Differential fruit consumption of two Melastomataceae by birds uit consumption of two Melastomataceae by birds uit consumption of two Melastomataceae by birds uit consumption of two Melastomataceae by birds uit consumption of two Melastomataceae by birds in Serra da Mantiqueira, southeaster ra da Mantiqueira, southeaster ra da Mantiqueira, southeaster ra da Mantiqueira, southeaster ra da Mantiqueira, southeastern Brazil
Year: 2004
Type: article
Abstract: In this study we report on the consumption of two syntopic Melastomataceae species by birds in a lower montane forest in Monte Verde, southeastern Brazil. The species of frugivores were identified and characterized by their methods of capture and consumption of fruits. We also provide information on abundance, phenology of plants and fruit characteristics of the two Melastomataceae species. The 13 observed species of birds formed two statistically distinct frugivorous groups with taxonomic and behavioral differences. Five of seven bird species that fed on L. aff. sublanata fruits belong to the subfamily Thraupinae and most fruits were mashed before swallowed. Four of the eight bird species that visited M. cinerascens belong to the subfamily Turdinae and all fruits were swallowed whole. Only two bird species were common visitors of both Melastomataceae species. Our findings show that fruits of the two Melastomataceae species with similar morphological characteristics were exploited differently by frugivorours birds.
Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp)
Language: English
Topic: Plant and animal studies
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W593299466