Breeding and migrating birds in an Amazonian savanna

Seasonal occurrence, breeding and migration records are presented for about 150 species of birds, monitored during a four years survey in an Amazonian savanna near Alter do Chao, Para state, Brazil, by means of mist netting a nd observations along transects and on random walks. About half of the reco rded species were Passeriformes. The local avifauna was mostly comprised of residents, with major breeding activities during the dry season, August th rough February. Thirteen non-resident species were classified as migrants w hich is considered a rather small fraction. Calculations of the total numbe r of species expected to occur at the study site are presented. The composi tion of this savanna bird community is discussed under aspects of seasonali ty and migrational activity. The data are compared with records from other cerrado habitats in Amazonia and elsewhere, especially in Central Brazil.