Nectar as food for birds: The physiological consequences of drinking dilute sugar solutions

S.W. Nicolson; P.A. Fleming

doi:10.1007/s00606-003-0276-7

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Nectar as food for birds: The physiological consequences of drinking dilute sugar solutions

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Nectar as food for birds: The physiological consequences of drinking dilute sugar solutions

S.W. Nicolson and P.A. Fleming

Plant Systematics and Evolution, Vol.238(1-4), pp.139-153

2003

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-003-0276-7

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Abstract

Nectarivory has evolved many times in birds: although best known in hummingbirds, sunbirds and honeyeaters, it also occurs on an opportunistic basis in a varied assortment of birds. We present a phylogenetic analysis of the distribution of nectarivory in birds. Specialised avian nectarivores are generally small, with an energetic lifestyle and high metabolic rates. Their high degree of dependence on nectar as a food source has led to convergence in morphological, physiological and behavioural adaptations. We examine the constituents of nectar which are most important to bird consumers, and how the birds deal with them in terms of physiology and behaviour. There are still unanswered questions: for example, the dichotomy between sucrose-rich nectars in hummingbird-pollinated plants and predominantly hexose-rich nectars in sunbird-pollinated plants appears to have little to do with bird physiologies and may rather reflect patterns of nectar secretion.

Details

Title: Nectar as food for birds: The physiological consequences of drinking dilute sugar solutions
Authors/Creators: S.W. Nicolson (Author/Creator)
P.A. Fleming (Author/Creator)
Publication Details: Plant Systematics and Evolution, Vol.238(1-4), pp.139-153
Publisher: Springer Verlag
Identifiers: 991005542889207891
Copyright: © Springer Verlag
Murdoch Affiliation: Murdoch University
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.64 Phylogenetics & Genomics; 3.64.612 Pollination
Web Of Science research areas: Evolutionary Biology; Plant Sciences
ESI research areas: Plant & Animal Science