Abstract
In order to detect bird responses to sugar parameters of ripening grapes, artificial grapes containing controlled concentrations of hexose sugars were offered to free-range blackbirds ( Turdus merula) and silvereyes ( Zosterops lateralis). Time-lapse video was used to observe the two species of birds feeding on grapes presented on a novel two-tier bird-table. The comparative interest displayed by the birds for grapes of varying concentrations of hexose sugars, and the time spent feeding by each species were analyzed statistically, to discover the level of sugar concentration in grapes that is attractive to these birds. Blackbirds exhibited a preference for high sugar concentration, while silvereyes preferred grapes with a lower concentration. Blackbird visits were much shorter than those of silvereyes and they took whole grapes whereas silvereyes pecked. Differences in behavior of the two species are discussed and the assumption that all frugivorous birds are attracted to fruit for similar reasons is challenged. It may be that differences in digestive glucose absorption processes underlie the observed difference in behavioral responses of the two species.
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