Comparative ecology of sympatric orange-fronted parakeets (Cyanoramphus malherbi) and yellow-crowned parakeets (C. auriceps), South Island, New Zealand
نویسندگان
چکیده
Sympatric orange-fronted (Cyanoramphus malherbi) and yellow-crowned parakeets (C. auriceps) were surveyed in a South Island beech (Nothofagus spp.) forest during the spring and summer of 1998/99. Habitat use, behaviour and diet were recorded for each parakeet identified. A single observer did all recording. Both species were seen most frequently in the upper-most 20% of the forest stratum. Orange-fronted parakeets were seen more frequently than yellow-crowned parakeets in the lowest 20% of the forest stratum. Orange-fronted parakeets were seen calling less frequently and comforting more frequently than yellow-crowned parakeets, and this may reflect a difference in breeding period behaviour. Both species were usually seen feeding. In summer, both species were seen feeding mostly on seeds, predominantly from mountain beech — but this was a beech mast year. The spring diet of both species appeared to be largely flowers and invertebrates. Orange-fronted parakeets were seen feeding on flowers less frequently and on invertebrates more frequently than yellow-crowned parakeets. We suggest factors that may have contributed to the decline in abundance of both species: (1) greater competition between the two species in a habitat substantially modified by humans; (2) competition with introduced finch species; (3) competition with wasps for invertebrates; and (4) vulnerability to introduced predators. These last two factors are likely to affect orange-fronted parakeets in particular, because they appear to feed more on invertebrates and make greater use of the ground and low-growing plants. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
منابع مشابه
Foraging Ecology of the Red-crowned Parakeet (cyanoramphus Novaezelandiae Novaezelandiae) and Yellow-crowned Parakeet (c. Auriceps Auriceps) on Little Barrier Island, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand
New Zealand Journal of Ecology (1998) 22(2): 161-171 ©New Zealand Ecological Society Previous anecdotal observations suggested that the diets of red-crowned and yellow-crowned parakeets were similar. Both species have been observed feeding primarily on flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves and buds with invertebrates forming a relatively minor component of both species’ diet (Wilkinson and Wilkinson, ...
متن کاملFeeding by Captive Rare Birds on Baits Used in Poisoning Operations for Control of Brushtail Possums
Non-toxic plain and cinnamon-flavoured carrots and cereal-based baits used in poisoning operations for control of the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) were offered to seven species of captive rare birds at Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre. Some individuals of all species ate plain baits. Antipodes Island parakeets (Cyanoramphus unicolor) preferred carrot to cereal-based baits, North Is...
متن کاملGenetic analysis of Forbes' parakeet (Cyanoramphus forbesi)
The taxonomic status of Forbes' parakeet has remained unresolved for several decades. With the advent of modern molecular biological techniques, it has become possible to augment traditional taxonomic practices (i.e. those based on morphology) with DNA data analysis. The conservation status of Forbes' parakeet (presently listed by as "critically threatened") warrants urgent research into its ge...
متن کاملFactors Responsible for the Successful Establishment of Exotic Avian Species in Southeastern Florida
Presently southeastern Florida has at least 24 established exotic avian species from both New and Old World families. This much man-modified region of Florida is characterized by the Atlantic Coastal Ridge in Palm Beach, Broward and Dade Counties and the Florida Keys of Monroe County. Because of the draining of the Everglades to the west, the filling of the mangroves on the seaward side, and th...
متن کامل