Species composition, abundance and activity pattern of birds in Addis Ababa Abattoirs Enterprise area

ABSTRACT: Studies on species composition and abundance of birds in Addis Ababa Abattoirs Enterprise compound were carried out from March 2006 to February 2007. Point count method was employed to record the abundance of individual bird species. Twenty one species of birds, including the endemic Wattled Ibis, White-collared Pigeon and Thick-billed Raven were recorded. Of the total species, 12 (57.14%) were regular, 4 (19.05%) were resident and 5 (23.81%) were irregular. The species composition decreased during the wet season due to the departure of migratory birds. But, the abundance of birds during the wet season was greater than during the dry season. The most abundant species were hooded and African white-backed vultures. The activity time was from 06: 00 - 18:00 h during the dry season. The fresh dumping site was intensively disturbed by human activities, affecting the normal feeding behaviour of birds.