Birds as predators of true bugs (Heteroptera) in different habitats

Abstract

The diet of 46 bird species (Passeriformes, Piciformes, Coraciiformes) was studied using mostly the neck-collar method. True bugs were present in the diet of 35 bird species, forming a considerable part of the diet in Ficedula albicollis, Lanius collurio, Merops apiaster, Oenanthe oenanthe, Phylloscopus collybita, Phylloscopus sibilatrix, Saxicola rubetra, Saxicola torquata, and Sitta europaea.

At least 57 heteropteran species of 15 families were identified. Frequently represented species belonged to Miridae, Lygaeidae s. lat., Coreidae, Acanthosomatidae, Scutelleridae, and Pentatomidae.

Large-sized species prevailed.

Keywords

• Heteroptera
• birds
• predation
• warning coloration
• foraging relationships.