Open AccessFrugivory of transient and wintering European robins Erithacus rubecula in a Mediterranean region and its relationship with ornithochory
Author(s) -
Debussche M.,
Isenmann P.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
ecography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.973
H-Index - 128
eISSN - 1600-0587
pISSN - 0906-7590
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0587.1985.tb01166.x
Subject(s) - dominance (genetics) , mediterranean climate , frugivore , ecology , biology , mediterranean islands , invertebrate , geography , biochemistry , habitat , gene
Stomach contents of 209 dead and droppings of 57 mist‐netted migrating or wintering European robins Erithacus rubecula in a Mediterranean area in southern France showed the following seasonal trends: (1) a dominance of invertebrates in early autumn, (2) a dominance of fruits in mid‐autumn, (3) acorns being important in midwinter, and (4) a strong dominance of invertebrates at the end of winter and in early spring. The fruits of 23 plant species had been consumed. The most widespread and abundant ones were also the most commonly taken ( Rubia peregrina at the regional level and Viburnum tinus at a local one). The size of these fruits ranged from 4 to 12 mm. mostly between 6 and 8 mm. Owing to the amount of fruits consumed and the numbers of birds involved, the European robin is one of the few main dispersers of the numerous fleshy‐fruited plant species of the Mediterranean area. Nevertheless, a correct evaluation of its role is only possible within the dense network existing between these plant species and all their dispersers (mainly birds but also mammals).