Feeding biology of the Greyheaded Parrot, Poicephalus fuscicollis suahelicus (Reichenow), in Northern Province, South Africa

Abstract

The Greyheaded Parrot, Poicephalus fuscicollis suahelicus, feeds on at least 25 tree species through its range. In Northern Province, South Africa, it was recorded feeding on the fruit of six tree species during the non-breeding season (August–December) and eight species during the breeding season (April–August). It was also recorded feeding on the bark of three additional species during the breeding season. Competition with other avian frugivores was low as Greyheaded Parrots were specialist feeders, accessing the kernel of unripe fruit, which other species are unable to do. Energy content of food species ranged from 15.72 MJ kg^–1 (Gmelina arborea, an exotic) to 31.18 MJ kg^–1 (Sclerocarya birrea), and protein from 8.75% (G. arborea) to 39.81% (Melia azaderach, an exotic). Feeding choice reflected seasonal fruit availability, and during any one month feeding occurred on few tree species.