Systematic patterns of foraging for nectar by Amakihi (Loxops virens)

Abstract

The visits of color-banded, territorial Amakihi to marked clusters of mamane bloom were recorded. The results indicated the existence of three systematic patterns in foraging behavior: (1) Amakihi avoid revisiting flower clusters they have recently visited; (2) when revisits do occur, they tend to be temporally spaced so as to allow time for nectar replenishment; (3) at least in some cases, the male and female Amakihi do not feed randomly with respect to each other, but rather a portion of the territory is utilized only by the female. Each of these characteristics of Amakihi foraging for nectar probably increases the foraging efficiency of the birds.