SEASONAL TRENDS IN FOOD CONSUMPTION AND BODY MASS OF CAPTIVE REGENT HONEYEATERS Xanthomyza phrygia (MELIPHAGIDAE)
| Posted: |
22/06/2021 |
| Author(s): |
Belinda Cooke, Kathleen McCloskey, Ursula Munro |
In this study, the seasonal changes in food use and body mass in captive Regent Honeyeaters
Xanthomyza
phrygia between April and September were examined. Regent Honeyeaters had a higher body mass in autumn
and early winter (April-June) than in late winter and spring (July-September). Nectar consumption varied
significantly over the study period and reached an overall peak in July. Fruit consumption was considerably higher
between April and July than between August and September. Hawking for insects was very low in autumn and
early winter (April to June), but was pronounced in late winter and spring (August and September). These results
suggest a seasonal change in dietary preferences from a carbohydrate-based diet to a more protein-based diet.
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