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The process of establishing breeding populations of birds in small towns of Central Europe provides a unique opportunity to study them during synurbization in statu nascendi. Over the years 2006-2011, we investigated the breeding ecology of three coexisting thrush species Turdus spp. in the urban habitats of the town of Bardejov (NE Slovakia). We studied nest distribution, nest predation in relation to nest placement and the breeding success of the Common Blackbird T. merula, Fieldfare T. pilaris and Song Thrush T. philomelos. The study species differed significantly in terms of microhabitat characteristics and vertical spatial distribution, expressed as the nest location height (Blackbird < Song Thrush < Fieldfare), the distance from the town centre (Fieldfare < Song Thrush < Blackbird), the distance from the nest tree to human paths and buildings (Blackbird < Song Thrush < Fieldfare) and the average distance between breeding conspecific pairs (Fieldfare < Blackbird < Song Thrush). We also found significant differences in nesting microhabitats (conifers, deciduous trees and shrubs) usage (breeding in conifers: Song Thrush < Blackbird < Fieldfare). On the other hand, no significant differences were found in breeding success and predation between species. A major factor affecting the predation rate was the distance between nests and the distance to human paths and buildings, and with Fieldfares and Common Blackbirds also the height of trees and the distance to the town centre. Our results suggest that ecological segregation among closely related species can also be common in a changed, urban environment.
The lifetime breeding success of male Pied Flycatchers was evaluated over a period of nine years (1991-99). The breeding success of males recorded in at least two breeding seasons, and nesting at least once in the study area, was analysed. The lifespan number of offspring was positively and significantly correlated with longevity. The reproductive investment in the first year of life did not correspond with longevity, and hence non- breeding males in the first year did not compensate for the losses in fecundity. There were no differences in longevity between dark, intermediate and female-like coloured males. Darker males were less successful in their breeding attempts in the first year than paler birds. Breeding in the first year of life positively influenced the future number of fledglings, and the greater investment in reproduction in this year positively affected future brood size in dark males. Among males successfully breeding in the study area from their first season, dark males reared significantly more offspring during their lifetime, and in the first year of life, than paler ones. Nevertheless, in the total sample, lifetime brood size did not vary between differently coloured males, perhaps because dark males are more vulnerable to predators. The general difference between differently coloured males lay in how breeding efforts were distributed during life. Dark males can maximise reproductive investment from the first breeding year, while paler males increased average brood size in the following years of life only.
The breeding phenology of the Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L. was investigated in three colonies situated on the Baltic Sea coast in Poland in 1999–2002. The heronries differ in localization (inland vs coastal) and local climate conditions. In inland location, air temperatures in spring were lower by 1.1–1.5°C and ice cover was present on foraging grounds longer by 19–29 days comparing to coastal ones. Herons occupied all colonies in similar dates (multi-year median date for all colonies: 5 March). However, birds from one coastal heronry tended to start breeding 9–10 days earlier (multi-year median date: 28 February) than birds from other colonies, what might be possible due to early presence of herons in the vicinity. Accessibility of foraging grounds (lack of ice cover) in spring was an important factor affecting the onset of breeding as dates of colony occupation, egg laying and hatching were positively correlated with the dates of last ice cover occurrence on the foraging grounds (r> 0.75, P <0.05). Intercolony differences in hatching dynamics might result from various frequencies of replacement clutches, and nests of late breeding subadults. In one season (2002), the number of medium-aged chicks per nest and fledging success were negatively correlated with the hatching date. Since chick mortality rate during last three weeks before fledging was not correlated with hatching date (suggesting similar food conditions in the course of the season), worse breeding parameters late in the season could be reflected in the lower clutch size or/and hatching success/chick survival rate during the first three weeks in nests of late breeders (i.e. subadults and replacement breeders).
In most studies of nest-site selection the data of habitat parameters are treated with analysis of variance. A basic assumption of this test is the homogeneity of variance. Here, we show that the nest-site selection process leads to lower variance of the selected parameters than in the case of random points which generally describe the available average characteristics of the environment. Thus, the variance should be accounted for in studies on nest-site selection and it should be treated not as a problem (as it is usually done), but as a source of additional important information on the selection process. Comparison only of mean values often does not lead to significant differences between nest site parameters and random points which may result from a small effect size (when animals select features similar to the general mean of available characteristics). Deeper insight into variance of the site parameters may elicit important results. We illustrate this issue with real data on nest site (islets and shores of water reservoirs) selection in the Common Gull Larus canus. Four (islet’s area, vegetation height on islets, vegetation cover on shore and distance to nearest shrub or tree on shore) from eight parameters were favored by the birds and, as predicted, their variance values were lower than of those not selected (vegetation cover on islets, distance of the islets to shoreline, vegetation height on shore and distance to water).
