Aspects of the feeding ecology of wintering waterbirds on the Densu Delta site, Greater-Accra Region, Ghana

Abstract

This work describes daily feeding rhythms and water depth selection of waterbirds at the Densu Delta in March and April, 2005, using direct observation and still photography. The results indicted that Densu Delta Ramsar Site is an important habitat for 31 species of migratory birds. Specific feeding areas of the various waterbird species were dependent on long length. Foraging time was related to bird size with small birds species spending more time on feeding than larger birds. Analysis of feeding patterns of the waterbirds suggest the occurrence of six functional guilds at the site.