The Ecology of Fruit Pigeons in Tropical Northern Queensland.

Abstract

Seven species of fruit pigeon were studied during 3 years in the lowland tropical forest of N. Queensland to find the effect of forest species on pigeon populations and breeding habits and the basis for coexistence of 7 species. Because of the variety of plant species and the differences in their fruiting seasons, fruit was available all the year round and the diet of each species changed according to the fruit available and the selectivity of their feeding habits; none of the species studied ate anything other than fruits or seeds, the latter representing an appreciable fraction (20%) only in the brown pigeon. The foraging habits of all species were recorded and their relative abundance was assessed. Pigeons were most numerous during the dry season, which was also the breeding season. Each species selected a different range of fruiting plants owing to nomadism and migration. At any one time 2 or 3 pigeon species were common, while the rest were rare or absent. The plant family Lauraceae was of major importance. It is suggested that the many species (2250 in all) in this family have developed collaterally with the fruit-eating birds of appropriate feeding habits.

Variation in the abundance of Blackcaps(Sylvia atricapilla)wintering in an Olive(Olea europaea)orchard in southern Spain

“…These results suggest changes in the wintering habitat by this species depend on local abundance of both wild fruits and of olives. Such movements made in relation to the availability of ripe fruit are documented in many frugivorous bird species (Crome 1975; (b) Monthly percentages of Blackcaps relative to the total birds trapped in Pilas. Over the whole winter, Blackcaps represented 83% in 1981-82 and 59% in 1982-83.…”

Ecological Correlates of Residence and Non-Residence in a Mediterranean Passerine Bird Community

“…(see reviews by MacArthur 1971 andCody 1974). Interesting exceptions are, however, recent papers by Crome (1975), Karr (1976a), Feinsinger (1976) and Ulfstrand (1976Ulfstrand ( , 1977.…”

Frugivorous pigeons, stepping stones, and weeds in northern New South Wales

“…Their survival in New South Wales, particularly in coastal areas, may depend on the retention of rainforest remnants and exotic fruiting plants .. Wompoo pigeons are considered uncommon by experienced birdwatchers in northeastern New South Wales (Date and Recher 1989) and until this study they have been regarded as sedentary or locally nomadic (Frith 1982). The diet of wompoo pigeons includes a wide variety of fruit which enables them to persist at one location for long periods (Crome 1975;Innis 1989). Most rosecrowned pigeons are seasonal visitors to New South Wales and are seen more often during spring, summer and autumn than c;luring winter (Blakers et al 1984).…”

“…Superb pigeons also visit New South Wales during spring, summer and autumn but are regarded as rare (Blakers et al 1984;Date and Recher 1989). Rose-crowned and superb pigeons capitalize on local abundances of fruit and have a relatively broad diet (Crome 1975;Fritl). 1982).…”