PLUMAGE, REPRODUCTIVE CONDITION AND MOULT IN NON-BREEDING WATIZED STARLINGS

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Abstract
Dean, W. R. J. 1978. Plumage, reproductive condition and moult in non-breeding Wattled Starlings. Ostrich 49:97-101. A random sample of Wattled Starlings Creatophora cinerea taken from a large flock (about 5000 birds) that was exhibiting pre-breeding displays was found to have a male:female ratio of 63:50. Less than 15% of the total sample were in breeding plumage, in spite of testis and ovarian follicle development that suggested that the whole flock was capable of breeding. The weight of dehydrated flight muscles gave a reliable indication of general body condition, but could not be correlated with reproductive condition, The presence of helminths (Diplotriaena tricuspis) does not appear to affect the birds adversely. Of the 113 birds in the sample, 13.2% were in active primary moult, 53,9% were in new plumage, and 32.9% were either old or indeterminable. Of 108 stomachs examined. 38.8% (42) contained fruit, 41,6% (45) contained insects and fruit, 17,5% (19) contained insects and 49% (1) contained a lizard.

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