Food preference and feeding ecology of the Northern grey-headed sparrow (Passer griseus ) in Ilaro Ogun State Nigeria for sustainable tourism

Abstract

A study on the food preference and feeding ecology of the Passer griseus in Ilaro Ogun state Nigeria for sustainable tourism was carried out for 12 Months In 2022. The study area was divided into three blocks: the residential block, the forest/farmland block, and the nonresidential block. Data on the diet and feeding ecology of 20 pairs of Northern Grey Headed Sparrows with individual sizes ranging from one to three were gathered over the course of a sustained 12-month period (January-December 2022). The Direct Observation method was used for this investigation. Field observations were conducted from dawn to dusk using binoculars (Bushnell 750) to observe when birds were actively feeding and causing the least disruptions. On each visit, we collected data regarding the foraging area, the method of feeding, the feeding session, the number of birds, the type of diets, and any associations with other bird species. The seasonal fluctuations in the bird's dietary habits were investigated. The results show that plant species resources (34.12%) and cereal crops (51%) made up these bird species' primary food sources, respectively. The result also revealed that Ficus thonnigii 7,1% was the highest plant resource fed upon, which was followed by Ficus exsaparata  6.3% and Azadirictha indica 5.1% respectively. The result of the cereal crops consumed showed that Oryza sativa 10.6% has the highest and this is followed by zea mays 9.6%, and panicum maximum 8.4%. The results of the insects fed upon by the Passer griseus indicates that macrotemes bellicosus has the highest frequency of observations at 4.2% and this followed by Macrtemes natalensis at 3.1, The result of habitat utilization showed that Residential Block has the highest percentage of utilization 40%, this is followed by forest/farmland 35%. The family composition indicates the plant species belong to 14 families with Moraceae having the highest number of plant species, this was followed by Fabaceae and Leguminoseae with 2 plant species respectively.