Grass fields play a greater role in maintaining avian biodiversity in urban landscapes than roadsides

Urbanization has become a growing concern in the field of urban ecology, particularly regarding its impact on bird diversity and composition. This study investigates the influence of habitat features associated with roadsides and grass fields on avian communities within urban green spaces. The research was conducted in the urban areas of Putrajaya and Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia, with data collected from roadside and grass field areas between August and November 2022. We attempted to determine the richness, abundance, species composition, and functional guilds of birds based on urban habitat classification, seasonality, and locations. We established 60 survey points along the roadsides and grass fields. Our data revealed the presence of 2,101 birds, belonging to 40 families and 75 species. Specifically, 849 birds from 52 species were recorded along the roadsides, while 1,252 birds from 66 species were identified in the grass fields. Bird species richness and abundance were significantly influenced (p < 0.001) by habitat types, seasonality, and locations. Our data found a considerable difference in bird species composition between grasslands and roadsides. Similarly, there was a notable difference in the species composition between the dry and wet seasons. Omnivores were the most abundant guild, while carnivores were the least abundant. These findings contribute to our understanding of avian biodiversity dynamics in urban landscapes and emphasize the importance of managing habitats such as roadsides and grass fields to support thriving bird populations in urban environments.

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