OBSERVATIONS ON TWO NESTS OF THE FIERYNECKED NIGHTJAR

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Field observations were made on the nesting behavior of a single pair of fierynecked nightjar C. pectoralis that had 2 broods in the Rondevlei Bird Sanctuary, southwestern Cape, South Africa. Descriptions are given of the nest, eggs and the behavior and roles played by the male and female during nesting. The incubation period for 1 egg for which time of laying was known within 2.5 h, was 18 days. A period of 51 days occurred between the laying of the 1st and 2nd clutches. Eggshells were removed from nests by the adults immediately after hatching. The female incubated and brooded during daylight, with the male taking over for undetermined periods afer sunset. Evidence suggests that time of sunset determines the activity of adults. Distraction displays were performed by the female only immediately after hatching. Chicks moved away from original nests between 12-13 days after hatching and could fly at 18 days.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: