A hemeroby gradient reveals the structure of bird communities in urban parks

The spatial structure and composition of urban parks play a crucial role in shaping bird communities by determining the availability and quality of suitable sites for nesting, feeding, and shelter. In this study, we investigated bird communities inhabiting urban parks and squares in Dnipro, Ukraine, during the breeding seasons of 2022–2024. Using transect counts, information-logical data analysis, and ecological data classification methods, we analyzed bird species composition and their substrate preferences to identify ecological clusters. Based on substrate preferences and ecological adaptations, we identified 12 distinct clusters, some of which reflect different levels of hemeroby – the degree of anthropogenic impact on ecosystems. Species such as the lesser whitethroat ( Sylvia curruca ), tree pipit ( Anthus trivialis ), icterine warbler ( Hippolais icterina ), and common cuckoo ( Cuculus canorus ) were rarely found in urban parks due to specific habitat requirements, indicating areas of low hemeroby. Conversely, species like the woodpigeon ( Columba palumbus ), common starling ( Sturnus vulgaris ), collared flycatcher ( Ficedula albicollis ), and fieldfare ( Turdus pilaris ) were more prevalent, suggesting areas with moderate to high levels of hemeroby. Moreover, we identified bird species that exhibit remarkable adaptability, thriving both in urban park areas and natural habitats. These include the great tit ( Parus major ), hooded crow ( Corvus cornix ), and chaffinch ( Fringi l la coelebs ). Their widespread presence across diverse environments underscores their ecological versatility and importance in both urban and natural ecosystems. The widespread presence of species such as the tree sparrow ( Passer montanus ) indicates significant ecological transformation within these urban parks. These findings emphasize the importance of specific habitat features in supporting diverse bird communities and reveal varying degrees of species sensitivity to urbanization. The presence of these species in park bird communities allows one to assess the level of anthropogenic landscape transformation and can be used for monitoring the ecological state of urban areas. The results underscore the critical importance of conserving and restoring diverse habitats in urban parks and squares, which will support a wide range of bird species, including those adapted to urban environments and those more sensitive to changes.