Pattern-oriented modeling of bird foraging and pest control in coffee farms

► We modeled bird abundance and pest insect suppression in Jamaican coffee farms. ► Foraging habitat selection is the key behavior in the individual-based model. ► We tested four alternative foraging theories against nine observed patterns. ► The best foraging theory assumes birds sense good patches, over short distances. ► Basing design on diverse patterns helps produce models of the right complexity.