Ornithochory

Ornithochory

 

the distribution by birds of fruits and seeds of plants; a somewhat uncommon type of zoochory. Birds carry seeds and fruits in their tarsi, bills, or cheek pouches. They hide food reserves near tree stumps, under moss, and elsewhere. Some seeds do not lose their viability after passing through the digestive tract of certain birds, such as buntings, robins, and thrushes. Sometimes fruits and seeds cling to the feathers, bills, or feet of birds and are thus distributed.