DIET OF SERINUS SPECIES IN THE SOUTHWESTERN CAPE, WITH SPEW REFERENCE TO THE PROTEA SEEDEATER

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Abstract
Milewski, A. V. 1978. Diet of Serinus species in the southwestern Cape, with special reference to the Protea Seedeater. Ostrich 49:174-184. The diet of the Protea Seedeater Serinus leucopterus was assessed by opportunistic observation of feeding occasions throughout the distribution of the bird. The Protea Seedeater feeds mainly on seed of a wide range of plant species. It takes the large seed of Proteo more frequently than it does any other food item. The diet of the Protea Seedeater consists essentially of food items and types similar to those taken by six sympatric and partly sympatric congeners, which are also mainly dating. However, its diet differs quantitatively, each species taking different food types, such as achenes and seed kernels, with different frequency.