Winter diet of Great Pampa-finches Embernagra platensis in Guaminí Lagoon, Argentina

Authors: Montalti, Diego; Ferman, Laura M.; Camperi, Anibal R.; Soave, Guillermo E.; Arambarri, Ana M.; Darrieu, Carlos A.

Source: Acta Ornithologica, Volume 40, Number 1, June 2005 , pp. 79-82(4)

Publisher: Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences

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Abstract:

The diet of the Great Pampa-finch includes seeds rather than insects. Our objective was to study its diet during the winter season and, whenever possible, to record differences between the sexes in diet patterns. This species was studied at Guaminí Lagoon, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The stomach content of 38 adult birds was investigated. The analysis shows that the food eaten by E. platensis consisted of seeds (60%) (Chenopodiaceae, Asteraceae, Ciperaceae and Poaceae) and insects (39%) (Bellostomatidae, Dytiscidae, Curculionidae, Coccinelidae, Formicidae and Apidae). Males ate more insects and, overall, more items than females. These, in turn, consumed a greater amount of plants. Niche breadth values were 2.9 for males and 3.1 for females. The seeds encountered were those of plant species typically associated with the pampas.

Keywords: GREAT PAMPA-FINCH; EMBERNAGRA PLATENSIS; DIET; DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SEXES; ARGENTINA

Document Type: Short communication

DOI: 10.3161/0001645054742615

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