Effects of Shade‐Tree Species and Crop Structure on the Winter Arthropod and Bird Communities in a Jamaican Shade Coffee Plantation1

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7429.2000.tb00456.x
• Publication Date: 2006-03-15T09:55:20Z
• Authors: Matthew D. Johnson
• Keywords: Inga; Arthropod; Insectivore; Agroecosystem

ABSTRACT I examined the effects of two farm management variables, shade‐tree species and crop structure, on winter (dry season) arthropod bird communities in a Jamaican shade coffee plantation. Birds canopy arthropods were more abundant areas plantation shaded by tree Inga vera than Pseudalbizia berteroana. The abundance (potential pests) crop, however, was unaffected species. Canopy arthropods, particularly psyllids (Homoptera), especially late winter, when it producing new leaves nectar‐rich flowers. Insectivorous nectarivorous birds showed strongest response to Inga; thus concentration may be food. Coffee‐tree much lower trees affected little although tended dense (unpruned) open (recently pruned) Perhaps response, leaf‐gleaning insectivorous areas. These results underscore that some plantations provide habitat for communities, differences practices can significantly affect their abundances. Furthermore, this study provides evidence suggesting respond spatial variation availability. conclude /. is better P. berteroana , but choice structures less clear due changing prune over time.