Description: Interactions between birds and termites remain poorly known, despite both groups are globally distributed. Many birds forage on termites and several species use cavities of arboreal or terrestrial termitaries as shelter or to build nests. However, information about the dynamics of termitary use by birds throughout the annual cycle is missing. For instance, few species are excavators and many others likely compete for cavities with suitable characteristics throughout the year. In the Brazilian Cerrado, there are about 40 bird species that breed inside cavities of termite nests and 26 of these occur at the unique yet spectacular Emas National Park (ENP). Our goal is to investigate the ecology of avian species using cavities in termitaries through the annual cycle at ENP. We will gather information about birds and their breeding seasons, cavity availability and use, and competition among species. Through the use of specific methods, we aim to (1) estimate density and availability of termite mounds and their cavities; (2) characterize cavity dimensions; (3) identify bird species that use cavities throughout the annual cycle; (4) characterize season, duration and purpose (shelter, nest) of cavity use by birds; (5) gather information about breeding biology of cavity-nesting bird species; and (6) assess factors that potentially determine cavity occupancy, regarding availability, suitability, competition, predation risk, fire impact, among others. Expected results will provide quality information about: (1) the ecology and natural history of cavity-nesting birds; (2) the dynamics of availability and suitability of cavities as resource for birds in the annual cycle and (3) interactions among birds species and other cavity users, particularly regarding resource partitioning and competition.

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Status: 2019 - current

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Institution: UFG

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Sponsor: 

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Team members: Carlos Bianchi (Coordinator) / Sergio Brant / Arthur Ângelo Bispo / Shayana de Jesus / Sabrina Wust