Wet-season Feeding by Four Species of Granivorous Birds in the Northern Territory

Abstract

Observations of Peaceful Doves Geopelia placida, and Long-tailed Poephila acuticauda, Masked P. personata and Gouldian Finches Erythrura gouldiae corroborate the suggestion that food for granivores is in short supply during the wet season in tropical Australia. The Peaceful Doves appeared to be scavenging seed dropped by Hooded Parrots Psephotus dissimilis, and the Long-tailed and Masked Finches were taking old seed at a rate that required them to feed for at least 6 hours a day. Gouldian Finches took only grass seed from standing stems, disappearing from the study area when such food was unavailable.