The ecological importance of wetlands for aerial insectivores (swifts, martins and swallows) along the Tyrrhenian coast

摘要: We studied phenology and density of migrant aerial insectivore birds (Riparia riparia, Hirundo rustica, Delichon urbicum, Apus sp.) from a coastal landscape mosaic central Italy, in order to detect differences habitat use seasonal dynamics each species. Two types were surveyed: wetlands (a reed beds rush beds) altered habitats, consisting orchards urban areas. used the point count method January June, set randomly selected sampling points. A comparison between all species showed that swifts reached highest mean density, while sand martin lowest values, mainly habitats. Initially, breeding numerous wetlands; subsequently they shifted toward habitats (mainly as sites), where observed up end counts. Along Tyrrhenian coast, are exploited soon these foragers arrive study area then shift surrounding (i.e., urbanized or land reclaimed) zones for nesting after some ten-days.