The diet of the Olive Bee-eater, Merops superciliosus, in the Central Highlands of Madagascar. (10th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rajemison, Balsama; Goodman, Hesham T; Goodman, Steven M
• Is Part Of: Ostrich. Volume 92:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 316
• Page End: 318
• Publication Date: 2021-12-10
• Subjects: Antananarivo -- dietary regime -- quantified data -- urban area; Birds -- Periodicals; Birds -- South Africa -- Periodicals; 598.05
• DOI: 10.2989/00306525.2021.2003883
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-6525

Abstract

Abstract : Regurgitated pellets from the Olive Bee-eater, Merops superciliosus, were collected below a hunting perch in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and used to examine this species' food habits. The diet of this species was largely composed of bees (Apidae, genus Apis ) and the next most common group was wasps (Vespidae). Remains of soft-bodied ticks (Argasidae) were also identified, presumably associated with the consumption of ectoparasites during preening.