Birds Habitat Generalists - Page 1

Species that occur in a wide variety of habitats and that make do with whatever the habitat provides are called generalists. Their adaptability in choice of nest sites and food enables the food generalists to be successful under diverse conditions. Food generalists can often remain in a cold climate, whereas insect specialists such as warblers must migrate to warmer climates. One of the reasons that the list of generalists contains so may familiar species is that they not only adapt to humans, they actually benefit from our presence. Generalists are, in fact, often most abundant near human habitation. A House Sparrow demonstrates its adaptability by obtaining water from a drinking fountain. Opportunistic behavior such as this is characteristic of generalist species.