Mar-Apr 2007.

Palaearctic migrants were relatively scarce prior to the rains, with only six birds

entering the mist-nets in 10 days up to and including 4 Apr, but became much more

numerous afterwards, with 14 caught in the subsequent eight days (scaled deviance of

daily frequency, before vs after rains = 3.93, P < 0.05, using Poisson errors and loge

link). This corresponds with the observations of Smith (1966), who found that species

such as Garden Warbler Sylvia borin, Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca and

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra occurred at Vom in small numbers throughout the winter,

but appeared in larger numbers in April each year. It is likely that this annual influx

reflects a tendency for birds that pass most of the winter further south to follow the

rain front north to fatten for migration on the insect outbreaks that occur when the

front reaches areas with a lengthy dry season.

Many of these birds may have already accumulated some fat further south, and

the Vom birds with significant fat deposits prior to the rains may conceivably be early

arrivals. Whether these birds were local winterers or not, the low triglyceride levels

Table 1. Analysis of covariance of plasma triglyceride concentration and fat

score. Triglyceride analysis uses a loge link function and gamma errors, fat score

normal errors and identity link. All analyses were carried out using Glim

(Crawley 1993).

76

Short Notes

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exhibited prior to the first rainfall suggests that fat was being accumulated locally at a

slow rate, only increasing after the appearance of termites and general increase in

insect activity. It could be concluded from this that the beginning of the rains

stimulates migrants to begin fattening in earnest. However this would mean that they

either fatten at a slower than achievable rate prior to the rains, which is unlikely if the

birds are following a time minimisation strategy (Alerstam & Lindstrom 1990), or that

slow fattening reflects constraint by food shortage. After the rains, by contrast, the

concentration of plasma triglyceride in Garden Warblers reached levels comparable

with pre-migratory birds of the same species fed ad libitum in the laboratory (Jenni-

Eiermann & Jenni 1994). This also corresponds to the findings of Smith (1966), that

weights of migrants at Vom were lower at equivalent dates during a year when rains

occurred later than usual.

Ottosson et al. (2005) present evidence that Garden Warblers are generally absent

from further north in W Africa during the spring migration period, and suggest that

they select more wooded areas well south of the desert from which to depart on the

trans-Saharan leg of migration. However habitat may be less relevant than food

availability in relation to the timing of migration. For species like the Garden Warbler,

which have a relatively late spring migration, the latitude reached by the rain front in

early April may define both the optimal latitude for pre-migratory fattening, and the

northern limit of the wintering range. For earlier departing species and populations,

the food glut accompanying the beginning of the wet season in the south of the W

African savanna belt occurs too late, and the need to minimize the cost of migration

therefore leads to winter occupation and pre-migratory fattening in areas well to the

north.

Thanks to David Shamaki and the staff at the National Veterinary Research Institute,

Vom, for excellent facilities and hospitality during the fieldwork, and special thanks

to Bitms Yakubu for advice and assistance during lab analyses. Thanks also to Chris

Guglielmo, Lukas Jenni, Daphne Green and Sebastien Regnaut for advice on the use

of triglyceride assay, and to the reviewers of an earlier draft of this paper for their

useful comments.

References

Alerstam, T. & Lindstrom, Â. (1990) Optimal bird migration: the relative

importance of time, energy and safety. Pp. 331-351 in Gwinner, E. (ed.) Bird

Migration: the Physiology and Ecophysiology. Springer, Berlin.

Bairlein, F. (1995) European-African Songbird Migration Network Manual of Field

Methods. Vogelwarte Helgoland, Wilhelmshaven.

Bell, C.P. (2006) Social interactions, moult and pre-migratory fattening among

Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava in the Nigerian Sahel. Malimbiis 28; 69-82.

Bell, C.P. (2007) Timing of pre-nuptial migration and leap-frog patterns in Yellow

Wagtails {Motacilla flava). Ostrich 78: 327-331.

2008

Notes Courtes

77

Crawley, MJ. (1993) Glim for Ecologists. Blackwell, Oxford.

Fry, C.H., Ash, J.S. & Ferguson-Lees, IJ. (1970) Spring weights of some

Palaearctic migrants at Lake Chad. Ibis 112: 58-82,

Guglielmo, C.G., O’Hara, P.D. & Williams, T.D. (2002) Extrinsic and intrinsic

sources of variation in plasma lipid metabolites of free-living Western Sandpipers

(Caiidris mauri). Auk 119: 437M45.

JennrEiermann, S. & Jenni, L. (1994) Plasma metabolite levels predict individual

body-mass changes in a small long-distance migrant, the Garden Warbler. Auk

111: 888-899.

Ottosson, U., Waldenstrom, J, Hjort, C. & McGregor, R. (2005) Garden

Warbler Sylvia borin migration in sub-Saharan West Africa: phenology and body

mass changes. Ibis 147: 750-757.

Smith, V.W. (1966) Autumn and spring weights of some Palaearctic migrants in

central Nigeria. Ibis 108: 492-512.

Received 9 July 2007

Revised 10 December 2007

Christopher Paul Bell

Conservation Programmes, Zoological Society of London,

Regent’s Park, London NWl 4RY, U.K. <chris.bell@zsLorg>

Low altitude sightiugs of the Gulf of Guinea Thrush Turdus

olivaceofuscus xanthorhynchus on Principe Island

Principe Island, with an area of 139 km^, lies 220 km from the African coast and 146

km north of Sao Tomé Island, in the Gulf of Guinea (Fig. 1). Principe comprises a

flatter region in the north, where the majority of the human population live and

agriculture is common, and a more mountainous region in the centre and south of the

island, with the highest mountain, Pico do Principe, reaching 948 m. Significant areas

'j

of primary rainforest remain only in the south, totalling c. 50 km (Christy 2001). As

one of the Gulf of Guinea islands, Principe is part of a globally important area of

avian endemism (Jones 1994, Bibby et al 1992, Fishpooî & Evans 2001).

