Frugivory by wintering Hermit Thrush in Louisiana
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2005
Abstract
We investigated the role of fruit availability in the diet of wintering Catharus guttatus Pallas (Hermit Thrushes) in southeastern Louisiana. Most fecal samples contained fruit and arthropods (N = 126), while few samples contained only arthropods (N = 32). We observed 26 species of fruiting plants at our sites, and found nine in fecal samples. Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon, 52% of samples), Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet, 27% of samples) and Myrica cerifera (wax myrtle, 9.5% of samples) were the most common in fecal samples, and their presence was associated with availability. Yet, fecal samples contained more yaupon and less privet and wax myrtle than expected based on availability. Fruit availability within territories and sampling period predicted presence in fecal samples. Samples without fruits may be associated with low fruit availability, and not with higher arthropod activity.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Southeastern Naturalist
First Page
627
Last Page
638
Recommended Citation
Strong, C., Brown, D., & Stouffer, P. (2005). Frugivory by wintering Hermit Thrush in Louisiana. Southeastern Naturalist, 4 (4), 627-638. https://doi.org/10.1656/1528-7092(2005)004[0627:FBWHTI]2.0.CO;2