Breeding Biology Research Articles

Habitat and Nest Site Selection in the Common Gull Larus canus in Southern Poland: Significance of Man-Made Habitats for Conservation of an Endangered Species

The Common Gull is a rare and endangered breeding species at inland habitats in Poland as well as in some other countries in Europe. Breeding biology, habitat and nest site selection were studied in this species in southern Poland. Almost all birds nested on industrial water bodies (gravel pits, sedimentation basins), although fishponds and reservoirs were the most abundant habitat in the study area. Birds built their nests mainly on islets, man-made constructions and dry land on the shores of water bodies. The islets occupied by birds were smaller and were covered by lower vegetation than the unoccupied ones. When occupied islets on industrial water bodies were compared with a random sample of islets on fishponds, the latter were found to be larger, with taller and denser vegetation. This may explain why Common Gulls did not breed on fishponds in southern Poland. Shore-breeding birds nested in open areas with sparse vegetation, occupying sites with less vegetation cover and closer to shrubs or trees than randomly selected points. Breeding performance (mean date of clutch initiation, clutch size, clutch volume, hatching success and breeding success) did not differ among nests built on islets, man-made constructions or on the shores of the water bodies. Breeding success was more than twice as high as in large riverine colonies. Industrial water bodies may become important alternative breeding habitats for this species in Poland.

Nests and eggs of the Chestnut-backed Button-quail Turnix castanotus: Two new nests and a review of previous descriptions

The Chestnut-backed Button-quail Turnix castanotus is a small, cryptic, ground-dwelling species endemic to savanna ecosystems of northern Australia. Due to aspects of its ecology, cryptic plumage and behaviour, and the remoteness of most of its distribution, there are few published observations from the field documenting its breeding biology. The eggs were first described in 1856 and have subsequently been described by other authors. Two nests were detected in the Northern Territory in March 2021. We compare nesting events there with previous descriptions and museum collections. Our findings are mostly consistent with other literature on this species, but are inconsistent with two contemporary accounts, which we suggest are based on misidentification of Painted Button-quail T. varius.

Uso de plantas para nidificação e estação reprodutiva de duas espécies de curicacas (Theristicus) no Pantanal, Brasil

ABSTRACT Six species of the Family Threskiornithidae are found in the Pantanal. Despite being abundant and conspicuous birds, information on aspects of their breeding biology in this wetland remains scarce. The aim of this study was to examine breeding aspects (nest support plants and breeding season) of the two species of the genus Theristicus Wagler, 1832 that are found in the Brazilian wetland. Field work occurred in 2008, and a search for records (photographs) with evidences of breeding activities was done in the WikiAves and eBird databases in March 2020. A total of 49 records were obtained between 2007 and 2019 in four municipalities, mostly in Poconé. Records (n = 37) involving breeding Plumbeous Ibis, Theristicus caerulescens (Vieillot,1817), were obtained between March and November, and incubation has been documented mainly between May and September. Records (n = 12) of the Buff-necked Ibis, Theristicus caudatus (Boddaert, 1783), occurred between April and December, and nests with an incubating adult or nestlings were mainly found between September and December. Breeding activities of T. caudatus were delayed in relation to those of T. caerulescens. Nests of both species were platforms built with large amounts of branches. Most nests of T. caudatus were built in palms, while nests of T. caerulescens were found mainly in non-palm trees. Both species nested in tree species that are commonly found in areas where they forage.

Nest-site selection and breeding biology of the locally endangered Micronesian Starling (Aplonis opaca) informs its recovery on Guam

Savidge, J. A., M. Kastner, H. S. Pollock, and T. F. Seibert. 2022. Nest-site selection and breeding biology of the locally endangered Micronesian Starling (Aplonis opaca) informs its recovery on Guam. Avian Conservation and Ecology 17(1):18. https://doi.org/10.5751/ACE-02106-170118

Breeding biology of the White-winged Robin Peneothello sigillata, endemic to montane New Guinea

