Dispersal of terrestrial gastropods by birds during the nesting period

We observed a blackcap Sylvia atricapilla L. (Sylviidae) which carried terrestrial gastropods Fruticicola fruticum (O. F. Müller) (Bradybaenidae) and Zonitoides nitidus (O. F. Müller) (Zonitidae) in a deciduous forest. Similarly, a blackbird Turdus merula L. (Turdidae) was observed carrying a slug, Arion subfuscus s. l. (Arionidae), in a dry pine forest. Z. nitidus was transported over a distance of at least 48 m, while A. subfuscus, no less than 25 m. The possibility of terrestrial gastropod dispersal by birds during the chick-feeding period is discussed