Bird-termite interactions in Brazil: A review with perspectives for future studies

Authors

  • Marcelo Ferreira de Vasconcelos Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Museu de Ciências Naturais
  • Diego Hoffmann Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Biológicas
  • Mércia Caroline de Araújo Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Museu de Ciências Naturais
  • Prinscila Neves Vasconcelos Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Museu de Ciências Naturais

Keywords:

birds, Brazil, feeding, nesting, termites

Abstract

We present a review on the principal interactions between birds and termites in Brazil. We found 218 bird species feeding on termites or using termitaria for nesting or perching. Termites were mentioned as food source for 179 bird species. Alates were the most consumed caste. Termitaria were mentioned as nest site for 45 bird species. Some bird species also perch on the top of termite mounds to search for their prey or to conduct territorial and/or courtship displays. Considering all interactions between both animal groups, little is known about the identification of termite genera or species. Therefore, we suggest more detailed studies to be conducted on the natural history and ecology of interactions between birds and termites in Brazil.
Issue Cover Vol.: 15 Num: 1

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Published

2015-03-01

How to Cite

de Vasconcelos, M. F., Hoffmann, D., de Araújo, M. C., & Vasconcelos, P. N. (2015). Bird-termite interactions in Brazil: A review with perspectives for future studies. Biota Neotropica, 15(1). Retrieved from //www.biotaneotropica.org.br/BN/article/view/1309

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2015): v15n1

Section

Articles

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