AVAILABILITY OF Michelia champaca L. (Magnoliaceae) FRUITS AND ITS CONSUMPTION BY BIRDS IN THE URBAN AREA OF UBERLANDIA, STATE OF MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

Exotic plants used in urban tree planting can play an important role in bird conservation in urban environments when they offer some kind of resource. The aim of this study was to evaluate the availability of fruits of Michelia champaca in the urban area of Uberlandia, and its consumption by birds. The study was carried out between June 2008 and October 2009 in three urban green areas. A total of 167 hours of observation were made in 14 plant individuals for the analysis of consumption of diaspores (arillate seeds) by birds. The availability of diaspores was estimated by counting all visible open fruits in 34 individuals. Mature fruits were available in at least one of the areas along virtually the entire period of study even in months of dry season, with the most abundant fruiting occurring in February 2009. A total of 149 feeding events (FE) performed by 20 species of birds (3 orders, 6 families, 15 genera) were recorded. There was no significant difference between areas in the number of diaspores consumed (H=0.77; gl=2; p=0.68) nor in the number of FE (H=1,40; gl=2; p=0,49). Comparing the number of FE of the main consumers there was no significant difference between areas (H=3,19; gl=2; p=0,19). Regarding to feeding habits, there was a predominance of omnivores (n = 12; 60%), followed by insectivorous species (n = 6; 30%). There were no records of agonistic interactions among consumers of M. champaca. The results suggest that this species can act as an alternative food source for the local avifauna, since its fruits are available during most of the year.