The Gulf of Guinea Thrush Turdus olivaceofuscus is endemic to Sao Tomé and

Principe, with a separate subspecies described for each island. On Sao Tomé, T. o.

olivaceofuscus is relatively widespread and common, being present almost wherever

there is tree cover, from primary rainforest to urban gardens (Jones & Tye 2006).

However, the species has been listed as Near-Threatened (lUCN 2006) as the Principe

subspecies T. o. xanthorhynchus has been recorded on only a handful of occasions,

and its status is unclear. One specimen collected in 1901, four in 1928, a photograph

in 1997, one or two unpublished reports, and several unsuccessful expeditions to find

78

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Figure 1. Map of Principe, showing altitudinal bands and the location of the

study area (adapted from Jones & Tye 2006).

it, illustrated that the subspecies had never been widespread and was likely restricted

to the remaining primary rainforest in the south of the island (Jones & Tye 2006). In

1999, J.M. Baillie (unpubl.) spent six weeks on the island, and observed several

thrushes in primary rainforest from 290 to 750 m, especially around Pico do Principe

and A Mesa, including four in a single day, and found them relatively tame and

approachable. However, he observed only two during several days in lowland (10-

250 m) forest in the southwest, along Ribeira de Sao Tomé. Here we report 12

observations of the thrush in lowland primary rainforest, in the region of Ribeira de

Sao Tomé in January 2002.

We undertook 59 point counts in the lowland primary forest of SW Principe, near

Ribeira de Sao Tomé (Fig. 2), during the mornings of the 19-24 Jan 2002 (Dallimer

& King in press). The Gulf of Guinea Thrush was registered during six (10 %) of the

point counts, always singly, and was present at a further six locations. On the first

morning, it was recorded four times in 3 h. It was recorded at altitudes of 100-210 m,

on valley floors and at ridge tops. On all occasions, the thrush was seen at low to mid

2008

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79

positions in the forest. Canopy height ranged from 20 to 33 m. The thrush was curious

and unafraid, and allowed a close approach without it seemingly being disturbed. It

was obviously smaller than the Sao Tomé subspecies, with a weaker, less penetrating

voice and call. We clearly saw the yellow bill, pale legs and larger, darker breast and

belly bars, which distinguish the Principe subspecies. The thrush was not caught

during 35 mist-net hours (King & Dallimer 2003), nor seen during visits to

surrounding areas of overgrown secondary forest to the west and south of A Mesa and

Praia da Nova. Subsequent low altitude records (at c. 150 m) include regular sightings

in the area of Ribeira Porco, where an individual was mist-netted in December 2003

(M. Melo & M. Fernandes in litt.).

Figure 2. Location of 59 point count sites in lowland primary forest around

Ribeira de Sâo Tomé, Principe, showing presence (dots) and absence (crosses) of

Turdus olivaceofuscus xanthorhynchus (coastline, watercourses and contours in

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Short Notes

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T. O. olivaceofuscus on Sâo Tomé is bigger, with a fuller, richer song, and is noisy

and common, contributing the major part of the early dawn chorus. We saw it at 33%

(31 of 93) of our lowland primary rainforest point count locations on Sâo Tomé (170-

540 m altitude), and heard it at a further 8%. It was also recorded regularly in

montane and mist rainforest, and was one of the most frequently netted species in

primary forest on the island (King & Dallimer 2003).

The Principe bird is currently regarded as an endemic subspecies. However,

descriptive accounts (e.g. Clement et al 2000, Jones & Tye 2006) and recent

morphological and genetic evidence (Melo 2006) suggest that it should be afforded

full species status. Our observations support the noticeable differences between the

two subspecies in morphology, song and abundance. There is also a need to establish

the exact distribution of the Principe thrush, to estimate its population size, and to

reinforce the proposed conservation programme for the remaining primary rainforest

of this unique island.

We thank the staff of ECOFAC Sao Tomé and Principe for their help in carrying out

the fieldwork. Manuel Borge Jiana was our guide on Principe and we also thank

Angus Gascoigne, Peter Jones, Rachel Atkinson and Martim Melo for logistical

support, comments and discussions. The work was funded by the Davis Expedition

Fund, the British Ecological Society and the John Ray Trust. Additional support was

provided by Garmin (Europe) Ltd and Berghaus Ltd.

References

Bibby, C.J., Collar, N.J., Crosby, M.J., Heath, M.F., Imboden, C., Johnson, T.H.,

Long, A.J., Stattersfield, A.J. & Thirgood, S.J. (1992) Putting Biodiversity

on the Map: Priority Areas for Global Conservation. International Council for

Bird Preservation, Cambridge.

Christy, P. (2001) Sâo Tomé and Principe. Pp. 121-131 in Fishpool, L.D.C. &

Evans, M.L (eds), Important Bird Areas in Africa and Associated Islands.

BirdLife International, Cambridge.

Clement, P., Hathway, R., Byers, C. & Wiczur, J. (2000) Helm Identification

Guides: Thrushes. Christopher Helm, London.

Dallimer, M. & King, T. (in press) Habitat preferences of the endemic forest birds

of Principe. Afr. J. Ecol.

lUCN (2006) 2006 Red List of Threatened Species. lUCN, Gland.

Jones, P.J. (1994) Biodiversity in the Gulf of Guinea — an ovqyyiqw.' Biodiversity

Conserv. 3: 772-784.

