Thesis (BS Biology) -- University of the Philippines Mindanao, 2005

The birds and their activity patterns in the Sanipan Shoal were studied through field observation from October 2003 to November 2004. Using a field guide by Kennedy et.al. (2000), the 14 species found could be classified into four, namely: (a) migrant/accidental migrant (50%): Ruddy turnstone, Kentish plover, Malaysian plover, Barn swallow, whimbrel, grey plover, common tern; (b) residents (29%): Eastern reef egret, Pacific swallow, Eurasian tree sparrow, great-crested tern; (c) resident/migrants (14%): little heron, little tern; and (d) rare migrants (7%): Aleutian tern. Interviews of the locals revealed that a mangrove forest existed on the shoal until the 70?s. during that time, marine birds together with mountain species like the Philippine cockatoo abounded. At present, only marine species, which use the shoal for shelter and feeding, could be seen. The terns, whimbrels, and little herons were the most abundant. Their presence establishes the shoal as part of the East-Asian Australian Flyway. From being migrants, whimbrels and little herons could have become residents in the area. The bird?s activities were found to be comprised of feeding (89%), resting (6%) and grooming (5%). Among the recommendations is to conduct gut analyses to answer the question of whether or not birds compete with gleaners for food.