Robel, Robert J; Keating, Jefferey F; Zimmerman, John L; Behnke, Keith C; Kemp, Kenneth E

Wilson Bulletin [WILSON BULL.], vol. 109, no. 2, pp. 218-225, Jun 1997

Extruder-produced food morsels of different colors and flavors were offered to Harris' Sparrows (Zonotrichia querula) and American Tree Sparrows (Spizella arborea). The consumption of these morsels was measured to determine positive or negative selection by these two species of birds. Birds consumed more brown and yellow morsels than blue or orange morsels and more butter-/and nut-flavored morsels than lime-flavored morsels. In this study, color selection probably reflected avoidance of blue and orange morsels, rather than a preference for brown and yellow morsels. Color discrimination among our birds was stronger than flavor discrimination. Elucidation of color and flavor preferences and avoidance characteristics may prove useful in developing granular pesticide delivery systems that reduce potential hazards for birds.