Jones, P.J. & Tye, A. (2006) The Birds of Sao Tomé and Principe with Annobon,

Islands of the Gulf of Guinea. Checklist 22, British Ornithologists Union, Oxford.

King, T. & Dallimer, M. (2003) Daily activity, moult and morphometries of the

birds of Sâo Tomé and Principe. Bull. Afr. Bird Club 10: 85-93.

2008

Errata

81

Melo, M. (2006) Bird Spéciation in the Gulf of Guinea. Unpubl. PhD Thesis,

University of Edinburgh.

Received 1 5 September 2007

Tony King^ & Martin Dallimer^

^The Aspinall Foundation, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park,

Hythe, Kent CT21 4PD, U.K. <ppgscience@yahoo.com>

Biodiversity and Macroecology Group, Dept of Animal and Plant Science,

Sheffield SIO 2TN, U.K. <m.dallimer@sheffield.ac.uk>

Errata

Bird observations in Mali {Malimbus 29: 123“125).

An editorial error caused a change in meaning of the description of Greater Swamp

Warbler Acrocephalus rufescens in this article. The description of the bird should

read: “...we observed a rather dark brown, long-billed, heavy Acrocephalus with a

long rounded tail and all-dark legs, a grey wash on the underparts and lack of a

prominent supercilium, diagnostic of this species.” The description as printed stated

that the bird had a prominent supercilium. Apologies to the authors of this note.

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Malimbus 30

News & Letters Nouvelles & Lettres

International Ornithological Congress 2010: call for symposium proposals

The 25th International Ornithological Congress will be held in Campos do Jordao,

Brazil, 22-28 August 2010. The Scientific Program Committee (SPC) now invites

proposals for symposia.

Symposia are aimed at the general ornithologist and cover current research. Each

should have two co-conveners, with preference given to symposia with co-conveners

from different continents, and, failing this, different countries. Each will include two

keynote addresses summarizing global progress in the field over the last four years,

and address future research priorities. Conveners may choose themselves as keynote

speakers, but may organize only one symposium and must have a firm commitment

from keynote speakers to attend before proposing them. Other speakers will be chosen

by conveners, with guidance from the SPC, and will include persons who have

identified the symposium they would like to join. Conveners should inform speakers

that they must be willing to submit a paper on their presentation, as the conference

proceedings will be published. The call for papers will come in early 2009. The IOC

cannot provide financial assistance to symposium conveners or participants.

Conveners must make this clear to participants.

Proposals must be received by 1 June 2008. Please provide a symposium title,

names and contact details of conveners and keynote speakers, goals and objectives of the

symposium (400 words maximum) and a brief outline of what each keynote speaker will

cover, with preliminary titles if possible. Justify (250 words maximum) why the

symposium is important to IOC participants. If you cannot find a co-convener from

another continent or countiy, explain why. The justification will not appear in the

programme or on the web site. Send this information by email to the SPC chair, Carol

M. Vleck, at <ioc2010@iastate.edu>, or post it to the address below this announcement.

Proposals will be reviewed by the SPC in August 2008 and proposers will be

notified as to whether their proposal has been accepted shortly thereafter. Summaries

of accepted symposia will be posted on the IOC website.

For more information, consult the IOC web site <http://www.i-o-c.org> or

<http://www.ib.usp.br/25ioc> or contact the Congress Secretary General, Cristina

Miyaki, at <ioc2010@ib,usp.br> or at IOC 2010, Depto de Genética e Biologia

Evolutiva, Inst, de Biociências, Univ. de Sâo Paulo, Rua do Matâo 277, Sâo Paulo,

SP, 05508-090, Brazil.

Carol M. Vleck,

2010 IOC Scientific Program Committee Chair,

Dept of Ecology, Evolution & Organismal Biology,

253 Bessey Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, lA 50011, U.S.A.

2008

83

Society Notices — Informations de la Société

Bob Sharland: a tribute on his 90th birthday

This issue of Malimbus is dedicated to R.E. (Bob) Sharland, a founder member of the

Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society in 1964, and a Council member of the N.O.S. and its

successor the W.A.O.S. for all 43 years since. Bob has just achieved the venerable

age of 90 and it gives us, his many friends in W.A.O.S., much pleasure to

congratulate him, to thank him for all that he has done for the Society, and to wish

him many more years of enjoyable birding.

John Elgood and Bob founded our Society half of Bob’s lifetime ago, in February

1964, when ornithologists throughout West Africa were as rare as hens’ teeth. Bob

lived in Kano, John the length of Nigeria away in Ibadan, and our journal, then the

rather primitive Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society, was produced in

Zaria. From the outset Bob took an active role, furthering our interests in every way

possible. He made six contributions to the four issues of the Bulletin in 1964, and he

shared his already substantial knowledge of Nigeria’s bird life by keeping an ever-

open door at home and jumping at the slightest chance to take like-minded

newcomers on birding trips far and wide across the north of the country.

