Bird-termite interactions in Brazil: A review with perspectives for future studies

Abstract

We present a review on the principal interactions between birds and termites in Brazil. We found 218 bird species feeding on termites or using termitaria for nesting or perching. Termites were mentioned as food source for 179 bird species. Alates were the most consumed caste. Termitaria were mentioned as nest site for 45 bird species. Some bird species also perch on the top of termite mounds to search for their prey or to conduct territorial and/or courtship displays. Considering all interactions between both animal groups, little is known about the identification of termite genera or species. Therefore, we suggest more detailed studies to be conducted on the natural history and ecology of interactions between birds and termites in Brazil. Keywords: birds, Brazil, feeding, nesting, termites.VASCONCELOS, M.F., HOFFMANN, D., ARAÚ JO, M.C., VASCONCELOS, P.N. Bird-termite interactions in Brazil: A review with perspectives for future studies.dx. doi.org/10.1590/1676-06032014003514Resumo: Apresentamos aqui uma revisã o sobre as principais interaçõ es entre aves e cupins no Brasil. Foram registradas 218 espécies de aves alimentando-se de cupins ou usando cupinzeiros para nidificar ou se empoleirar. Os cupins foram citados como recurso alimentar para 179 espécies de aves, sendo as formas aladas as mais consumidas. Os cupinzeiros foram citados como sítio de nidificaçã o para 45 espécies de aves. Algumas espécies de aves também se empoleiram no alto de termiteiros para localizar suas presas ou para realizar exibiçõ es territoriais e/ou de corte. Considerando-se todas as interaçõ es entre ambos os grupos de animais, pouco ainda se conhece sobre a identificaçã o dos gêneros e espécies de térmitas envolvidos. Assim, sugerimos a realizaçã o de estudos mais detalhados sobre histó ria natural e ecologia das interaçõ es entre aves e cupins no Brasil.

Booking.com®: a fake mega arboreal termitaria as an unusual nesting site for the Peach-fronted parakeet, Eupsittula aurea (Psittacidae)

“…However, foraging in anthropic landscapes may affect reproductive success, because it is hard to ind optimal nesting sites in urban areas (SANCHEZ-MARTINEZ; RENTON, 2009). The Peach-fronted parakeet nests almost exclusively in arboreal ( Figure 1A) or epigean termitaria (termites nests) (COLLAR, 1997;PARANHOS et al, 2008), suggesting a commensal association between birds and termites (SAZIMA; D' ANGELO, 2015;VASCONCELOS et al, 2015). This article describes a refrigeration system as an unusual nesting site for the Peach-fronted parakeet in an urban area.…”

Termite mounds house a diversity of taxa in oil palm plantations irrespective of understory management

“…By doing so, termites promote biodiversity in the surrounding area too; for instance, termite mounds have been shown to support a diversity of animal species by acting as resting or nesting sites. Taxa associated with termite mounds include birds (Vasconcelos, Hoffmann, Araújo, & Vasconcelos, 2015), mammals (Valdivia-Hoeflich, Vega Rivera, & Stoner, 2005), snakes (Moreira, Fenolio, Silva, & Silva Jr, 2009;Riley, Stimson, & Winch, 1985), lizards (Vitt et al, 2007), and invertebrates (De Visser, Freymann, & Schnyder, 2008).…”

Termite mound density and distribution patterns across three land‐use types in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa

“…Due to the plants diversity and growth, foraging mammals are attracted to the mounds (Fleming & Loveridge, 2003). Termite mounds may also harbour large trees which provide nesting, feeding and perching sites for birds (Vasconcelos, Hoffmann, Araújo, & Vasconcelos, 2015).…”