The Tropical Forest Edge Avifauna of Ibadan, Nigeria

Summary The main types of habitat to be found in the Ibadan area are briefly described and their interrelationships considered. The relative degree of shade and cover afforded by each is discussed in relation to human influences. The avifauna, comprising 266 species so far identified in the area, is classified as comprising forest, savanna, widespread and aquatic forms. The status and frequency of each species is indicated. It is shown that the terrestrial element in the Ibadan avifauna is very evenly balanced between forest and savanna forms. The ability of forest forms to emerge from the forest and occupy less shaded habitats is contrasted with the converse ability of savanna forms to enter forested habitats. A number of species are separately noted in a supplement to Appendix 1 that show points of interest concerning their taxonomy, status or range.