I studied the breeding biology of the high-elevation montane White-winged Robin Peneothello sigillata (Petroicidae) at Kumul Lodge, southern slope of Mt Hagen, Papua New Guinea, from 2 October to 17 November 2011. Three nests were watched for 18 hours during incubation; each had one egg. Female daylight incubation constancy (percentage of daylight hours spent in incubation) was 73%, the mean duration of incubation sessions was 3.35 minutes and mean absence from the nest was 1.33 minutes, the daily number of incubation sessions was 150 (12.5 per hour), feeding of the incubating female by the male at the nest was 4.6 times/hour, and the total number of nest visits by both male and female during incubation was 17.1/hour. The 100% egg-success in this species suggests that these incubation reproductive traits evolved more in response to food availability and perhaps food limitation than a high risk of nest predation. Nestling care by the female included brooding and the feeding of the young. Nestling care by males included delivering food to the female and feeding the nestling. Both the male and the female removed faecal sacs. Mean brooding constancy (percentage of time spent brooding) was 43.3% for the entire 17–21-day nestling period. Mean number of food-delivery trips by both the male and the female over the entire nestling period was 7.2/hour/nestling and the total number of nest visits by both the male and the female was 17.6/hour. Two nests were attended solely by the breeding pairs, and cooperative breeding, with one immature helper, occurred at one other nest. During the nestling stage, the high nest success, coupled with high nest visitation, suggests that the risk of nest predation is low. Peak nestling growth (to >90% of adult weight) occurred at 10–13 days of age. To elucidate the breeding strategy of the White-winged Robin, its reproductive traits are discussed and compared with those of other robins of New Guinea, tropical northern Australia, and temperate Australia and New Zealand.

Reproductive Characteristics of the Captive Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea) in Zlin Zoo, Czech Republic

The limited range of Milky Stork in its natural habitat, as well as in under captivity, makes it difficult to learn more about it. This paper aimed to examine the breeding biology of Milky Stork raised in captivity in the ZlĂ­n-LeĹĄnĂĄ Zoo in the Czech Republic. By analyzing partial reproduction characteristic, we wanted to supplement the knowledge that is needed to ensure the necessary degree of reproduction of the Milky Stork in human care. The monitoring was carried out in the ZlĂ­n-LeĹĄnĂĄ Zoo and the following reproductive indicators were analysed: annual laying rate, size and weight of eggs laid, monitoring of egg weight loss during incubation, hatchability, and hatching weight. During the four years, a total of 23 eggs of the Milky Stork by one parent pair were evaluated. The average proportion of fertilised eggs over the whole period reached 56.5%. The average eggs length was 65.7 mm, the average eggs width was 47.0 mm and the average eggs weight was 79.7 g. Average weight loss of eggs during their incubation was 8.4 g. Average hatchability of all the laid eggs was 56.5%. A total of 13 young Milky Storks were hatched during the observation period. Their average hatching weight was 55.7 g. A total of five individuals were raised during the four years of observation. Knowledge in the field of reproduction is one of the basic prerequisites to give this species a chance to survive in the future, whether in the natural environment or human care.

Louisiana Black-bellied Whistling-Duck clutch characteristics in the presence of conspecific and interspecific brood parasitism

Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks (<em>Dendrocygna autumnalis</em>; Whistling-Duck) are undergoing a rapid range expansion northward and now breed throughout the Southeastern United States. As a facultative cavity-nesting species, they have the potential to compete with Wood Ducks (<em>Aix sponsa</em>) and Hooded Mergansers (<em>Lophodytes cucullatus</em>) for nest sites. Little is known about Whistling-Duck breeding biology, and estimates of clutch characteristics and rates of conspecific and interspecific brood parasitism (CBP and IBP, respectively) are lacking. We monitored Whistling-Duck nests in Louisiana to describe nesting chronology, clutch size of parasitized and unparasitized (normal) nests, and hatchability (i.e., the portion of eggs that hatched) for clutches of different sizes and types. We monitored a total of 558 nest boxes between 2020–2021 and determined the presence of brood parasitism for 231 Whistling-Duck nests. CBP was detected in 73 (31.6%) nests, and IBP was observed in 51 (22.1%) nests parasitized by Wood Ducks, two (0.9%) nests parasitized by Hooded Mergansers, and one nest contained eggs from all three species. Normal clutches were smaller (15.4 ± 4.4 eggs) than CBP clutches (26.1 ± 8.8 eggs) and mixed clutches (22.2 ± 5.3 eggs; clutches containing Wood Duck or Hooded Merganser eggs; all pairwise P < 0.0001). However, within clutch repeatability, estimates for egg morphology data (i.e., length, width, and mass) were low (< 0.40) for normal clutches, suggesting CBP went undetected. Of 180 fated nests used to determine hatchability, 66 (36.7%) were successful, 49 (27.2%) were abandoned, 64 (35.6%) were depredated, and one (0.6%) was nonviable. Considering successful nests, hatchability was high for all clutch size bins ranging from 67.4% (41–45 eggs) to 81.6% (11–15 eggs). Our study is the first to document Whistling-Ducks successfully hatching mixed-species broods, and such high productivity could be contributing to Whistling-Duck range expansion.

