Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Protein requirements of a specialized frugivore, Pesquet's Parrot (Psittrichas fulgidus)
Author(s)
Pryor, GS; Levey, DJ; Dierenfeld, ES
Published
2001
Publisher
Auk
Abstract
For those few bird species that are exclusively frugivorous, the low protein content of fruits is likely a major nutritional constraint. Physiological mechanisms that allow strict frugivory remain enigmatic, but reduced protein requirements may suffice. We investigated protein requirements of Pesquet's Parrot (Psittrichas fulgidus), a highly specialized, obligate frugivore. Three isocaloric, fruit-based diets of varying protein content (6.1, 3.3, and 2.6,. dry mass crude protein) were used in feeding trials lasting three to five days per diet. A minimum dietary protein requirement of 3.2% dry mass was estimated from balance trials. Endogenous nitrogen losses were 0.05 gN kg(-0.75) day(-1) and nitrogen equilibrium occurred at 0.32 gN kg(-0.75) day(-1). Those values are extremely low compared to those of granivorous and omnivorous bird species, but higher than those of nectarivorous species. In terms of nitrogen losses and requirements, Pesquet's Parrot most closely parallels the highly frugivorous Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum). Thus, reduced protein requirements appear to play an important physiological role in ability of highly frugivorous birds to subsist on fruit diets.
Keywords
CEDAR WAXWINGS; EVOLUTIONARY IMPLICATIONS; SECONDARY COMPOUNDS; PASSERINE BIRDS; FRUIT; ADAPTATIONS; EFFICIENCY; NUTRITION; NITROGEN; PASSAGE
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB11405