AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Bird Dissemination of Dwarf Mistletoe on Ponderosa Pine in Colorado

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1979
Authors:Hudler, GW, Oshima, N, Hawksworth, FG
Journal:American Midland Naturalist
Volume:102
Issue:2
Date Published:1979
ISBN Number:00030031
Keywords:Paridae, Parus, Parus gambeli, Poecile, Poecile gambeli, Sitta, Sitta europaea, Sitta pygmaea, Sittidae
Abstract:Dwarf mistletoe [Arceuthobium vaginatum subsp. cryptopodum (Engelm.) Hawksworth and Wiens] distribution and the role of birds as vectors of the parasite were studied in a Colorado ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws.) forest. Occurrence of the parasite at distances from a source greater than those attributable to explosive seed discharge was erratic and infrequent. In 24 cases, ages of initial infections in single or multiple tree infection centers were determined. Age analyses indicated that long-distance seed transmission followed by successful infection occurred on an average once every 4 years in 150 ha of healthy ponderosa pine. A total of 411 birds representing 21 species were trapped in an infected pine stand during dwarf mistletoe seed dispersal in 1974-1976. Mountain chickadees (Parus gambeli Ridgway) and pygmy nuthatches (Sitta pygmaea van Rossem) were primary vectors of the parasite. Field observations and laboratory experiments suggested that birds ingested dwarf mistletoe seeds infrequently but such seeds were not viable when voided in feces. Viable seeds apparently were transported by birds only when they adhered to feathers and were transferred to foliage as birds subsequently foraged.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/2424654
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