Diversidad de aves en tres barrios de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina

this study investigated the effect of land use on density and richness of birds in parks of three neighbourhoods in buenos aires city. birds have been classified as frequent and less frequent to the urban fabric. neighbourhoods were markedly different in terms of vegetation and urbanization. of the 24 registered species, 85% were nesting birds and 4% are exotic. the residential neighbourhood with single family houses with gardens (versalles) showed high nesting values of favoured species, less number of exotics, higher richness and abundance of less frequent urban species. the neighbourhoods with multi-storey buildings showed contrasting differences: san telmo had higher exotic richness, presence of raptors and more guilds linked to a big park. almagro, an area with few green places, had higher total density of frequent urban birds (domestic dove and house sparrow) favoured by shelter and food that are usually available in city centres. land use at a local level influenced bird community more than differences at a park level. house sparrow, rock and ground dove were good indicators of urban pressure. richness of less frequent urban species, which are inconspicuous and more sensitive to the urbanization could be used as indicator of life quality in the city.