Diet composition of nestlings and adults of the threatened Bolivian Swallow-tailed Cotinga Phibalura flavirostris boliviana (Aves: Passeriformes: Cotingidae) in Bolivia

Abstract

The qualitative and quantitative composition of the nestling and adult diet of the threatened Swallow-tailed Cotinga Phibalura flavirostris boliviana was studied through the analysis of fecal samples. Nestling diet consisted of 62% fruit and 38% insects but varied according to the nestling age. The diet of adults was made up of 89% fruit and 11% insects. The fruit eaten came primarily from the trees Schefflera morototoni, Hyeronima moritziana and Ocotea cuprea. Most insects in the fecal samples were winged-species of the orders Hymenoptera and Coleoptera. This species relied mostly on fruiting trees from semi-humid forest fragments and isolated trees on mountain savannas. Thus, management plans for this bird should consider the conservation of these habitats.

Keywords

• Frugivorous bird, fecal samples, fruit, insects, nestling diet, Neotropical bird, Schefflera morototoni.