Spectral analysis of flowers used by nectar-feeding birds in an urban area in Southeastern Brazil

Mcb Toledo,Rj Donatelli

doi:10.1590/s1519-69842010000400005

Mcb Toledo, Rj Donatelli

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1519-69842010000400005

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the spectral characteristic of nectar-producing flowers visited by nectarivorous birds in urban areas. This study was carried out in the central area of the city of Taubaté, in the northeast of the State of São Paulo. The sample areas included green areas, such as squares and parks, and the vegetation of streets and avenues. Twelve plant species were recorded with flowers visited by five nectar-feeding birds. The most visited flower species were those that reflected in long wavelengths (>600 nm). The study discussed the birds' detection capability due to the tetrachromatic vision of nectar-feeding birds and the conspicuity of flowers in urban environments. Finally, the study assessed the scarcity of plants attractive to nectar-feeding birds and the need for a management strategy to favour these species and biodiversity in urban areas.

Highlights

The impact of urban development on the structure and function of an area’s vegetation is dramatic
Gentry and Bauhinia variegata L., considering that the last species was divided into light pink flowers (LP) and white flowers (W) (Table 1)
The spectral curve was calculated from the reflectance measures, and the median point was obtained for the flowers of each species (Figure 2)

Summary

Introduction

The impact of urban development on the structure and function of an area’s vegetation is dramatic. The landscape of an urban centre consists of a mosaic of built-up areas, gardens, parks, yards and rare fragments of native forest (Davis and Glick, 1978; French et al, 2005). Native vegetation areas are usually replaced by other exotic and native species with better aesthetics, landscaping and commercial performance (Beissinger and Osborne, 1982; DeGraaf, 1985). Many studies corroborate the positive relationship between native birds diversity and the occurrence of native plant species in urban areas Nectar-feeding birds / nectarivorous birds are conspicuous in urban and suburban areas (Mendonça and Anjos, 2005; Toledo and Moreira, 2008). Biol., 2010, vol 70, no. 3 (suppl.), p. 729-735

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