Temporal variation in consumption of alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus) fruits by birds in the River Torío valley (Cantabrian Mountains, NW Spain)

Full article

Published:

Volume 40(1), June 1993. Pages 21-26.

Language:

Spanish

Original title:

Variación temporal en el consumo de frutos de arraclán (Frangula alnus) por aves en el valle del río Torío (Cordillera Cantábrica, NO de España)

Keywords:

Cantabrian Mountains, Erithacus rubecula, Frangula alnus, frugivory, seed disperser birds, Sylvia spp., temporal variation.

Abstract:

Fruits of alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus) shrubs were eaten by three species of avian seed disperses (Garden Warbler, Sylvia borin; Blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla; Robin, Erithacus rubecula), according to a sample of 587 records of fruits ingested by birds obtained in September in the Torío river valley, Cantabrian Mountains. Fruit consumption by pulp or seed predator species was not recorded. Alder buckthorn dispersal was mainly determined by postnuptial migration of Garden Warblers, this species representing 75.30% of the total consumption recorded. Temporal variation in fruit consumption rate and relative importance of the bird species involved was associated to ripe fruit availability and migration phenology.