Population, Distribution, Sub-species, Feeding and Breeding Biology of Black Kite: A Review

The black kite is a medium-sized raptor and widely distributed on all continents except Nearctic and Neo-tropic zone. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem and maintains prey populations, especially for rodents. They preferred a wide variety of habitats, including open areas, grasslands, scattered vegetation, agricultural land and also adapted towards cities and towns. Black kite diets are extremely diverse; they typically consume grasshoppers, birds, rodents, bats and dead animal carcasses. A diet of black kite varies geographically and depends on the availability and abundance of prey population. The breeding season for black kites begins in March and lasts until April and also vary and depending on the subspecies. Black kites usually construct nest upon large trees, mobile tower and electric pylons. They generally utilise plant matter as nesting material, but sometime they also utilise clothes, paper and plastic. Population of black kite is declining due to poisoning by pesticides, lack of roosting and nesting sites, lack of prey availability and electrocutions. Environmental conditions such as extreme temperature, wind velocity and rainfall influence the daily activity and breeding biology of black kites. Habitat fragmentation, anthropogenic interference, deforestation, pesticide pollution and electrocutions cause negative impacts on raptor survival, including the black kite.

Breeding biology and nest survival of the Rusty-backed Antwren (Formicivora rufa)

Breeding biology data are crucial for avian life history theory, but this information is unavailable for nearly half of the current living tropical bird species. Predation is the main driver of nest survival among tropical birds, and spatial and temporal factors may affect nest predation risk and survival. In this study, we describe the breeding biology of the Rusty-backed Antwren (Formicivora rufa), a bird that inhabits a coastal sandy plain in southeastern Brazil, and examine the effects of date and microhabitat features on nest survival. We found 47 nests over 2 breeding seasons. The nesting season lasted 7–8 months. The mean (± SD) nest-building time was 7.3 ± 1.1 d, the mean incubation period was 16 ± 1.9 d, and nestlings remained in the nest for 10 ± 0.8 d for a full nesting cycle that lasted for ∼26 d. Clutches invariably had 2 eggs and egg-laying occurred over 2 consecutive days. Males and females were both observed building nests, incubating eggs, and feeding nestlings and fledglings. We also report a nestling with a depigmented body, which may represent albinism. Most nests were depredated (68.1%, n = 32). Nest survival was constant throughout the breeding seasons and did not vary with microhabitat features (nest height above the ground, and vertical and horizontal distances between nest and shrub edges). The nesting biology of the Rusty-backed Antwren fits the general pattern typical of antbirds, and micro-spatial or temporal features cannot predict nest survival in our study population.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ГНЕЗДОВАНИЯ ЧЕРНОГО ДРОЗДА (TURDUS MERULA) В УСЛОВИЯХ ГОРОДСКИХ ДРЕВЕСНЫХ НАСАЖДЕНИЙ Г. МИНСКА

