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Opportunistic Nectarivory: An Annual Dry Season Phenomenon Among Birds in Monsoonal Northern Australia

Franklin, Donald C. (1999). Opportunistic Nectarivory: An Annual Dry Season Phenomenon Among Birds in Monsoonal Northern Australia. Emu,99(2):135-141.

Document type: Journal Article
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Title Opportunistic Nectarivory: An Annual Dry Season Phenomenon Among Birds in Monsoonal Northern Australia
Author Franklin, Donald C.
Journal Name Emu
Publication Date 1999
Volume Number 99
Issue Number 2
ISSN 0158-4197   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Scopus ID 2-s2.0-0033152426
Start Page 135
End Page 141
Total Pages 7
Place of Publication Australia
Publisher Royal Australian Ornithologists Union
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DEST)
Abstract In the Top End of the Northern Territory, 21 bird species other than honeyeaters, lorikeets and white-eyes were observed to probe flowers in apparent opportunistic nectarivory. Thirteen families were represented. The most frequent opportunists were insectivores, frugivores and a terrestrial omnivore; granivores were also recorded. A variety of nectar sources were exploited but 85% of records were from Darwin Woollybutt Eucalyptus miniata and Fernleaved Grevillea Grevillea pteridifolia. Opportunistic nectarivory was concentrated particularly in the cool dry season, which in monsoonal Australia is a time of abundant nectar but shortages of fruit and insects. Darwin Woollybutt, Fern-leaved Grevillea and perhaps also the Bloodwood Corymbia opaca may be vital resources upon which a range of species in addition to lorikeets and honeyeaters depend for survival.
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/MU99016   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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