Autumn‐winter structure of bird communities in selected habitats of Tuscany (Italy)

Abstract

Sixty‐two species have been recorded in autumn‐winter in 11 selected habitats of Northern Tuscany (Italy). Riparian woodland and olive orchard supported the highest number of bird species. The interhabitat similarity is higher in woody habitats than in open habitats. The specific inter‐monthly stability and the habitat breadth are positively correlated (p < .001). In woodlands the residents are dominant whereas in farmlands the partial and transalpine migrants are dominant. The patchy structure of habitats and the abundance of resources are probable factors responsible for the low intercategory overlap.

Key words:

• Bird community structure
• Habitat preferences
• Seasonal variation