scholarly journals Observations on breeding behaviour of a pair of endangered Egyptian Vultures Neophron percnopterus (Linnaeus, 1758) over three breeding seasons in the plains of Punjab, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 16013-16020
Author(s):  
Charn Kumar ◽  
Amritpal Singh Kaleka ◽  
Sandeep Kaur Thind
Keyword(s):  
Incubation Period ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Space Observatory ◽  
The Third ◽  
Breeding Behaviour ◽  
Nest Activity ◽  
Nesting Site ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Cctv Camera

The present study has been conducted to document information on breeding behaviour of Egyptian Vultures Neophrons percnopterus from Punjab.  This study is based on 688 hours of video records documenting breeding behaviour of a pair of endangered Egyptian Vultures Neophrons percnopterus occupying the same nesting site over three consecutive breeding seasons from 2015 to 2017. The site is located in the hollow of a ventilation window of the Space Observatory in Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab. During the third breeding period (February to August 2017), the nest activity has been extensively video-recorded in egg laying and incubation period, and chick rearing period using a Dome CCTV Camera. Both parents participated in nest building, and of the total recorded incubation time of 339.39h over 23 days the nest was attended for 199.35 and 139.46h by the female and male respectively, and unattended for 0.58h. The incubation period was 42 to 43 days, and the egg laying/hatching intervals between eggs/chicks was five days. A total of six young ones hatched and fledged from three broods of two eggs each. All chicks survived to fledging and no mortality or siblicide of younger chick occurred due to aggression/starvation by elder chick. The high fledging success rate indicates a healthy habitat and food source in the nesting area. 

scholarly journals Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata breeding behaviour: Insights from citizen science camera surveillance

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 87-98
Author(s):  
Heather Neilly ◽  
◽  
David Wells ◽  
Tim Pascoe ◽  
Peter Cale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Direct Observation ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Breeding Behaviour ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Camera Surveillance

Observations on natural history are a useful but often overlooked branch of ecology. With the use of camera-traps, collection of data e.g. on breeding behaviour and success has never been easier, particularly when studying cryptic species. Additionally, camera-traps are well suited to citizen science because of their ease of operation and the ability to store and verify data. Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata breeding behaviour has previously been studied through direct observation or timelapse photography, resulting in small sample sizes and potentially biased observations. Using camera-trap data collected by citizen scientists, we examined the breeding behaviour of this species. We quantified the timing and duration of mound-tending activities at 20 mounds using camera surveillance for >30,000 hours (1250 days) over six breeding seasons. Time spent at the mound during five mound stages and visit frequencies by the male and female during each stage are reported. Femaleinvolvement at the mound was consistent, although males spent three times as long at the mound compared with females during egg-laying. On egg-laying days, females spent longer uncovering the mound, compared with covering the mound post egg-laying. Our findings confirm that both male and female Malleefowl spend a substantial amount of time constructing and maintaining their mound throughout the year and, most notably, that the female consistently participates in mound-tending.These insights are particularly valuable as our surveillance was over markedly longer time spans than previous studies that relied upon direct observation.

scholarly journals Female Hematozoan Infection Reduces Hatching Success but not Fledging Success in Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca

The Auk ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 118 (3) ◽  
pp. 750-755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan J. Sanz ◽  
Elena Arriero ◽  
Juan Moreno ◽  
Santiago Merino
Keyword(s):  
Incubation Period ◽  
Parasite Prevalence ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Ficedula Hypoleuca ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Fledging Success ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Fledgling Mass

Abstract We report association between female blood parasite prevalence (percentage of infected birds) just after egg laying and reproductive success in two successive breeding seasons, in a breeding population of Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca in central Spain. Females infected with Trypanosoma spp. had a higher probability of deserting their clutches during the incubation period than noninfected females. Females infected with Haemoproteus balmorali hatched proportionally fewer eggs than noninfected females. Female infected with H. balmorali during the incubation period may have a decreased ability to thermoregulate which may affect their incubation capacity. Fledging success, breeding success, fledgling mass, and tarsus length were not associated with infection of the mother by blood parasites during the incubation period, suggesting that females and their mates may compensate during the nestling period for the negative effect of blood parasites during the incubation period.