Synurbic populations of birds are characterized by specific features that differ from those of wild populations of the same species, which is the result of adaptation to living in cities. The paper analyses some parameters of breeding of the Blackbird (Turdus merula) in two park in Minsk and compares them with the breeding biology of wild Blackbirds in natural habitats. During the years 2015-2017 and 2019-2021, 74 nests of urban Blackbird were obtained. For comparison, data on 245 nest of this species in natural landscapes were used.As a result, it was found that the nest selection in urban Blackbirds remains similar to wild Blackbirds in forests, and the differences are explained by the peculiarities of forestry activities carried out in urban parks. More than 74 % of all nests were built in the undergrowth layer, while most of the nests were located on the Norway spruce (59.72 %). A majority of urban Blackbirds started laying first eggs relatively later (from 21.04 to 10.05) than forest birds (from 11.04 to 30.04), which most likely results from the adaptation of birds to a significant recreational load from humans during the period when the trees have not come into leaf yet. Nevertheless, no differences were found in the average clutch size between urban (4.17 ± 0.72 eggs) and forest (4.51 ± 0.64 eggs) birds. The low breeding success of the Blackbird (39.4 %) in the urbanized area testifies to the fact that the homeostasis of the relatively high number of the urban Blackbird population in Minsk is most likely maintained due to the constant influx of individuals from local suburban forests.

Fecundity and density dependence can be estimated from mark–recapture data for making population projections

Abstract Forecasting changes in size and distributions of populations is an essential component of conservation assessments. Such forecasts are only useful for species conservation and management when they are based on robust estimators of fecundity, survival, and density dependence. While apparent survival estimation is the main focus of mark–recapture modeling, fecundity and density dependence are rarely the subject of these models. Here, we present a Bayesian hierarchical framework that can estimate fecundity and density dependence along with age-based survival using only robust-design capture–recapture data. We refer to this framework as RD-pop. We used simulated capture histories to demonstrate that RD-pop can estimate vital rates and their density dependence with little bias. We applied RD-pop to capture history data from Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) and showed that estimates of fecundity are consistent with the breeding biology of this species. Finally, we illustrate that density dependence, even when estimated with uncertainty in the RD-pop framework, regularizes population dynamics and reduces the frequent population extinctions and explosions observed under density-independent models. RD-pop is a useful addition to the current mark–recapture modeling toolbox especially when the goal is to build population models that can make medium- and long-term projections. It can be applied to any population for which long-term robust-design mark–recapture data are available, and with slight modifications (incorporation of weather and climate effects on vital rates) has the potential to facilitate demographic projections under climate change.

Breeding biology of Hooded Tanager Nemosia pileata in Brazil

The Neotropical genus Nemosia comprises just two species, Hooded N. pileata and Cherry-throated Tanagers N. rourei, and their breeding biology is poorly known. Here we provide new information based on five nests of N. pileata and review existing data in the literature. When an active nest was found, it was visited every 3–4 days, or every second day near hatching or fledging. Monitoring was conducted by direct observation from hides sited 4–8 m from the nest. We estimated nest height above ground by eye to the nearest 0.5 m. Nestling period was estimated from hatching of the last chick to fledging of the first chick. Three nests had two eggs each, one nest had two nestlings, and one nest had one egg and two nestlings when found. Eggs were pointed, ovoid, and greenish with purplish-black spots all over. Eggs from four nests measured 20.5 ± 0.6 × 15.4 ± 0.3 mm and had mass 2.17 ± 0.22 g (n = 7). Five nestling from two nests were monitored. They hatched with a little white down covering the brown-orangey skin, a salmoncoloured bill, a red mouth, and orangey-brown legs and feet. A pair brought six food items (three each) in 100 minutes (to a nest with two nestlings). Of three of the five nests monitored, one fledged two young and the other two were predated. The nesting period (October–April) overlaps the dates of other published records, but differs between regions and shows a complex relation to rainfall. Our data on nests, eggs and nestlings of N. pileata improves our understanding of its reproductive biology and could assist in conservation measures for the Critically Endangered N. rourei.

