Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Breeding biology and reproductive success of the Spectacled Tetraka Xanthomixis zosterops(Bernieridae) in a rainforest of Madagascar
Author(s)
Temba, E. M.;Cabeza, M.;Andrianarimisa, A.
Published
2014
Publisher
Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology
Published Version DOI
https://doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2014.955543
Abstract
The Spectacled Tetraka Xanthomixis zosterops is a sexually monomorphic species in a family (Bernieridae) endemic to Madagascar and is found in various humid forest types. It is categorised as Least Concern by the IUCN. Despite its commonness, the biology of this species is little known. This study focused on its breeding biology and took place from September to December 2010 at Talatakely, Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. Thirty nests were monitored and incubating birds were marked. Direct observations were made associated with nest building, incubating and nestling periods. Habitat structure was assessed to detect nesting site choice. The breeding episode, from the nest-building stage to fledging of the last chick, lasted on average 45 d. Only one individual, probably the female, in each presumed pair incubated eggs and brooded hatchlings, whereas both parents fed and cared for the nestlings. The mean clutch size was 2.4 ± 0.2 egg per nest (range 1–3, n = 24), the incubation period averaged 17.7 ± 0.3 d (range 16–19, n = 10), and the nestling period averaged 14.7 ± 0.3 d (range 14–15, n = 3). We estimated the reproductive success to be 13.6% (n = 59 eggs). Nest predation was believed to be the primary cause of nesting failure with 24 eggs (40.7%) and 18 (64.3%) nestlings being predated.
Keywords
Bernieridae;breeding biology;Madagascar;Ranomafana;Xanthomixis zosterops
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB15361