Crop damage by granivorous birds despite protection efforts by human bird scarers in a sorghum field in western Kenya

摘要: Cereal crop damage from granivorous birds poses a serious food security problem for subsistence farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. In this region, may rely on human ‘bird scarers’ to limit damage. Here we report feeding behaviour and patterns caused by Village Weavers Ploceus cucullatus African Mourning Doves Streptopelia decipiens during four days 0.12 ha sorghum field protected two full-time bird scarers western Kenya. Despite the efforts, almost 60% of seed was lost before harvest. Bird abundance largely determined presence scarers, with loss being function distance these people. Throughout day, an average 18 weavers (maximum 120) present any five-minute period. The number mud projectiles thrown at per 15 min showed only minor diurnal fluctuations, further suggesting that eaters attacked throughout day. Weaver individuals took 16 see...