Anemochoric seeds in the nest: expanding the view on seed dispersal by birds
摘要
Mutualistic interactions between birds and diaspores can go beyond feeding relationships (frugivory and seed dispersal). Here, I report the use of anemochoric diaspores for nest building as a seed dispersal interaction. Through direct visual observation in the field and analysis of photographic records (Wikiaves platform), I identified 58 species of birds using diaspores of species belonging to seven botanical families to build their nests. Hummingbirds (Trochilidae) were the most representative (n = 20 spp.) and had the highest number of interactions in field observations (n = 48; 59.25%) and photographic records (n = 65; 39.63%). Birds benefit from the interaction by obtaining nesting material and the plant species find new places of concentration, relocation and potential germination for their seeds. The use of data generated by citizen science is important to accelerate studies and expand our knowledge about the network of mutualistic interactions between birds and diaspores.