Nesting pattern of birds in Jahangirnagar University Campus, Bangladesh

Abstract

Based on a study on nesting behavior conducted in Jahangirnagar University Campus between 2009 and 2011 brief descriptions are given of nest site preferences in a diverse habitat, variation in nest shape against height above ground, and materials used for constructing nests in different tree species. The study found that April is the peak time for nesting due to food availability. High competition for tree holes as nest sites forced some species to build nests in unusual sites, for example Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri , Asian Pied Starling Sturnus contra , Common Myna Acridotheres tristis , and Jungle Myna A. fuscus , Oriental Magpie-robin Copsychus saularis showed better adaptation to the campus environment than other birds. Predation risk was found to be higher for non-hole nests than for hole nests. To minimize predation pressure, birds were seen to adopt passive protection by making false nests and constructing well-camouflaged nests. Besides predation, human disturbance was observed on low height nests in roadside vegetation resulting in breeding failure. Reducing human disturbance is needed if birds are to achieve better reproductive success in the campus. The most commonly used trees were Albizia spp. (native or long naturalized species) whereas no nest was found in Eucalyptus spp . and only a few nests were found in Acacia moniliformes , both are exotic trees which have been planted in huge numbers in the campus, indicating that birds do not prefer exotic tree species for nesting. It is recommended to plant more native tree species, which may also help birds to nest in usual sites rather than unusual sites (such as electrical pillars, electrical boxes, air conditioner boxes, and building holes). Regular monitoring in support of native tree planting and raising awareness to reduce disturbance, could enhance the successful reproduction of birds in Jahangirnagar University Campus. Finally, an update to the avifauna of the campus is presented, with 17 species added in this study or from other recent reports, bringing the total to 195 species, including one globally ‘Near Threatened’ species, the Brown-winged Kingfisher Pelargopsis amauroptera .