Nesting of fieldfare &lt;i&gt;Turdus pilaris&lt;/i&gt; (Linnaeus, 1758) (Aves, Passeriformes) in floodplain habitats of the Abakan River basin (South Minusinsk basin)

This paper presents the results of long-term observations of the fieldfare breeding biology in the South Minusinsk basin. The observations were carried out at two sites in floodplain habitats of the Abakan River basin. Comparisons were made with the indicators of the breeding biology of the species in the North-Minusinsk basin, which were published. The fieldfare builds nests on all kinds of woody plants that are found in the floodplain. The time of Turdus pilaris reproduction beginning in the steppe basin varied from the 20th of April to the first five days of May. Differences in the breeding periods of fieldfare in populations from different altitude-belt complexes (steppe and forest-steppe) were revealed. There is a difference in the height of nests on woody plants, depending on the architectonics of the crown, and in areas with varying degrees of concern. Dimensional characteristics of nests and eggs are given. High intrapopulation variability of egg size was noted. The coefficient of variation for the larger and for the smaller diameter was 1113%. The full clutch consisted of 46 eggs. The average clutch size was 4,95,2 eggs. Differences in the average size of the masonry on different territories were not revealed. The success rate of nesting in 2021 was high (5072%).

Breeding Biology of the Crested Auklet (Aethia cristatella, Alcidae, Charadriiformes) in the Northern Part of the Sea of Okhotsk

Breeding Biology of the Crested Auklet (Aethia cristatella, Alcidae, Charadriiformes) in the Northern Part of the Sea of Okhotsk

Methods for collecting data about the breeding biology of Neotropical birds

The study of avian nesting biology in North America and Europe has a long history, resulting in an expansive and information-rich literature. In contrast, the tropics have been relatively neglected and, in most ways, we are still at the frontier of exploration. Data about basic nest descriptions and natural history information are still lacking for many Neotropical species; standardization of data collection methods is needed for comparative analyses. Hence, our goals are: (1) motivate a new generation of Neotropical naturalists to collect nesting data by providing basic tips on how to find nests and collect basic data, (2) provide guidelines on how to use and analyze basic data, (3) highlight the importance of collections, (4) describe modern monitoring techniques, and (5) suggest how these data can be used to fill important gaps concerning the breeding biology of tropical birds. Understanding avian nesting biology and the biotic and abiotic factors that influence nesting success is crucial for a better understanding of bird population dynamics and breeding strategies at the community level, and can form the basis for the development of sound conservation measures. Guía estandarizada de métodos para la colección de datos sobre biología reproductiva en aves Neotropicales (see Appendix 1 for a Spanish-language version of the entire article). El estudio de la biología de anidación de aves en América del Norte y Europa tiene una larga historia, lo que ha resultado en una literatura extensa y rica en información. Por el contrario, los trópicos han sido relativamente poco estudiados y, en la mayoría de los casos, todavía estamos en la frontera de la exploración. Todavía faltan datos sobre descripciones básicas de nidos e información de historia natural para muchas especies neotropicales, además necesitamos estandarizar las metodologías y recolección de datos para los análisis comparativos. Por lo tanto, nuestros objetivos son: (1) motivar a una nueva generación de naturalistas neotropicales a recopilar datos de anidación proporcionando consejos básicos sobre cómo encontrar nidos y colectar datos básicos, (2) proporcionar pautas sobre cómo usar y analizar datos básicos, (3) resaltar la importancia de las colecciones biológicas, (4) describir las técnicas modernas de monitoreo, y (5) sugerir cómo se pueden utilizar estos datos para llenar vacíos importantes en la biología reproductiva de las aves tropicales. Comprender la biología reproductiva de las aves y los factores bióticos y abióticos que influencian el éxito de la anidación es crucial para comprender mejor la dinámica de las poblaciones de aves, las estrategias de reproducción a nivel de comunidad y puede formar la base para el desarrollo de medidas de conservación sólidas. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Breeding biology and diet of the Chaco Eagle (Buteogallus coronatus) in southeast Brazil

Breeding biology and diet of the Chaco Eagle (Buteogallus coronatus) in southeast Brazil

Meristic and morphometric characteristics relationships, condition factor and breeding biology of Indian potashi (Neotropius atherinoides) in the Adjacent River of Chalon Beel, Bangladesh

Meristic and morphometric characteristics relationships, condition factor and breeding biology of Indian potashi (Neotropius atherinoides) in the Adjacent River of Chalon Beel, Bangladesh

Preferential habitats prediction in syngnathids using species distribution models

Syngnathids are considered as flagship species for marine conservation. Seahorses and pipefish are highly vulnerable to anthropogenic and environmental disturbances, but most species are currently considered Data Deficient by IUCN, requiring more biological and ecological research. Although syngnathids are well known for their unusual breeding biology, some aspects on the ecology of this family have rarely received attention. The knowledge on the factors governing syngnathids distribution is limited to some species and geographical regions. The present study is the first approach to predict syngnathid habitat preference in Spanish coasts, particularly in a marine National Park. In this study, Species Distribution Models (SDMs) were implemented to investigate the preferential habitat and distribution of the pipefish Syngnathus acus in Cíes Archipelago (Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, PNIA). Occurrence data of the species obtained from 2016 to 2018 surveys in PNIA were modeled as a function of bathymetric (depth, slope), substrate (sediment texture) and oceanographic (waves exposure) variables, using GAM, Random Forest and Maxent algorithms. From those SDMs, prediction models were built and the ensemble map of predictions was performed. The variables that most determined the distribution of the species were depth and wave exposure. The results of this study provide information on (1) habitat preference in the most dominant species in PNIA, the pipefish S. acus, towards sustainable management of this species in the National Park, and (2) predictive statistical tools for proper spatial conservation plans of this syngnathid species.

Breeding biology of Long-tailed Cinclodes Cinclodes pabsti Sick, 1969 (Passeriformes: Furnariidae)

Cinclodes pabsti is an endemic passerine restricted to the highland areas in southern Brazil. The aim of this study was to provide information on its breeding biology. The nesting cavities along road cuts were monitored from May 2008 to March 2011. The survey was carried out monthly from May to July 2008, February to July 2009, 2010 (non-breeding season), weekly from August 2008 to January 2009, 2010 (breeding season), and on a 2 to 4-days basis from August 2010 to January 2011. The geographic location, physical characteristics, and soil/substrate type in which the nesting cavities were situated were recorded. The total number of cavities used in the three breeding seasons was 136, resulting in 295 nests. The distance of a nest to its nearest neighbor ranged from 24-2,368 m, with a higher number of nests (n = 34; 59.7%) in the distance interval of 24-500 m. There was a greater usage of cavities located in Inceptisols, and the distances of nesting cavity entrances to the ground and to the top of road cuts were 1.6 ± 0.9 m and 0.8 ± 0.62 m, respectively. The breeding season lasted 148 days from mid-August to early January. Clutch size (n = 256) varied from 2 to 3 eggs, and the eggs (n = 155) had a total length of 27.2 ± 1.3 mm, breadth of 20.9 ± 0.8 mm, and mass of 6.2 ± 0.7 g. The incubation phase lasted 17.3 ± 0.8 days and the nestling phase for 18.3 ± 1.5 days. The body mass of the chicks was 6.0 ± 1.0 g just after hatching and reached a maximum of 59.6 ± 2.4 g at 16 days of age. Our results can contribute to filling the gaps in knowledge of C. pabsti ecology, because its habitat is under high anthropic pressures and the information on its life history is yet limited.

First microsatellite markers for the European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) and their application in analysis of parentage and genetic diversity

The European Robin is a small passerine bird associated with woodlands of Eurasia and North Africa. Despite being relatively widespread and common, little is known of the species’ breeding biology and genetic diversity. We used Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to develop and characterize microsatellite markers for the European Robin, designing three multiplex panels to amplify 14 microsatellite loci. The level of polymorphism and its value for assessing parentage and genetic structure was estimated based on 119 individuals, including seven full families and 69 unrelated individuals form Poland’s Białowieża Primaeval Forest and an additional location in Portugal. All markers appeared to be highly variable. Analysis at the family level confirmed a Mendelian manner of inheritance in the investigated loci. Genetic data also revealed evidence for extra-pair paternity in one family. The set of markers that we developed are proven to be valuable for analysis of the breeding biology and population genetics of the European Robin.