| In the tropical rainforests, the fruit supply is relatively constant all year. The fruits of fig trees are especially popular with many species of monkey. Fruit makes up over 50% of the diet of a large proportion of tropical birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and even some fish. Since birds have relatively poor senses of smell and taste, fruits do not need to develop a sweet taste and odor in order to attract them. |
| One particularly unusual tropical fruit-eater is the oilbird (Steatornis caripensis). These birds are nocturnal and inhabit the forests of northern South America. They live in colonies, spending the day in caves, much like bats. Also like bats, they use echolocation to keep from bumping into things as they fly about in the dark. They are the only birds known to use echolocation, a technique where the birds' click-like vocalizations work like sonar signals, and bounce off nearby objects, helping the birds to "see" where it is safe to fly. At night, these large birds, with wingspans of nearly three feet, come out to feed on the fruits of palms and laurels. They often fly long distances to locate fruiting plants, and they feed while hovering at the trees and use their hook-like beaks to pick off the fruits. |
Above and below: Palm fruits growing in clumps near the top of the tree. Photos by Maya Walters. |
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