Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 84 (1): 107-113, 2011
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Abundance and activity-pattern of birds at a landfill in central
Chile
Landfills are considered an attractive habitat for several bird species; however,
implications of this condition have not yet been explored in the country. We monitored birds’ activity patterns that use a
landfill located in the vicinity of Santiago, Chile’s capital. Main birds recorded in the area were, Kelp gull (Larus
dominicanus Lichtenstein), Chimango caracara (Milvago chimango Vieillot), Cattle egret
(Buculbus ibis Linnaeus) and Black Chested Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus Swann). Kelp Gull
was the most abundant species, (with values between 358 to 1950 individuals per day) and that also displayed a bimodal
behavior linked directly to the landfill operation levels. In the case of Black Chested Eagle, we observed a kleptoparasitic
behavior over Chimango Caracara which selected organic offal (fishes, innards, meat) for its feeding and that are stolen by
the eagle. Finally we highlight simple management activities that should decrease the number of birds in these kinds of
facilities.
Key words:
Bubulcus
ibis, Chile, landfills, Larus dominicanus, Milvago chimango
