Effects of Seed and Background Colors on Seed Acceptance by Birds

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Abstract
The effects of seed-coloring agents, background colors and their interactions on the acceptance of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) seeds by varied thrushes (Ixoreus naevius), Oregon juncos (Junco hyemalis) and California quail (Lophortyx californicus) were measured by presenting the treatments on a rotating feeding carousel. Seeds treated with coloring agents generally were accepted less than untreated seeds. Background colors and the interaction between the seed treatments and background colors did not significantly alter acceptance. Coloring agents that added texture to the seeds were generally the least preferred and 2 of these, Monastral Fast Green and animal charcoal, were the least preferred by the 3 spp. tested. The addition of coloring agents such as Monastral Fast Green or animal charcoal to rodenticide-treated Douglas fir seeds may deter acceptance by birds during initial encounters on artificial seedings.