FORAGING AND DIET COMPOSITION OF THE BLACK-CAPPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (PHILYDOR ATRICAPILLUS)

Abstract

Twenty nine samples regurgitated from the dead-leaf specialist Black-capped Foliage-gleaner (Philydor atricapillus) after administration of tartar emetic were examined to assess the diet of the species.Similarly, samples of invertebrate fauna living in suspended dead-leaf clusters were obtained to estimate prey availability for the birds.Diet was dominated by beetles and spiders, but considering the prey available, the birds showed stronger preference for oothecas and moths.Roaches and orthopterans were ingested without any special preference, although they are considered important prey categories in the diet of dead-leaf specialists.Ants were largely avoided.Thus, in their principal foraging substrate, birds showed preference for some prey categories, avoiding other prey in proportion to their availability.Accepted 28 October 2000.