BREEDING HABITS AND NESTING SUCCESS OF THE REDCHEEKED CORDON BLEU

Abstract
Field observations were made of the breeding habits of the redcheeked cordon-bleu U. bengalus at a site near Wad Medani, Sudan. Descriptions are given of nests, nest sites, and the roles played by male and female members of pairs during the nesting period. Nestbuilding commenced .apprx. 1 mo. after the onset of rains in July, so that there was abundant food available (grass seeds and termites) when young were in the nest. Breeding success was poor; only 7 of 44 study nests produced fledglings.