ornithochory

Ornithochory refers to seed dispersal by birds. The term "ornitho-" comes from the Greek word for bird. Birds play a significant role in seed dispersal through various mechanisms.12

One method is endozoochory, where birds consume fruits and excrete the seeds, often with the seeds remaining intact after passing through the digestive system. This process is thought to have contributed to the diversification of flowering plants.3

Another method is synzoochory, where birds intentionally carry seeds, often in their beaks. This includes birds caching seeds for later consumption, with some seeds being forgotten or dropped, leading to dispersal. Many ornithochorous plants have conspicuous fruits that are attractive to fruit-eating birds, often featuring bright colors and edible parts.3

Birds can also inadvertently disperse seeds by carrying them in mud stuck to their bodies, particularly waterfowl. While birds are not typically known for carrying burrlike seeds on their bodies, they can transport sticky fruits.3