Photoperiodic induction of multiple breeding seasons in captive American kestrels

1980 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 1022-1026 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Bird ◽  
P. Gregory Weil ◽  
Paul C. Laguë
Keyword(s):  
Light Intensity ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Photoperiodic Induction ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
American Kestrels ◽  
Artificial Photoperiod ◽  
Breeding Seasons

Six out of 10 mated pairs of captive American kestrels (Falco sparverius) were induced by artificial photoperiod to undergo a successful out-of-season breeding period between two consecutive successful spring breeding periods. Light intensity had significant (r = −0.88, p < 0.05) negative effects on onset of egg laying. Eighteen of the 27 eggs produced were laid at ambient temperatures below freezing. Fertility (85.2%), hatchability of fertile eggs (47.6%), and fledging success (100%) in the winter season were all highly comparable with the two spring breeding seasons.

Breeding biology of the Critically Endangered Tahiti MonarchPomarea nigra, a bird with a low productivity

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 606-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
CAROLINE BLANVILLAIN ◽  
THOMAS GHESTEMME ◽  
TEHANI WITHERS ◽  
MARK O’BRIEN
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
French Polynesia ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Breeding Biology ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Tropical Island ◽  
Island Endemics ◽  
Nest Activity ◽  
Considerable Length ◽  
One Year

SummaryWe studied the breeding biology of Tahiti MonarchPomarea nigra, a ‘Critically Endangered’ forest bird endemic to Tahiti (French Polynesia). Nest activity was monitored from 1998 to 2002, and again from 2008 to 2015. During these 12 years, only 2–13 breeding pairs per year produced hatchlings. Egg-laying occurred all year, but usually increased between August and January, peaking around November. Of the 200 nests monitored, 33 (16%) were abandoned shortly after construction, 71 had an egg laid immediately after the nest were completed (34 %) and 96 nests (46 %) had a pre-incubation phase of 18.9 ± 1.9 days (3–62 days;n= 47 nests), during which the birds visited the nest on an irregular basis. Half (49 of 96) of these nests were abandoned before an egg was laid, with incubation subsequently commencing at the remaining nests (n= 47). Although both sexes incubated for an average of 13.6 ± 0.3 days (range 13–15), the female usually spent more time incubating than the male. Only one young per nest was ever observed. The average nestling phase was 15.5 ± 0.7 days (range 13 to 20 days). Parents continue to feed the young after fledging for 74 ± 4.7 days (range 42–174). As with many tropical island endemics, the Tahiti Monarch has low reproductive productivity as indicated by the fact that: 1) only 56% of pairs attempt to lay an egg in any one year, 2) most pairs attempt only one brood per year and 3) the considerable length of the nesting and fledging phases. Because of its low productivity, maximising the reproductive success of the Tahiti Monarch is essential to secure its recovery.

Breeding behaviour of ectotherms at high latitudes: the case of the natterjack toad Epidalea calamita at its northern range limit

Behaviour ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Linda Saare ◽  
Riinu Rannap
Keyword(s):  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Energetic Cost ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
High Latitudes ◽  
Range Limit ◽  
Photo Identification ◽  
Breeding Behaviour ◽  
Risk Of Predation ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Northern Range Limit

Abstract We explored the breeding behaviour of a threatened amphibian, the natterjack toad, at its northern range limit in Estonia, to determine the extent to which reproduction is affected by harsh and unstable climatic conditions. Using photo identification of specimens, we found that in optimal weather conditions males formed three breeding cohorts, while in adverse conditions only a single cohort occurred and under extreme conditions reproduction was skipped entirely. During the extended breeding season, larger males participated in reproduction throughout the breeding period, while smaller males appeared in later cohorts. Breeding success was related to the calling effort of a male, where larger males had greater mating success than smaller ones. We found that the natterjack toad males exhibit significant plasticity in reproductive behaviour at the northern range limit, which, given the energetic cost of reproduction and the increased risk of predation, allows them to increase their fitness at high latitudes.

The influence of nutrition on egg-production and longevity in unmated female body-lice (Pediculus humanus corporis: Anoplura)

Parasitology ◽  
1941 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Haddow
Keyword(s):  
Female Body ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
The Body ◽  
Unmated Female ◽  
Pediculus Humanus ◽  
The Third ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Body Lice

1. Isolated unmated female body-lice were worn in pillboxes between the skin and the clothes. They were kept constantly on the body but, by a simple device, groups of ten were permitted feeding periods of different length. These groups were fed for 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 hr. per day respectively. Another group of ten were never allowed to feed after the last moult.2. Some of the figures for egg yield were high. Lice in the 24 hr. group were able to maintain a rate of ten eggs per day for 4−5 days at a time.3. No significant difference in longevity or rate of egg-laying was found to exist between the 12, 16, 20 and 24 hr. groups nor between the 4 and 8 hr. groups but a pronounced and significant difference exists between the 8 and 12 hr. groups. Below 12 hr. there is a sharp fall in longevity and rate of egg production. The unfed group all died, without laying, on the third day.4. The rate of laying as shown by the mode increases progressively with increase in time allowed daily for feeding.5. With regard to the mean eggs per louse the position is less clear. It is felt that the 24 hr. group may differ significantly from the 12, 16 and 20 hr. groups but this is uncertain.

The breeding behaviour of the endangered regent honeyeater, Xanthomyza phrygia, near Armidale, New South Wales

1998 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damon L. Oliver
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Similar Rate ◽  
Nest Construction ◽  
Aggressive Interactions ◽  
Breeding Behaviour ◽  
South Wales ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Breeding Seasons

The regent honeyea ter, Xanthomyza phrygia, is an endangered woodland bird whose range and population size have decreased in the last thirty years. Suggested reasons for this decline include abnormal breeding behaviour, poor reproductive output, and excessive inter- and intra-specific aggression. This study investigated the breeding behaviour and aggressive interactions of regent honeyeaters during the nest construction, incubation, nestling, and fledgling stages in two consecutive breeding seasons in the Bundarra–Barraba region near Armidale, New South Wales. The female was entirely responsible for nest construction and incubation, which is typical of many honeyeaters. Both parents fed the nestlings, and at a similar rate, although only the female brooded chicks on the nest. Both parents fed the fledglings. The mean frequency at which nestlings (23 times per hour) and fledglings (29 times per hour) were fed is the highest published rate of any non-cooperative honeyeater. Breeding males were involved in significantly more aggressive interactions with conspecifics and other nectarivores than were females, although the overall percentage of day-time spent in aggression for both sexes was low (2.5%). It appears that abnormal breeding behaviour, poor reproductive effort, or excessive aggression are not experienced by this species in northern New South Wales, and that other factors are likely to be responsible for its current low population level.

A study of the olfactory responses of insect parasites to the food plant of their host

Parasitology ◽  
1938 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 523-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. H. Thorpe ◽  
H. B. Caudle
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Sylvestris ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Food Plant ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Considerable Time ◽  
Olfactory Responses ◽  
The Third ◽  
Pine Trees ◽  
Insect Parasites

1. Pimpla ruficollis is a parasite of the pine shoot moth Rhyacionia (Evetria) buoliana Schiff. (Eucosmidae) which emerges from its host a considerable time before the next generation of larvae are ready for oviposition. It seems that during this period the parasites leave the pine trees and feed on the flowers of certain Umbelliferae and probably other plants. Only after 3 or 4 weeks do they return to the pine trees where the shoots now contain larvae ready for egg laying.2. It has been shown by means of olfactometer experiments that during this first period of the adult life, the parasites are repelled by the odour of oil of Pinus sylvestris. At this time the ovaries are very small and are probably not ready for the production of eggs. After the third or fourth week of life the females become attracted by the oil of P. sylvestris and the ovaries are now relatively large.3. Since Geraniol is known to be a constituent of certain conifers, this substance was also tested. It was, however, found to be invariably repellent to the parasites.4. There is some evidence that conclusions reached as a result of experiments with P. ruficollis also apply to the ophionine ichneumonid Eulimneria rufifemur.

