AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Rejection Thresholds for Citric Acid Solutions in Cowbirds, Starlings, and Red-wing Blackbirds

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1968
Authors:Harriman, AE
Journal:American Midland Naturalist
Volume:79
Issue:1
Date Published:1968
ISBN Number:00030031
Keywords:Sturnidae, Sturnus, Sturnus vulgaris, Turdidae, Turdus, Turdus iliacus, Turdus maximus, Turdus merula
Abstract:The degree of rejection for acid manifested by birds in laboratory drinking preference tests may be correlated with the acidic components of the customarily selected natural foods. In a test of this possibility, Starlings, which feed on fruits and berries, were compared with two granivorous birds (Cowbirds and Red-wing Blackbirds) in a series of 2-bottle tests with citric acid concentrations opposite distilled water. The Starlings proved to be significantly less averse to drinking the test concentrations than were either the Cowbirds or the Red-wing Blackbirds. The findings suggest that taste factors may contribute to dietary selection in birds.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/2423169
Short Title:American Midland Naturalist
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith