Contribution of the grass vegetation on the diet of the terrestrial bird species

In this study the results of the analysis of diet from three game bird species are presented using different samples of food remains (crops, stomachs, droppings). The three species were: Quail (Coturnix coturnix coturnix), Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca graeca), and Pheasant (Phashianus colchicus colchicus). It is showed that more than 27 plant families included in the diet of these bird species, and the most important were Poaceae and Fabaceae, with Ranunculaceae following. Insects mainly Coleoptera and Hymenoptera had also been included in the diet to a lesser extent. The feeding behaviour varied from season to season according to the varied parts of the plants that were eaten by the birds. The study has proved the big importance of the preservation and enhancement of the herbaceous vegetation in the meadow and agriculture lands to the survival of these birds.