Abstract

This study investigates the habitat utilization, feeding behavior, and diet composition of the Black-billed Magpie Platysmurus leucopterus within Gboko Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. Urbanization significantly alters biodiversity through habitat fragmentation and modification, yet some species, like the Black-billed Magpie, demonstrate remarkable adaptability to urban environments. Using the Timed Species Count (TSC) method, observations were conducted across five urban land-use types: residential areas, tertiary institutions, commercial zones, urban parks, and roadside vegetation. Results reveal significant variation in habitat preferences, with roadside vegetation being the most utilized habitat (60 observations), while commercial zones were the least (15 observations). Diet analysis highlights an insectivorous tendency (40%), supplemented by human food scraps (30%), fruits (20%), and other minor items (10%), demonstrating dietary plasticity. Feeding location preferences show a strong affinity for tree feeding (50%), followed by ground feeding (35%), with minimal reliance on garbage areas (15%). The findings underline the species' ecological adaptability, leveraging both natural and anthropogenic resources. This adaptability is attributed to their generalist behavior and omnivorous diet, allowing successful urban colonization.

Keywords

Habitat Utilization, Feeding Behavior, Diet Composition, Urban Ecology, Black-billed Magpie, Ecological Adaptability