Breeding biology of the Xinjiang ground-jay Podoces biddulphi in the Taklimakan Desert, NW China

Abstract

The Xinjiang ground-jay (Podoces biddulphi), which is endemic to China, has a limited distribution and a small population in the Taklimakan Desert. In this study, we described the breeding biology and nestling growth patterns of this understudied species. Eleven nests were monitored over three consecutive breeding seasons (2017–2019). The Xinjiang ground-jay breeding season extends from March to May with a clutch size of two or three. The incubation period was 18 d, and females spent most of their time incubating their eggs (63 %), followed by collecting leaves (25 %), resting (10 %), turning the eggs (1 %), grooming (0.6 %), and being vigilant (0.4 %). Both parents fed the nestlings with similar feeding frequencies and durations. The growth curve of the nestlings was S-shaped, and the parameters related to nestling mortality, such as tarsus length, showed faster growth than others. Over the three breeding seasons, 32 eggs were laid across 11 nests. Fifteen (47 %) eggs hatched, and 12 hatchlings across six nests fledged (37.5 %). Our study provides detailed information on the breeding biology and nestling growth of the Xinjiang ground-jay. Given its low reproductive success rate, small population size, and limited distribution, this bird species, which is endemic to China, requires further research, and its conservation should be prioritized.