Habitat Preference and Distribution Patterns of Five Columbidae Species in Two Mountainous Valleys of the Central High Atlas (Morocco)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Many studies have analysed nesting habitats and diet overlap in Columbidae species in Morocco, mainly in lowlands. In this study, we investigated habitat preferences and cohabitation of five Columbidae species in two Central High Atlas valleys. The research was conducted using observation and listening methods in 179 points chosen at the valley bottom between altitudes of 700 and 2600 m. Over the four seasons of the years 2018 and 2019, 1073 birds of Columbids were recorded, with a large dominance of pigeons: Columba palumbus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Columba livia (J.F. Gmelin, 1789). The largest populations were counted at the lowest mountains, and the species showed a significant segregation in time and space. C. palumbus which has the highest degree of preference, expresses a negative association with human habitations but a remarkable habitat overlapping in coniferous forests with C. livia , which cohabits in other habitat types (e.g., juniper stands and farmlands) with Streptopelia turtur arenicola (Hartert, EJO, 1894), reflecting a strong association with human settlements. Furthermore, all records of Streptopelia decaocto (Frivaldszky, 1838) were present near human habitations and in agricultural fields. Finally, Spilopelia senegalensis (Linnaeus, 1766), an expanding bird in Morocco, has been recorded accidentally at highest altitude of the study area. The distribution of the Columbidae species is mainly governed by breeding and feeding habitats, for which they show patterns consistent with resource partitioning. However, it seems that more research is needed to better clarify the use of these resources.