Moult of Guinea savanna passerines in West Africa

Abstract

Moult timing and duration was estimated in 17 passerine bird species in the guinea savanna zone of Nigeria. In 15 species, moult duration was much longer than in the equivalent north temperate resident passerines. Sixteen species were found to moult seasonally, with most granivorous species moulting in the dry season. General seasonal patterns of either insectivores or nectarivores were not apparent. These results are discussed in the context of other important aspects of the annual cycle and the life history styles of tropical birds.