[Feeding ecology of the Guira Cuckoo (Guira guira) in the northeastern Buenos Aires Province].
We studied the diet and feeding ecology of the Guira Cuckoo (Guira guira), a bird that has a wide distribution in Argentina. We analyzed 62 stomachs, obtained between 1991 and 1997 (26 in spring, 13 in summer, 10 in autumn and 13 in winter), in the localities La Balandra and Punta Blanca, Magdalena district, Buenos Aires province. In order to establish the contribution of each prey item, we applied the relative importance index. The dietary contribution in terms of number and volume was also taken into account. This species feeds only on animals. The trophic spectrum was determined on the basis of the identification of 92 items, all of animal origin, principally Insecta (98%), Annelida, Mollusca, Arachnida, Crustacea, Amphibia, Reptilia and Aves. In conclusion, G. guira is a opportunistic species that consumes animal preys exclusively.
Sección Ornitología, División Zoologia Vertebrados y Cátedra de Omitología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo de La Plata, Paseo del Bosque, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. gsoave@fcnym.unlp.edu.ar
Guillermo E
GE
Soave
Carlos A
CA
Darrieu
María E
ME
Aribalzaga
Aníbal R
AR
Camperi
Mariano
M
Lucía
Jorge
J
Williams
Marcos
M
Juarez
D000818:Animals; D001118:Argentina; D001717:Birds / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005766:Gastrointestinal Contents; D008297:Male; D012621:Seasons