scholarly journals Breeding Ecology of the Pied Avocet, Recurvirosrta avosetta (Charadriiformes, Recurvirostridae), in Tiffech Lake (Souk Ahras, Northeastern Algeria)

Zoodiversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-206
Author(s):  
N. Boukrouma
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Egg Size ◽  
Hatching Success ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Breeding Ecology ◽  
Net Productivity ◽  
Human Predation ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Northeastern Algeria

The Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta Linnaeus, 1758) is a sedentary species in Northeastern Algeria, although numbers present increase during spring and summer. Nesting occurs on the dikes and lakes placed at the different pools of the saltpans. In this study, the breeding ecology of the Pied Avocet was studied during the 2017 breeding season in Tiffech lake wetland (868 m in elevation), Northeastern Algeria. The Pied Avocets arrived, at Tiffech Lake in early February and usually spent a few days in flocks before dispersing to set up territories. Egg-laying occurred from 11 April to 21 June, with two distinct peaks (last 15 days of April and May) and incubation period was 27.0 days. The present study indicates the expanded, breeding season. Clutch and egg size of this high-elevation population was comparable to lowland counterparts. Hatching success was 85.77 % and mean net productivity was 0.63 chicks per nest. Entire nest failure from human predation and sheep grazing was responsible for most egg losses.

Breeding biology of crimson rosellas (Platycercus elegans) on Black Mountain, Australian Capital Territory

1998 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Krebs
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Breeding Success ◽  
Brood Size ◽  
Hatching Success ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Hatching Asynchrony ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Australian Capital Territory ◽  
Egg Destruction ◽  
Black Mountain

The breeding behaviour of crimson rosellas (Platycercus elegans) in Canberra, Australia, was studied between 1993 and 1996. Female rosellas initiated breeding in late September or early October, laying a mean of 5.3 ± 0.1 (s.e.) eggs at 1–4-day intervals. Of all eggs laid, 50% fledged successfully. Rosellas had the highest breeding success in the wettest year (1995), when they bred earlier, laid larger clutches and fledged more young. Unexpectedly, breeding success was not lowest in the driest year (1994), although fewer birds attempted breeding and hatching success was low. In this study, poor environmental conditions for breeding were counterbalanced by decreased levels of conspecific interference through egg destruction. Overall, 55.8% of all clutches initiated were destroyed during laying, and more than half of this was attributed to rosellas. The reasons for egg destruction by rosellas were not clear. Boxes where clutches were destroyed were not quickly reoccupied and egg destruction was not highest when competition for nesting hollows was most intense. Clutch size and egg-laying intervals decreased over the breeding season, but the length of incubation did not. Large clutches did not produce more fledglings, because more eggs failed to hatch, especially early in the season. Eggs in a clutch hatched over a period of 0.5–7 days. Total hatching asynchrony increased over the breeding season and was not strongly correlated with clutch or brood size. This suggests that female rosellas initiated incubation at different times during laying. Clutches with longer hatching intervals took longer to incubate. If females in poor condition are inefficient incubators, female condition may affect the degree of hatching asynchrony.

scholarly journals Nest characteristics and breeding success of Black Kites (Milvus migrans migrans) in the High Plateau (Algeria)

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-85
Author(s):  
Sarra Messabhia ◽  
Ettayib Bensaci ◽  
Salah Telailia ◽  
Abderraouf Chouaib Rebbah ◽  
Menouar Saheb
Keyword(s):  
Clutch Size ◽  
Hatching Success ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Breeding Ecology ◽  
Nearest Neighbour ◽  
Breeding Parameters ◽  
Milvus Migrans ◽  
Black Kite ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin

The breeding ecology of the Black Kite Milvus migrans migrans in Algeria was first studied in 2014 and 2015 on Tarf Mountain in the semi-arid High Plateaus region. The nearest-neighbour nest distance was found to range from 130 to 550 m for colonial pairs and from 1,730 to 2,390 m for the solitary ones. All 12 monitored nests were placed on cliffs at different heights ranging from 149 to 155 m. The mean egg laying period was 15 days, and the mean clutch size was 2.83 ± 0.31 and 3 ± 00 eggs per nest in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The mean hatching success was 83% and that of fledging 75%. Only 2 nests were predated. Our results disagree with those of the previous studies that were carried out mainly in the Mediterranean basin and Asia, differing in such nest characteristics as the nearest - neighbour nest distance, cliff and nesting heights, egg laying period and hatching success. Otherwise, no consistent differences in clutch size and fledging success were revealed. Finally, we determined that Black Kites tend to build their nest on the eastern side of cliffs. However, our analysis showed no effect of nest placement on breeding parameters and success.

scholarly journals Tri-axial accelerometry shows differences in energy expenditure and parental effort throughout the breeding season in long-lived raptors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascual LÓPEZ-LÓPEZ ◽  
Arturo M PERONA ◽  
Olga EGEA-CASAS ◽  
Jon ETXEBARRIA MORANT ◽  
Vicente URIOS
Keyword(s):  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Parental Care ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Video Recording ◽  
Experimental Manipulation ◽  
Biparental Care ◽  
Breeding Ecology ◽  
Parental Effort ◽  
Ecological Data ◽  
Movement Trajectories

Abstract Cutting-edge technologies are extremely useful to develop new workflows in studying ecological data, particularly to understand animal behaviour and movement trajectories at the individual level. Although parental care is a well-studied phenomenon, most studies have been focused on direct observational or video recording data, as well as experimental manipulation. Therefore, what happens out of our sight still remains unknown. Using high-frequency GPS/GSM dataloggers and tri-axial accelerometers we monitored 25 Bonelli’s eagles (Aquila fasciata) during the breeding season to understand parental activities from a broader perspective. We used recursive data, measured as number of visits and residence time, to reveal nest attendance patterns of biparental care with role specialization between sexes. Accelerometry data interpreted as the Overall Dynamic Body Acceleration, a proxy of energy expenditure, showed strong differences in parental effort throughout the breeding season and between sexes. Thereby, males increased substantially their energetic requirements, due to the increased workload, while females spent most of the time on the nest. Furthermore, during critical phases of the breeding season, a low percentage of suitable hunting spots in eagles’ territories led them to increase their ranging behaviour in order to find food, with important consequences in energy consumption and mortality risk. Our results highlight the crucial role of males in raptor species exhibiting biparental care. Finally, we exemplify how biologging technologies are an adequate and objective method to study parental care in raptors as well as to get deeper insight into breeding ecology of birds in general.

Breeding ecology of the fairy martin

1999 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. L. Magrath
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Adult Mortality ◽  
First Year ◽  
Breeding Ecology ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Annual Productivity ◽  
Adverse Weather ◽  
Colony Site ◽  
The One

The breeding biology of the fairy martin, Hirundo ariel, was studied over three years (1992–95) in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. Adult males and females in this population were morphologically similar, though only females acquired a brood patch during the breeding season. Colonies ranged in size from 8 to 29 nests. Birds arrived in the study area in September and usually commenced laying in October, though nesting activities were generally asynchronous both between and within colonies. Most colonies contained active nests until February. At least 16% of adults and 5% of fledglings, on average, returned to the study area in the following year. Returning adults generally nested at the same colony site as the previous year, while most first-year birds nested at sites other than their natal colony. Adult males were more likely to return than adult females. Clutch size ranged from 2 to 5, with a mean of 3.5, and declined over the season. The incubation period varied from 12 to 18 days with a mean of 13.7. A mean of 1.8 chicks fledged per completed clutch, while 60% of clutches produced at least one chick. The period from hatching to fledging varied from 17 to 32 days, with a mean of 22.1, and increased with brood size. Fledging success was highest during the middle of the breeding season. Adverse weather conditions, resulting in the abandonment of clutch and brood, were the most common cause of nest failure, and on several occasions also resulted in adult mortality. Almost half the breeding females produced at least two clutches in the one season. Pairs produced from 0 to 8 fledglings per season, with those that commenced nesting earlier in the season having higher annual productivity. These results are discussed in relation to the breeding ecology of other members of the Hirundinidae.

scholarly journals Effects of constant incubation regimes on eggs and hatchlings of the egg-laying skink, Oligosoma suteri

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Kelly Maree Hare
Keyword(s):  
Hatching Success ◽  
Incubation Temperature ◽  
Unit Length ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Maternal Influence ◽  
Temperature Dependent ◽  
Sprint Speed ◽  
Fitness Traits ◽  
Incubation Temperatures

<p>The conditions under which reptilian eggs are incubated affect survival probability and physiological attributes of the progeny. The egg-laying skink, Oligosoma suteri, is the only endemic oviparous lizard in New Zealand. No controlled laboratory incubation had previously been undertaken, and thus no information was available on the requirements for successful captive incubation. I studied the effects of incubation regime on the eggs and hatchlings of O. suteri to four months of age. Oligosoma suteri eggs (n = 174) were randomly distributed among three constant incubation temperatures (18°C, 22°C and 26°C) and two water potentials (-120 kPa and -270 kPa). Hatching success and hatchling survival were greatest at 22°C and 26°C, with hatchlings from 18°C incubation suffering from physical abnormalities. Incubation regime and maternal influence did not affect sex of individuals, with equal sex ratios occurring from each incubation treatment. Hatchlings from the 22°C and -120 kPa incubation treatments were larger, for most measurements, and warmer incubation temperatures resulted in increased growth rates. Juveniles from 22°C and 26°C and individuals with greater mass per unit length (condition index) sprinted faster over 0.25 m. Sprint speed was positively correlated with ambient temperature. At four months of age sprint speed decreased in 18°C individuals and individuals incubated at 26°C and -270 kPa compared to their performance at one month. The results suggest that the most successful captive incubation regime for O. suteri is 22°C and -120 kPa. This study also shows that temperature-dependent sex determination does not occur in O. suteri, but that fitness traits are influenced by incubation temperature.</p>

scholarly journals Realities of rarity: climatically and ecologically restricted, critically endangered Kandian Torrent Toads (Adenomus kandianus) breed en masse

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhava Meegaskumbura ◽  
Nayana Wijayathilaka ◽  
Nirodha Abayalath ◽  
Gayani Senevirathne
Keyword(s):  
Forest Cover ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Habitat Associations ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Primary Forest ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Suitable Habitats ◽  
Wide Geographic Distribution ◽  
Forest Habitats

Endemic to Sri Lanka, genus Adenomus contains two torrent-associated toad species whose ecology and natural history in the wild is virtually unknown. Adenomus kelaartii is relatively common, with a wide geographic distribution. Its sister species, A. kandianus, however, is restricted to two isolated populations in fast-disappearing montane and sub-montane forests. Formally declared extinct after not being recorded for over a century, a few A. kandianus were rediscovered in 2012 and redescribed as "the world's rarest toad". Here we report the results of a two-year study of the occurrence, habits and habitat associations of adult and larval A. kandianus using both general surveys and quadrat sampling. We show this to be a secretive species with a patchy distribution. Non-breeding female toads dwell in primary-forest habitats, but after heavy and sudden downpours they form large mating congregations in large streams. Amplexed pairs swim synchronously, enabling them to traverse fast currents. Egg-laying sites remain unknown, but the ability to dive and vocalize underwater, and characteristics of the eggs, suggest that they lay eggs in dark recesses of the stream. Tadpoles show microhabitat partitioning within the stream, with the greatest diversity of stages in slow-flowing rocky areas. The more robust stages possessing sucker discs exploit rocky-rapids, while metamorphic stages inhabit stream margins. We use DNA-barcoding to show the existence of two disparate toad populations. Distribution modeling with forest-cover layers added, predict a very small remaining area of suitable habitats. Conservation of this climatically and ecologically restricted species hinge largely on the preservation of high-elevation primary and riparian forests and unpolluted torrents.

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 

Factors influencing fledgling production in little penguins (Eudyptula minor)

2004 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 339 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Knight ◽  
T. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Breeding Biology ◽  
Single Variable ◽  
Nesting Habitat ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Little Penguin ◽  
Significant Model

An eight-year study was conducted on the breeding biology of the little penguin population at Lion Island. Forwards-selection Poisson regressions were used to determine whether variables such as year, date of lay, years since banding of each parent (indicator of age) and habitat influenced the fledgling numbers and average fledgling weight for adult pairs. 'Date of lay' provided the most significant model of fledgling numbers, while 'habitat' and 'year' as single-variable models also significantly influenced fledgling numbers. 'Date of lay' provided the most significant model of average fledgling weight. Future monitoring of the Lion Island colony therefore should focus on monitoring egg laying at the start of the breeding season, and maintaining high-quality nesting habitat.

Mortality and breeding failure of little penguins, Eudyptula minor, in Victoria, 1995 - 96, following a widespread mortality of pilchard, Sardinops sagax

2000 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Dann ◽  
F. I. Norman ◽  
J. M. Cullen ◽  
F. J. Neira ◽  
A. Chiaradia
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Breeding Success ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
First Year ◽  
Breeding Failure ◽  
Food Species ◽  
Intestinal Parasitism ◽  
Western Victoria

In May 1995, numbers of little penguins, Eudyptula minor, coming ashore declined at Phillip Island and St Kilda concurrently with deaths of many penguins in western Victoria and a massive mortality of one of their food species (pilchard) throughout southern Australia. Among 1926 dead penguins reported were 131 banded birdsrecovered from Phillip Island (86% adults and 14% first-year birds), 26 from Rabbit Island and six from St Kilda. The number of banded penguins found dead per number of adult Phillip Island birds at risk was 2.3% in 1995 compared with an annual mean of 0.7% for 1970–93. Of 29 corpses autopsied, at least 26 died of starvation associated with mild–severe gastro-intestinal parasitism. Following the pilchard mortality, egg-laying by penguins in the subsequent breeding season (1995–96) was ~2 weeks later than the long-term mean and 0.3 chicks were fledged per pair compared with the long-term mean of 1.0. Unlike previous years, few penguins were recorded in Port Phillip Bay in September–October 1995, a period when pilchard schools were infrequently seen. It is concluded that the increase in penguin mortality in northern Bass Strait and the significant reduction in breeding success were associated with the widespread pilchard mortality.

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