scholarly journals Population density, habitat preference, and breeding biology of Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) in Malakand division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-70
Author(s):  
Atta Ullah ◽  
Khurshaid Khan
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Incubation Period ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Hatching Success ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Nest Size ◽  
Calotropis Procera ◽  
Alectoris Chukar ◽  
Chukar Partridge

Abstract The field biology of Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) was studied in Malakand division, which is an important range of its distribution in Pakistan. The abundance of the species at different altitudes was studied using both transect trails of various lengths and point counts at certain spots. The average monthly population density was estimated to be 1.448±0.466 birds/ha. The population density in August, September, and October 2020 was significantly (P<0.05) higher, as compared to the rest of the months. Chukar Partridge sightings were the lowest in December, with mean±SD = 0.996±0.147 birds/ha and the highest in October 2.333±0.202 birds/ hae in all the study sites. At each study site, maximum activity habitats were marked and selected for breeding ecology study. Data was collected on breeding time, nest site selection, nest size, incubation period, and hatching success. The breeding season in this species starts in February, with the peak months being March and April, when calls are frequently heard. The frequency of calls varied from 0.15 to 0.3 per minute. Throughout the breeding season, twelve nests were observed using binoculars and camera traps from a distance to avoid disturbance, wherever possible and without disrupting the species. Nesting sites were mostly on slopes under the eaves of Dodonea viscosa, Calotropis procera and Zizyphus oxyphylla. Dry leaves of Poa annua, Cynodon dactylon, Dichanthium annulatum, small twigs of bushes, and downy feathers were used as nesting materials. The average diameter of nest (n=12) was 25.43±3.4 (mean±SD) cm. Overall, the mean clutch size was 94.5±30.187 egg/nest with an incubation period of 22–24 days. The hatching success rate was 82% with 315 successfully hatched chicks, while the fledging rate was 83% (265 fledged out of 315 hatched in, n=42 nests).

scholarly journals The Kestrel Falco tinnunculus in Slovenia – a review of its distribution, population density, movements, breeding biology, diet and interactions with other species / Postovka Falco tinnunculus v Sloveniji – pregled njene razširjenosti, populacijske gostote, disperzije, gnezditvene biologije, prehrane in interakcij z drugimi vrstami

Acrocephalus ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (152-153) ◽  
pp. 5-24
Author(s):  
Tanja Šumrada ◽  
Jurij Hanžel
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Breeding Biology ◽  
Population Estimate ◽  
Falco Tinnunculus ◽  
Hunting Behaviour ◽  
Breeding Distribution

The paper discusses the breeding and non-breeding distribution and population density of the Kestrel Falco tinnunculus in Slovenia, its movements, breeding biology, hunting behaviour, diet and interactions with other species. The data were collected from published works and directly from observers. The species’ breeding distribution is shown as a comparison of both national breeding bird atlases, which indicated no convincing changes in its distribution. The non-breeding season population estimate (1,000-2,000 ind.) is lower than the breeding population estimate (1,500-2,000 pairs). The Kestrel breeds at altitudes from 0 to 2,050 m a.s.l.; outside the breeding season, it has been observed at altitudes of up to 1,700 m a.s.l. At least part of the breeding population migrates, apparently more or less towards SSW. The breeding season lasts from February to July. It nests in trees, buildings, cliffs, nestboxes and on electricity pylons. In trees it uses abandoned nests of corvids. On buildings it nests mainly on ledges and in various openings. It often nests on industrial and residential buildings. On cliffs it nests in natural openings and in abandoned nests of other species. It lays 3-9 eggs, usually five. It hunts over open terrain by windhovering, active aerial pursuit and stooping onto the ground from perches. It feeds mainly on small mammals and, to a lesser extent, on passerines, reptiles and invertebrates. It interacts with other species during hunting, nest-site selection and breeding itself. Platyhelminthic, nematode, ixodid and insect parasites have all been recorded on the Kestrel

scholarly journals Nest Weight and Female Health in the Blue Tit (Cyanistes Caeruleus)

The Auk ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 123 (4) ◽  
pp. 1013-1021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo Tomás ◽  
Santiago Merino ◽  
Juan Moreno ◽  
Juan J. Sanz ◽  
Judith Morales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Incubation Period ◽  
Hatching Success ◽  
Intraspecific Variability ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Laying Date ◽  
Nest Size ◽  
Blue Tit ◽  
Cyanistes Caeruleus ◽  
Phenotypic Quality ◽  
Immunoglobulin Levels

Abstract We explored two hypotheses that may explain intraspecific variability in nest size. The “thermoregulatory” hypothesis states that species adjust nest size to maintain egg temperature and minimize temperature fluctuations in the nest. Recently, the suggestion has been made that nest size may reflect the health status or phenotypic quality of the builder, potentially making it a sexually selected trait (“sexual selection” hypothesis). For two years, we weighed nests of Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) at initiation of reproduction in a nest-box breeding population in central Spain. We recorded laying date, clutch size, incubation period, and hatching success. We measured and took blood samples of adult females when nestlings reached three days of age. General regression models controlling for potential variables that could affect nest weight revealed that prevalence of Trypanosoma avium and immunoglobulin levels in females were significantly related to nest weight in only one of the study years. Females not infected with Trypanosoma avium built heavier nests than infected ones, whereas female immunoglobulin levels were negatively associated with nest weight. Hatching success and duration of the incubation period were not related to nest weight in either year. Thus, our results do not support the thermoregulatory hypothesis and show that certain measures of female health are related to nest-building effort in some years, probably depending on environmental conditions. Peso del Nido y Estado de Salud de la Hembra en el Cyanistes caeruleus

scholarly journals Ontogeny of aerial righting and wing flapping in juvenile birds

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 20140497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis Evangelista ◽  
Sharlene Cam ◽  
Tony Huynh ◽  
Igor Krivitskiy ◽  
Robert Dudley
Keyword(s):  
Force Production ◽  
Vertical Force ◽  
Alectoris Chukar ◽  
Avian Flight ◽  
Body Roll ◽  
Chukar Partridge

Mechanisms of aerial righting in juvenile chukar partridge ( Alectoris chukar ) were studied from hatching to 14 days-post-hatching (dph). Asymmetric movements of the wings were used from 1 to 8 dph to effect progressively more successful righting behaviour via body roll. Following 8 dph, wing motions transitioned to bilaterally symmetric flapping that yielded aerial righting via nose-down pitch, along with substantial increases in vertical force production during descent. Ontogenetically, the use of such wing motions to effect aerial righting precedes both symmetric flapping and a previously documented behaviour in chukar (i.e. wing-assisted incline running) hypothesized to be relevant to incipient flight evolution in birds. These findings highlight the importance of asymmetric wing activation and controlled aerial manoeuvres during bird development and are potentially relevant to understanding the origins of avian flight.

Low reproductive success of the endangered Iberá Seedeater in its only known breeding site, the Iberá Wetlands, Argentina

The Condor ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Browne ◽  
Sheela P Turbek ◽  
Constanza Pasian ◽  
Adrián S Di Giacomo
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Grassland Management ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Breeding Biology ◽  
Cumulative Probability ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Northeastern Argentina

Abstract Subtropical grasslands are highly susceptible to habitat conversion and number among South America’s most threatened ecosystems. The grasslands of northeastern Argentina have been identified as a priority conservation area for threatened capuchino seedeaters because they constitute the main breeding area of these migratory birds. The Iberá Seedeater (Sporophila iberaensis) is a newly described species in the Iberá Wetlands in Argentina whose biology is still poorly understood. The endangered species inhabits grasslands but has only been reported to breed in the Iberá Wetlands ecoregion of northeastern Argentina. To explore the species’ association with grassland vegetation, we studied the breeding biology (clutch size, hatching success, and fledgling production) of the Iberá Seedeater and the main parameters that influence nest survival and nest-site selection. We conducted nest searches and banded adults and nestlings in Iberá National Park during the breeding seasons of 2016–2018. The breeding season of the Iberá Seedeater was highly synchronous and the cumulative probability of nest survival was 0.16. The daily nest survival rate decreased as the breeding season advanced, survival was lower for nests supported by Rhynchospora corymbosa than Paspalum durifolium, the two main nest substrates, and the main causes of nest failure were nest predation and strong winds. Additionally, the population exhibited male-biased site fidelity and a low female return rate. In contrast to other capuchinos, whose breeding biology is associated with upland grasslands, the Iberá Seedeater nested exclusively in flooded lowland grasslands on marsh plants. Thus, effective lowland grassland management is key to maintain the vegetation structure required for reproduction in the Iberá Seedeater.

scholarly journals PENEKANAN HAYATI PENYAKIT MOLER PADA BAWANG MERAH DENGAN TRICHODERMA HARZIANUM, TRICHODERMA KONINGII, DAN PSEUDOMONAS FLUORESCENS P60

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-61
Author(s):  
Suprapto Edy Santoso ◽  
Loekas Soesanto ◽  
Totok Agung Dwi Haryanto
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Pseudomonas Fluorescens ◽  
Incubation Period ◽  
Trichoderma Harzianum ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Research Result ◽  
Pathogen Population ◽  
Trichoderma Koningii ◽  
Spraying Method ◽  
Plot Design

Biological Suppression of Moler Disease on Shallot  by Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma koningii, and Pseudomonas fluorescens P60. Research aiming for (1) knowing efectivity of biological suppression with T. harzianum, T. koningii, and P. fluorescens P60 and (2) studying growth and production of shallot caused by the suppression carried out at the shallot farm. Split-Split Plot Design arranged in Randomized Completely Block Design was used with three replicates. The research result showed that P. fluorescens P60 was the most effective antagonistic agent to suppress the disease either alone or in combination while T. harzianumi and T. koningii did not suppress effectively. Pseudomonas fluorescens P60 could suppress the disease up to 41.96%. The best method of P. fluorescens P60 application was spraying method for 10 mL with 107 cfu/mL population density, which was able to dicrease incubation period, disease intensity, and final pathogen population up to 62.46, 18.19, and 80.67%, respectively. Growth and production of the crop tended to increase resulted from biological suppression by P. fluorescens P60, but not by T. harzianum nor T. koningii.

Vegetation height and egg coloration differentially affect predation rate and overheating risk: an experimental test mimicking a ground-nesting bird

2012 ◽  
Vol 90 (6) ◽  
pp. 694-703 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Gillis ◽  
B. Gauffre ◽  
R. Huot ◽  
V. Bretagnolle
Keyword(s):  
Predation Risk ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Artificial Nests ◽  
Vegetation Height ◽  
Selective Pressures ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Nest Microclimate ◽  
Egg Coloration ◽  
Ground Nesting

Avian eggs need to be laid in protected environments to develop and survive. Nest predation is known as the main cause of breeding failure for many birds, but nest microclimate conditions are also important for embryo development. These two selective pressures are particularly marked in ground-nesting birds. Vegetation height has been shown to be a critical factor for nest-site selection in ground-nesting birds because it can counteract predation and overheating simultaneously. It is therefore difficult to disentangle the respective influences of these risks on selection of a particular nest vegetation height. To develop a conceptual framework for understanding and predicting the relative effects of vegetation on predation and nest microclimate during a breeding season, we used vegetation height to manipulate differentially these two risks. We therefore exposed artificial nests to a wide range of vegetation heights, replicated the experimental tests during spring, and manipulated egg color to estimate predation risk. We confirmed that tall vegetation is relevant to protect unattended eggs against both risks. Whereas predation risk is stable for a given vegetation height, overheating risk presents inter- and intra-seasonal variations. Therefore, over a breeding season, for a given vegetation height, the respective strengths of the two risks are unbalanced and depends on egg coloration. The breeding strategy of ground-nesting birds thus should have been shaped by both selective pressures, but the ultimate choice may depend on the species-specific laying dates and alternative behavioral strategies for protecting the clutch. This study provides new perspectives to investigate avian parental behaviour.

scholarly journals Nutritional value of breast and thigh muscle of chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) under intensive fattening conditions

2012 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radovan Jůzl ◽  
Pavel Suchý ◽  
Eva Straková ◽  
Lucie Rusníková ◽  
Miroslav Macháček ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Analysis ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Thigh Muscle ◽  
Carcass Yield ◽  
Alectoris Chukar ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Gross Energy ◽  
Chukar Partridge

The aim of our study was to evaluate the nutritional value of the breast and thigh muscle of chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) under intensive fattening conditions. Commercial feeding mixtures for broilers were used. Live weight of 60 partridges (birds were not sexed) was controlled during 90 days of fattening. After the fattening was finished, 30 birds were selected to monitor the carcass yield. Breast and thigh muscle were used for chemical analysis of crude protein (Kjeldahl method), total lipids (fat analyser ANKOMXT10), ash (Muffle furnace - 550° C) and gross energy (calorimetry). Average values ​​of live weight were increasing in the course of fattening; at the end of fattening the live weight reached 0.452 kg. The carcass yield, breast muscle yield and thigh yield were evaluated (73.72%, 18.09%, 20.80%, respectively). Chemical analysis showed a highly significant difference (P ≤ 0.01) between the breast and thigh muscle for crude protein, fat, ash and gross energy. The ash content demonstrated a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between the breast and thigh muscle. This study brings new data on the nutritional value of the meat of chukar partridge that can be used for reccomendation of a suitable feeding mixture.

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