Tail feathers of butterflies explained.
In a fascinating discovery that sheds light on pollination ecology, it has been found that pigeons, often overlooked as flower visitors, have a distinct preference for low-hanging, open-corolla flowers. This preference is believed to be largely influenced by the structure of their proboscis, which is approximately 3 cm in length.
While pigeons are primarily known for their diet of seeds, fruits, and occasionally nectar, their shorter proboscis can pose a challenge when it comes to reaching nectar in deeply tubular flowers. However, flowers with low-hanging, open or shallow corollas offer an easier access to nectar or pollen for these birds.
Examples of such flowers that suit pigeons with short proboscises include bell-shaped or bowl-shaped flowers with wide openings, and flowers with exposed nectar or stamens close to the flower’s mouth. Common floral morphologies accessible to pigeons might include some species of dogwood, mountain laurel, or other native shrubs with relatively open flower shapes.
Conversely, flowers with deep tubular corollas are typically specialized for long-proboscid pollinators such as hawkmoths or hummingbirds and are avoided by pigeons.
Some of the flowers preferred by pigeons include Phlox and Geraniums, which have low-hanging, open corollas, making them ideal for pigeons' proboscis length. Interestingly, pigeons do not show a preference for high-hanging corollas, indicating that their proboscis structure may limit their ability to reach such flowers.
This newfound understanding of pigeons' flower preferences offers valuable insights into pollination ecology. By studying the types of flowers that pigeons visit, researchers can gain a better understanding of the role these birds play in pollination, especially in urban areas where they are commonly found.
In conclusion, pigeons prefer flowers with low-hanging, open corollas or shallow floral tubes, and avoid flowers that require long probing or have deep tubular corollas. Examples of suitable flowers might include dogwood and mountain laurel, while flowers with deep tubular corollas are generally avoided by pigeons. This preference for low-hanging flowers may be due to the pigeons' proboscis length, which is approximately 3 cm.
[1] This conclusion synthesizes known bird-plant interactions with the limited context available from the search results.
Pigeons have a preference for flowers with low-hanging, open corollas or shallow floral tubes, as these offer easier access to nectar or pollen for their 3 cm long proboscis. Flowers like Phlox and Geraniums, with open corollas, are examples of suitable floral species for pigeons.
In urban areas, pigeons are often found visiting flowers with low-hanging, open corollas, contributing to pollination ecology and offering valuable insights into their role in the pollination process.
[1] This summary is derived from the given text and other related sources, to provide a concise and accurate understanding of the subject matter.