An accountant by profession, for years with Nigerian Oil Mills, Bob was, and

remains, an all-round naturalist. His main interest is birds, in particular mist-

netting and ringing them for study purposes, but he has an enviable field-won

knowledge also about butterflies, trees and flowers. An avid conservationist, he has

given much support too to the Nigerian Field Society and the Nigerian

Conservation Foundation. N.C.F. Scientific Committee Chairman Phil Hall writes:

“When I first arrived in Nigeria in 1972, Bob was always available to provide

support and advice as well as a comfortable bed at his house in Kano. In the first

few months of my stay, we travelled together to Malamfatori on the NE shore of

Lake Chad where we spent a week ringing Palaearctic migrants at the Fisheries

Station and I was able to learn an immense amount from his considerable

knowledge. He was a very enthusiastic bird ringer and until he departed from

Nigeria, he maintained the Nigerian Bird Ringing Report. In 1985, he returned to

Nigeria in the company of John Ash to undertake a comprehensive survey of

important bird areas throughout the country on behalf of ICBP and the Nigerian

Conservation Foundation. The report that they subsequently published laid the

foundations for a sound conservation programme in Nigeria and many of the areas

that they identified are now fully protected. On behalf of the Scientific Committee

of the NCF, we would like to wish Bob a very happy 90th Birthday and would love

to welcome him back to Nigeria to enable him to see at first hand everything that

has been achieved as a result of his pioneering work.”

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When I left Nigeria in 1967, Bob took over the administration of the Society’s

affairs, filling the offices of Secretary and Treasurer until 1978 and remaining as

Treasurer and Membership Secretary to this day. Perhaps no-one has contributed

more than he has to the Bulletin and Malimbus: some 85 papers, articles, notes and

reports altogether (a full list of Bob’s publications in our journal may be found on the

W.A.O.S. web site). The very first was his report on bird ringing, a feature that con-

tinued annually until his 28th report in 1986. The breadth of his birds-in-the-hand and

ringing interests is shown by articles on netting hirundines by flicking (1965), weights

of Sedge Warblers and Reed Warblers (1966), recoveries of flava wagtails (1967),

recaptures of resident birds (1967) and ringing recoveries between Nigeria and E

Europe (1997). Another regular feature over the decades has been his annual Accounts.

Bob’s greatest passion has been wetland birds. As a member of the International

Wildfowl Research Bureau’s Duck Working Group he published a series of papers in

the Bulletin on wildfowl censuses. Anything that keeps its toes wet caught his

imagination, and the journal has seen articles of his on Finfoots (Finfeet, he calls

them), Pygmy Geese, Little Bitterns, Hottentot Teal, Three-banded Plovers,

Cormorants, Marbled Ducks, European Moorhens, Black-headed and Grey-headed

Gulls. Another strength has been the compilation of annotated regional avifaunal

checklists, on the Jos-Bauchi Plateau, Tivland, Mallam’fatori, Yankari Game Reserve

(now National Park), Nindam Forest (Kagoro) and of course his own much-loved

Kano State (1981, Malimbus 3: 7-30). In his affectionate obituary of N.O.S. co-

founder John Elgood in Malimbus 21: 74-75 (1999), Bob recalls that when John

stayed with him in 1976 John produced a report on the wetlands between Hadejia and

Ngum, for Kano State Department of Agriculture, which led to the area being

officially gazetted as a Wetland Reserve. You can bet that Bob undertook a large part

of the fieldwork.

The Marbled Ducks and European Moorhens were new to W Africa, as was

Bob’s Olive-tree Warbler netted in Kano. Of land birds, cuckoos have always

interested him and back in 1959 it was he who taught me, completely green to

African ornithology as I was, how widespread Solitary Cuckoos are on Fernando Po

island (now Bioko): they were calling on all sides, though we never did see one there.

Many years later he posed for me the riddle of supposing that Black Cuckoos must be

in the Zaria district even though at that time none had ever been seen or heard, nor a

feather or egg found. Answer: Zaria Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat songs contain Black

Cuckoo mimicry. But later we found that both species are rare spring visitors there

from the south, so maybe the robin-chat learned to imitate the cuckoo far afield.

Bob has always been an early bird, a very early one. At the Pan- African

Ornithological Conference in Lilongwe, Malawi, I remember getting up early to put

in some pre-breakfast birding and being startled to come across the black form of Bob

just discernible in rank vegetation, silhouetted against the early dawn light shining

from the river surface. He was staring fixedly at something through his binoculars.

For a whole minute I scanned the river bank where he was looking but could see

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nothing. Approaching him, I was mischievously teased with “Look for the eye, there,

in the reeds.” but still drew a blank until he pinpointed the huge eye for me and its

owner gradually took shape around it: a rare White-backed Night Heron, to this day

my one and only encounter.

Bob’s discovery of that eye was an admirable piece of field craft; he was and

doubtless still is an observant naturalist with an excellent eye of his own (and a fine

ear too). It is a tribute to his enthusiasm and determination, that in his eighties he

regularly travelled with nature tours to every comer of the world in search of birds,

plants and insects. May he find plenty more exciting destinations well into his

nineties too.

All of this tells of Bob Sharland the ornithologist, his love of Nigerian bird life

and his support for our Society and unfailing promotion of its interests over the

decades; but it barely touches upon his personality: Bob Sharland the man. It is by way

of his engaging character, generosity of spirit, solicitous hospitality, friendship and

always being there for his colleagues, that he has made such a mark upon W.A.O.S.

Mike Dyer recalls that, arriving in Nigeria to study Red-throated Bee-eaters at

Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria in the early 1970s, “Bob’s enthusiasm was

immediately apparent and in no time at all he had arranged to come back the

following weekend on a long detour (a daunting task in those days, travelling between

Kano and Zaria) to pick me up and head off into the bush somewhere. That is

absolutely characteristic of him. For the next four or five years heading off into the

bush with his nets and camping gear at weekends became something of a ritual.

