Methods of seed processing by birds and seed deposition patterns

摘要: How a seed is handled by bird has major impact on dispersal. To quantify differences in handling behavior, I performed cage experiments nine species of tropical fruit-eating birds and the fruits seven plant species. Manakins very differently than tanagers finches. Whereas finches masticated dropped large seeds, manakins swallowed fruit intact no seeds. Once ingested, seeds had similar rates passage but passed much more slowly Passage were influenced size, size pulp texture. Large regurgitated, faster method voiding defecation. Small defecated often internally separated from quickly pulp. are probably dispersed widely both because they ingested placed defecations.