What is the typical percentage range for seeds in the White-crowned Sparrow's diet during the height of the breeding season?
Answer
20% to 40%
The diet of the White-crowned Sparrow undergoes a significant reversal between the non-breeding and breeding periods concerning the ratio of plant matter to animal matter. During the winter, seeds can account for nearly 100% of the intake. Conversely, during the breeding season, when the necessity for high protein levels for egg production and chick growth is paramount, insects dominate. However, seeds do not vanish entirely. Analyses show that even when insects make up the majority of the intake, seeds can still constitute a measurable portion, typically falling within the range of 20% to 40% of the total caloric intake during this summer period. This contrasts sharply with winter figures, where insects might plunge below 5%.
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