Attraction of bird feeder to avifauna at garden area of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Abstract

The study of bird feeder attraction had been conducted at the garden area of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) for six months started from August 2006 until January 2007. The importance of this study is as an alternative to conserve bird population. The purpose of this study is to identify and check the species of bird presence via bird feeders and to examine the feasibility of bird feeder as a conservation tool. Direct observation method was used to observe appearances of birds on or around bird feeders. A total of 361 sightings representing 12 bird species from 10 families of two orders have been observed at sampling area. At this, 103 sightings (28.5 %) were attracted to the bird feeder. The most dominant species of bird attracted is the Pycnonotus goiavier with 71 % of sightings. Ground feeders attract the most bird visits, which represent 68 of sightings (66 %). January was the peak number of birds attracted to the bird feeder with 47 sighting. In conclusion, three species attracted to bird feeder in which Pcynonotus goiavier was the major species. The feasibility of bird feeder was necessary and appropriate as a conservation tool due to high bird attraction.