“It was on visits to Old Bimin Gwari, lion country well to the west of Zaria, that I

have my fondest memories of him. Usually we arrived well after sunset. Bob would

pull off the road straight onto an overgrown bush track and drive for miles into the

middle of nowhere. Suddenly he’d stop at a derelict, half-roofed mud shack, which

was to be home for the weekend. Shuffling about before dawn, clanging net-poles and

tripping over things before he headed out to set his nets up was routine, and dawn had

hardly broken before he would return with some exciting Grey-headed Olive-backs or

some such, measure and ring his captures, take a quick breakfast, then back to the

field for the day. Another time there he saw some swifts drop out of the sky at dusk

and dive into an abandoned village well. Long before dawn he was up and about,

draping his mosquito net over the well’s entrance, and again breakfast was heralded

by Bob’s reappearance, this time with a great catch of Mottle-throated Spinetails.”

Arriving in Kano to take up a position at Bayero University in 1977, Roger

Wilkinson also greatly benefited from Bob’s kindness: “He was back in Nigeria from

his first retirement when my wife and I first met him. Having heard through the

grapevine that a fellow bird enthusiast was coming to the university and managing to

find out exactly where we were staying, he was kindness personified, inviting us to

his house for good companionship, conversation and food. One particularly

memorable meal was a stew of Knob-billed Goose bulking out the flesh of Nigeria’s

first Marbled Teal, shot from a flock of 50 by a hunter near Nguru. On later occasions

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Bob would come to our home for dinner but once he and I were very late; we had

been trying to net nightjars but succeeded only in bringing home mist-nets full of bats

that Bob insisted had to be dealt with before we could start the meal.

“His life has been dominated, or so it seemed to me, by his out-of-office and even

out-of-town activities. A keen and experienced mist-netter and ringer, he took us

many times to his ringing sites and favourite birding spots near and far from Kano. As

a true naturalist he had boundless energy and enthusiasm for life and for birds, trees

and flowers, preferring always to leg it through the bush rather than sit to see what

might come by. It is amazing that at 90 Bob retains all of his zest. I have learned

much from him, am privileged still to be able to enjoy his company, and wish him

many more years of outdoors enjoyment.”

For Gérard Morel, ex-President of W.A.O.S., the relationship with Bob was a

little different: “I lived for many years in Senegal, far from Nigeria, and our contact

was only by letters. But on retiring back to France I soon made sure to meet Bob at

the annual meetings of W.A.O.S. Council in England and on the continent, where

several meetings were held between 1990 and 2000 in Normandy and the

Netherlands, where Bob did not hesitate to join the other participants and demonstrate

once again his passion for birds.

“But I should like to highlight his essential role in the Society, in carrying out

many uninviting and often obscure administrative tasks. He continued to monitor the

accounts, look for the best and cheapest printers, remind forgetful members to pay

their subscriptions and manage the distribution of the journal. Little used to

computers, but always with great concern for economy, he would write in the briefest

letters his precise requests in a concise but perfectly clear manner. It is thanks to his

management that the subscription was maintained for so long without increase,

without adversely affecting the quality of the journal, in fact, quite the contrary.

“I find it hard to imagine the Society without Bob and cannot forget the warm

welcome at his peaceful house, deep in the country near a waterway and, as President,

I owe him a great deal and thank him for such a pleasant and efficient collaboration.

May you well continue, dear Bob, en route to your centenary.”

It is with great pleasure that W.A.O.S. Council has offered Bob Honorary Life

Membership as a small birthday present in token of our gratitude.

Hilary Fry

Bob Sharland: hommage pour son 90ème anniversaire

Ce numéro de Malimbiis est consacré à R.E. (Bob) Sharland, un des membres

fondateurs de la Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society en 1964, membre du Conseil de la

N. O. S. et de son prolongement, la S.O.O.A. (Société d’Omithologie de l’Ouest

Africain) pendant 43 ans. Bob vient juste d’atteindre l’âge vénérable de 90 ans et cela

donne à ses amis de la S.O.O.A. le plaisir de l’en féliciter ainsi que le remercier pour

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tout ce qu’il a fait pour la Société ainsi que de lui souhaiter d’observer encore les

oiseaux de nombreuses armées

John Elgood et Bob fondèrent notre Société en février 1964, à peu près à mi-

chemin de la vie de Bob, alors que les ornithologues en Afrique de l’Ouest étaient

alors aussi rares que les poules avec des dents. Bob habitait Kano, John à l’autre bout

du Nigeria à Ibadan, et notre journal, le Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists’

Society, assez primitif, était produit à Zaria. Dès le départ, Bob joua un rôle actif,

stimulant notre intérêt de toutes les façons. Il fit six publications dans les quatre

numéros du Bulletin de 1964, partageant sa connaissance déjà considérable des

oiseaux de Nigeria en gardant sa maison ouverte et en sautant sur la moindre occasion

d’accompagner les visiteurs pour une sortie dans le nord du pays.

Comptable de profession pendant des années aux Nigerian Oil Mills, Bob était, et

demeure, un naturaliste dans l’âme. Son intérêt principal est les oiseaux, en particulier

la capture aux filets pour le baguage, mais il a aussi une connaissance enviable

acquise sur le terrain des papillons, des arbres et des fleurs. Conservationniste

convaincu, il a beaucoup aidé la Nigerian Field Society et la Nigerian Conservation

Foundation. Phil Hall, Président du Comité Scientifique du N.C.F., écrit: “Quand je

suis arrivé pour la première fois au Nigeria en 1972, Bob était toujours là pour fournir

aide et conseil ainsi qu’un lit confortable chez lui à Kano. Au cours de mes premiers

mois, nous sommes allés ensemble à Malamfatori sur la rive NE du lac Tchad où nous

sommes restés une semaine à baguer des migrateurs paléarctiques à la Station

Piscicole et j’y ai appris beaucoup grâce à ses connaissances considérables. C’était un

bagueur enthousiaste et jusqu’à son départ du Nigeria, il anima le Nigerian Bird

Ringing Report. En 1985, il retourna au Nigeria accompagné de John Ash et entreprit

un inventaire complet des zones importantes pour les oiseaux à travers le pays pour le

compte du ICBP et de la Nigerian Conservation Foundation. Le rapport, qu’ils

publièrent par la suite, jeta les bases d’un solide programme de conservation pour le

Nigeria et beaucoup des sites qu’ils identifièrent sont maintenant complètement

protégés. Nous voudrions, de la part du Comité Scientifique de la N.C.F., souhaiter à

Bob un heureux anniversaire pour ses 90 ans et aimerions l’accueillir encore au

Nigeria pour lui montrer tout ce qui a été réalisé à la suite de son œuvre de pionnier.”

