Protectors, enablers, or signallers? Investigating the effects of Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) flocks on accompanying avifauna in a key wetland area
摘要
In many contexts, certain bird species are known to affect behaviors of nearby individuals, particularly those species that display behaviors with a more profound impact on water and sediment dynamics. One such species is the Chilean Flamingo, a well-known waterbird that forages collectively by stirring the sediment, often attracting a variety of wader bird species. However, the positive interspecific interactions between flamingos and other wetland birds remain poorly understood. To investigate whether flamingos positively impact the behavior of other birds, we collected behavioral and environmental data from September 2021 to October 2022 at Lagoa do Peixe National Park, Southern Brazil, a key wetland for migratory birds and a year-round habitat for Chilean Flamingos. In total, we observed 17 different species, both migratory and resident, around Chilean Flamingo flocks. We identified the three main effects with varying intensities depending on the surrounding species. Overall, the flamingos were found to increase the foraging efficiency, both by facilitating the food capture and by signaling areas of higher food abundance, a phenomenon influenced by lagoon water levels. Additionally, for some species, the presence of flamingos reduced vigilance frequency. Flock size played a significant role in modulating these effects, with medium-sized flocks optimizing foraging efficiency and larger flocks enhancing protection. Our findings highlight the multifaceted role of Chilean Flamingos in wetland ecosystems. They serve as signalers, enablers, and protectors for other bird species, underscoring the value of conservation efforts for flamingos and their potential as umbrella species for migratory shorebirds.