LaRosa, A. M., C. W. Smith, and D. E. Gardner. 1985. Role of alien and native birds in the dissemination of firetree (Myrica faya Ait. - Myricaceae) and associated plants in Hawaii. Pacific Science 39:372-378.
ABSTRACT
The food habits of several forest birds and their potential role in the dispersal of firetree (Myrica faya) were studied in two areas of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Observations were made during peak firetree fruiting (October -November 1983) in areas where `ohi'a (Metrosideros polymorpha) and firetree are codominant. Both native and introduced birds were more common in firetree. Of the six bird species observed, `oma'o (Phaeornis obscurus) and house finches (Carpodus mexicanus) were the principal dispersal agents in the areas studied, while commonj `amakihi (Hemignathus virens) was secondarily important. Japanese white-eyes (Zosterops japonicus), though feeding on the fruit, rarely ingested the seed. `Apapane (Himatione sanguinea) and Northern American cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) were note observed eating firetree fruit. Germination rates and successes of several native and alien species are generally unaffected by passage through the digestive tracts of captive Japanese white-eyes and commons mynas (Acridotheres tristis).
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PATHOGENS
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RELEVANT TO BIOCONTROL
No.
KEY WORDS
Birds, dispersal, 'Oma'o, Phaeornis obscurus, House finch, Carpodacus mexicanus, 'Amakihi, Hemighnathus virens, Japanese white-eye, Zosterops japonicus, 'Apapane, Himatione sanguinea, Northern American cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, Myna, Acrisotheres t.
