Birds in the urban area of Hato Mayor del Rey Municipality, Dominican Republic

Abstract

The aim of this study was to conduct the first avifaunal inventory of the urban area within the municipality of Hato Mayor del Rey, located in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic. Using the point count method, 50 counting points were established, randomly distributed and equidistant from each other at 250 meters. The effective number of species was quantified using the Hill diversity numbers for the orders q=0, q=1, and q=2. A total of 1,227 individuals from 29 bird species belonging to 10 orders, 22 families, and 27 genera were recorded. Among these species, 15 are residents, six are endemic, five are introduced, and three are migratory. The families with the highest species richness were Columbidae and Parulidae, each with three species, while Trochilidae, Cuculidae, and Ardeidae were represented by two species each. The remaining families were represented by a single species. Twelve species primarily feed on invertebrates, five on plants and seeds, five are omnivorous, four consume fruits and nectar, and three prey on vertebrates such as fish or carrion. All recorded species are categorized as of "Least Concern" according to conservation status. None of the species have been assessed on the National Red List. This study provides valuable information for the development of avifauna conservation policies in this city, and it can also serve as a foundation for environmental education initiatives for the municipality's residents.