FEEDING ECOLOGY OF THE BLACK‐FACED DIOCHQUELEA QUELEAIN NIGERIA

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
SUMMARY: The results of a three‐year study of the diet ofQuelea queleain the Lake Chad region of Nigeria indicate why this bird periodically does extensive damage to crops of dry‐season guinea‐corn.The normal food of the birds in the early dry‐season consists of small grass seeds collected off the ground. As the supply of these diminishes there is a gradual change‐over to larger seeds.In years when this change begins early, it is liable to coincide with the ripening of the cereal crop and severe damage may be caused.At the beginning of the rains the dry‐season food supply is lost owing to the simultaneous germination of the seeds over large areas.The birds lay down fat reserves in preparation for this lean period.After a short time the birds migrate south to regions where rain has been falling for some weeks.In the short period spent in these parts, Queleas feed on ripening grass seeds—including those of cultivated millet.There is evidence for considerable mortality during this time of food scarcity and it is suggested that the numbers of Queleas are limited by the food supply.The significance of communal roosting is discussed. It is proposed that the phenomenon is related to food finding, the roost being considered as an “information centre” for the large area prospected by the birds constituting the roosting community. A method is outlined by which information on food availability within the feeding area may feasibly be transmitted within the community.