A Community Structure And Activity Rhythms Of The Farmland Birds In Eastern Outskirt Of Hohhot

An investigation was conducted on the bird communities in Hohhot farmland from January2011to December2011. This research aimed to analyse the community structure and daily and seasonal activity rhythm differences of the birds considering the influences of climate factors. A total of13,867individuals of31species, within19families and8orders was recorded in the study area. Among them,16species of birds were the residents,11species of birds were the summer visitors,3species of birds were the winter visitors and1species of bird was the passing migrant.1636individuals of19species in spring,1560individuals of18species in summer,6406individuals of18species in autumn, and4265individuals of13species in winter were registered.A daily activity rhythm of the bird community was different monthly. Species composition of the bird communities was various due to the seasonal changes. In fact, the largest difference recognized during summer and autumn. However, it was similar in the spring and summer as well as in spring and in autumn. Generally, the seasonal difference was not significant impact to the bird community in farmland.From February to May, the activity rhythm of bird community was relatively constant. The peak period was from8:00am to10:00am. In January, the peak period occurred from10:00am to12:00am. In April, June, July, August and November, the daily activity curves were bimodal and the peak period appeared in6:00am—8:00am and6:00pm—8:00pm. In May, the peaks periods recognized in8:00am—10:00am and6:00pm—8:00pm. The peak period in September observed during2:00pm—4:00pm. Since October the peak period was becoming later. From October to December, two peak periods were identified, which are10:00am—12:00am and4:00pm—6:00pm. The species composition of bird community depended on the seasonal changes. The number of bird species and their individual density determined by autumn>winter>spring>summer. The species diversity and evenness determined by spring>summer>autumn>winter and dominance was winter>autumn> summer>spring.A peak activity of bird community was in spring and it continued during the time period of08:00am—10:00am. Although, the summer peaks identified from6:00am to l0:00am and from6:00pm to8:00pm, the autumn peaks appeared between6:OOam—8:O0am and2:00pm—4:00pm and winter peaks occurred between10:00am—12:00pm and4:00pm—6:00pm. Surprisingly throughout the year, there was no activity between8:00pm—6:00am.However, the species with the highest abundance within total recorded31bird species was selected for further data and statistical analysis in order to determine the daily activity of those bird species under the severe weather conditions. Although the daily activity of bird communities was seasonally dissimilar depending on weather conditions, the species have been permanently used the farmland throughout the year. It can be concluded that wind speed and air temperature are the significant factors on abundance of bird community during the cold months. The highest density was recorded in autumn and considerably low number of individuals was recorded in spring and summer seasons.