Identification of potentially competing Afrotropical and Palaearctic bird species in the Sahel

Abstract

Areas experiencing a seasonal influx of migrants may be expected to have a high potential for competition between resident and migrant populations. Described differences in foraging behaviour and microhabitat selection between Palaearctic and Afrotropical species have been ascribed to competition between these groups. The first step in the assessment of whether there are any interspecific competitive interactions must be the identification of species with the greatest overlap in habitat selection and foraging method. Our results provide a tool for identifying species with the greatest potential for interspecific competition. These species should be the focus of any further examination of competition within the Sahel.