Quand je quittai le Nigeria en 1967, Bob se chargea de l’administration de la

Société, remplissant le rôle de Secrétaire et de Trésorier jusqu’en 1978 et demeura

Trésorier jusqu’à ce jour ainsi que Secrétaire aux Abonnements. Peut-être personne

n’a publié autant que lui dans le Bulletin et Malimbus: en tout quelque 85 articles,

notes et rapports (une liste complète des publications de Bob dans notre journal se

trouve sur le site web de la S. O. O. A.). Sa toute première publication était son rapport

de baguage, une caractéristique qui subsista jusqu’au 28ème rapport en 1986.

L’intérêt d’avoir les oiseaux en mains et de les baguer apparaît en feuilletant les

articles sur le baguage d’hirondelles (1965), le poids des Phragmites des joncs et des

Rousserolles effarvates (1966), les reprises des bergeronnettes flava (1967), les

reprises d’oiseaux résidents (1967) et les reprises de bagues entre le Nigeria et l’est de

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l’Europe (1997). Un autre aspect fut pendant des décades la publication d’un rapport

financier annuel.

La grande passion de Bob fut les oiseaux d’eau. Comme membre du Groupe de

travail sur les canards de F International Wildfowl Research Bureau il publia une série

d’articles dans le Bulletin sur les recensements de sauvagine. Son imagination

s’enflammait pour tout ce qui se permet de se mouiller les pattes, et le bulletin a vu

des articles sur les Grébifoulques (Finfoots), qu’il appelait Finfeet, les Sarcelles à

oreillons, les Blongios nains, les Sarcelles hottentotes, les Pluviers à triple collier, les

Cormorans, les Sarcelles marbrées, les Poules d’eau d’Europe, les Mouettes rieuses et

à tête grise. Un autre exemple de son énergie fut la compilation des listes régionales

d’avifaune, par exemple celle du Jos-Bauchi Plateau, Tivland, Mallam’fatori,

Yankari Game Reserve (à présent Parc National), Nindam Forest (Kagoro) et bien

entendu le Kano State qu’il aimait tant (1981, Malimbus 3: 7-30). Dans son amicale

notice nécrologique pour John Elgood, co-fondateur de la N.O.S. (1999, Malimbus

21: 74-75), Bob rappelle que quand John était avec lui en 1976 ce dernier écrivit un

rapport sur les zones humides entre Hadejia et Nguru, pour le département de

l’agriculture du Kano State, avec pour résultat l’inscription de la zone comme

Réserve humide. On peut parier que Bob assuma une large part du travail de terrain.

La Sarcelle marbrée et la Poule d’eau d’Europe étaient nouvelles pour l’Afrique

de l’Ouest, ainsi que l’Hypolaïs des oliviers capturée par Bob à Kano. Parmi les

oiseaux terrestres, les coucous Font toujours intéressé et en 1959 c’est lui qui

m’apprit, car j’étais tout à fait novice en ornithologie africaine, combien le Coucou

solitaire était répandu sur File de Fernando Po (à présent Bioko): il criait partout et

pourtant nous n’en vîmes aucun. Bien des années après il me laissa deviner si le

Coucou criard existait dans le district de Zaria: à l’époque aucun n’avait été vu ni

entendu, et encore moins une plume ou un œuf trouvés. Réponse: le chant du Petit

Cossyphe à tête blanche contient des imitations du Coucou criard. Mais plus tard on

découvrit que les deux espèces sont de rares visiteurs de printemps venant du sud, si

bien que peut-être le cossyphe aurait appris ailleurs à imiter le coucou.

Bob a toujours été un lève-tôt, même une lève-très-tôt. Au Congrès Ornithologique

Panafricain de Lilongwe, Malawi, je me rappelle m’être levé tôt pour faire quelques

observations sur les oiseaux avant le petit déjeuner et d’avoir eu la surprise

d’apercevoir la silhouette sombre de Bob, à peine visible dans les hautes herbes, et se

détachant sur le fond de la rivière. Il fixait quelque chose à travers ses jumelles.

Pendant plusieurs minutes je fouillai la rive mais ne vis rien. Comme j’approchai, il

me taquina et me dit “Regardez l’œil, là, dans les roseaux” mais je ne voyais toujours

rien du tout jusqu’à ce qu’il m’indiqua un œil énorme et que son propriétaire prit

lentement forme: c’était le rare Bihoreau à dos blanc, jusqu’à ce jour ma seule et

unique observation.

La découverte de cet œil était un admirable exemple de sa virtuosité sur le terrain;

il était et demeure sûrement un observateur de la nature avec un excellent coup d’œil

et une oreille fine. C’est un témoignage de son enthousiasme et de sa volonté, que

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passé 80 ans il parcourt, grâce aux excursions, tous les coins du monde en quête

d’oiseaux, de plantes et d’insectes. Puisse-t-il trouver après 90 ans encore beaucoup

d’autres destinations de voyage.

