ABSTRACT
This study assessed the diversity, abundance
and feeding of the kingfisher bird species within Umudike. The study was
carried out within the campus of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture.
Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State. Nigeria in order to identify the kingfisher
species present in Umudike. estimate the population of kingfisher species
present in the area, identify the major food preference of the Kingfisher bird
species and study the territorial overlap of the different bird species under
study. A line transect census technique was used to estimate the diversity and
abundance of kingfisher within the study site. Observation of birds were done
along thetransects so that both the forest and its surrounding fragments are
equally represented, since kingfisher bird generally occupy the same niche and
utilize similar resources. The result showed a total ofsix (6) different
kingfisher species were observed in the study area ofwhich 31.58% ofthe species
are woodland kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis'), 21.05% are the Bluebreasted
kingfisher species (Halcyon malimbica), 10.03% are the Malachite kingfisher
species (Corythornis cristatus\ 21.05% are the Grey headed kingfisher species
(Halcyon leucocephald), 10.53% are the Pied kingfisher species (Ceryle rudis)
while 5.26% are the African Pygmy kingfisher species (Ispidina picta). The food
preference of the kingfisher bird species observed showed that the kingfisher
species preyed more on insects (dragonfly, grasshopper, damselfly, butterfly
and ant), fishes (tilapia) and fruits. This shows that Umudike (MOUAU) is an
important habitat or location for kingfisher species and thus conservation
activities need to be increased by discouraging deforestation in order to
preserve the species.
AGUEKE, A (2024). Studies On The Abundance, Diversity And Feeding Behaviour Of Kingfisher Species In Umudike, Abla State, Nigeria:- Agueke Comfort N. Repository.mouau.edu.ng: Retrieved Oct 10, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/studies-on-the-abundance-diversity-and-feeding-behaviour-of-kingfisher-species-in-umudike-abla-state-nigeria-agueke-comfort-n-7-2
AGUEKE, AGUEKE. "Studies On The Abundance, Diversity And Feeding Behaviour Of Kingfisher Species In Umudike, Abla State, Nigeria:- Agueke Comfort N" Repository.mouau.edu.ng. Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 28 Aug. 2024, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/studies-on-the-abundance-diversity-and-feeding-behaviour-of-kingfisher-species-in-umudike-abla-state-nigeria-agueke-comfort-n-7-2. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.
AGUEKE, AGUEKE. "Studies On The Abundance, Diversity And Feeding Behaviour Of Kingfisher Species In Umudike, Abla State, Nigeria:- Agueke Comfort N". Repository.mouau.edu.ng, Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 28 Aug. 2024. Web. 10 Oct. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/studies-on-the-abundance-diversity-and-feeding-behaviour-of-kingfisher-species-in-umudike-abla-state-nigeria-agueke-comfort-n-7-2 >.
AGUEKE, AGUEKE. "Studies On The Abundance, Diversity And Feeding Behaviour Of Kingfisher Species In Umudike, Abla State, Nigeria:- Agueke Comfort N" Repository.mouau.edu.ng (2024). Accessed 10 Oct. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/studies-on-the-abundance-diversity-and-feeding-behaviour-of-kingfisher-species-in-umudike-abla-state-nigeria-agueke-comfort-n-7-2