Observations on granivorous birds (Columbidae and Emberizidae) associated with the fruiting of taquaras (Poaceae, Bambusoideae) in the southern portion of the Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

We present the results of observations on the birds associated to the seeding of two bamboo species in southern Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The sooty grassquit (Tiaris fuliginosa – Emberizidae) was recorded feeding on seeds of Parodiolyra micrantha (Kunth) Davidse & Zuloaga. Further, T. fuliginosa and the blue ground-dove (Claravis pretiosa – Columbidae) were recorded in another area, apparently associated with the seeding of P. micrantha. The uniform finch (Haplospiza unicolor – Emberizidae) was a common species in an area dominated by Chusquea attenuata (Döll) L. G. Clark. Although H. unicolor was not observed feeding on bamboo seeds, we presume that the concentration observed was due to the massive seeding of C. attenuata at Serra do Caraça, since it is not a common bird species in this area. Possibly, the absence of threatened and rare bird species previously recorded as associated to bamboo seeding is related to the fragmentation of forests and capture for illegal trade.