Contribution of landbird migration to the biological diversity of the Northwest Gulf Coastal Plain

This study examined seasonal diversity and feeding behavior of those avian species utilizing that region of the Northwest Gulf Coastal Plain known as the Chenier plain. Field observations were conducted at three forested loca tions on coastal cheniers for three years (1993-95) in the spring and at on e: location for three years (1996-98) in autumn to determine species presen ce and diet. One hundred and twenty-eight species were present during the s pring and 103 species in autumn. The majority of these species were migrant s (103 species in spring and 89 species in autumn) and the majority of thes e: were Nearctic/Neotropical species (73 species in sprint: and 66 species in autumn). The diet of these migrants was more variable than expected. Man y insectivorous species were observed to consume seeds, fruit and nectar as well as insects. Because of these varied diets, many species serve as seed dispersers, occasional pollinators and important predators of herbivorus i nsects. Wooded areas were found to be important in providing food, cover an d water for migrating species. A review of historical changes in the landsc ape of this area is presented and management practices designed to restore wooded habitat to this area are proposed.