What specific method do Black-and-yellow Tanagers use when consuming small fruits?
Answer
Swallowing the small fruit whole
A distinctive feature of the Black-and-yellow Tanager's fruit consumption is the direct method utilized: they are observed swallowing the small berries and soft fruits whole immediately upon plucking them. This behavior strongly suggests that the primary objective at that moment is rapid caloric intake from the pulp, which delivers quick sugars necessary for immediate energy demands such as territorial defense or continuous singing. The seeds themselves are not processed internally for immediate nutritional gain, implying that seed content is secondary to the immediate energy provided by the fruit flesh.
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