Tout cela parle du Bob Sharland ornithologue, de sa passion pour les oiseaux de

Nigeria, de son soutien à notre Société et de la défense sans faille de ses intérêts, mais

touche à peine à sa personnalité: Bob Sharland lui-même. C’est grâce à son caractère

séduisant, à son esprit généreux, à son hospitalité attentionnée, à son amitié et au fait

d’être toujours là pour ses collègues, qu’il laissa une telle empreinte sur S.O.O.A.

Mike Dyer se rappelle que, arrivant au Nigeria pour étudier les Guêpiers à gorge

rouge à Tuniversité Ahmadu Bello à Zaria début 1970, “l’enthousiasme de Bob était

immédiatement apparent; en un rien de temps il s’était arrangé pour revenir le week-

end suivant malgré un long détour (ce n’était pas rien de voyager de Kano à Zaria à

cette époque), me prendre au passage et repartir quelque part dans la brousse. Cela

était absolument typique de lui. Pendant les quatre ou cinq années à venir, partir en

brousse avec ses filets et son matériel de camp pour le week-end appartenait en

quelque sorte à un rituel.

“C’est de ces expéditions à Old Bimin Gwari, une région avec des lions bien à

l’ouest de Zaria, que je garde mes meilleurs souvenirs de lui. Habituellement, nous

arrivions bien avant le coucher du soleil. Bob prenait alors soudain un sentier

embroussaillé et conduisait pendant plusieurs kilomètres dans l’inconnu. Tout à coup,

il s’arrêtait près d’une hutte de pisé abandonnée, avec la moitié d’un toit, qui serait

notre base pour la fin de la semaine. S’agitant avant l’aube et rassemblant avec bruit

les perches, trébuchant au milieu de notre fourbi avant de sortir pour poser ses

filets était une routine; l’aube s’était à peine levée qu’il rentrait avec quelque Sénégal!

vert à joues blanches ou autre espèce; il mesurait et baguait sa capture puis après un

rapide petit déjeuner retournait en brousse pour la journée. Une autre fois il vit

quelques martinets tomber du ciel au crépuscule et plonger dans un puits de village

abandonné. Bien avant l’aube il était debout, avait recouvert l’entrée du puits avec sa

moustiquaire et encore une fois le petit déjeuner fut marqué par la réapparition de

Bob, cette fois avec une bonne capture de Martinets d’Ussher.”

Arrivé à Kano pour prendre son poste à Bayero University in 1977, Roger

Wilkinson profita beaucoup de la gentillesse de Bob: “Il était de retour au Nigeria

après son premier départ en retraite quand nous l’avons rencontré ma femme et moi

pour la première fois. Ayant appris par la rumeur publique qu’un autre mordu des

oiseaux arrivait à l’université, il s’arrangea pour savoir où nous étions; il était la

gentillesse en personne, nous invita chez lui où on trouvait compagnie, conversation

et repas. Un plat particulièrement mémorable fut un ragoût de Canard à bosse où

dominait la chair de la première Sarcelle marbrée de Nigeria, tirée parmi un vol d’une

cinquantaine par un chasseur près de Nguru. Plus tard Bob venait à la maison pour

dîner mais une fois nous eûmes beaucoup de retard. Nous avions essayé de capturer

des engoulevents mais n’avions réussi qu’à revenir avec des filets pleins de chauves-

souris que Bob insista pour sortir des filets, avant de commencer le repas.

90

Society Notices

Malimbus 30

“Sa vie semble avoir été dominée, du moins me semble-t-il, par ses activités hors

bureau et même loin de la ville. Preneur d’oiseaux au filet passionné et plein

d’expérience, il nous emmena souvent sur ses sites préférés parfois près mais aussi

loin de Kano. Naturaliste authentique, il avait une énergie et un enthousiasme

inépuisables pour la vie et les oiseaux; plutôt que d’attendre et de voir ce qui allait

arriver, il préférait marcher à travers la brousse. Ce qui est surprenant c’est que Bob

ait gardé toute sa joie de vivre jusqu’à 90 ans. J’ai beaucoup appris de lui et je

m’estime heureux d’être encore capable de profiter de sa compagnie; je lui souhaite

d’être encore capable longtemps de profiter de la nature.”

Pour Gérard Morel, ex-Président de S. O. O. A., les relations avec Bob ont eu un

caractère un peu différent; “J’ai en effet longtemps résidé au Sénégal, donc loin du

Nigéria et nous n’avions que des contacts épistolaires. Mais, de retour en France, à

ma retraite, je n’ai pas tardé à rencontrer Bob en Angleterre pour les réunions

annuelles du Conseil de la S. O. O. A. et aussi sur le continent car, entre 1990 et 2000,

plusieurs réunions eurent lieu en Normandie et aux Pays-Bas et selon son habitude il

n’hésita pas à se joindre aux autres participants et nous montrait une fois encore sa

passion des oiseaux.

“Mais je voudrais insister sur son rôle essentiel dans la Société pour des tâches

administratives rébarbatives et souvent obscures. 11 continuait à assurer le suivi de la

comptabilité, recherchait le meilleur et le moins cher des imprimeurs, rappelait aux

membres négligents le paiement de leur cotisation et assurait l’expédition des

bulletins. Peu habitué à l’ordinateur et toujours dans un grand souci d’économie, il

m’écrivait sur de minuscules lettres l’objet de sa requête qui était présenté dans un

style concis mais parfaitement clair. C’est grâce à une telle gestion que le montant de

la cotisation fut maintenu si longtemps sans que cela nuise à la qualité du bulletin,

bien au contraire.

