AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

ON THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE BRONZE MANNIKIN

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1975
Authors:Woodall, PF
Journal:Ostrich
Volume:46
Issue:1
Date Published:1975
ISBN Number:0030-6525
Keywords:Estrildidae, Lanius collaris, Lonchura, Lonchura cucullata, Spermestes cucullata, Spermestes cucullatus, Struthio, Struthio camelus, Struthionidae
Abstract:Summary Woodall. P. F. 1975. On the life history of the Bronze Mannikin. Ostrich 46:55-86. A study of the life history of the Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata was conducted in a residential garden near Salisbury, Rhodesia. Notes are given on plumage and moult, and Injuries are also noted. The measurements of 250 adults and 90 immatures and weights of 156 birds are presented. The distribution of the Bronze Mannikin in Rhodesia is plotted and it appears to be sparse below the isohyet of 600 mm mean annual rainfall. It is found in a wide range of vegetation types, and its comparative abundance around Salisbury was compared with 11 other selected species. There seems to be considerable local movement. The populaticn in 1969 appeared to be larger than in 1968, possibly as a result of greater rainfall in 1968/69 than in 1967/68. Six types of calls were recorded. Preening is described and allopreening is discussed. The ?peck order? of a flock of aviary birds was established. Roosting habits are described. The main food is grass seeds and 13 species of food plants were identified. Nestlings appeared to be fed entirely on seeds. The food consumption of aviary birds was approximately 2.2 g seed/bird/day. The breeding season in Rhodesia is from August to May with a peak from December to March. Nests were generally placed in ?fir trees?, at the site of a previous nest. Nest building by both a pair and by a flock of birds is described, The description and dimensions of nests are given with an analysis of the numbers and species of constituent plants. One egg is laid a day. Hatching is irregular with one or two days separating the hatching of all the eggs. Clutch sizes of 4 to 6 were most common. Incubation period was generally 14 days. One nestling period of 17 days is given but the young would leave the nest at 14 days. Adults will retrieve nestlings which have left the nest prematurely. The development of young birds is described. A nesting success of 41% was recorded. Two different reactions to predators are described. The most important predators were the Fiscal Shrike, domestic cat and humans. The relationship of the Bronze Mannikin with insects, particularly the wasp Belanogaster griseus is discussed. Two species of Hippoboscidae were found on about 3% of birds. Invertebrate fauna from nests was collected and identified. In four years 342 Bronze Mannikins were ringed and 24% were recaptured or recovered. Immatures were more prone to be captured than adults. Maximum recorded longevity was 28 months and adult further life expectancy is 12,5 months.Summary Woodall. P. F. 1975. On the life history of the Bronze Mannikin. Ostrich 46:55-86. A study of the life history of the Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata was conducted in a residential garden near Salisbury, Rhodesia. Notes are given on plumage and moult, and Injuries are also noted. The measurements of 250 adults and 90 immatures and weights of 156 birds are presented. The distribution of the Bronze Mannikin in Rhodesia is plotted and it appears to be sparse below the isohyet of 600 mm mean annual rainfall. It is found in a wide range of vegetation types, and its comparative abundance around Salisbury was compared with 11 other selected species. There seems to be considerable local movement. The populaticn in 1969 appeared to be larger than in 1968, possibly as a result of greater rainfall in 1968/69 than in 1967/68. Six types of calls were recorded. Preening is described and allopreening is discussed. The ?peck order? of a flock of aviary birds was established. Roosting habits are described. The main food is grass seeds and 13 species of food plants were identified. Nestlings appeared to be fed entirely on seeds. The food consumption of aviary birds was approximately 2.2 g seed/bird/day. The breeding season in Rhodesia is from August to May with a peak from December to March. Nests were generally placed in ?fir trees?, at the site of a previous nest. Nest building by both a pair and by a flock of birds is described, The description and dimensions of nests are given with an analysis of the numbers and species of constituent plants. One egg is laid a day. Hatching is irregular with one or two days separating the hatching of all the eggs. Clutch sizes of 4 to 6 were most common. Incubation period was generally 14 days. One nestling period of 17 days is given but the young would leave the nest at 14 days. Adults will retrieve nestlings which have left the nest prematurely. The development of young birds is described. A nesting success of 41% was recorded. Two different reactions to predators are described. The most important predators were the Fiscal Shrike, domestic cat and humans. The relationship of the Bronze Mannikin with insects, particularly the wasp Belanogaster griseus is discussed. Two species of Hippoboscidae were found on about 3% of birds. Invertebrate fauna from nests was collected and identified. In four years 342 Bronze Mannikins were ringed and 24% were recaptured or recovered. Immatures were more prone to be captured than adults. Maximum recorded longevity was 28 months and adult further life expectancy is 12,5 months.
URL:http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00306525.1975.9639383
Short Title:Ostrich
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