Abstract

PEREIRA DE ARAUJO, Helder Farias; PAIVA DE LUCENA, Reinaldo Farias  and  DA SILVA MOURAO, José. INCI [online]. 2005, vol.30, n.12, pp.764-769. ISSN 0378-1844.

In an informational (semiotic) context, the present ethnographic work recorded information on avian indications for predicting rain at three rural communities in the municipality of Soledade, State of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. The biological, ecological, and ethnoornithological data were collected in the field by applying free- and open-interviews, semi-structured questionnaires, direct observation, and guided tours in the caatinga. The reliability of the information obtained was explored by means of a control using synchronous repeated information. The informants reported 30 bird species as biodindicators of rain, being most commonly mentioned the smooth-billed ani (Crotophaga ani), laughing cachinnans (Herpetotheres cachinnans), red-legged (Cariana cristata), and spot-backed puffbird (Nystalus maculatus). Vocalizations were recognized by local people as key signs with the highest informational value for predicting rain. Other signs used as indicators were laying of eggs, nesting, their emergence in the region, and reproduction. The mean rainfall correlated significantly and positively on the frequency of monthly observations of birds that indicate rain (r2= 0.259, p<0.01). It is concluded that this ethnoornithological knowledge is widely distributed in the area. It is passed from generation to generation, being transmitted intersocially (circular knowledge), and through daily acquaintance (horizontal knowledge)

Keywords : Aves ; Caatinga ; Etnoornitologia ; Populações Locais ; Semiótico .