Movements of single birds and mixed‐species flocks between isolated fragments of cloud forest in Ecuador

Movements of birds between isolated fragments of cloud forest at 2900–3000 m were studied in southern Ecuador. Twentynine (38 %) of the diurnal forest‐bird species moved over clear‐cut areas between isolated fragments 35–110 m apart. They ranged from the 6 g Black‐throated Tody‐Tyrant (Hemitriccus granadensis) to the > 800 g Bearded Guan (Penelope barbata). The frugivorous Great Thrush (Turdus fuscater) made 48 % of all movements between the fragments. The Great Thrush excluded, frugivorous birds still moved more frequently between fragments than insectivorous and omnivorous birds; edge‐canopy birds moved more frequently between fragments than interior and edge‐canopy‐interior birds. Species ≥ 15 g moved more frequently between fragments than smaller species. The majority of movements occurred between fragments of tall forest and small distance (65–80 m) apart compared to fragments of low forest and greater distance (80–100 m).

Three mixed‐species flocks were present in the study area. The largest flock (21 species, 49–54 individuals) roamed over a continuous tract of forest and contributed individuals to one of the other flocks (11–12 species, 24–25 individuals), which used a fragmented home‐range of minimum 6–7 ha. From time to time the latter flock separated into smaller units. Within the home area mixed‐species flocks were observed more frequently in tall forest (75.8 %) than in low forest.