Determinants of tree species preference for foraging by insectivorous birds in a novel Prosopis–Leucaena woodland in Puerto Rico: the role of foliage palatability

摘要: The foliage palatability hypothesis predicts that avian insectivores will preferentially forage in tree species with the greatest abundance of their arthropod prey, which turn are associated tree’s nutrition and palatability. We tested this a novel Prosopis–Leucaena woodland Puerto Rico by determining foraging preferences five insectivorous bird for six (five alien, one native) relating to biomass leaf chemistry. most frequently preferred were alien Prosopis juliflora (preferred species) Pithecellobium dulce four species). Both had high biomass, N content, low lignin/N ratios, hemicellulose content. Compounds, previously known affect herbivore responses Albizia lebbeck Leucaena leucocephala, may explain despite content Albizia avoidance its biomass. native Bucida buceras tough leaves only showed weak preference it. Biomass predaceous arthropods strong negative correlations ratios hemicellulose/N. Some highly palatable hence as predicted hypothesis. High some weaken effect enemy release plant communities.