Turdus habitat

Urban growth alters natural habitats, yet some native birds adapt and expand their ranges by using cities. We studied two thrush species that recently colonized two Argentine cities and found that, despite being closely related, they exploit different urban resources. One species was mainly associated with open ground and grassy areas, while the other relied more on trees and shrubs and avoided highly built environments. This divergence in habitat use reduces competition and allows both species to coexist in urban landscapes. Our results show that the diversity of habitats within cities plays an important role in helping different bird species coexist. Understanding how native birds adapt to urban environments can guide city planning to support biodiversity and maintain healthy bird communities in growing urban areas.