EFFECT OF NEST HELPERS ON GROWTH OF REDTHROATED BEE-EATERS

Abstract

Dyer, Michael. 1983. Effect of nest helpers on growth of Redthroated Bee-eaters. Ostrich 54:43-46. The effect of nest helpers on the growth of Redthroated beaters was studied at Samaru, northern Nigeria. Nestlings in broods raised by pairs with helpers grew heavier and faster than in those raised by unassisted pairs. The most significant improvements in growth were found in late-hatched nestlings of larger broods. Possible benefits of heavier and faster growth are considered in terms of prefledging development and postfledging survival.