Diet of nestling Corn Buntings Miliaria calandra in southern England examined by compositional analysis of faeces

摘要: The diet of nestling Corn Buntings Miliaria calandra was assessed by examining 173 faeces collected from 39 broods on the South Downs in West Sussex. All contained remains invertebrates and virtually all cereal grains. Arachnida (Araneae Opiliones), Orthoptera, Lepidoptera (larvae), Symphyta (larvae) Coleoptera (mainly adults) accounted for about 95% 720 counted. There no evidence that chick changed between 3 7 days after hatching. Late were fed more Orthoptera than early ones, relative proportion other dietary components remaining similar during nesting season. In wet weather, a higher grain. Even if decreases food over last 25 years did not contribute to decline Bunting, they might hamper population recovery.