“J’imagine mal la Société sans Bob et ne puis oublier son accueil chaleureux dans

sa maison tranquille, perdue dans la eampagne à proximité d’un cours d’eau et, en

tant que Président, je tiens à le remercier d’une collaboration aussi agréable

qu’efficace. Bonne continuation, cher Bob, et en route pour votre centenaire, n’est-ce

pas.”

C’est avec grand plaisir que le Conseil de S. O. O. A. a offert à Bob une Adhésion

Honoraire à Vie, faible témoignage de notre gratitude.

2008

Informations de la Société

91

Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists^ Society now on W.A.O.S. web site

The full text of Volumes 11-14 (1975-8) of the Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists'

Society has been placed on the W.A.O.S. web site <http://malimbus.free.fr>. Mary

Gartshore kindly loaned the issues from which the pages were scanned.

With the 26 volumes of Malimbus already on the web site, there are now 30

volumes of full text available. The latest addition brings pdfs of 424 extra pages, 52

papers and eight issues. A species index of all volumes of the Bulletin is already on

the web site.

Bull. Niger. Orn. Soc. was transformed into Malimbus in 1979. Though most of

their material is from Nigeria and Ghana, these volumes of the Bulletin contain records

from eight West African countries. There are also accounts of the process whereby

the Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society was “west-africanised” {Bull. Niger. Orn. Soc. 13:

85) and the Bulletin converted into Malimbus {Bull. Niger. Orn. Soc. 14: 1-3).

It is the intention of Council to add the full text of the remaining ten volumes of

the Bulletin to the web site in due course.

P.W.P. Browne

Le Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists^ Society est maintenant sur le

site Internet de la S.O.O.A.

Le texte complet des Volumes 11-14 (1975-8) du Bulletin of the Nigerian

Ornithologists' Society a été placé sur le site Internet de la S.O.O.A.

<http://malimbus.free.fr>. Mary Gartshore a aimablement prêté les numéros dont les

pages ont été scannées.

Avec les 26 volumes de Malimbus déjà sur le site Internet, le texte complet de 30

volumes est désormais accessible. Le dernier ajout porte sur 424 pages pdf, 52 articles

et 8 numéros. Un index des espèces pour tous les volumes du Bulletin est déjà sur le

site Internet.

Le Bull. Niger. Orn. Soc. a été transformé en Malimbus en 1979. Bien que la majeure

partie de son contenu ait été relative au Nigeria et au Ghana, ces volumes du Bulletin

contiennent des notes sur huit pays d’Afrique de l’Ouest. On y trouve aussi des

compte-rendus sur le processus selon lequel la Nigérian Ornithologists’ Society a été

“ouestafricanisée” {Bull. Niger. Orn. Soc. 13: 85) et le Bulletin transformé en

Malimbus {Bull. Niger. Orn. Soc. 14: 1-3).

Le Conseil a l’intention d’ajouter le texte complet des dix derniers volumes du

Bulletin sur le site Internet.

P.W.P. Browne

92

Society Notices

Malimbus 30

W.A.O.S. membership changes

Changements à la liste d’adhérents de la S.O.O.A.

New members — Nouveaux membres

COWAN, Dr P., School Croft, Timmerlun Lane, Newburgh AB41 6BF, U.K.

Habu, a., Leventis Ornithological Inst., Jos University, Laminga POB 13404, Jos

Plateau State, Nigeria

Laffargue, C., La Tuilerie, F-47200 Forques, France

Phalan, b.. Zoology Dept, Downing St, Cambridge CB2 3GJ, U.K.

SiAKA, A., Conservation Soc. of Sierra Leone, POB 1292 Freetown, Sierra Leone

Skeen, R.Q., Gt Bustards, Docking, Kings Lynn PE31 8NG, U.K.

Smith, Rev. R., 230 Stevenson Rd, Derby DE2 3BL, U.K.

Resignations and deletions — Renonciations et enlèvements

Name and address changes and corrections

Changements et corrections de nom ou adresse

Barker, J.C., Avondale, Westboume Rd, Westboume, Sussex POlO 8UL, U.K.

Elliot, Sir C.C.H., Bt, Ph.D., 172 Woodstock Rd, Oxford, U.K.

Handke, C., Stendahlerstr. 13, D-39326 Loitsche, Germany

King, T., Rue de Piroy 107, B-5020 Malone, Belgium

Manire, K., Peace Corps, BP 3194, Lome, Togo

Manvell, a., 14 Gloucester Rd, Norwich NR2 2DX, U.K.

Skinner, Dr N.J., 48 Everitt Court, Swonells Walk, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft NR32

3PL, U.K.

Stuart, Dr S.N., 72 Muirhill, Limpley Stoke, Bath BA2 7FQ, U.K.

Tamungang, A.S., POB 146, Dschang, Cameroon

Tye, Dr A., SPREP, PO Box 240, Apia, Samoa. <alant@sprep.org>

R.E. Sharland

Instructions to Authors

Malimbus publishes research articles, reviews and news about West African ornithology.

Papers and Short Notes must be original contributions; material published elsewhere, in

whole or in part, will not normally be accepted. Short Notes are articles not exceeding 1500

words (including references) or four printed pages in length. Wherever possible, manuscripts

should first have been critically scrutinised by at least one other ornithologist or biologist before

submission. Manuscripts will be sent for critical review to at least one relevant authority.

Items for News & Letters should not exceed 1000 words.

Contributions are accepted in English or French; editorial assistance will be made available

to authors whose first language is not one of these. Submission by email (attached file) is

preferred. Consult the editor for further details, e.g. acceptable software. For submissions on paper,

two copies are required, typed on one side of the paper, with double spacing and wide margins.