The birds – consumers and disseminators of Japanese yew Taxus cuspidata Siebold et Zucc. in the Russian Far East

Abstract

Based on the results of the long-term ecological researches in the Russian Far East (Primorsky Territory, Khabarovsk Territory and Sakhalin Region), and published data analysis provides the actual material about the birds feeding seeds and berries of Japanese yew Taxus cuspidata Siebold et Zucc. It has been found 26 carpophagous bird species from 12 families and 4 orders. Basically by Thrushes: Pale Thrush – Turdus pallidus, Eyebrwed Thrush – Turdus obscurus, Brown-headed Thrush – Turdus chrysolaus, Grey-backed Thrush – Turdus hortulorum, Dusky Thrush – Turdus eunomus and Scaly (White’s) Thrush – Zoothera varia; Crows: Eurasian Jay – Garrulus glandarius, Azure-winged Magpie – Cyanopica cyanus; Waxwings: Waxwing – Bombycilla garrulus; Doves: Oriental Turtle Dove – Streptopelia orientalis; Tits: Oriental Marsh – Parus palustris, Willow Tit – Parus montanus, Oriental Tit – Parus minor, Varied Tit – Parus varius, Coal Tit – Parus ater; Nuthatchs: Nuthatch – Sitta europaea; Finches: Brambling – Fringilla montifringilla, Hawfinch – Coccothraustes coccothraustes, Oriental Bullfinch – Pyrrhula griseiventris. The participation of birds in the dissemination of the Japanese yew Taxus cuspidata is considered. The active birds in the seed distribution are Thrushes (6 species) and Crows (2 species). In addition, tits and nuthatches actively distribute the seeds. The main role in the Japanese yew dissemination belongs to the nomadic birds, migrants and wintering birds.