AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Horned Lark Breeding Biology at Cape St. Mary's, Newfoundland

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1981
Authors:Cannings, RJ, Threlfall, W
Journal:The Wilson Bulletin
Volume:93
Issue:4
Date Published:1981
ISBN Number:00435643
Keywords:Alaudidae, Eremophila, Eremophila alpestris
Abstract:The breeding biology of the Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) was studied during the 1976 breeding season at Cape St. Mary's, Newfoundland. Territorial behavior was investigated, and territories were subsequently mapped to determine their size (2.3-5.1 ha, x̄ = 3.5 ha). Nesting phenology was studied in detail. Nests were weighed, measured and their composition determined; they were so placed as to be protected on the windward side. Clutch-sizes of early and late nests were compared (early 3.0 eggs, late 3.5 eggs, overall mean 3.31 eggs). Forty-seven nestlings were measured to calculate growth curves for weight and other body variables. Breeding success (58.8%), incidence of renesting, and the mean number of fledglings (4.0) produced by each pair were calculated. Causes of egg and nestling loss were analyzed, and predation determined to be the most important factor. About 25% of the breeding pairs raised two successful broods.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/4161544
Short Title:The Wilson Bulletin
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith