Trogloxene behaviour by Spanish sparrows Passer hispaniolensis at Ghar Dalam cave, Malta

Abstract

Taxa that occur in caves but do not complete their whole life cycle there are termed as trogloxenes. Habitual trogloxenes (such as bats and some avian species} seek shelter in caves but feed outside (Chapman 1993). The Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis is an abundant breeding resident, nesting in ventilators, behind drain pipes, on ledges and window sills, in pylons, in holes and crevices in sea and inland cliffs, in rubble walls, in overhanging plants and in a variety of trees (Sultana & Gauci 1982). In 1993, a small colony established itself inside Gliar Dalam cave and nwmbers have been increasing since.