Hello,
In Brazil, we have two African birds: Common Waxbill and Cattle Egrets.
Which may not be a surprise to most readers. But, I would like to comment the fact that both have , by coincidence, the same food source, as they had in Africa.
The Cattle Egrets can feed on thicks on Buffalos, specially, at the Island of Marajo, at the mouth of the Amazon River.
The Commom Waxbills can feed on the seeds of the “Elephant Grass” ( Panicum sp.)
This grass has such name due the fact it can be tall enough to hide an elephant.
This grass was brought by the Portuguese Vessels when they were carrying slaves.
The grass was used to make a layer on the floor for the slaves to sleep on…Once they arrived in Brazil, the grass was thrown away…
Other native Brazilian Seedeaters got used to feed on it, specially the Double-collared Seedeater – One of my favorite birds.
Good bye, for now.
Paulo Boute
