How would the world look like if there were no seed? What would the birds eat. Discuss.
Answers
Answer:
fruit-eating birds:
Frugivores are most diverse in the tropics where fruit is available year-round. Many polygynous birds are fruit eaters. Males of these species have bright colors to augment their courtship displays, so many brightly colored birds rely heavily on fruit for their diet. Not all of the photos here depict frugivores many omnivorous birds incorporate fruit into their diets.
nectar-eating birds:
Nectar provides a rich source of energy for many small birds, though these birds must supplement their diet with other foods. Hummingbirds constitute the largest family of nectivores, with approximately 350 species, all in the New World.
insect-eating birds:
The majority of birds rely on insects for at least part of their diets. Insectivorous birds can get most of their water needs from their prey.
worm-eating birds:
A few species of birds specialize in eating worms, while many other species eat worms occasionally.
fish-eating birds:
Birds have evolved a wide variety of adaptations for feeding on fish. Some behavioral adaptations include plunge diving, surface diving, skimming the surface, spearing, and stealing. Beak shapes are highly varied correlating with the different behavioral adaptations. Fish-eating birds tend to have rear facing hooks on their tongues and a well developed proventriculus, the anterior chamber of the stomach.
amphibian-eating birds:
Many species of birds relish amphibians, but none are exclusively amphibian eaters.
bird-eating birds:
A number of hawks and falcons specialize in preying on birds, but many types of birds are more opportunistic, especially when it comes to feeding on baby birds.
reptile-eating birds:
Reptiles are popular prey items for a wide variety of birds, but only a few raptors are truly reptile specialists.
mammal-eating birds:
Mammals, especially rodents, are the dominant prey item for many raptors.
carrion-eating birds:
New and Old World Vultures are the preeminent carrion-eaters. Many other species indulge to varying degrees.
egg-eating birds:
Eggs of all sorts are a major source of nutrition for many birds, though no birds are exclusively egg-eaters.