Ettore Camerlenghi, G. Giselle Mangini, Rodolfo O. Anderson, Albert Cruz-Gispert, Rikkert Loosveld, Paúl Gonzáles, Sergio Nolazco
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Understanding what drives the evolution of nectar-robbing strategies is key for gaining insight into the functioning of pollination networks. However, nectar robbing is often an anecdotal behaviour, difficult to quantify and record through field observations, especially in hummingbirds, limiting our understanding of how ecological networks change across communities. Here, we report new records of nectar robbing by Peru's endemic Black Metaltail (Metallura phoebe) in a high-elevation forest at ca. 4000 m a.s.l. and how this species uses either legitimate pollination feeding or nectar robbing in relation to corolla lengths. Furthermore, by analysing 452 citizen science records of photographic observations, we found that 36% of the photographs depicting a foraging event in this species were actually nectar-robbing events. After identifying the plant species in all photographs involving foraging events, we describe how nectar robbing conducted by this hummingbird species is strongly associated with flowers that have longer corollas. We propose that the hummingbird-flower interactions in harsh high-altitude environments, where resources and competition vary markedly across seasons, can offer insight into the ecological drivers of nectar-robbing behaviour in hummingbirds.
期刊介绍:
Austral Ecology is the premier journal for basic and applied ecology in the Southern Hemisphere. As the official Journal of The Ecological Society of Australia (ESA), Austral Ecology addresses the commonality between ecosystems in Australia and many parts of southern Africa, South America, New Zealand and Oceania. For example many species in the unique biotas of these regions share common Gondwana ancestors. ESA''s aim is to publish innovative research to encourage the sharing of information and experiences that enrich the understanding of the ecology of the Southern Hemisphere.
Austral Ecology involves an editorial board with representatives from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Brazil and Argentina. These representatives provide expert opinions, access to qualified reviewers and act as a focus for attracting a wide range of contributions from countries across the region.
Austral Ecology publishes original papers describing experimental, observational or theoretical studies on terrestrial, marine or freshwater systems, which are considered without taxonomic bias. Special thematic issues are published regularly, including symposia on the ecology of estuaries and soft sediment habitats, freshwater systems and coral reef fish.