Fruits in the diets of Neotropical migrant birds in Costa Rica

Abstract:

Fruits (seeds, pulp) occurred in 58% of all fecal samples: the proportion of fecal samples containing fruit ranged from 1% (nine species) to >90% (nine species). Individual fecal samples contained seeds from as many as four species of plants. At least 98 plant species from at least 29 plant familities were represented in fecal samples. Species of Melastomataceae accounted for 37% and those of Rubiaceae for 16% of all species recorded. Number of fruit species in diets of individual migrant species ranged from 0 (nine species) to 63 (Swainson's thrush Catharus ustulatus). Some migrants may rival permanent residents in the diversity of fruits they consume. A shift to increased frugivory in the late dry season, as birds were preparing to migrate north, was noted. -from Authors

Año de publicación:

1992

Keywords:

Fuente:

scopus