References & Sources  -  October 17, 1998

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Botanical 'Velcro' entraps hummingbirds

The burrs of a tall weed called burdock prove a death trap for migrating hummingbirds.

 

Further Readings:

Gross, R.S., P.A. Werner, and W.R. Hawthorn. 1980. The biology of Canadian weeds. 38. Arctium minus (Hill) Bernh and A. lappa L. Canadian Journal of Plant Science 60:621.

Kubiaz, M.A. 1989. Burdock as a hazard to golden-crowned kinglets and other small birds. Ontario Birds 7(December):112.

McNicholl, M.K. 1994. Additional records of birds caught on burdock. Ontario Birds 12(December):117.

______. 1988. Bats and birds stuck on burdock. Prairie Naturalist 20:157.

Sources:

Bob Ford
Rock Creek Park
3545 Williamsburg Lane, N.W.
Washington, DC 20008

Wayne R. Hawthorn
University of Waterloo
Department of Biology
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1
Canada

Susan E. Salmons
Rock Creek Park
3545 Williamsburg Lane, N.W.
Washington, DC 20008

From Science News, Vol. 154, No. 16, October 17, 1998, p. 244. Copyright Ó 1998 by Science Service.

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