Companion species

ABSTRACT

The waterbird assemblages associated with foraging flocks of the Caribbean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber ruber) in the coastal wetlands of the Yucatan Peninsula are described. Fifty-three flocks were sampled at ten localities and the birds that accompany them were counted, as well as the behaviors they exhibit. Forty-two species were detected, the most abundant being aerial fishers (gulls, pelicans and frigatebirds), waders (herons, spoonbills) and waders (shorebirds). Most of the accompanying species use these flocks to rest, protected from predators by the collective vigilance developed by the flamingos, but some species use them for foraging, possibly taking advantage of the disturbance of underwater prey by the walking of these waders.