WINTER BIRD COMMUNITIES ON SAN-SALVADOR, BAHAMAS

We used mist nets to quantify the abundance and habitat use of birds i n three habitats on San Salvador, Bahamas, during the winters of 1994, 1996, and 1997. Thirty species were captured, of which 28 (12 permane nt and 16 winter residents) were regular community members. Permanent residents composed 40% of species in all habitats, and parulid warbler s (13 species) dominated the winter-resident community. The number of migrant species was virtually identical to that of other Bahama island s that are larger and/or closer to the North American continent. Distu rbed habitat yielded the most species (24) and highest capture I ate ( 103 birds/100 net h), followed by mangrove (17 species and 51 birds/10 0 net h) and thickets (14 species and 60 birds/100 net h). Capture rat es of migrants were relatively constant across years (30-38 birds/100 net h), with the possible exception of declines in White-eyed Vireos ( Vireo griseus). Annual variation in capture rates of permanent residen t was high (30-64 birds/100 net h) due to a decline of Bananaquits (Co erba flaveola) in 1997. Bananaquits also showed a significant decline in body condition in 1997. We attribute both phe nomena to the impact of Hurricane Lilly on Bananaquit food supplies. Six species exhibited narrow habitat preferences (three in mangroves, three in disturbed), w hereas three others were habitat generalists. Mangroves were the prima ry or secondary habitat for six species, whereas ten species used the disturbed area either exclusively or as a secondary site. Thickets wer e the preferred habitat of only one species (Thick-billed Vireo; V cra ssirostris). Lightly disturbed areas and mangroves serve as important habitats for nearctic migrants and permanent residents on San Salvador .