Abstract

The structure and dynamics of avian communities in the temperate forests of southern South America have been generally studied during the breeding season (November-March), and reports about seasonal variations and migratory behavior of species are almost lacking. This study examined intraannual variations on a monthly basis in bird species composition and abundance in the world's southernmost forested ecosystems, found in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, Chile (55°S). Combining data obtained through point-count surveys, mist-netting, and checklist methods, we recorded a total of 34 bird species belonging to 20 families. Eighteen of these species were Passeriformes, and the most abundant year-round resident species were Thorn-tailed Rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda) and Patagonian Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus patagonicus). The most abundant seasonal migrants species were White-crested Elaenia (Elaenia albiceps) and Southern House Wren (Troglodytes musculus). Point-count and mist-netting methods showed a reduction in species richness and abundance during winter, with one third of the bird assemblage absent. This proportion was lower than that documented for more northern Nothofagus forests. Additionally, our data provided no evidence that intra-annual patterns of avian community structure were significantly affected by a recently implemented tourism trail through the Omora Park. We believe that understanding seasonal patterns of richness, abundance, and migratory status of Chilean temperate forests birds will help to better understand the world's southernmost forest ecosystem, implement effective conservation, facilitate sustainable ecotourism, and lead to new ecological and evolutionary research. Accepted 14 April 2009. © The Neotropical Ornithological Society.