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CONSUMPTION OF SEEDS BY RED-BROWED FIRETAILS Neochmia temporalis AT FEEDERS: DEHUSKING RATES AND SEED CHOICE


Red-browed Firetails Neochmia temporalis dehusked seeds before swallowing them. Smaller seeds were dehusked at a faster speed than larger seeds, but despite this, intermediate-sized seeds, between 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm in width, provided the best energy returns. When given a choice at feeders, Red-browed Firetails consumed seeds of intermediate dimensions more frequently than larger or smaller seeds. This suggests these finches prefer seeds that offer higher energy returns.

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