BREEDING BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR OF THE QUAIL FINCH ORTYGOSPIZA ATRICOLUS

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Abstract
Nuttall, R.J. 1992. Breeding biology and behaviour of the Quail Finch Ortygospiza atricollis. Ostrich 63:110-117. During a study of the breeding biology of the Quail Finch Ortygospiza atricollis, observations of nest-building, egg-laying, incubation and nestling periods, and nestling development in a grassland near Pietermaritzburg, South Africa were supplemented with observations of breeding behaviour in captivity. Mean clutch size was 4,5 and eggs were laid at intervals of approximately one day. Incubation began after the third or fourth egg was laid. An incubation period of 15–16 days and an estimated nestling period of 18–19 days was recorded. Incubation and brooding are shared by both sexes. Breeding success was low (26,7% −28,6%), with most losses resulting from predation during either the egg-laying or incubation stages.