Study of Avian Frugivory through Feces Analysis
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Authors
Stright, Nancy
Issue Date
1984
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
In order to understand the role that birds play in the
dispersal of berry seeds, one must first know which species
of berries are being eaten and by which species of birds.
Actual observation of feeding behavior is quite difficult,
since birds do not always feed on trees and shrubs readily
visible or accessible to human observation and the presence
of an observer may alter the normal feeding behavior of the
birds. For these reasons, feces analysis may be a better
way to discover which birds are feeding on which berries.
Indigestible materials from the fruits, including unharmed
seeds, pass through the digestive system and can be
identified in the feces, making it possible to determine
what the bird has eaten.
This paper is an evaluation of a technique of feces
analysis used at the Manomet Bird Observatory (MBO), located
in Manomet, Massachusetts, to determine the fruit component
of bird diets. Based on the results of the feces analysis,
possible relations between the bird species and the plant
species in size, timing, and migratory behavior are also
discussed.
Description
v, 34 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.