Spectral analysis of flowers used by nectar-feeding birds in an urban area in Southeastern Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the spectral characteristic of nectar-producing flowers visited by nectarivorous birds in urban areas. This study was carried out in the central area of the city of Taubaté, in the northeast of the State of São Paulo. The sample areas included green areas, such as squares and parks, and the vegetation of streets and avenues. Twelve plant species were recorded with flowers visited by five nectar-feeding birds. The most visited flower species were those that reflected in long wavelengths (>600 nm). The study discussed the birds' detection capability due to the tetrachromatic vision of nectar-feeding birds and the conspicuity of flowers in urban environments. Finally, the study assessed the scarcity of plants attractive to nectar-feeding birds and the need for a management strategy to favour these species and biodiversity in urban areas.Keywords: urban areas, wavelenght, flower colors, reflectance, nectar-feeding birds. Análise espectral de flores utilizadas por aves nectarívoras em uma área urbana no Sudeste do Brasil ResumoAnálise espectral de flores utilizada por aves nectarívoras em áreas urbanas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer a característica espectral das flores produtoras de néctar visitadas por nectarívoros em áreas urbanas. Este estudo foi desenvolvido na região central do município de Taubaté, no nordeste do Estado de São Paulo. As áreas amostradas incluíram espaços verdes, tais como praças e parques e a vegetação das ruas e avenidas. Foram registradas 12 espécies de plantas utilizadas por cinco espécies de aves nectarívoras. As espécies de flores mais visitadas foram aquelas que refletiram em comprimento de onda longos (>600 nm). Foi discutida a capacidade de detecção das aves em função de visão tetracromática das aves nectarívoras e da conspicuidade das flores em ambientes urbanos. Finalmente, foi abordado o problema da escassez de plantas atrativas para aves nectarívoras nas áreas verdes urbanas e a necessidade de se aumentar a quantidade dessas espécies de plantas para incrementar a biodiversidade em regiões urbanas.Palavras-chave: áreas urbanas, comprimento de onda, cor de flores, refletância, aves nectarívoras.

Relation between green spaces and bird community structure in an urban area in Southeast Brazil

“…According to Clergeau et al (2006), it is very difficult to make generalizations about trophic groups because of the presence of artificial feeding that can change the density and bird composition of assemblages. Native and exotic woody species such as Tabebuia spp., Chorisia speciosa, Bauhinia spp., and Erythrina speciosa were abundant in parks and streets of Taubaté city and are very attractive to hummingbirds (Toledo and Donatelli 2010). This suggests that green spaces with a wider spectrum of food resources (different kinds of fruits and flowers) offer an opportunity to many other species of arthropods and nectarivorous birds.…”

Struktur Komunitas Burung Di Taman Situlembang, Taman Suropati , Dan Taman Menteng, Jakarta Pusat

“…Tumbuhan lain yang berpontensi sebagai sumber pakan namun tidak teramati dimanfaatkan oleh burung adalah Bauhinia purpurea. Menurut Toledo dan Donatelli, (2010), tumbuhan Bauhinia purpurea dimanfaatkan oleh burung madu sebagai sumber pakan. Sedangkan pemanfaatan tumbuhan sebagai lokasi berkembangbiak teramati pada burung Gerygone sulphurea pada tumbuhan Swietenia mahagoni.…”