Successes in breeding of all animal species are mostly determined by high reproductive indices. That´s why tested were 127 purebred Arabian stallions used in Polish breeding in the years 1971-1998, siring 5 or more heads of progeny. For every stallion collected were data concerning number of mares bred, born foals, open periods, abortions, stillborn, dead or destroyed foals, as well as mares, who died being in foal to a given stallion. There was found an increase of intensivity of reproductive utilization of leading sires in the tested period, compared with earlier seasons. At the same time observed was, however, a more frequent occurrence of undesirable traits. Currently prolonged sirelines distinguished themselves with higher reproductive indices. There was observed also a higher share of stallions siring 5 or more heads of progeny per stallion and season. On the other hand, reducing representation of sirelines continued in our breeding might cause unwanted changes in the genetic pool of our broodmares´band, prevented by the Program of Purebred Arabian Horse Breeding in Poland.
In this study, nest characteristics (size and proportions of basic components) were not correlated with the timing of breeding. Clutch size was negatively correlated with total nest mass but positively correlated with the proportion of the mass of the lining in the total nest mass. Analyses of hatching and fledging success showed that the quantity and proportion of moss in the nest structure as well as the nest size influenced the performance of eggs and nestlings at the nest. We suggest that variation in nest size and composition may be due to several contradictory pressures associated with the need to keep the moisture and temperature in the nest relatively constant, to protect the brood from predation, and to control sanitary standards.
The co-occurrence of Redbacked Shrikes (Lanius collurio) and Barred Warblers (Sylvia nisoria) was monitored during the years 1999–2003 at 343 ha of agricultural landscape of eastern Poland. Each year 25–31 pairs of Red-backed Shrikes and 3–8 pairs of Barred Warblers were nesting. In total, during five seasons, shrikes were nesting in the vicinity (within 50 m from the centre of the Barred Warbler territory) of 22 out of 24 (92%) warbler territories. The breeding success of the pairs nesting close to Barred Warbler territories was 89%, as compared with 61% for the remaining pairs and it was statistically significant. No difference was found in the clutch size between Redbacked Shrikes nesting close to Barred Warblers and far from them, but statistically significant difference was found in numbers of fledglings between them. The present results imply that close nesting of these two species reduces the risk of nest predation. This may be due to the aggression of Barrred Warblers towards potential predators, as this species actively attacks predators near the nest.
The study area (16 km2) in "Ujście Warty" National Park, W Poland — was the valley of a lowland river at its confluence with the River Odra, covered by a mosaic of grassy vegetation and willow scrub. 111 breeding attempts were recorded during 2000-2002. The mean nest density (3.2 nests/km2) was higher than that recorded by other authors in agricultural landscapes, but lower than in urban areas. The nest construction was adapted to fit young willow trees. The mean clutch size was similar to that recorded in other populations (4.43), but eggs were smaller (41.2 mm x 29.1 mm). The hatching success was lower (76%) in comparison with other studies, but the mean number of fledglings (2.15 per nest and 2.96 per nest in successful broods) was relatively high. The main reasons for losses were unhatched eggs, predators, starved nestlings and poor nest construction. We hypothesise that the smaller egg size and lower hatching success recorded in this population was due to unfavourable and unpredictable feeding conditions (floods) during the period of egg formation and egg laying. Later in the season, receding floodwaters laid bare areas suitable for foraging on invertebrates; waterfowl eggs also became readily available. Predation was low (lack of nonbreeding stock of Hooded Crow). As a result of good conditions during chick rearing, the overall reproductive output was relatively high in comparison with other populations.
The term ‘edge effect’ can be defined as an abrupt and local change in the abundance, diversity, composition etc. at the edge of any distinct, spatial patches (structure(s). It usually refers to forest/field, meadow/shrub and other ecotone environments. This effect in relation to breeding densities and success in birds has been the focus of considerable debate (Manolis et al. 2002). The edge of bird colony is expected to affect similarly on avian population (Krebs 1974). Although such studies can be very useful for management and conservation strategies, they are scarce in the Mediterranean.
Predation is considered an important factor affecting the life histories and breeding strategies of hole nesting birds. Breeding losses in this group of birds are related to such nest site characteristics as entrance size, nest site depth and danger distance - the distance between the outer edge of the entrance to the centre of the nest's bottom, which determines how far a predator unable to enter the hole would have to reach to obtain its contents. It is suggested that birds assess predation risk and adjust their breeding investments accordingly. We tested the hypothesis that in shallow nest sites, birds build smaller nests to maintain the largest danger distance possible. During the experiment, two types of nestboxes were available to birds: those typical for small passerines (with a depth of 21 cm), and shallower ones (with a 16 cm depth). Breeding parameters were obtained by controlling nestboxes, the distances between eggs and entrances were measured, and nests were weighed just after the young fledged. Breeding phenology and clutch size did not differ between the types of nestboxes. Nest site depth influenced nest mass, and according to our assumptions, nests were significantly lighter in shallow nestboxes. A clear, negative relationship was found between nest mass and the danger distance — eggs in larger (heavier) nests were closer to the entrance. Breeding success (number of fledglings per eggs laid) was lower for shallow nestboxes compared to normal ones, and nest mass negatively influenced the number of fledglings and breeding success. The results of this study suggest that Great Tits perceive nest site depth and adjust nest building according to predation risks. Nest size (mass) in shallow sites may be limited by the danger distance, but it is also possible that the number of trips with nest material, which could lead to the detection of the site, is also important. However, both explanations are not mutually exclusive, and both are related to avoiding predator pressure.
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