Annual Productivity and Its Measurement in a Multi-Brooded Passerine, the Eastern Bluebird

The Auk ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 562-572
Author(s):  
Benedict C. Pinkowski
Keyword(s):  
Success Rate ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Nesting Success ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Sialia Sialis ◽  
Eastern Bluebird ◽  
Annual Productivity ◽  
Eastern Bluebirds ◽  
Breeding Seasons

Abstract Breeding and demographic parameters are examined for 434 Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) attempting 324 nests in southeastern Michigan during 1968-1977. Nesting birds spent an average of 10.4 weeks (63.9% of a 16.2-week season) in the study area. Only 154 (35.5%) of the nesting birds remained for entire breeding seasons; these season-long residents averaged 2.14 nests/season and had a higher success rate (68.4%) and presumably greater productivity (5.6 young · pair−1 · season −1) than other birds because site fidelity depends on nesting success. Although two seasonal peaks for egg-laying were observed, only 75 of 357 birds (21.0%) successfully raised two broods. Evidence is presented to suggest that birds observed for only part of a season initiated nests at the same rate while in and not in the study area, so that an average annual productivity value of 5.0 young · pair−1 · season −1 is calculated for all nesting birds from the observed success rate (57.1%) and mean length of stay in the area. Estimated average productivity of yearlings (4.3 young · pair−1 · season −1) was lower than that of adults (5.7 young · pair−1 · season −1) although nesting success rates were similar in the two age groups.

scholarly journals Breeding biology of coppersmith barbet, Megalaima haemacephala (Müller, 1776)

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 31-34
Author(s):  
Noor Jahan Sarker ◽  
M Firoj Jaman ◽  
Shariar Mustafa ◽  
Md Saidur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Incubation Period ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Breeding Success ◽  
Brood Size ◽  
Botanical Garden ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Breeding Biology ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Average Height ◽  
Average Depth

Breeding biology of the Coppersmith barbet, Megalaima haemacephala (Müller, 1776) was carried out between February, 2006 and January, 2007 at Sharawardy Uddyan, Ramna Park, Curzon Hall and National Botanical Garden. The breeding season started from December and ended in June. In total 20 nests were observed, of which 10 nests were studied in details in four study areas. The coppersmith barbet mostly preferred to make holes on the branches of koroi (Albizzia procera) for nesting. Egg laying started on 15th February in the study areas. Average height of nests from the ground was 9.7m and average depth and diameter of the holes was 29.20cm and 4.46cm respectively. New holes were constructed yearly or the old one was reused. Both the sexes took part in incubation of eggs, brooding and feeding to the nestlings. A total of 30 eggs were laid in 10 nests. Clutch size varied from 2 – 4 eggs (average: 3 eggs). Among them, 20 (66.67%) eggs were hatched and the rest 10 (33.33%) were unhatched and lost. Average incubation period was 14 days. The male and the female incubated the eggs for an average of 27.44 minutes/ hours and 32.56 minutes/ hours, respectively. Average number of nestlings (brood size) per nest was 2. Out of 20 nestlings, 16 left their nests successively. The breeding success was 53.33% in relation to the number of eggs laid and 80% in relation to nestlings hatched. The average weight of eggs and nestlings was 3.59g and 9.33g, respectively. The main causes of loss of the eggs and nestlings were human interference, predation and ectoparasitic infections. Insects and fruits were fed to the nestlings by their parents.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ujzru.v31i0.15397Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 31, 2012 pp. 31-34 

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document