Exploitation of Ceiba pubiflora flowers by birds

Abstract

This paper provides the first description of the exploitation of floral resources of Ceiba pubiflora by birds in the Neotropical region. We sampled five different specimens of C. pubiflora, focusing on plant-bird and bird intra/interspecific aggressive interactions. We recorded thirteen species of birds exploiting its floral resources. Only hummingbirds are potential pollinators by feeding effectively on the flower corolla. Hylocharis chrysura and Heliomaster furcifer were considered the best potential pollinators and dominated the agonistic interactions. On the other hand, Icterus cayanensis and tanagers pierced the flower at the base of the corolla, drinking the nectar directly, without contacting the pollen. Psittacidae (Aratinga nenday, Brotogeris chiriri and Amazona aestiva) and Saltator coerulescens destroyed the flowers by feeding on petals. Although they are ineffective pollinators, the nectar and petals are valuable food resources for these birds, when fruits are scarce during the dry season.