Data from: Forest passerines as a novel dispersal vector of viable bryophyte propagules

Animal dispersal influences the community structure and diversity of a
wide variety of plant taxa, yet the potential effects of animal dispersal
in bryophytes (hornworts, liverworts, and mosses) is poorly understood. In
many communities, birds use bryophyte-abundant niche space for foraging
and gathering nest material, suggesting that birds may play a role in
bryophyte dispersal. As highly motile animals with long migratory routes,
birds potentially provide a means for both local and long-distance
bryophyte dispersal in a manner that differs greatly from passive, aerial
spore dispersal. To examine this phenomenon, we collected and germinated
bryophyte propagules from the legs, feet and tails of 224 birds from 34
species within a temperate forest community. In total we found 1,512
spores, and were able to germinate 242 bryophyte propagules. In addition,
we provide evidence that topical (externally-carried) spore load varies by
bird species and behavior. Tail feather spore abundance is highest in bark
and foliage gleaning species and is positively correlated with tarsal
length. Together, these data suggest that a variety of forest birds
exhibit the potential to act as dispersal vectors for bryophyte
propagules, including an abundance of spores, and that understanding the
effects of animal behavior on bryophyte dispersal will be key to further
understanding this interaction.