Evidence for pre-dispersal predation of seeds of Tithonia diversifolia by the black-faced canary ( Serinus capistratus )

[摘要] Pre-dispersal predation of seeds of exotic Asteraceae by foraging birds is understudied. Using phenological records and photo-assisted analysis of damages made to seed heads, this paper provides evidence that the black-faced canary Serinus capistratus Finsch and Hartlaub feeds on immature achenes of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsley) A. Gray and may control its propagule pressure up to 18% of the total number of achenes aged between 20–30 days counted from petal fall.

[学科分类] 纳米科学和纳米技术

[关键词] invasive;Mexican sunflower;seed predation;black-faced canary