Preferences and influence of paired food items on energy intake of American robins and gray catbirds

TitlePreferences and influence of paired food items on energy intake of American robins and gray catbirds
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1984
AuthorsHazelton, PK, Robel, RJ
JournalJournal of Wildlife Management
Volume48
Pagination198 -202
Accession NumberKNZ0059
Keywordsbird, diet, foot
Abstract

Seed selection by avian granivores has been studied intensively in laboratories, but comparable studies have not been reported for frugivores. Kantak (1979) and Baird (1980) both postulate that conspicuous color may play a more important role in food selection by frugivores than the size or nutritional quality of the fruit. Knowledge of fruit preferences may increase the effectiveness of habitat improvement programs designed to benefit frugivorous birds. We conducted a study using two frugivorous birds, American robins (Turdus migratorius) and gray catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis), to provide data on food selection by frugivores in Kansas

DOI10.2307/3808471