Dieta de psitacídeos (Aves: Psittacidae) no Mato Grosso do Sul, baseada em dados de Ciência Cidadã

Abstract

Among Brazilian birds, the order Psittaciformes (which includes parrots, macaws, and parakeets) is one of the most endangered. However, studies on the feeding habits of these birds remain limited to a few species. This study aimed to analyze the dietary items consumed by psittacids in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul through photographic records available on the WikiAves platform. From the obtained records, it was possible to identify that the psittacids of the state exploit 12 different types of food, ranging from common items, such as fruits and seeds, to uncommon ones, like termites and cattle feed. The group exhibits significant variation in the number of items consumed, with some species being more generalist, consuming a wider variety of items, while others are more specialist, feeding on fewer types of items. The records revealed that Aratinga nenday and Eupsittula aurea were the most generalist species, consuming up to seven different food types, while the most specialist species were Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus and Orthopsittaca manilatus, consuming only two different items. The WikiAves platform enabled the analysis of a significant number of records, highlighting the importance of citizen science in our society.