Matayba guianensis (Sapindaceae): frugivory by birds in a remnant of cerrado in Central-West Brazil

Abstract

Fruits are important food resources for frugivorous birds and also for insectivores and omnivores. In this paper, we describe the fruit phenology, seed frugivory and potential dispersers of Matayba guianensis by birds in an urban savanna area in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, from October 2007 to September 2008 and January 2009. Focal observations were conducted between 6h00–10h00 AM and 4h00–6h00 PM, totalling 54 h. Twelve species of Passeriformes of the families Tyrannidae (6 species), Thraupidae (3), Turdidae (2) and Passeridae (1) visited and/or consumed fruits of M. guianensis, with 184 records. Most birds are omnivores (8 species) and insectivores (3), and one nectarivore (Cyanerpes cyaneus). Tyrannidae predominated with the highest frequency of visits (87%), consumption rates (96.2%) and method of seed capture, with seeds predominantly gathered in flight. Pitangus sulphuratus was the most frequent visitor (37.5%), consuming the greatest number of seeds (48.3%), followed by Tyrannus melancholicus and Empidonomus varius. These Tyrannidae are the main potential seed dispersers of M. guianensis and as most Tyrannidae they are synanthropic species, common in urban habitats, having also great ability to identify and exploit new food resources. The other bird species consumed only the aril, discarding the seeds on or near the parent plant, thus limiting seed dispersal.