flamingos as ecosystem engineers: flock size and foraging behaviors linked to nutrient availability

In wetland ecosystems, birds play a crucial role in nutrient cycling through various activities such as excrement deposition, sediment disturbance during foraging, and utilization of mud and vegetation for nesting. Particularly noteworthy are species exhibiting colonial breeding or high sociability, as they can significantly influence waterbody communities and act as ecosystem engineers in these habitats. Flamingos (Phoenicopteridae) possess all these characteristics, making them potential ecosystem engineers. In this study, we aim to test the hypothesis that Chilean Flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis) exert such effects on an important non-breeding wetland. Moreover, we seek to elucidate the underlying reasons for these effects and their relationship with flock size and foraging behavior. To accomplish this, we conducted a year-long study on the flock of Chilean Flamingos at Lagoa do Peixe National Park in southern Brazil. We collected environmental and behavioral data, including nitr..., Between October 2021 and September 2022, a series of monthly field procedures and data collection endeavors were carried out in the Barra and central regions of Lagoa do Peixe National Park, covering an approximate area of 1500 ha. The Chilean flamingo flocks were located using an active search strategy during each field excursion, in collaboration with park personnel. Upon locating a flock, behavioral observations were conducted utilizing the Focal Animal method. The method involved deliberately selecting an individual for continuous observation over a period of five minutes. To mitigate sampling bias, we endeavored to select foraging animals that were at a considerable distance from previously sampled individuals whenever feasible. Detailed notes were made regarding each behavior exhibited by the focal individual, including the duration of each behavior, with particular emphasis on foraging behaviors. Behaviors were also classified into two types: events and states. Events are brief, ..., , # Data from: flamingos as ecosystem engineers: flock size and foraging behaviors linked to nutrient availability

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.wpzgmsbx7](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.wpzgmsbx7)

Raw data were collected during field procedures on environmental variables of the lagoon, including the flock size and the mean duration of foraging behaviors of Chilean Flamingos at Barra. The data were separated into four different groups: F0 for areas with flamingos present; F3+ for areas where flamingos were foraging 3 hours later; C0 for control areas with no flamingos; C3+ for the previous control areas 3 hours later. Variables recorded include Nitrogen (Nitro), Phosphorus (Phos), Dissolved Oxygen (Oxi), Turbidity (Turb), Salinity (Sal), Water Temperature (Temp), Flock Size (Fsize), Mean Duration of Foraging Behaviors (Mdur). NA indicating data not applicable.