Avian Consumption of Guaiacum sanctum Fruit in the Arid Interior of Guatemala

Abstract

Data are provided on consumption of the fruit of the Guayac6n (Guaiacum sanctum, Zygophyllaceae) by 19 avian species of 17 genera in 8 families in the arid interior of Guatemala. G. sanctum is an abundant evergreen tree of the dry deciduous scrub forest of the Motagua River valley in the Departments of Zacapa and El Progreso. Arilloids were exposed in conspicuous displays during 2 distinct fruiting periods, each lasting about 2 mo. During a fruiting period, individual trees bore ripe fruit continuously for as long as 6 wk. Diverse harvesting and handling procedures of Guayacan arilloids were employed by avian consumers, both intraand interspecifically; these are characterized and harvesting procedures are related to tree morphology. Arils and/or arilloids were consumed and/or transported by adult birds to nestlings and fledglings. Thirteen species transported seeds away from G. sanctum parent trees and did not drop seeds beneath these; two other species transported a portion of the seeds they handled away from parent trees.