Title
Diets of cracids: How much do we know?
Author(s)
Munoz M.C., Kattan G.H.
Published
2007
Publisher
Ornitología Neotropical
Abstract
The Cracidae are a Neotropical family of 50 species of galliform birds, many of which are threatened. Through a literature review, we evaluated current knowledge of cracid food habits and established general dietary patterns. Diet has been relatively well documented for 17 species, anecdotal information is available for 19 species, and no information is available for 14 species. Fruit is the most important food category for cracids, and 672 species in all fruit types (e.g., drupes, berries, arillate fruits) are reported. For most species, the most important plant families in their diets are also the most common and diverse families in Neotropical forests. Foliage, flowers and animal foods (invertebrate and vertebrate) are also common items in cracid diets. Consumption of foliage, in particular, is widespread but folivory has not been adequately studied in these birds. Penelopinae usually pass seeds intact through the digestive tract and are potential seed dispersers. Cracinae, in contrast, have strong gizzards and usually feed on large seeds, with only small seeds passing intact. In general, cracids seem to have broad and generalist diets, although restricted diets in response to local conditions have been reported. Few studies have evaluated seasonal and habitat variations in resource availability and cracid responses to such variation. An understanding of patterns of resource use and availability is essential for understanding habitat use, space needs and population dynamics of Cracids. © The Neotropical Ornithological Society.
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PUB12145