Comparison of the morphological traits and body condition of the Clay-colored Thrush (Turdus grayi) in two localities with different degrees of urbanization in the municipality of Centro, Tabasco
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2026.97.5832Keywords:
Ecomorphology, Anthropization, Urban birds, Turdidae, PasseriformesAbstract
Urban environments can exert selective pressures on organism morphology, generating variable responses among species. In birds, urbanization may cause changes in body size and traits associated with habitat use. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the morphology and body condition of the Clay-colored Thrush (Turdus grayi) differ between 2 habitats with different degrees of urbanization in the municipality of Centro, Tabasco. To achieve this, wing, tarsus, and bill length, as well as body mass, were recorded from 48 individuals captured with mist nets between May 2023 and February 2024. Results showed that individuals from the more urbanized site presented lower average values of wing, tarsus, and bill length, as well as poorer body condition, compared to those recorded in the less urbanized site. Statistical analyses also indicated that site and age significantly influenced the morphological variables evaluated. These findings suggest that conditions associated with the degree of urbanization may influence morphological variation and body condition in populations of T. grayi. This study provides evidence of the potential effects of urbanization on resident bird species.
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